Zesty Homemade Sardines with Aromatic Tomato Sauce

Homemade Sardines Recipe

Experience the delightful flavors of homemade sardines with this aromatic recipe that’s sure to impress. This dish combines fresh sardines with a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is a testament to the joys of home cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh sardines (ikan salem) or fresh tuna
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• For Sautéing:
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• For Ground Spice Mixture:
  • 5 cloves shallots (bawang merah)
  • 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
  • 5-6 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped or blended
  • 3 red chilies (cabe merah)
  • 6 small red chilies (cabe rawit merah) whole
  • 2 cm galangal, bruised (lengkuas)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning powder (optional)
• Additional:
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • A pinch of chicken bouillon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sardines:

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   • Thoroughly clean the sardines and rinse them with lime juice to remove any strong fishy odors.
   • Sprinkle salt over the sardines and let them sit for a few minutes.
   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the sardines until they are golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Cook the Spices:

   • In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the sliced onions until they are soft and fragrant.
   • Add the ground spice mixture (shallots, garlic, tomatoes, red chilies, and small red chilies) to the pan. Cook until the mixture is aromatic and the tomatoes have softened.
   • Add the bruised galangal to the pan, and stir well. Season with sugar, salt, and a pinch of chicken bouillon if using.

3. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour in a bit of water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
   • Gently add the fried sardines to the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
   • Reduce the heat and simmer until the flavors meld together and the sardines have absorbed the sauce.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the homemade sardines hot, accompanied by steamed rice or bread.

This homemade sardines recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh fish with a rich and savory sauce. The blend of spices and the freshness of lime make for a truly delicious and satisfying dish. Enjoy!