Sweet and Sour Freshwater Snapper: Bawal Asam Manis Recipe

Bawal Asam Manis: A Delightful Sweet and Sour Freshwater Fish Dish

Ingredients:

• For the Fish:

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  • 2 whole freshwater snapper (bawal air tawar)

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 3 cm ginger
  • 2 pieces of kencur (aromatic ginger)
  • 2 cm turmeric
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 5 curly red chilies
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 packet tamarind (asam jawa)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 large cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 250 ml water
  • Salt and seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground spice paste made from ginger, kencur, turmeric, garlic, shallots, and curly red chilies. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the shallots turn a light golden brown.

2. Add Aromatics:
   Once the spices are aromatic, introduce the bay leaves and bruised lemongrass to the pan. Continue to sauté for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Create the Broth:
   Pour in the water and season with salt, seasoning, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to deepen.

4. Incorporate Tamarind:
   Once the water is boiling, dissolve the tamarind in a small bowl with a bit of water, then pour it into the pan along with its liquid. Adjust the taste according to your preference, balancing the sweet, sour, and spicy elements to your liking.

5. Add Vegetables and Fish:
   Gently add the quartered cherry tomatoes and the whole fish into the pan. Cover and cook until the fish is thoroughly cooked and tender, absorbing all the vibrant flavors.

6. Serve:
   Once the fish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and serve hot. This delightful Bawal Asam Manis is best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of rice, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!

This Bawal Asam Manis is not only a beautiful representation of traditional flavors but also a dish that brings warmth to the table, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Happy cooking!