Mangut Lele & Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams catfish (lele), fried
- 1 block of tempe, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 shallots
- 2 roasted candlenuts (kemiri)
- A small piece of roasted turmeric (kunyit)
- 2 red chilies
- To taste: bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 1 piece of kencur (aromatic ginger)
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 500 ml coconut milk (santan)
- Water, as needed
- Sugar, salt, and chicken broth powder, to taste
Preparation Steps
To prepare this savory dish, follow these simple steps:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by grinding the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, roasted turmeric, red chilies, and optional bird’s eye chilies until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture will form the base of your dish.
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Sauté the Paste: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground spice paste until it becomes aromatic. Add the bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
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Add Water: Pour in enough water to create a broth-like consistency. Season this base with sugar, salt, and chicken broth powder, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Once the broth is boiling, gently add the coconut milk while stirring continuously to prevent it from separating. Adjust the taste as needed.
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Add Catfish and Tempe: Carefully place the fried catfish and sliced tempe into the simmering broth. Cook over low heat for an extended period to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Finish with Chilies: Add whole bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick. Let everything cook together until well combined and the catfish absorbs the delicious sauce.
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Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove from heat and serve warm, allowing the rich flavors of this traditional dish to shine through.
Enjoying Your Mangut Lele & Tempe
Mangut Lele & Tempe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Indonesian flavors. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete culinary experience, and enjoy the warmth and richness of this beloved dish that brings comfort and joy to every table. Happy cooking!
