Spicy Dencis Fish with Quail Eggs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Spicy Sardine-Flavored Dencis Fish: A Delicious Snack

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Ikan Dencis Bumbu Sardin Pedas Nyemek-Nyemek, a delightful dish that showcases the tender dencis fish enveloped in a rich and spicy sauce. This recipe combines a variety of ingredients to create a mouthwatering experience perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Ingredients

For the Fish and Eggs:

• 9 medium-sized dencis fish (approximately the size of half a palm), deep-fried to golden perfection
• 9 boiled quail eggs, peeled

For the Eggplant:

• 100 grams eggplant (purple), sautéed until wilted (can substitute with tofu or potatoes)

For the Spice Paste:

• 100 grams red chili peppers
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 1 candlenut (kemiri)
• 200 grams ripe red tomatoes
• 7 cloves of garlic
• 10 shallots
• ½ teaspoon white pepper

For the Garnishing:

• 100 grams ripe red tomatoes, sliced
• 6 bird’s eye chilies, halved
• 5 large red chilies
• 200 grams onions, sliced
• 1 kaffir lime leaf, torn in half

Additional Ingredients:

• Oil for sautéing
• 200 ml water
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 packet Diabetasol sugar (or regular sugar as an option)
• 1/2 tablespoon chili sauce
• Seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by finely grinding all the spice paste ingredients until they achieve a smooth consistency. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the dish’s flavor profile.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   In a pan, heat a generous amount of oil and sauté the ground spice paste until it is aromatic and fully cooked, ensuring it reaches a deep, rich color.

3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
   Gently add the fried dencis fish and wilted eggplant to the pan, stirring to coat them in the flavorful spice paste. Set the boiled quail eggs aside for now.

4. Add Garnishing Ingredients:
   Toss in the sliced garnishing ingredients—sliced tomatoes, halved bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, sliced onions, and torn kaffir lime leaf. These will add freshness and depth to the dish.

5. Season the Dish:
   Sprinkle in the salt, add the Diabetasol sugar (or regular sugar), chili sauce, and any additional seasoning if desired. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

6. Incorporate Water:
   Pour in the 200 ml of water along with the torn kaffir lime leaf. This will help create a savory sauce that envelops the fish and vegetables.

7. Finish with Quail Eggs:
   As the mixture approaches a fully cooked state, gently fold in the boiled quail eggs, allowing them to warm through without breaking apart.

8. Final Cooking:
   Let the dish cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the dish has reached a satisfying consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs or chilies if desired, and enjoy this scrumptious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

While this dish is rich in flavor, it also provides a balance of nutrients from the fish, eggs, and vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Indulge in the delightful taste of Spicy Sardine-Flavored Dencis Fish, a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful colors and rich flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting meal at home, this recipe brings the warmth of culinary creativity right to your table. Enjoy!