Garam Assam

Garam is a Malay word which means "to be irresistible". This dish is known for its ability to stimulate one's appetite with its tangy sourish flavour.

Ingredients

0.6 kg fish or large shrimps

2 round tablespoons of tamarind (assam), add 30 oz. water, strain & use liquid only

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons salt

8 tablespoons oil

Ingredients to be pounded together

10 slices lengkuas ( a root similar to ginger.
Powdered form available from most grocery shops )

1/2 thumbsize piece of turmeric

4 candlenuts or hazelnuts

20 shallots

Half tablespoon shrimp paste

4 chillies

1 stalk lemon grass, crushed

Instructions

1. Fry pounded ingredients in oil for 2 minutes over high flame.

2. Add in a bit of tamarind juice, then stir fry for another minute

3. Over high flame, add in the remaining tamarind juice, sugar and salt

4. Bring to boil and add meat.

5. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes