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Pindang Bandeng Asem Pedas with Pete
This vibrant and tangy Indonesian dish features bandeng (milkfish) cooked in a spicy and sour broth, enhanced with the unique flavor of pete (stink beans) if desired. Here’s how to make this flavorful dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 large milkfish (bandeng), cut into 6 pieces
- 10 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 15 bird’s eye chilies, halved or left whole
- 1 green tomato, cut into 6 wedges
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 2 pieces galangal, bruised
- 1 piece turmeric, roasted and sliced
- 2 pieces ginger, sliced or bruised
- 1 tamarind pulp
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 3 bay leaves
- 5 stink beans (pete), halved (optional)
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste
- 800 ml water
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
- 6 bilimbi fruit (belimbing wuluh), or substitute with lime juice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
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Add the Spice Base:
- Incorporate the bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and ginger into the pot. Continue to cook until the mixture is aromatic.
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Build the Broth:
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer until the flavors meld and the broth starts to develop a deep aroma.
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Cook the Fish:
- Add the milkfish pieces to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the fish is well-coated with the broth. Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, tamarind pulp, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Simmer the dish until the fish is cooked through and the broth has reduced slightly.
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Finish the Dish:
- If using stink beans, add them to the pot. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Before removing the pot from the heat, stir in the bilimbi fruit or lime juice and the green tomato wedges. Cook for an additional few minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
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Serve:
- Transfer the Pindang Bandeng Asem Pedas to a serving dish, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
This Pindang Bandeng Asem Pedas is a delightful blend of spicy, sour, and savory flavors that will elevate your meal with its rich, complex taste. Enjoy this traditional Indonesian favorite with family and friends!