Making "Sambal Ikan Bilis"

Strictly speaking; sambal-ikan-bilis should only be eaten alongside Nasi Lemak which is coconut scented rice and other condiments such as roasted peanuts, cucumber slices and deep fried anchovies. In Malaysia, Nasi lemak is usually eaten during breakfast and is commonly wrapped in banana leaf and a sheet of newspaper on the outside. They resemble tiny pyramids with the "sambal-ikan-bilis" peeking out between the folded corners! Just for fun, here's a short clip on my dodgy Nasi-Lemak wrapping skills. And of course....as banana leaf is almost impossible to find here in Sydney, and we'll just have to improvise.;)

Pinky(housemate and dear friend) has been showing a new found interest in cooking and has been helping around in the kitchen. It's great having some company and I love how things get done alot faster when I cook daily meals for everyone. My eager little apprentice chef made the sambal all by herself today as I snapped photographs and ordered guided her around the kitchen with a whip smile *grin* :P
Here's the recipe:

1 small bowl full ikan bilis (dried anchovies)
4 red chillies
2 inch cube fresh ginger diced
4-5 cloves garlic
3 tomatoes chopped roughly
2 large onions sliced into thin rings
1 tbsp Nonya sambal paste (available at asian supermarkets)
1 heaped tsp belacan(click on link for details on what this is)

Blend ginger, garlic, chillies and 1/2 the tomatoes into a smooth paste. Shallow fry onions with a little oil in a deep wok until wilted and fragrant. Add in the blended mixture and the anchovies. Stir for 4-5 minutes until well coated and partially cooked. Scoop in the rest of the sauces and throw in the tomatoes. Stir vigorously to combine and cook under low heat for approximately 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water if necessary. (depending on how moist you want it).
Note: this recipe is not for the faint hearted. Non-spicy eaters will have to pass ;) haha.
Here are a couple of suggestions for those watching their weight and would like to stay clear of the "Nasi" ( which means rice in Malay);
on Slices of Cucumber
or wrapped in crisp lettuce.