Lele Kuah Kuning: A Delightful Indonesian Catfish Curry
Lele Kuah Kuning, an exquisite dish hailing from Indonesia, beautifully marries tender catfish with a rich and aromatic yellow sauce that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul. This recipe not only highlights the delicate flavor of lele (catfish) but also infuses it with the vibrant spices and creamy coconut milk characteristic of Indonesian cuisine. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal that showcases the culinary delights of this region. Let’s dive into the details of this sumptuous dish!
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lele (Catfish) | 4 pieces |
| Coconut Milk (Cair) | To taste (for the broth) |
| Coconut Milk (Kental) | To taste (for thickness) |
| Ground Coriander | To taste |
| Ground Pepper | To taste |
| Spice Paste Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 5 pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Red Chili (Cayenne) | 5 pieces |
| Fresh Turmeric | 1 small piece |
| Candlenuts | 3 pieces |
| Complementary Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Fried Bird’s Eye Chili (optional) | 10 pieces |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor Enhancer (Optional) | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Catfish: Begin by cleaning the lele thoroughly, ensuring it is free from any scales or impurities. Once cleaned, fillet the fish and sprinkle it generously with ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for a short while to let the flavors seep into the fish.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated lele fillets in the pan and fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through. This process ensures a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender. Once fried, remove the fish and set it aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine shallots, garlic, red chili, turmeric, and candlenuts. Blend or pound them until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will serve as the foundation for your dish.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same pan used for frying the fish, reduce the oil to a minimal amount and add the spice paste. Sauté the mixture over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and turns a beautiful golden color.
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Add Aromatics and Fish: Once the spice paste is ready, add in a small amount of water to create a sauce. Then, introduce the bay leaves, ginger slices, and optional fried bird’s eye chili for an extra kick. Gently fold in the fried lele fillets, ensuring they are coated with the aromatic paste.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk (cair) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it begins to bubble. This step helps to meld the flavors and enrich the sauce. Once it reaches a simmer, carefully add the thick coconut milk (kental) to enhance the richness of the dish.
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Season the Dish: Taste your curry and adjust the seasoning with sugar, salt, and a pinch of flavor enhancer if desired. Allow the dish to simmer gently for a few more minutes to combine all the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the flavors have melded beautifully and the fish is heated through, your Lele Kuah Kuning is ready to serve! Transfer the dish to a serving bowl, ensuring to pour the luscious sauce over the fish. Pair it with steamed rice and enjoy this delightful Indonesian delicacy.
Cooking Tips
- Fish Selection: If lele is unavailable, any firm white fish can be used as a substitute.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of red chilis and fried bird’s eye chilis according to your preferred level of heat.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the curry.
Embrace the flavors of Indonesia with this enticing Lele Kuah Kuning recipe that promises to transport you to a culinary paradise, bringing warmth and comfort to your dining experience. Happy cooking!
