Ambot tik

Ingredients

• 500 g shark, catfish or ray, cut in pieces
• 10 dried red chillies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds and ½ tsp peppercorns
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 8 cloves garlic and 2.5 cm ginger
• Lemon-sized ball of tamarind
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash the fish and rub with salt and a little turmeric.
2. Grind the chillies, cumin, pepper, turmeric, garlic, ginger and tamarind with a little water to a smooth paste.
3. Heat the oil, fry the onion until golden and add the tomato; cook until soft.
4. Add the masala paste and fry for 3–4 minutes, then add 1½ cups water and bring to a boil.
5. Add the fish and salt and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until cooked. Serve with rice.