Mie Aceh is a beloved dish from the Indonesian province of Aceh, known for its rich and spicy flavors. This noodle dish is a harmonious blend of Chinese-influenced noodles and Acehnese cuisine's bold, aromatic spices. Here's how you can recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Noodles:- 400g of egg noodles
- Water for boiling
- Salt
For the Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 3-4 red chili peppers, deseeded (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2 inches of fresh galangal, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 200g of beef or chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Fried shallots for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Noodles:
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
Make the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, ginger, galangal, turmeric powder, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns.
- Blend until a smooth paste forms.
Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the spice paste and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Broth:
- Add sliced beef or chicken to the pan and cook until browned.
- Stir in lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, diced tomatoes, and sweet soy sauce.
- Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Let the broth simmer for 20-30 minutes until the flavors meld together and the meat is tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the Mie Aceh:
- Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth and meat over the noodles.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Mie Aceh with fried shallots and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice tolerance.
- For a richer broth, you can use beef or chicken broth instead of water.
- Feel free to add ingredients like boiled eggs, shrimp, or tofu for additional protein.
Variations:
- Seafood Mie Aceh: Substitute the beef or chicken with shrimp, squid, and fish balls for a delightful seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Mie Aceh: Replace the meat with tofu and add an assortment of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bok choy for a vegetarian-friendly version.
