Samlor Machou Plaa (Sour Fish Soup)
A vibrant and tangy soup featuring fish, tamarind, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. This sour soup is a staple in Cambodian cuisine, offering a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia or catfish, cut into chunks)
- 2 liters Water
- 3 tbsp Tamarind paste(or to taste)
- 2 Lemongrass stalks(bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 cm Galangal(thinly sliced)
- 3 Shallots(peeled and halved)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(quartered)
- 100 g Okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Chinese eggplant(cut into chunks)
- 100 g Long beans(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar(optional, to balance sourness)
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1-2 Chili peppers(sliced, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine water, tamarind paste, bruised lemongrass, sliced galangal, and halved shallots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 2
Strain the broth, discarding the solids. Return the flavored broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the broth is clear and flavorful. - 3
Add the fish chunks to the simmering broth. Cook gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Do not overcook the fish.
💡 Tip: Poaching the fish gently helps it stay intact. - 4
Add the tomatoes, okra, Chinese eggplant, and long beans to the pot. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their texture and color. - 5
Season the soup with fish sauce, salt, and sugar (if using) to taste. Adjust the sourness by adding more tamarind paste if desired.
💡 Tip: Balance the sour, salty, and savory flavors. - 6
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and cilantro just before serving. Garnish with sliced chili peppers if desired.
💡 Tip: Adding herbs at the end preserves their fresh aroma and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to achieve your preferred level of sourness.
- ✓This soup is best enjoyed fresh.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like water spinach or pumpkin.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a fresh chili to the broth.