Arsik Nila (Batak-Style Spiced Grilled Fish)

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Ingredients:
1 whole tilapia (about 500 grams), cleaned and butterfly-cut
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
3 kaffir lime leaves
2 bay leaves
5 cm galangal, bruised
5 cm andaliman (optional, for an authentic Batak taste)
1 torch ginger fruit (asam cikala) or 2 tbsp tamarind water
10 long beans, cut into pieces
2 potatoes, diced (optional)
500 ml water
Ground Spices:
6 shallots
4 garlic cloves
3 candlenuts
5 red curly chilies
3 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
1 tsp turmeric powder or 3 cm fresh turmeric
2 cm ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
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Cooking Instructions:
Prepare the Fish: Rub the tilapia with a little salt and lime juice. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Sauté the Spices: Heat a little oil, then sauté the ground spices until fragrant. Add lemongrass, lime leaves, bay leaves, and galangal.
Cook the Arsik: Add water, then place the tilapia, long beans, potatoes, and torch ginger fruit. Simmer over low heat until the sauce reduces and fully absorbs into the fish.
Add Andaliman: For an authentic Batak taste, add andaliman before finishing. Stir well.
Ready to Serve: Remove from heat and serve Arsik Nila with warm rice.
Enjoy your meal!

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