Kakap Kuah Asam: A Tangy Snapper Soup
Discover the delightful flavors of Kakap Kuah Asam, a tangy Indonesian soup made with the rich bones of snapper. This dish not only warms the heart but also tantalizes the taste buds with its fragrant herbs and spices. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe showcases the harmonious blend of sour tamarind and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Snapper bones | 500 g |
| Tomatoes | 4, diced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Shallots | 6, sliced |
| Large red chilies | 2, seeded and sliced |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3, torn |
| Ginger | 1 piece (about 2 inches), sliced |
| Turmeric | 2 pieces (about 2 inches), sliced |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind water | 1000 ml |
| Basil | 1 bunch, roughly chopped |
| Green onions | 1 small bunch, chopped |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
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Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by finely slicing the garlic, shallots, ginger, and turmeric. Next, seed the large red chilies and slice them into thin strips. Set these aside as they will add a wonderful aroma to your soup.
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Sautéing the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, ginger, turmeric, and red chilies, along with the torn kaffir lime leaves. Sauté these ingredients together until they release their fragrant aroma, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Building the Soup Base: Pour in the tamarind water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with granulated sugar and salt, adjusting the flavors to your liking. Taste the broth and ensure the balance of sourness and sweetness is to your preference.
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Cooking the Snapper Bones: Add the snapper bones to the pot, allowing them to simmer in the broth until fully cooked and flavorful, approximately 15-20 minutes. This step ensures that the rich flavors of the fish bones permeate the soup.
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Final Touches: Reduce the heat to low and add the diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh basil to the pot. Let the soup cook on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and blend with the broth.
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Serving: Once the soup is ready, carefully ladle it into bowls. Enjoy it as a warm, comforting meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends. If desired, feel free to add fried snapper fillets for a heartier version of the dish, making it even more delightful.
Tips
- Customize Your Dish: If you wish to enhance the flavors further, consider adding pieces of fried snapper flesh to the soup before serving, offering a delightful texture and taste contrast.
- Storing Leftovers: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving again to enjoy its delicious flavors.
Embrace the vibrant taste of Kakap Kuah Asam, where each spoonful is a warm embrace of Indonesian culinary tradition, infused with the essence of fresh ingredients and the zest of tangy tamarind. Happy cooking!
