Spicy Indonesian Fish Head Stew with Bamboo Shoots

Mangut Kepala Manyung: A Delicious Indonesian Fish Head Stew

Ingredients:

• 6 Fish Heads (Manyung)
• 1/2 kg Young Bamboo Shoots (Sliced Thinly, Washed, and Boiled Twice)
• 1 Liter Coconut Milk (from 1 Coconut)
• 1.5 Liters Water
• Seasonings:
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Palm Sugar (to taste)
  • Flavor Enhancer (to taste)
  • MSG (optional)
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 2 Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • 1 Thumb-sized Galangal (Crushed)
• Ground Spice Paste:
  • 100 g Red Chili and Bird’s Eye Chili (Steamed)
  • 10 Shallots
  • 5 Garlic Cloves
  • 5 Candlenuts
  • 2 cm Ginger
  • 2 cm Turmeric
  • 2 cm Kencur (Aromatic Root)
  • Aromatic Citrus Peel (as needed)
• Cooking Oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by preparing the ground spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed red chilies, shallots, garlic cloves, candlenuts, ginger, turmeric, and kencur. Blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Spices:
   Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Season with a pinch of salt. Sauté the mixture until the spices become fragrant and the oil starts to separate.

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3. Add Bamboo Shoots:
   Incorporate the boiled bamboo shoots into the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes, allowing the bamboo shoots to absorb the flavors from the spices.

4. Add Liquids:
   Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the fish heads, seasoning with salt, palm sugar, and flavor enhancer to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

5. Add Coconut Milk:
   Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the coconut milk. Stir well to combine. Let the stew simmer until it reaches a gentle boil and the coconut milk has thickened slightly, and the bubbles from the coconut milk have disappeared.

6. Adjust the Seasoning:
   Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Serve:
   Serve the Mangut Kepala Manyung hot with steamed rice and crispy crackers on the side. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and the tender fish head, perfect for a hearty meal.

Enjoy your meal and the extra servings of rice! 😁🍚