Pecel lele

Pecel Lele is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of fried catfish and sambal, a spicy sauce. It is commonly served with rice, lalapan (raw vegetables), and tempeh or tofu. The dish is particularly popular in Java, but can be found throughout Indonesia and in Indonesian communities worldwide.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient of Pecel Lele is catfish, which is marinated in a mixture of turmeric, garlic, salt, and lime juice before being deep-fried until crispy. The sambal sauce that accompanies the dish is made from a variety of chili peppers, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, tamarind, sugar, and salt. The sauce is traditionally ground in a mortar and pestle to achieve the desired consistency.

The dish is typically served with a side of lalapan, which can include a variety of raw vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, basil, and long beans. A portion of steamed rice, tempeh, or tofu is also commonly included.

Cultural Significance

Pecel Lele is often associated with warung, small, family-owned businesses or restaurants that serve traditional Indonesian food. It is a popular choice for late-night meals, and is often consumed as street food. The dish is also commonly served during special occasions and celebrations.

Despite its popularity in Indonesia, Pecel Lele has also gained recognition internationally, with restaurants serving the dish in cities around the world.

See Also

• Indonesian cuisine
• Sambal
• Warung