Spicy Tamarind Mackerel Stew (Asam Pedas Pija Tenggiri)

Ingredients

• 1/4 of salted mackerel fish (ikan asin tenggiri)
• Spice Paste:
  • 20 red chili peppers (or to taste)
  • 1 large red tomato
  • 6 shallots
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of tamarind (in paste form)
  • Sugar, to taste
  • Seasoning powder, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Cut the salted mackerel into chunks.
   • Rinse the fish pieces several times to reduce the saltiness. Soak briefly to further lessen the salt, then drain well.
   • Fry the fish pieces until they are half-cooked. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the red chili peppers, red tomato, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat some cooking oil in a pan.
   • Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.

4. Prepare Tamarind Mixture:

   • Dissolve the tamarind paste in about half a glass of water.
   • Add this tamarind water to the sautéed spice paste.

5. Combine and Simmer:

   • Once the mixture begins to boil, add the fried salted mackerel pieces.
   • Season with sugar and seasoning powder to taste.
   • Adjust the seasoning and sweetness as needed.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from heat once the fish is thoroughly cooked and the flavors have melded.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Note: I used only salt in the chili paste. For the cooking process, I did not add additional salt because the salted mackerel is already quite salty, even after rinsing and soaking. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. Enjoy this dish with fresh rice for a delightful experience! 🤗