(Ikan Bumbu Rujak)

SERVES 4

This classic Indonesian dish has an appealing, sweet-spicy taste.

2 thick stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed
1 tbsp. tamarind pulp
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3–5 long red chiles, such as holland or
   cayenne, stemmed and chopped
2 shallots, chopped
2" piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly
   sliced crosswise
2" piece fresh galangal, peeled and thinly
   sliced crosswise (optional)
5 tbsp. peanut oil
3 cassia sticks
2 whole nutmegs, cracked open with
   a nutcracker
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 1⁄2 lbs. skinless, boneless tuna filets,
   cut into 2" chunks
1⁄4 cup kecap manis (Indonesian sweet
   soy sauce)
Salt

1. Remove and discard outer leaves of lemongrass and, using a blunt object like the smooth side of a meat mallet, bruise stalks until they are slightly shredded and flexible, then tie each in a knot; set aside. Put tamarind pulp and 3⁄4 cup hot water into a small bowl; let soften for 15 minutes. Squeeze pulp through fingers, loosening it from seeds and fibers. Discard solids; set aside.

2. Put garlic, chiles, shallots, ginger, galangal, and 1 tbsp. water into a food processor and purée, scraping down sides of bowl often, to form a fairly smooth paste, about 2 minutes. Transfer paste to a small bowl; set aside.

3. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add ground paste and cook until oil begins to separate and paste no longer smells raw, about 6 minutes. Add cassia, nutmeg, cloves, and lemongrass and cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add tuna and cook, stirring often, until outside of tuna is cooked and opaque, 3–5 minutes. Add reserved tamarind liquid, sweet soy sauce, and 1⁄4 cup water and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until tuna is just cooked and still faintly pink in middle, 6–8 minutes. Season with salt to taste and transfer tuna and its sauce to a serving bowl. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to intensify. Serve with Festive Yellow Rice, if you like.