Spicy Indonesian Nile Tilapia Stew (Ikan Nila Woku)

Ikan Nila Woku: Spicy Indonesian Fish Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 whole Nile tilapia (ikan nila)
• A handful of kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 2-3 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), sliced
• 5 shallots (bawang merah), peeled
• 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih), peeled
• 1 candlenut (kemiri)
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (merica butir)
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (ketumbar butir)
• 1 piece of galangal (laos), crushed
• A small piece of ginger (jahe), sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass (sereh), white part only, bruised
• 1 pandan leaf (daun pandan), knotted
• 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (jeruk nipis)
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Mushroom stock powder or bouillon cube (kaldu jamur), to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (kemangi), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, candlenut, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

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3. Add Aromatics:
   Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the crushed galangal, bay leaves, pandan leaf, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised lemongrass to the skillet. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the mixture becomes very fragrant.

4. Simmer the Stew:
   Pour in about 1 cup of water and bring it to a simmer. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.

5. Cook the Fish:
   Carefully add the Nile tilapia to the skillet, making sure the fish is submerged in the aromatic broth. Season with salt, sugar, and mushroom stock powder to taste.

6. Simmer Gently:
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the fish cook undisturbed. Avoid stirring too often as it may cause the fish to break apart. Allow the stew to cook until the fish is tender and the flavors are well combined.

7. Finish with Fresh Ingredients:
   Just before removing from heat, squeeze in the lime juice and stir in the fresh basil leaves. This will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

8. Serve:
   Gently transfer the fish and broth to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of Ikan Nila Woku, a delightful Indonesian fish stew that’s perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal. Happy cooking!

Feel free to adapt the heat level and seasoning to your taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.