Ingredients
- 2 whole gourami fish
- 1 large carrot
- 5 young green beans
- 5 shallots
- 5 cloves of garlic
- A small piece of ginger
- A small piece of kencur (aromatic root, optional)
- A small piece of galangal
- A small piece of turmeric
- 3 candlenuts
- Ground black pepper
- Ground coriander
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 stalks of lemongrass
- 4 bird’s eye chilies
- 4-5 tablespoons tamarind water
- Water (as needed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Seasoning (optional)
- Oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
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Prepare the Gourami Fish: Clean the gourami fish thoroughly, then cut each fish into two pieces. Set aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the carrot into thin strips and cut the green beans into similar-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, blend together the shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, kencur (if using), turmeric, and candlenuts until smooth.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass stalks. Sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrot, green beans, and whole bird’s eye chilies to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Season the Dish: Season with salt, sugar, and optional seasoning to taste. Stir in the tamarind water, mixing well to combine.
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Add the Fish: Gently place the fish pieces into the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side, turning carefully to avoid breaking the fish apart. Allow the fish to cook through and absorb the flavors.
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Final Cooking: Let the dish simmer until the sauce has thickened and the fish is fully cooked. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve: Once done, serve hot, enjoying the rich blend of spices and the tender fish.
This recipe for Acar Gurame captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, making it a delightful dish to impress family and friends.