Ghalieh Mahi
Fish soup from Khuzestan province
Ingredients:
(2) King Fish steaks or any fish that can be cut into small cubes and does not fall apart easily
(4) Bunches of Cilantro
(1) Parsley and
(1) Stem of Leek
(2) Table spoon dry Fenugreek (Shanbalileh) available at most Persian stores
(1) Cup chopped fresh Garlic (if you do not like Garlic very much then cut the portion in half)
1/2 Cup tamarind (I do not like the syrupy ones sold in Persian stores) instead get the bulk one which is squared shape with seeds in it and has a sour and tangy taste (we want authentic tasting ghalieh, right?). Remove the seeds and soak them in two tablespoon of warm water.
Salt and pepper to taste
(1) Teaspoon fish sauce: optional
(3) Cups of warm water
Chop the fresh vegetables well and sauté them with two table spoon of either Olive oil, grape seed oil (my choice) or any oil you prefer on low heat. Keep mixing the vegetables with a wooden spoon. Add the dry Fenugreek and continue to sauté until your vegetables permeate the smell of Ghorme Sabzi! Add the tamarind, salt and pepper and then turn the knob on low heat. Add the warm water and put the lid on until you are finished with the next step.
In another pan heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped garlic and after a few minutes remove the garlic and place it in a small dish aside. Sautee cubed fish for a few minutes. Remove and set aside. Add the sautéed garlic to the cooking ghalieh and if you like you can add the 1 tablespoon fish sauce. set your timer for 45 minute and let the ghlaieh cook on low heat. After 45 minutes add the cubed fish and let it cook for an additional half an hour.
I suggest that you taste it throughout the process because depending on your taste you may want to add addition amount of tamarind or garlic if you want to. Well let me know how it turns out. Perhaps I will have a better future as a cook than a writer (not! I do not cook more than twice a year).
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