Sweet and Spicy Indonesian Tuna Stew (Tongkol Masak Habang)

Tongkol Masak Habang Recipe: A Spicy Indonesian Tuna Dish

Discover the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable recipe for Tongkol Masak Habang. This dish features tuna simmered in a rich, spicy sauce, and is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of sweetness in their savory meals. The combination of dried red chilies, aromatic spices, and sweet palm sugar creates a unique taste that’s sure to delight. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg tuna (tongkol)
• For the spice paste:
  • 100 grams dried red chilies
  • 7 cloves garlic
  • 4 shallots
  • 2 cm ginger
  • 1 packet terasi (shrimp paste)
  • 1 thumb-sized piece tamarind (asam jawa)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped palm sugar (gula merah)
  • Salt and seasoning to taste
• For garnish:
  • Fried shallots (bawang goreng)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna:

   • Clean the tuna thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the tuna pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Remove the seeds from the dried red chilies. Soak the chilies in hot water until they become soft. Drain.
   • In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, garlic, shallots, and ginger. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, until the paste’s moisture evaporates and it becomes aromatic.

4. Add Terasi and Tamarind:

   • Crumble the terasi into the pan with the spice paste. Add a little water to dissolve it and mix well.
   • Add the tamarind, which has been dissolved in a small amount of water, to the pan. Stir to combine.

5. Season the Sauce:

   • Incorporate the palm sugar, salt, and seasoning into the mixture. Stir well and let it cook until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Combine Tuna and Sauce:

   • Gently add the fried tuna pieces into the pan with the spice paste. Add enough water to cover the tuna halfway. Stir to coat the tuna with the sauce.
   • Simmer over low heat until the tuna absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve:

   • Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with fried shallots for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

8. Enjoy:

   • Serve the Tongkol Masak Habang with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

This recipe is a fantastic way to experience traditional Indonesian flavors. The unique blend of spices and the slight sweetness from the palm sugar make Tongkol Masak Habang a standout dish at any meal. Enjoy this culinary adventure and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!