Sup ikan bilis (anchovy soup)

Instructions

1. Rinse the dried anchovies and remove the heads if present. Dry-fry them for 2 minutes in a pan to bring out their flavour.
2. Thinly slice the onions, cut the tomatoes into wedges and slice the ginger. Crush the garlic.
3. Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onions, garlic and ginger for 3 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and let them break down for 3 minutes, then pour in the water and the toasted anchovies.
5. Add the potatoes cut into cubes and simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat.
6. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar to balance. Add the vermicelli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve very hot, sprinkled with spring onions and fresh coriander.