PLIEK U CARRY (Acehnese Fermented Coconut Curry)

 

Here is the Kuah Pliek / Gulai Patarana Khas Aceh recipe:

- Ingredients

⏱ Time: 1 hour

🍽 Servings: 4–5 portions

- Vegetables & Protein:

1. 👉 100 grams of yardlong beans

2. 100 grams of melinjo leaves and fruit

3. 1/2 piece of chayote

4. 1/2 piece of purple eggplant

5. 50 grams of small shrimp

6. 1 liter of coconut milk

7. 50 grams of patarana / pliek u (fermented coconut)

- Sliced Spices:

8. 2 cloves of shallots, sliced

9. 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised

10. 1/3 part of torch ginger (kecombrang), sliced

11. 3 leaves of kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

12. 2 stalks of temurui leaves / curry leaves / salam koja, sliced

13. 5 pieces of green chili, diagonally sliced

- Ground Spices:

14. 4 cloves of shallots

15. 1 clove of garlic

16. 5 pieces of bird's eye chili

17. 1/2 tsp of coriander seeds

18. 1/4 tsp of black pepper

19. A thumb-sized piece of ginger

20. A thumb-sized piece of turmeric

21. 4–5 pieces of asam sunti (sun-dried sour starfruit)

22. Salt, mushroom broth powder, and sugar to taste

-Instructions:

*Step 1: Prepare Base Ingredients

Get all ingredients ready.

Blend the ground spices until smooth.

Blend the pliek u (fermented coconut) and mix it into the coconut milk, stir well.

*Step 2: Prep Vegetables and Sliced Spices

Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and wash thoroughly.

Slice all the ingredients listed under "Sliced Spices".

*Step 3: Cooking

In a large wok or pot, combine the chopped vegetables, small shrimp, coconut milk mixed with pliek u (strain if necessary), ground spices, and all sliced spices.

Stir well to prevent the coconut milk from separating.

Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Season with salt, mushroom broth powder, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.

*Step 4: Ready to Serve

Serve hot with rice.