Spicy Fried Catfish with Basil (Lele Masak Kemangi Pedas)
Ingredients:
- 1 kg catfish (lele)
- 5 red chilies (cabe merah)
- 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 6 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 piece of ginger (jahe)
- 1 piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 1 bunch of basil (kemangi)
- 2 tomatoes (tomat)
- Salt and sugar, to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Catfish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish, removing its head, and frying it until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the fish aside to allow it to rest.
-
Make the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, both types of chilies, ginger, and turmeric until fragrant. Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
-
Sauté the Spice Mixture: In the same pan, add the blended spice paste and cook it over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and sugar to taste. Stir well and allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Add a splash of water to create a sauce, then gently place the fried catfish into the pan. Sprinkle in the fresh basil and stir briefly to combine all the ingredients.
-
Serve: Once everything is heated through and the basil is wilted, your Spicy Fried Catfish is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot alongside steaming white rice for a delightful meal.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This recipe embodies the vibrant flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine, making it a perfect addition to your collection. The combination of spicy chilies and aromatic basil elevates the catfish to a new level of deliciousness, creating a memorable dining experience.
