Resipi Kerabu Pakis: Hidangan Tradisional yang Menyegarkan

Kerabu pakis, a vibrant and refreshing Malaysian salad, is a culinary delight that showcases the unique flavors of Southeast Asia. This traditional dish features the delicate fern, paku, tossed in a zesty lime dressing and complemented by an array of aromatic herbs and spices. Learning to make kerabu pakis is easier than you might think, and the result is a truly unforgettable taste experience. This guide will walk you through a simple yet authentic recipe, ensuring you can create this delicious dish at home.

Bahan-bahan yang Diperlukan (Ingredients Needed)

Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients:

• 250g Paku (fiddlehead ferns): Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and blanched. You can find this at most Asian grocery stores. If paku is unavailable, you can substitute with other leafy greens like kacang botol (long beans).
• 1 biji bawang merah, dihiris (1 red onion, thinly sliced): This provides a pungent bite.
• 2 ulas bawang putih, dicincang (2 cloves garlic, minced): Garlic adds depth of flavor.
• 1 inci halia, dihiris halus (1 inch ginger, thinly sliced): Ginger provides a subtle warmth and spiciness.
• 1-2 cili api, dihiris (1-2 bird's eye chilies, sliced): Adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.
• 1/2 cawan udang kering, direbus dan dikisar (1/2 cup dried shrimp, boiled and pounded): This adds a salty and umami flavor. You can also use prawns.
• 2 sudu makan belacan, dibakar dan dikisar (2 tablespoons belacan, roasted and pounded): Belacan (shrimp paste) is crucial for the authentic kerabu flavor. Roast it carefully to enhance its aroma.
• Jus 1 biji limau nipis (Juice of 1 lime): Lime juice provides the essential tanginess.
• 1 sudu makan gula (1 tablespoon sugar): Balances the acidity of the lime.
• Garam secukup rasa (Salt to taste): Adjust according to your preference.
• Gajus, hirisan daun pudina dan daun selasih (Optional: Toasted peanuts, mint leaves, and Thai basil): These add texture and further enhance the aroma.

Cara Penyediaan (Preparation Method)

Follow these steps for a perfect kerabu pakis:

1. Menyediakan Paku (Preparing the Paku)

• Cleaning: Wash the paku thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Blanching: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paku and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, but still retaining its vibrant green color. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color. Drain well.

2. Membuat Pes (Making the Paste)

• Combine the roasted and pounded belacan, pounded dried shrimp, minced garlic, and thinly sliced ginger. Mix well to form a paste.

3. Mengadun Kerabu (Mixing the Kerabu)

• In a large bowl, combine the blanched paku, sliced red onion, and sliced chili.
• Add the belacan paste.
• Add lime juice, sugar, and salt. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice for extra tanginess or sugar for sweetness.

4. Menghidangkan (Serving)

• Garnish with toasted peanuts, mint leaves, and Thai basil (optional).
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Petua (Tips & Tricks)

• For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the paku in the lime juice mixture for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
• Don't overcook the paku; it should be tender-crisp.
• Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice tolerance.
• You can add other vegetables like cucumber or shredded carrots for added texture and color.

Kesimpulan (Conclusion)

Kerabu pakis is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. With its vibrant colors and unique flavor profile, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills! Selamat mencuba! (Good luck!)