Pesmol Gembung (Non-MSG)

Discover the delightful flavors of Pesmol Gembung, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring the succulent gembung fish, perfectly cooked and infused with aromatic spices. This recipe is crafted without MSG, allowing the natural tastes of the ingredients to shine through. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 500 grams large gembung fish, cleaned and cut in half
• 250 ml cooking oil
• Spice Paste:
  • 5 shallots, peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 cm ginger, peeled
  • 1 candlenut
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 15 whole bird’s eye chilies
• 1/4 grated coconut (fresh)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the gembung fish thoroughly, then cut it in half. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the fish until golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oil and set aside.

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2. Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, candlenut, and turmeric powder. Grind until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spices: In a clean pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Aromatics: To the sautéed spices, add the bruised lemongrass, sugar, salt, and whole bird’s eye chilies. Stir to combine and let it cook for another minute.

5. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the freshly squeezed coconut milk (using the first press) and stir well. This will create a rich and flavorful sauce.

6. Combine with Fish: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then, gently place the fried fish into the sauce, allowing it to cook together for a few minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

7. Serve: Once the fish is well coated and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Serve the Pesmol Gembung hot, garnished with additional fresh chilies if desired.

Enjoy!

Pesmol Gembung pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors that this traditional dish has to offer!