Lele Suwir Kemangi: A Delicious Indonesian Catfish Dish
Lele Suwir Kemangi is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the tender and flavorful catfish, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices. The combination of fried catfish shredded into bite-sized pieces, paired with the freshness of kemangi (basil) leaves and the spicy kick of chili peppers, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. This dish can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own, making it a perfect choice for a family meal or a special gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large catfish (lele) | 2 whole |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5, thinly sliced |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves, coarsely chopped |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 9, sliced diagonally |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1 thumb-sized piece, thinly sliced |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 2 thumb-sized pieces, thinly sliced |
| Tomato | 1, thinly sliced |
| Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi) | 1 handful |
| Sugar | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Flavoring (penyedap) | to taste |
| Water | 50 ml |
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~25 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
Instructions
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Fry the Catfish: Begin by frying the catfish until it is cooked through but not overly dry. Once fried, remove it from the oil and let it cool slightly. Using your hands or two forks, shred the fish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and chopped garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and golden. Then, introduce the sliced bird’s eye chilies, tomato, ginger, and galangal. Stir-fry this mixture until the ingredients are well combined and aromatic.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the 50 ml of water, followed by the sugar, salt, and flavoring. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Combine with Catfish: Add the shredded catfish to the pan, stirring gently to ensure that the fish absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the catfish to warm through while soaking up the aromatic broth.
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Finish with Basil: Once the fish is heated through, turn off the heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Stir well to incorporate the basil, letting its fresh flavor infuse the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Lele Suwir Kemangi is now ready to be served! Plate it alongside steamed rice or enjoy it on its own as a delightful treat.
Conclusion
This Lele Suwir Kemangi recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine, marrying the earthiness of catfish with the freshness of herbs and the heat of chilies. Perfect for any meal, this dish brings a taste of Indonesia to your table, showcasing vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy making this dish as a centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions, and savor every delicious bite!
