Pindang Patin Pedes: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ingredients
To prepare this mouthwatering Pindang Patin Pedes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 Whole Patin Fish (Ikan Patin)
- 5 Belimbing Wuluh (Starfruit), sliced
- 5 Red Chili Peppers (Cabe Merah), sliced
- 7 Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit), finely chopped
- 4 Leaves of Salam (Daun Salam)
- 4 Leaves of Kaffir Lime (Daun Jeruk)
- 8 Leaves of Basil (Daun Kemangi)
- 2 Stalks of Lemongrass (Batang Sereh), bruised
- 5 Shallots (Bawang Merah), chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves (Bawang Putih), minced
- 2 cm Fresh Turmeric (Kunyit), grated
- 2 cm Fresh Ginger (Jahe), grated
- 2 cm Galangal (Lengkuas), sliced
- 2 Limes (Jeruk Nipis), juiced
- Salt (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delicious and aromatic Pindang Patin Pedes that brings the authentic flavors of Indonesia to your table:
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Prepare the Fish: Start by thoroughly rubbing the whole Patin fish with the juice of the limes to enhance its freshness and flavor.
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Roast the Aromatics: In a dry pan, lightly roast the chopped shallots, garlic, grated turmeric, ginger, and galangal until fragrant. This step will release their essential oils and deepen the flavors.
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Slice the Vegetables: While the aromatics are roasting, slice the starfruit, red chili peppers, and finely chop the bird’s eye chilies. Set them aside.
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Prepare the Herbs: Separate the leaves of salam and kaffir lime. Bruise the stalks of lemongrass to release their aromatic oils.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a pot, heat a splash of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the roasted shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, galangal, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the spices to meld beautifully.
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Add the Liquid: Pour in approximately 3 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Then, add the sliced starfruit, bruised lemongrass, salam leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and basil leaves to the pot.
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Season the Broth: Incorporate salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce into the mixture. Gently add the Patin fish, allowing it to simmer until fully cooked and tender.
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Final Touches: Once the fish is cooked through, add a generous squeeze of lime juice, stirring to combine all the flavors harmoniously.
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Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the broth. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or sweet soy sauce to achieve the desired balance of sweet and sour.
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Serve: Ladle the Pindang Patin Pedes into bowls, ensuring each serving includes tender fish and aromatic broth. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or dinner parties. Each serving is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs used in the dish.
Conclusion
Pindang Patin Pedes is a wonderful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful results that come from this authentic recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!