Ikan Patin Sambel Ijo (Catfish with Green Chili Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized catfish
- 5 shallots
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 lime
- 3 green tomatoes
- Green chilies, to taste
- 3 cm ginger
- 1 lemongrass stalk
- 2 roasted candlenuts
- 4 cm galangal
- Cooking oil, as needed for sautΓ©ing spices
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 tablespoon sugar
- Ground pepper, to taste
Steps:
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Preparation: Start by cleaning the catfish thoroughly. Once clean, squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish and let it sit for a while. This helps to remove any fishy odor and adds a slight tanginess.
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Spice Paste: Prepare the spice paste by blending the shallots, garlic, ginger, roasted candlenuts, and green chilies to your taste preference. For the lemongrass and galangal, simply crush them to release their flavors. Slice the green tomatoes as per your preference.
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SautΓ©ing the Spices: Heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the blended spice paste and sautΓ© until fragrant and the color changes, indicating the spices are cooked. This step is crucial for bringing out the full aroma of the spices. Add the crushed lemongrass and galangal to the pan and continue to sautΓ©.
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Cooking the Catfish: Place the cleaned catfish into the pan, carefully coating it with the sautΓ©ed spices. Pour in 2.5 cups of water, then season with salt, sugar, and ground pepper. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the fish is thoroughly done, absorbing the rich flavors of the spices.
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Adding Tomatoes: Once the fish is cooked, add the sliced green tomatoes into the pan. Cook briefly until the tomatoes are slightly softened but still retain some texture.
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Serving: Turn off the heat. Your Ikan Patin Sambel Ijo is now ready to be served. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce the quantity, or remove the seeds from the chilies.
- Freshness: Use fresh catfish for the best taste. Frozen fish can be used, but ensure it is properly thawed and cleaned.
- Aromatic: Ensure to sautΓ© the spices over low heat initially to avoid burning and to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Embrace the authentic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Ikan Patin Sambel Ijo recipe. The harmonious blend of spices, tangy tomatoes, and tender catfish makes this dish a must-try for seafood lovers. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is straightforward and promises a delicious result every time. Enjoy the culinary journey!
