Tangy Indonesian Tuna Soup (Sayur Asam Ikan Tongkol)

Sayur Asam with Tuna (Ikan Tongkol)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Tuna (Ikan Tongkol) – cleaned and cut into chunks
• Spice Paste:
  • 10 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 cm turmeric
  • 2 cm ginger
  • 5 red chilies (or to taste)
  • A handful of dried shrimp (udang kecepeh) or finely ground shrimp
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 3 fresh tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 5 pieces of starfruit (belimbing), halved
  • 10 small chilies
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 turmeric leaf (daun kunyit)
  • 2 pieces of galangal (lengkuas)
  • Cooking oil for sautéing
  • Salt, seasoning, and sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna: Clean the tuna and cut it into several pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl with some starfruit and let them marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, red chilies, and dried shrimp into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat some cooking oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the raw aroma has dissipated.

4. Add Additional Ingredients: Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the tomatoes, starfruit, small chilies, lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric leaf, and galangal to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.

5. Cook the Soup: Add enough water to the pot to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

6. Add the Tuna: Gently add the marinated tuna pieces to the pot. Season with salt, seasoning, and sugar to taste. Allow the soup to simmer until the tuna is cooked through and the flavors meld together.

7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, seasoning, or sugar according to your preference.

8. Serve: Once the tuna is cooked and the flavors are well combined, your Sayur Asam with Tuna is ready to serve. Enjoy this flavorful and tangy dish with steamed rice or as a delicious soup.

This traditional Indonesian dish is a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.