Savory Indonesian Catfish Curry: Mangut Lele Recipe

Mangut Lele: A Delicious Indonesian Catfish Curry

Mangut Lele, a beloved dish from Indonesia, showcases the rich flavors of catfish simmered in a fragrant coconut milk curry. This dish, celebrated for its comforting taste and vibrant spices, is perfect when served with fluffy white rice. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary delight.

Ingredients

For the Catfish:

• 6 pieces of catfish (lele), cleaned and seasoned with salt and turmeric, then fried until golden brown.

For the Spice Paste:

• 12 shallots (bawang merah)
• 6 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (kunir bubuk)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander (ketumbar bubuk)
• 1 sachet of shrimp paste (terasi)
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 2 leaves of bay (daun salam)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 3 red chilies, sliced diagonally (cabe merah)
• 3 green chilies, sliced diagonally (cabe hijau)
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 liter of coconut milk (santan)

For Seasoning:

• Sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Chicken or vegetable broth powder (kaldu bubuk), to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, ground turmeric, ground coriander, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste. This aromatic base will be the heart of your dish.

2. Sauté the Spices:
   In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, allowing the wonderful aromas to fill your kitchen. Incorporate the bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves, stirring well to combine.

3. Add the Catfish:
   Carefully add the fried catfish to the skillet, gently mixing it with the spices. This will infuse the fish with incredible flavor. Follow with the sliced red and green chilies, ensuring everything is well-coated in the aromatic blend.

4. Incorporate the Coconut Milk:
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add sugar, salt, and broth powder to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Let the curry cook on low heat until it reaches a rolling boil, which will help meld the flavors beautifully.

5. Finish with Tomatoes:
   Just before removing the skillet from heat, add the sliced tomatoes, stirring them in lightly. This will add a fresh burst of flavor to the dish.

6. Serve:
   Once everything is well combined and cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Mangut Lele hot, accompanied by steamed white rice for a fulfilling meal that highlights the essence of Indonesian cuisine.

Enjoy Your Culinary Journey

Mangut Lele is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the warmth of Indonesian flavors to your table. This delightful dish will surely become a favorite among your family and friends, inviting everyone to gather around and savor each delicious bite. Enjoy your cooking adventure!