Samak bil Tamar Hindi (Fish with Tamarind Sauce)
A delightful Omani dish featuring pan-seared or baked fish coated in a tangy and slightly sweet tamarind sauce, often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as sea bream, snapper, or cod; cut into portions)
- 100 g Tamarind paste
- 150 ml Water
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp Brown sugar or honey(to balance the tanginess)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh coriander
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, mix the tamarind paste with water. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes, then strain to remove any seeds or fibers, reserving the liquid.
- 2
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
- 3
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Stir in the diced tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chili flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- 7
Pour in the strained tamarind liquid. Add the brown sugar or honey, and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- 8
Return the fish fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the fish. Cover and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
- 9
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot, typically with plain rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your tamarind paste is good quality for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the sugar and chili flakes to achieve your desired sweet and spicy balance.
- ✓You can also bake the fish with the sauce if you prefer not to pan-sear.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cumin for extra depth.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.