Garam is a Malay word which mean "to be irresistible". This dish Garam Assam is known for its ability to stimulate one's appetite with its sourish flavour.

Ingredients:

0.6 kg/ 1 kt
2 rounded tbsp
2 tbsp
2 tsp
8 tbsp

rempah (pound coarsely):
10 slices
1/2 thumbsize piece
4
20
1/2 tbsp
4

add in:
1 stalk

fish or large prawns
tamarind (assam), add 855 ml/30 oz water, strain & use liquid only
sugar
salt or more
oil

lengkuas
tumeric (kunyit)
candlenuts (buah keras)
shallots (bawang merah)
shrimp paste (blachan)
chilies

lemon grass (serai), bruised
 

Directions:

1. To Cook : Over a high flame, heat a frying pan until hot. Pour in the 8 tbsp oil, add in the rempah, and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Lower to a medium flame, and stir-fry for 2 more minutes. Add in a little tamarind water and stir-fry for another minute. Over a high flame, add in the remaining tamarind water, 2 tbsp sugar and 2 tsp salt. Bring to boil, add the meat, and bring to boil again. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.