Bandeng Pepes Keluwak ( Milkfish wrapped in banana leaf )

Milkfish...Heemmm...Who don't know or never taste milkfish? Not much maybe...but, mostly Indonesian must have tasted this yummy fish...In Semarang (Middle Java provision) city, people normally process this fish into smoke milkfish (Bandeng Asep) or Soft-bone milkfish (Bandeng Presto/Duri Lunak). Instead of just serve them fried, i try to give an extra herbs into the Soft-bone milkfish, wrapped, steam then roast.

Once again..this dish was inspired by Mr. William..Danke Om!

Bandeng Pepes Keluwak

( Milkfish wrapped in Banana Leaf-Keluwak Herbs )

The Ingredients:

• 1 pack Milk Fish (Soft bone)
• 4 - 6 Keluwak ( Keluwak is a fruit of the "kepayang" tree )
• 50 gr Candlenuts
• Half Thumbsize Ginger
• 50 gr Shallot
• 25 gr Garlic
• Basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon Coriander
• 2 Bayleaves
• Banana leaves
• 1-2 Mengkudu Leaf (Morinda Citrifolia L)
• 5-6 Small Red chilis
• Serai (C. Citratus) or Citronella

How To Make:

1. Grind together: Keluwak, Candlenuts, Coriander, Shallots, Garlic, Ginger until its formed like paste.
2. Prepare banana leaves. Put the Mengkudu leaves and Bayleaves. Cover-up 2 sides of the milkfish with Keluwak paste until its all covered well. Put on top of the Mengkudu & Bayleaves. Place the Basil to cover the surface, put some small chilis (whole). Roll over with banana leaves, wrapped-up tightly and pin with tooth picks on both side. *see pictures
3. Steam about 30 minutes. Let it cool awhile the roast lightly on the grill pan until welldone.

Makan-makan.....