How to Make Pepes

 How to Make Pepes

Pepes

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"Pepes" is a traditional Indonesian dish where ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled. It can be made with various proteins like fish, chicken, tofu, or tempeh, along with a rich mixture of spices and seasonings. Here's how to make a basic version of pepes:

Ingredients:

Main:

• 500g fish fillets (e.g., mackerel or snapper), chicken, or tofu
• Banana leaves (for wrapping)
• Toothpicks or string (to secure the wraps)

Spice Paste:

• 4 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 5 candlenuts (substitute with macadamia nuts if unavailable)
• 5 red chilies (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2 cm galangal, peeled
• 2 cm turmeric root (or 1 tsp turmeric powder)
• 2 cm ginger, peeled
• 1 stalk lemongrass (white part only, thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi) (optional)
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil (for blending)

Other:

• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp sweet basil leaves (optional)
• Fresh chili slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Leaves

• Cut the banana leaves into rectangular sheets (about 20x25 cm).
• Briefly heat them over a flame or steam them to make them pliable.

2. Make the Spice Paste

• Blend or grind shallots, garlic, candlenuts, chilies, galangal, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, shrimp paste (if using), palm sugar, and salt into a smooth paste. Add a little oil if needed.

3. Prepare the Ingredients

• If using fish or chicken, ensure they are clean and cut into portions.
• Mix the spice paste with the protein, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Pepes

• Place a banana leaf sheet on a flat surface.
• Lay a slice of tomato on the leaf, followed by the seasoned protein.
• Add a few slices of kaffir lime leaves, basil leaves, and fresh chilies (if desired).

5. Wrap the Pepes

• Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the filling to form a parcel.
• Secure the ends with toothpicks or tie with string.

6. Cook the Pepes

• Steam: Place the parcels in a steamer and cook for 25–30 minutes.
• Grill: After steaming, grill the parcels for 5–10 minutes for added flavor, or grill directly without steaming for a smoky taste.

7. Serve

• Open the banana leaf just before serving to release the aromatic steam.
• Pair with steamed rice and sambal for a complete meal.

Also read:

https://nabila-recipes.blogspot.com/2024/12/how-to-make-gado-gado.html

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