Tauco Ikan (Salted Soy Bean Fish Soup)

Ingredients

500 g fish of choice (whole or fillets, I used cod fillets)1/8 tsp turmeric powder2 cups onion (sliced)1/2 tbsp ginger (julienned)1 tbsp garlic (sliced)1 lemongrass (white part only & bashed)1 tbsp fresh red chillies (sliced)1 tbsp fresh green chillies (sliced)2 tbsp salted soy beans (lightly rinsed or substituted with 1 tbsp miso paste or doenjang)1/2 tsp tamarind paste or 2 tbsp tamarind juice3 cups water1 cup vegetable of choice (optional, I added tiny okras)1/2 tsp salt (to taste)1/4 tsp ground white pepper (to taste)oil for frying

Steps

Rub clean fish with turmeric powder.Heat oil in a large pot, enough to fry fish till they turn light golden brown, remove & set aside.Remove oil from pot, leaving only 1 tbsp of it & add onion.Fry for 1 min, add ginger, garlic, lemongrass & sliced chillies.Fry for 2-3 mins & add the salted soy beans.Cook for 1 min & add water.Bring to a boil, add vegetables (if using), tamarind paste, salt & pepper.Cook till vegetables are tender, add back the fish & boil for 2 mins.Taste to adjust seasoning & serve with cooked rice.