Gulai Ikan Tongkol: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Gulai Ikan Tongkol is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines tender fish with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a deliciously rich experience that is sure to impress. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this recipe brings together fresh ingredients to deliver a taste of Indonesia right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

• 500 grams (1/2 kg) tuna fish (ikan tongkol)
• 1 bunch of long beans (kacang panjang), cut into pieces
• 1 bunch of basil leaves (daun kemangi)
• 250 grams (1/2 papan) tempe, cut into small pieces
• 2 pieces of kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 2 stalks of lemongrass (sereh), smashed
• 2 pieces of bay leaves (daun salam)

Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

• 5 shallots (bawang merah)
• 3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 1 piece of ginger (jahe)
• 1 piece of turmeric (kunyit)
• 3 pieces of candlenuts (kemiri)
• 8 chili peppers (cabe), adjust to taste
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning (penyedap) to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tuna fish and cutting it into pieces according to your preference. Set aside.

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2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Wash the long beans and cut them into manageable pieces. Clean the basil leaves and set aside. Cut the tempe into small cubes, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the gulai.

3. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, candlenuts, and chili peppers. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a bit of water if necessary to facilitate blending.

4. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   In a pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for unlocking the full depth of flavor in your dish.

5. Add Aromatics:
   To the sautéed spice paste, add the kaffir lime leaves, smashed lemongrass, and bay leaves. Stir well, allowing the aromatics to meld with the spices for a few minutes.

6. Simmer the Base:
   Pour in enough water to create a broth, followed by adding salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.

7. Cook the Fish and Vegetables:
   Once the broth is boiling, gently add the pieces of fish, long beans, and tempe. Let everything simmer together until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, allowing the dish to bubble with flavor.

8. Finish with Basil:
   In the final moments of cooking, add the fresh basil leaves. Stir gently, allowing them to wilt slightly while infusing the dish with their aromatic essence.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your Gulai Ikan Tongkol! 😊😊

Tips for the Perfect Gulai

• Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of chili peppers used.
• For an extra touch, consider adding coconut milk to the broth for a creamier texture.
• This dish can also be served with a side of sambal for those who enjoy an additional kick.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Varies based on serving size and ingredients
• Protein: Rich in protein from fish and tempe
• Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamins from fresh vegetables

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to add variety to your weeknight meals, Gulai Ikan Tongkol is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the heartwarming experience of cooking this Indonesian classic!