Embark on a culinary journey to Cambodia with this delightful recipe for Somlar Machu Ktis. This traditional Cambodian dish is a vibrant and aromatic soup that captures the essence of Khmer cuisine. Somlar Machu Ktis is a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the richness of coconut milk with the tanginess of tamarind and the subtle heat of chili peppers. Infused with fragrant herbs and spices, this soup is not only nourishing but also bursting with complexity and depth.

In Cambodian culture, food is not merely sustenance; it is a reflection of history, tradition, and community. Somlar Machu Ktis is a testament to Cambodia's culinary heritage, passed down through generations and cherished for its comforting warmth and exquisite taste. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this dish invites you to savor the distinctive flavors of Cambodia and experience the magic of Khmer cooking firsthand. Join us as we unravel the secrets of Somlar Machu Ktis and indulge in a culinary adventure that celebrates the richness of Cambodian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 500g firm white fish fillets (such as snapper or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, outer layers removed, smashed with the back of a knife
• 3 cups water or fish stock
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 large tomato, cut into wedges
• 1 small eggplant, sliced
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Handful of fresh cilantro leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and sliced ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2- Add the smashed lemongrass to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute.

3- Pour in the water or fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

4- Stir in the coconut milk, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5- Add the fish pieces to the pot and simmer gently until the fish is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

6- Once the fish is cooked, add the pineapple chunks, tomato wedges, sliced eggplant, and sliced chili pepper (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

7- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or more fish sauce if needed.

8- Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass stalks.

9- Serve the Somlar Machu Ktis hot, garnished with fresh basil and cilantro leaves.

Enjoy your authentic Cambodian Somlar Machu Ktis, a deliciously tangy and comforting sour fish soup that's bursting with flavor!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

500g firm white fish fillets:

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 88g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and selenium.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 14g

benefits: Provides healthy fats and vitamin E, supports heart health, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

3 cloves garlic:

• Calories: 13
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, supports immune function, and may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

1 small onion:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supports digestive health, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

1 thumb-sized piece of ginger:

• Calories: 9
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aids in digestion, relieves nausea, and may help reduce muscle pain and soreness.

1. 2 stalks lemongrass:

• Calories: 10
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may help reduce inflammation, relieve bloating, and support digestive health.

3 cups water or fish stock:

1. Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

benefits: Essential for hydration and provides a base for the soup's flavor.

1 cup coconut milk:

• Calories: 445
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 4g

benefits: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup, provides healthy fats, and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may boost metabolism and support brain health.

2 tablespoons tamarind paste:

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds a tangy flavor and contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

1 tablespoon fish sauce:

• Calories: 15
• Sodium: 1240mg
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

benefits: Adds depth of flavor and provides essential amino acids and minerals such as sodium.

1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar:

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 12g

benefits: Adds sweetness to balance the sour and savory flavors, a source of carbohydrates for energy.

1 cup pineapple chunks:

• Calories: 82
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and acidity to the soup, rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

1 large tomato:

• Calories: 33
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds acidity and richness to the soup, a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.

1 small eggplant:

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds texture and bulk to the soup, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

1 red chili pepper:

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds heat and spice to the soup, contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide pain relief.

Handful of fresh basil leaves and cilantro leaves:

• Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

benefits: Adds freshness, aroma, and flavor to the soup, rich in antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands and preparation methods.