Bawal Asam Manis: A Deliciously Balanced Sweet and Sour Freshwater Snapper Dish
This delightful recipe for Bawal Asam Manis, a sweet and sour freshwater snapper dish, showcases a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of fragrant spices and fresh ingredients makes it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Freshwater snapper (bawal) | 2 fish |
| Spice Paste: | |
| Ginger | 3 cm |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 2 pieces |
| Turmeric | 2 cm |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Red curly chilies | 5 pieces |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (bruised) | 1 stalk |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Tamarind | 1 packet |
| White sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 (cut into large pieces) |
| Water | 250 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely ground spice paste, which includes ginger, kencur, turmeric, garlic, shallots, and red chilies. Sauté the paste until it becomes fragrant and turns a golden brown.
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Add Aromatics:
Once the spice paste is aromatic, introduce the bay leaves and bruised lemongrass to the pan. Continue to sauté until the mixture is beautifully fragrant and caramelized. -
Create the Sauce:
Carefully pour in the water, followed by salt, flavor enhancer, and white sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once boiling, dissolve the tamarind in a small amount of warm water and add the tamarind liquid to the pot. Taste and adjust the sourness and sweetness according to your preference. -
Incorporate the Vegetables and Fish:
Gently add the cherry tomatoes and the prepared freshwater snapper to the pot. Simmer the dish until the fish is thoroughly cooked, absorbing all the vibrant flavors of the sauce. -
Serve:
Once the fish is cooked to perfection, remove the pot from heat. Serve this exquisite Bawal Asam Manis hot, accompanied by a steaming bowl of jasmine rice. Enjoy the harmony of flavors that this dish brings to your table.
This Bawal Asam Manis recipe is not only an embodiment of culinary tradition but also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors creates a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy your cooking journey with this delightful recipe!
