Nyonya Fish Curry

INGREDIENTS :

1 lb of your favorite fresh fish - cut into 3 pieces
2 tbs turmeric powder
1 tbs dried shrimp paste [ belachan ]
5 curry leaves
2 tbsp sambal oelek
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 med onions [1 finely minced and 1 cut into thick slices]
3 tbs tomato paste or one large ripe tomato, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup coconut milk
2 cups water
2 assam gelugor [tamarind skins]
1 cup of string beans or okra
1 tsp sugar
salt to taste

Methods:

In a wok or pot, heat ghee or vegetable oil on high, stir-fry minced onion until lightly browned, add garlic, turmeric powder, dried shrimp paste, sambal oelek and stir-fry for a few seconds.Add curry leaves, reduce heat to low, stir-fry until quite toasted and oil starts to ooze from paste - do not burn! Add tomato paste or diced tomato, coconut milk, water, sugar, asam gelugor and season with salt , bring to a slow boil
Add string beans or okra, simmer until vegetables cooked.Add fish and sliced onions, cover and simmer gently. When fish is just done, remove promptly from heat, let stand for 15 mins [for flavors to meld]. Garnish with peppermint leaves.
Serve with steamed rice.