Sambal Ikan Bilis

This dish is served in almost all meals. It really gets your appetite to roar for more.

Ingredients:-

1 cup dried Ikan Bilis [Dried Anchovies]
1 large red onion, sliced
½ cup peanut or vegetable oil
3 tsp tamarind pulp with ½ cup hot water to make tamarind paste
4 tbsp or to taste, chilly paste
6 shallots
1 tsp belacan [dried shrimp paste]
4 cloves garlic
1 large onion, sliced into rounds

Preparation:-

Using a mortar & pestle or blender, grind chilly paste, shallots, belacan and garlic into a paste
To a wok or saucepan, add peanut or vegetable oil, heat on high until oil temperature is 350F, fry ikan bilis until crispy
Remove, drain well on paper towels
Remove all but 2 tbsp of oil, sauté ground paste for 1-2 mins
Add red onions, tamarind paste, sugar, salt to taste
Cook until gravy thickens [to a dark reddish brown]
Add ikan bilis, mix to combine, remove from heat
Dish a serving portion of coconut rice onto a plate [or banana leaf!], a little of each garnishing and some sambal ikan bilis - served hot or at room temperature