Assam Fish - tangy!

Assam fish has all the flavours to tickle one's taste buds  - spicy, sour, sweet, salty and umami. It's mouth-watering and appetising. The unique tamarind taste goes so well with okra and tomato. I would have added aubergines and pineapples if I had those at the time of cooking.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/tgY6pBJ_ziE

Ingredients

• 6-7 large pieces of fish fillet

• 2 Tbsp oil

• Spice Mix: grind together

  • 1 onion (chopped)

  • 3 cloves garlic (chopped)

  • 2 slices of ginger

  • 1 tsp chilli powder

  • 1 Tbsp sweet paprika

  • 1 tsp ground coriander powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin powder

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp black pepper powder

• 3 cups of water

• Seasoning:

  • 3 Tbsp tamarind paste

  • 2 Tbsp sugar

  • 2 tsp fish sauce

• Vegetables:

  • a handful of okra (cut off the tips)

  • 2 tomatoes (quartered)

  • 1 red pepper (cut into large pieces)

  • a handful of fresh mushrooms (optional)

• 5-6 curry leaves

• Salt to taste

Method

1. Rub salt & black pepper on the fish fillets. Marinade for 15 mins.

2. Grind the spice mixture till fine.

3. In a large pot, heat up the oil and add the spice mix. Fry on low heat until the oil starts to separate out.

4. Add water and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 mins to develop the flavours of spices.

5. Add seasoning (tamarind paste, sugar and fish sauce) and mix well.

6. Add fish and vegetables and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins until the fish is just cooked.

7. Add curry leaves and taste the gravy. Add sugar and salt to taste. Serve with steamed rice.