Sweet and Sour Tilapia with Tomato-Almond Sauce (Grandma Style)

Yields 4 servings
About 2 pounds tilapia fillets, cut into medium-large pieces
2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large fresh lemon, skin removed, cut into medium chunks
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons raisins
4-5 leaves bay leaves
2 large tomatoes, skin removed, cut into medium chunks
Water
1 teaspoon ground ginger
4 tablespoons fresh crushed almonds
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion are lightly browned.
Add pieces of lemon, brown sugar, raisins, pieces of fish, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Cover with water at room temperature. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to low-medium, and sauté for 40 minutes covered with a lid.
Remove pieces of fish on a plate. Remove bay leaves. Add ground ginger, almonds, and apple cider vinegar to a sauce in a skillet and continue to sauté for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Check for salt and pepper. Add if needed.
Remove from the heat and puree with a stand-up (immersion) mixer. Pour over the fish. Serve warm or cold. Keep leftovers refrigerated and covered for about 2 days.

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