Savory Indonesian Catfish in Coconut Curry Sauce

Title: Mangut Lele – Spicy Catfish in Coconut Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 kg catfish (lele)
• 1 package of Kara coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Granulated sugar to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: seasoning enhancer
• For the spice paste:
  • 5 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 roasted candlenut
  • 1 small piece of turmeric
  • 1 small piece of ginger
  • 1 small piece of galangal (crushed)
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass (crushed)
  • Coriander to taste
  • 2 bay leaves

Steps:

1. Begin by preparing the catfish. Rinse the fish thoroughly, then soak it in salted water for a few minutes. This helps to season the fish and remove any fishy smell. After soaking, drain the fish and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the catfish pieces until they are half-cooked and lightly golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the spice paste. To make the spice paste, blend or grind together the shallots, garlic, roasted candlenut, turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, and coriander until you achieve a smooth consistency. Sauté this mixture until it becomes fragrant.

4. Add the Kara coconut milk to the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to combine and prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Allow it to come to a gentle boil.

5. Once the coconut milk mixture is boiling, carefully add the fried catfish pieces. Stir gently to ensure the fish is well-coated with the sauce.

6. Season the dish with salt, sugar, black pepper, and optional seasoning enhancer. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

7. Continue to cook the catfish in the coconut sauce until it is fully cooked and the flavors are well-integrated. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, aromatic flavor.

8. Remove from heat and garnish with bay leaves. Serve the Mangut Lele hot, ideally with steamed rice and enjoyed with your family for a truly delightful meal.

9. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a comforting meal that brings a taste of tradition and warmth to your table. Happy cooking and bon appétit!