Spicy Sardine & Eggplant Delight: A Flavorful Indonesian Comfort Dish

Sardines with Spicy Eggplant (Sarden Balado Terong)

Embark on a culinary adventure with this delightful recipe for Sardines with Spicy Eggplant, known in Indonesia as Sarden Balado Terong. This dish harmoniously blends the richness of sardines with the vibrant flavors of eggplant and a medley of spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Below is a detailed guide, including ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
   Start by washing the eggplant thoroughly. Slice it into thin rounds or bite-sized pieces as per your preference. In a frying pan, heat oil and fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown and tender. Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

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2. Make the Spice Mixture:
   In a mortar and pestle, combine the red chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. Grind them into a fine paste, which will serve as the base for your sauce. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, a food processor works just as well.

3. Sauté the Spices:
   In a pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for releasing the flavors of the spices. Then, add the sliced tomatoes and continue to cook until they soften and become mushy.

4. Cook the Eggplant and Sardines:
   Once the tomatoes are wilted, pour in a bit of water to create a sauce. Allow it to come to a gentle boil. Then, add the fried eggplant into the pan, along with the sardines, pouring in just the sauce from the can (reserve the sardines). Gently stir to combine, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired sauce consistency.

5. Season the Dish:
   Season the mixture with black pepper, salt, and sugar according to your taste. Remember, it’s essential to adjust the flavors to your preference, so feel free to taste as you go.

6. Combine the Ingredients:
   Carefully place the sardines around the edges of the pan without stirring them in too much. You want to keep them intact while still letting them absorb some flavors from the sauce. To clean the edges of the can, you can use a little water to rinse out any remaining sauce, which can be added to the pan for extra flavor.

7. Finishing Touches:
   Allow everything to simmer gently for a few minutes, letting the eggplant soak up the rich flavors of the sauce and the sardines warm through. Make sure to avoid stirring the sardines too much to keep them whole.

8. Serve:
   Once the dish is cooked to perfection and the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s ready to be served. Present the dish by placing the spicy eggplant and sardines side by side on a plate. This way, diners can enjoy the vibrant flavors of the vegetables alongside the savory sardines.

Nutritional Information

Cooking Tips

• Eggplant Variety: Choose a firm eggplant with smooth skin for the best texture in your dish. Baby eggplants are also a delightful option.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chili peppers according to your heat preference. If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before grinding.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, providing a wholesome and filling meal that showcases the delightful combination of flavors.

Indulge in this delightful recipe that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine, offering a comforting and savory dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual lunch or as part of a festive dinner, this Sardines with Spicy Eggplant recipe is bound to impress!