Medium
6
Published 2010
On more recent visits to Burma we have had time for a few days rest on the idyllic and so far unspoilt Ngapali beach. There are many little restaurants behind the beach, run by families who live in shacks at the back of them. They serve fresh and skilfully cooked fish, seafood and vegetable dishes. One of our favourite dishes is a fish curry, which they tell you is cooked fin the Burmese wayβ, with tomatoes. Barracuda is often used, but any firm white fish will do. Serve with basmati rice, cooked in coconut milk if you have a tin handy.
Cut open the chillies under running water, discard the seeds and stems, then chop the flesh finely. Pierce each tomato with the tip of a sharp knife, then put them into a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for a minute or two before draining. Peel the tomatoes and chop the flesh fairly small. Peel the ginger and garlic and chop finely together. Peel the onion and chop finely.
In a large bowl, mix
Pour any remaining turmeric-infused oil from the bowl into a flameproof casserole. Add the remaining groundnut oil and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and stir over the heat until soft and browned, then add the ginger and garlic and stir around for a minute or two. Add the tomatoes and chillies and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are mushy. Stir in the sugar, fish sauce, water and lemon juice. Take off the heat.
Add the fish carefully, so as not to break up the pieces, and pour in any remaining pan juices. Cover the casserole and set over the lowest possible heat - the juices should barely bubble. Cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until it is just cooked.
Meanwhile, slice the spring onions across into
Β© 2010 Josceline Dimbleby. All rights reserved.