Ikan Patin Kuah Asam Pedas (Spicy Sour Catfish Soup)
Ingredients
- 1 kg Ikan Patin (Catfish)
- 2 Limes, juiced
- 1 Tomato, sliced
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 2 Stalks of Green Onions, chopped
- 2 Lemongrass Stalks, bruised
- 1-inch Ginger, bruised
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Potatoes, diced and half-fried
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)
- Chili Peppers, to taste
- 3 Shallots
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1-inch Turmeric
- 2 Candlenuts
- 1 tsp White Pepper
Preparation Steps
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Marinate the Catfish: Begin by marinating the catfish with lime juice. Let it soak for approximately 10 minutes to eliminate any fishy odor.
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Prepare Ingredients: While the fish marinates, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Juice the limes and set the juice aside for the final touch. Dice and half-fry the potatoes until they are half-cooked to allow them to absorb the flavors better later on.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the chili peppers, shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenuts, and white pepper into a fine paste.
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Prepare Aromatics: Slice the tomato and onion. Bruise the lemongrass and ginger. Chop the green onions and set them aside.
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Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the bruised lemongrass, ginger, and bay leaves. Continue to sauté until the spices are well incorporated and aromatic.
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Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in enough water to create a soup base, allowing the mixture to simmer.
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Cook the Catfish: Add the marinated catfish along with the lime juice to the pot. Let it cook until the fish is thoroughly cooked through.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the half-fried diced potatoes, sliced tomato, and green onions to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer until all the ingredients are tender and the flavors are well melded.
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Final Taste Check: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
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Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your spicy, tangy, and aromatic Ikan Patin Kuah Asam Pedas.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for those who love a combination of spicy and sour flavors. Adjust the chili peppers according to your heat preference.
- The half-fried potatoes will absorb the soup’s flavors, providing a delightful texture contrast to the tender catfish.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of fish sauce or shrimp paste during the cooking process.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure that the lemongrass and ginger are well bruised to release their essential oils, enhancing the soup’s aroma.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add some cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking process.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this flavorful dish! Don’t forget to like, share, and recook. Happy cooking!