Savory Indonesian Tuna Soup with Tomato and Turmeric

Ikan Pindang Tongkol Kuah Recipe

This flavorful Indonesian dish, Ikan Pindang Tongkol Kuah, features tender tuna simmered in a fragrant, spiced broth. Perfect for those who love robust flavors and hearty soups, this recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a comforting and delicious meal. Follow these easy steps to recreate this savory dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of tongkol tuna, deboned
• 1 belimbing wuluh (substitute with 1 tomato if unavailable)
• Cooking oil, as needed
• Water, as needed
• Sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning, to taste
• Ground spices:
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 3 cm turmeric

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by finely grinding the garlic, shallots, and turmeric into a smooth paste. This combination of spices will form the aromatic base of your broth.

2. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste to the hot oil, sautéing until the mixture becomes fragrant and golden brown. This step will enhance the flavors and release the essential oils from the spices.

3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in a sufficient amount of water (adjust based on how much broth you prefer). Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the Tuna and Tomato: Once the water is boiling, add the deboned tuna pieces and the tomato (or belimbing wuluh if using). Season with salt, sugar, and your choice of seasoning. Stir well to combine and let it cook until the tuna is fully cooked and tender.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, sugar, or seasoning to suit your preference.

6. Serve: Once the tuna is cooked through and the flavors are well-balanced, the dish is ready to be served. Enjoy the Ikan Pindang Tongkol Kuah hot, accompanied by steamed rice or on its own as a hearty soup.

This simple yet flavorful recipe brings a taste of Indonesian cuisine to your table, combining fresh ingredients and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal. Happy cooking!