Spicy Indonesian Roa Fish with Petai Beans (Sambal Sagela Pete)

Sambal Sagela, also known as Sambal Roa Pete, is a spicy and flavorful dish from Indonesia that combines the savory goodness of roa fish with the unique taste of petai beans. This recipe will guide you through making this delectable sambal, perfect for pairing with steaming hot rice.

Ingredients

• 3 pieces of roa fish (Sagela) or any dried fish, shredded and finely ground
• 2 bunches of petai beans (pete)
• For the spice paste:
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 15 small red chilies
  • 2 medium-sized red tomatoes
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Seasoning powder (optional), to taste
• Oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Shred and finely grind the roa fish, and set aside. Slice the petai beans into bite-sized pieces.

2. Fry the Roa Fish: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Quickly fry the roa fish just until it becomes crispy. Avoid over-frying; a brief time in the hot oil is sufficient to achieve a crispy texture.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the spice paste ingredients: shallots, garlic, small red chilies, and red tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes have softened and started to break down, pressing them gently to release their juices.

4. Add Sweet Soy Sauce: Incorporate the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) into the spice mixture. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Combine with Petai Beans: Add the sliced petai beans to the pan. Toss and cook briefly to mix the petai beans with the sambal, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice mixture.

6. Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning with salt and optional seasoning powder according to your taste. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two.

7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the spicy and aromatic flavors of Sambal Sagela/Roa Pete.

This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine. It pairs beautifully with rice and makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.