Pais Patin Banjar: A Delightful Indonesian Steamed Fish Dish

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of Patin fish (Ikan Patin)
• Banana leaves (Daun Pisang)
• 1 Tomato (Tomat)
• 1 Green chili (Cabe Hijau)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 cloves of Garlic (Bawang Putih)
• 8 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
• 1-inch piece of Turmeric (Kunyit)
• 1-inch piece of Galangal (Laos)
• 1 stalk of Lemongrass (Sereh)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Garam)
• 1 teaspoon Flavor enhancer (Penyedap)
• 3 Candlenuts (Kemiri)

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by grinding all the spice ingredients into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. This method helps retain some texture in the spices, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

2. Marinate the Fish:
   Clean the Patin fish thoroughly and coat it evenly with the prepared spice paste. Allow the fish to marinate for about 15 minutes, ensuring the spices infuse their rich flavors into the fish.

3. Prepare the Banana Leaves:
   While the fish marinates, heat the banana leaves over an open flame or on the stovetop until they become pliable. This step is essential to prevent the leaves from tearing when you fold them. Cut the tomato and green chili into thin slices.

4. Assemble the Dish:
   After the marination period, lay the marinated Patin fish on a piece of banana leaf. Top it with the remaining spice paste, followed by the sliced tomato and green chili. Carefully wrap the banana leaf around the fish to create a secure parcel.

5. Steam the Fish:
   Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and steam for about 15 minutes. This gentle cooking method helps preserve the moisture and flavors, ensuring the fish remains tender and succulent.

6. Grill for Extra Flavor:
   Once steamed, remove the fish from the steamer and grill it on a hot pan or a non-stick skillet until the outside is slightly charred and dry. This additional step adds a delicious smokiness to the dish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Your Pais Patin Banjar is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. This dish is sure to impress with its fragrant spices and tender fish.

Nutritional Information:

While exact nutritional values may vary, this dish is a rich source of protein and packed with aromatic spices, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Note: Pais Patin Banjar is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine, perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. Enjoy the delightful combination of spices and fresh ingredients that bring this dish to life!