Palembang-Style Patin Fish Soup: Fresh and Flavorful
Discover the delightful flavors of Palembang with this traditional Ikan Patin recipe. This Indonesian dish combines the freshness of river fish with a vibrant mix of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a comforting and invigorating soup that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole patin fish, cut into 5 pieces, head set aside
- 1 lime
- 1/2 pineapple, cut into chunks
- 10 bird’s eye chilies
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 1 piece galangal, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 6 shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 piece turmeric, sliced
- 1 piece ginger, smashed
- 1 bunch green onions
- Water, as needed
- Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Rub the fish pieces with lime juice and let them sit for a few minutes to tenderize and remove any fishy odor.
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Toast the Aromatics: In a dry pan, lightly toast the garlic and shallots until fragrant. This step helps to release their essential oils and intensify their flavors.
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Cook the Soup Base: Add the remaining spices and herbs (lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, and ginger) to the pan. Stir briefly to mix the flavors. Then, pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
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Add the Fish: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the patin fish pieces to the pot. Allow the fish to cook thoroughly in the aromatic broth.
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Incorporate the Fruits and Vegetables: After the fish is cooked, add the pineapple chunks, sliced tomato, and green onions to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and other preferred seasonings.
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Final Touches: Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or as a standalone meal.
Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this Palembang-style patin fish soup, a comforting and delicious dish that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table.
