Pesmol Ikan Nila: A Delicious Indonesian Delight

Discover the vibrant flavors of Pesmol Ikan Nila, a delightful Indonesian dish that highlights the succulent taste of Nile fish, enhanced by a medley of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal at home, offering a beautiful balance of taste and texture that will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 2 whole Nile fish (ikan nila), cleaned and prepared
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 piece of turmeric (about 1 inch)
• 1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks and seeds removed
• 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 scallion (green onion), chopped
• 3 red curly chilies, sliced
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• Brown sugar, to taste
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by thoroughly washing the Nile fish under cold water, then cut it into pieces according to your preference. Rub the fish with lime juice and sprinkle salt over it to enhance the flavor. Next, heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let it drain on paper towels.

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2. Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the prepared spice paste until fragrant. This involves blending the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste. Once the aroma fills the kitchen, add the kaffir lime leaves and stir until they are well incorporated.

3. Cook the Vegetables: Pour in some water to create a flavorful broth and introduce the carrot, cucumber, bird’s eye chilies, and curly chilies. Season the mixture with brown sugar and salt to taste. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, letting the vegetables absorb the vibrant flavors.

4. Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are tender and the broth is fragrant, gently fold in the chopped scallion and sliced tomatoes. Finally, add the fried Nile fish into the pan, carefully mixing to ensure each piece is coated in the rich spice mixture. Let it simmer for a few moments, allowing the fish to absorb the delightful flavors.

5. Serve and Enjoy: After allowing the fish to sit in the sauce briefly, your Pesmol Ikan Nila is ready to be served! Present this beautiful dish alongside steamed rice and enjoy the explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Bon Appétit! Enjoy your culinary journey with this exquisite Indonesian recipe.