Spicy Yellow Tuna with Basil (Bumbu Rujak)

Title: Tuna in Spicy Yellow Basil Sauce (Bumbu Rujak)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg fresh or preserved tuna
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 2 candlenuts
  • A small piece of ginger (to taste)
  • A small piece of turmeric (to taste)
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 shallots
• Salt, to taste
• MSG (optional, to taste)
• Sugar, to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding the candlenuts, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and shallots into a fine paste. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a blender for convenience.

2. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the tomatoes into wedges and slice the bird’s eye chilies according to your heat preference. Cube the tuna into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and starts to release its aroma.

4. Add Tomatoes and Chilies: Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the tomato wedges and sliced chilies to the pan. Stir well to combine with the spice paste.

5. Add Tuna: Gently add the cubed tuna to the pan, mixing it in with the spice paste, tomatoes, and chilies.

6. Simmer: Pour in enough water to just cover the tuna. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the tuna is fully cooked and tender.

7. Add Basil: Once the tuna is cooked, add the fresh basil leaves. Stir and cook for a few more minutes until the basil is wilted and the flavors are well combined.

8. Season to Taste: Season with salt, a pinch of MSG (if using), and sugar according to your taste preferences. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

9. Serve: Serve the tuna in spicy yellow basil sauce hot with steamed rice or as desired.

Enjoy this flavorful dish that brings together the savory taste of tuna with the aromatic and spicy essence of traditional Indonesian flavors!