Piyalam Istah

Ingredients for Piyalam Istah

• 2 medium pompano, scored
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• Salt
• Oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and pounded
• 1 thumb-sized fresh turmeric, peeled and pounded
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 lemongrass stalks, white parts pounded
• 2 red chillies
• 1 cup water
• Fish sauce, to taste

How to cook Piyalam Istah

1. 1.Rub fish inside and out with turmeric powder. Rest 5 minutes, rinse, drain well, and season with salt.
2. 2.Shallow-fry fish in oil over medium heat for 7 minutes per side, until golden with crisp edges; set aside.
3. 3.Leave 3 tablespoons oil in the wok. Sauté garlic, onion, ginger, and fresh turmeric until fragrant.
4. 4.Cook tomatoes until soft, then add lemongrass, chillies, fish, and water. Bring to a boil.
5. 5.Cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Season with fish sauce and serve.