Gulai Jengkol with Tuna Fish: A Delightful Indonesian Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with the traditional Indonesian dish, Gulai Jengkol Ikan Tongkol, a fragrant and flavorful stew featuring jengkol (stink beans) and ikan tongkol (tuna fish) simmered in rich coconut milk and aromatic spices. This dish brings together the unique flavors of Southeast Asia, making it a beloved choice for many. Let’s dive into the ingredients, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jengkol (stink beans) | 5 pieces |
| Ikan tongkol (tuna fish) | 4 pieces |
| Grated coconut (old) | 1 whole coconut |
Spice Paste
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried red chilies | 50 grams (1/2 ons) |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 50 grams (1/2 ons) |
| Shallots | 50 grams (1/2 ons) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Turmeric | A small piece |
| Ginger | A small piece |
| Coriander | To taste |
| Tomato | 1 piece (optional) |
Additional Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Daun kunyit (turmeric leaves) | 1 leaf |
| Daun jeruk (lime leaves) | 1 leaf |
| Daun salam (Indonesian bay leaves) | 1 leaf |
| Galangal | 1 piece, crushed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Jengkol
- Begin by boiling the jengkol in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Allow it to simmer for about 1 hour, changing the water 2-3 times to reduce the strong aroma. This will ensure that the jengkol becomes tender and more palatable.
Step 2: Preparing the Ikan Tongkol
- While the jengkol is cooking, clean the ikan tongkol by rinsing it thoroughly with water and a splash of lime juice to remove any fishy smell. Pat it dry and fry it in a pan until cooked to your desired level of crispiness; you can also skip frying if you prefer a healthier option.
Step 3: Making the Coconut Paste
- Take a handful of grated coconut and toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown, then grind it into a paste until the oil is released and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Preparing the Spice Paste
- In a blender, combine the turmeric, ginger, garlic, and the dried and bird’s eye chilies. Add a pinch of salt to make the grinding process easier. Blend until you have a fine paste. Then, incorporate the shallots and blend again until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Assembling the Gulai
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté the ground spice paste over medium heat. Once fragrant, add the toasted coconut paste, crushed galangal, lemongrass, daun kunyit, daun jeruk, and daun salam. Sauté for a few minutes until the spices are well blended and aromatic.
Step 6: Cooking the Gulai
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
Step 7: Adding Jengkol and Ikan Tongkol
- Once the coconut milk has thickened slightly, add the boiled jengkol to the pot, mixing everything together. After a few more minutes, carefully add the fried ikan tongkol to the gulai, ensuring to stir gently so as not to break the fish.
Step 8: Final Cooking
- Let the gulai cook until it reaches a gentle boil. After several minutes, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Once the flavors meld beautifully, and the consistency is to your liking, remove it from the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Gulai Jengkol Ikan Tongkol hot, accompanied by steamed rice or warm bread. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds with its delightful flavors but also provides a comforting experience that captures the essence of Indonesian home cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy every spoonful of this aromatic stew!
Conclusion
Creating Gulai Jengkol Ikan Tongkol is a wonderful way to explore Indonesian cuisine right from your kitchen. The combination of jengkol and ikan tongkol, infused with a rich blend of spices and creamy coconut milk, makes for a hearty meal that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy cooking, and let this dish bring warmth and joy to your dining table!
