Savory Bitter Melon and Fish in Kluwak Sauce

Pare Bandeng Masak Kluwak (Pamarrasan)

Introduction:
Delight your taste buds with the rich and flavorful Pare Bandeng Masak Kluwak, a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully balances the bitterness of bitter melon with the succulent taste of bandeng (milkfish) or eel, all enveloped in a fragrant kluwak sauce. This recipe offers a wonderful way to experience the unique flavors of Indonesian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bitter Melon:

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   • Begin by slicing the bitter melon into thin pieces, ensuring they are not too thick. Place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle with a handful of salt, gently massaging the salt into the melon. This process will help extract the bitter water. After about 10-15 minutes, rinse the slices thoroughly under running water to remove excess salt and bitterness. Set aside.

2. Fry the Fish:

   • In a frying pan, heat a splash of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the bandeng (or eel) to the pan and fry until they are half-cooked. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the sliced shallots and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown. Then, introduce the flattened lemongrass and galangal, allowing their flavors to infuse the oil.

4. Incorporate Kluwak:

   • Once the aromatics are ready, add the soaked kluwak to the pan. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the kluwak does not burn. After a minute, add a splash of water to create a sauce.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the prepared bitter melon slices to the pan, stirring well to coat them in the aromatic mixture. Pour in approximately 500 ml of water, allowing the dish to simmer and the flavors to meld together until the bitter melon becomes tender.

6. Add Fish:

   • Carefully place the fried bandeng back into the pan, seasoning with salt to taste. Gently stir, taking care not to break the fish apart. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick of heat.

7. Final Touches:

   • Allow the dish to cook for another 7-10 minutes, ensuring that all ingredients are heated through and well combined. Just before serving, sprinkle in the chopped green onions and, if desired, some instant broth powder for added flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve:

   • Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. This dish is best enjoyed hot, paired with steamed rice to soak up the delightful sauce.

Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion:
This authentic Indonesian dish, Pare Bandeng Masak Kluwak, serves as a celebration of unique flavors and textures, showcasing the versatility of traditional ingredients. With its combination of tender fish, aromatic spices, and the distinct bitterness of pare, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your family and friends. Enjoy this culinary journey with every bite!