Mangut Lele: A Spicy Indonesian Catfish Delight
Mangut Lele is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of catfish simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This delectable dish is perfect for those who enjoy a fusion of spicy and savory flavors, and it is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Catfish (Lele) | 500 grams |
Lime juice (from 2 limes) | To taste |
Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves |
Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
Ginger | 2 cm, smashed |
Galangal | 3 cm, smashed |
Coconut milk | 250 ml (1/4 liter) |
Red chili peppers | 6, diagonally sliced |
Green chili peppers | 4, diagonally sliced |
Salt | To taste |
Ground Spices: | |
Shallots | 6 cloves |
Garlic | 4 cloves |
Candlenut | 1 |
Coriander | To taste |
Kencur (aromatic ginger) | To taste |
Bird’s eye chili | 12 (adjust to taste) |
Large red chili peppers | 5 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Catfish:
Clean the catfish thoroughly and marinate it with lime juice, crushed coriander, and salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. -
Fry the Catfish:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the marinated catfish until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. -
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, sauté the ground spices (shallots, garlic, and candlenut) until fragrant. Add salt and sugar to taste, stirring well to combine. Next, incorporate the smashed ginger, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and lemongrass, allowing them to release their aromatic essence. -
Add the Chilies:
Toss in the sliced green and red chilies, cooking for a minute until they are softened and fragrant. -
Create the Sauce:
Pour in the coconut milk along with a little water. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil while stirring to ensure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. -
Combine and Simmer:
Carefully add the fried catfish back into the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened and coats the fish, remove from heat. Serve your Mangut Lele hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Total Fat | 20 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Sugars | 3 g |
Sodium | 500 mg |
Mangut Lele not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a piece of Indonesian culinary heritage to your table. Enjoy this delightful dish, and share the love with every bite!