Kerala Style Fish Curry
Soft white fish simmered in spiced coconut milk, this Kerala Style Fish Curry has a beautiful balance of sweet and sour. Paired with steamed white rice, it’s a delicious hearty meal for any time of the year.
Soft white fish simmered in spiced coconut milk, this Kerala Style Fish Curry has a beautiful balance of sweet and sour. Paired with steamed white rice, it’s a delicious hearty meal for any time of the year.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- â½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (preferably kashmiri chili powder read notes below)
- 9 small fish fillets (i used shol fish)
- few fresh curry leaves
- 1 small (3.90 oz/111 g) red onion
- 1 small (2.40 oz/ 68g) tomato
- 4.15 oz/ 118g cherry tomatoes (read notes below)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (read notes below)
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic ginger
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- 2 green chili
- Carbohydrate 4.89046041721627 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 15.8124433435134 g
- Fiber 0.863854168628555 g
- Protein 1.88075625092929 g
- Saturated Fat 13.6530083423641 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (85g)
- Sodium 9.77708333918739 mg
- Sugar 4.02660624858772 g
- Trans Fat 0.969713333941185 g
- Calories 157 calories
Step-by-step
- Marinate the fish fillets with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Keep aside for 15 minutes.
- Thinly slice the onion and tomato. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Place a pan on medium heat and add the coconut oil. Once the oil heats up, add the fennel and black mustard seeds. Allow it to sizzle for a few seconds and then, add the ginger garlic, onion plus few curry leaves.
- Sauté for 1 minute. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Mix it around.
- In a bowl, add the coriander powder, Kashmiri chili powder and fennel powder along with 1 tablespoon water. Give it a mix and pour it to the pan. Mix it all around and then, drop halved cherry tomatoes (save a little bit to be added at the end).
- Sauté for 5 minutes or until onion and tomatoes are cooked through and softened.
- Pour 1 and ½ cup coconut milk along with the turmeric and tomato paste. Stir around and add the green chili along with ½ cup water.
- Layer the fish fillets in one layer, put rest of the halved cherry tomatoes and few more curry leaves.
- Cook the curry for 5 to 7 minutes depending on the size of fish fillets.
- Check for salt and add any, if needed.
- Serve warm!
My Kerala Fish Curry Adventure: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can be a challenge. But for me, cooking is more than just sustenance; it's a way to unwind, connect with my family, and explore different cultures. Recently, I've been captivated by the vibrant flavors of Kerala cuisine, and my latest culinary conquest? The Kerala Style Fish Curry. This dish isn't just a meal; it’s a journey of tastes and textures that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Kerala.
The aroma alone is captivating—a fragrant blend of coconut, spices, and fresh fish that fills my kitchen with warmth. The process, while involving a few steps, is surprisingly manageable, even on a weeknight. The key to a truly authentic Kerala Fish Curry lies in the balance of flavors: the gentle sweetness of coconut milk, the subtle heat of chili powder, and the refreshing tang of tamarind (optional). Finding the right balance is what transforms this simple fish curry into a symphony of tastes.
I love the versatility of this recipe. The type of fish you use can vary; I often experiment with whatever’s freshest at the market. The same goes for the spices. While Kashmiri chili powder provides a beautiful vibrant color and gentle heat, feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference. The beauty of home cooking lies in the freedom to personalize.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Kerala
This Kerala fish curry is more than just a recipe; it’s a window into a rich culture. The use of coconut milk speaks volumes about the influence of Kerala’s coastal location. The spices, a medley of flavors, tell a tale of ancient trade routes and the blending of culinary traditions. Each bite is a small journey, transporting me to the bustling markets and serene backwaters of Kerala.
The experience of preparing this dish has been just as rewarding as the taste. The act of chopping onions and ginger, measuring spices, and simmering the fish in fragrant coconut milk has been a calming ritual, a much-needed escape from the daily grind. Cooking, for me, has become a form of meditation, a way to quiet the mind and connect with my creative side.
I serve this Kerala fish curry with fluffy steamed rice, a perfect companion to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. Sometimes, I add a side of simple stir-fried vegetables for a more balanced meal. The combination is divine, a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that satisfies both my palate and my soul.
Sharing the Taste, Sharing the Experience
One of the most enjoyable aspects of cooking is sharing the fruits of my labor with loved ones. This Kerala Fish Curry has become a favorite among my family and friends. Watching their faces light up as they savor the first bite is incredibly rewarding. It’s a feeling that transcends the mere act of eating; it’s about connection, community, and the power of food to bring people together.
So, if you’re looking for a flavorful and relatively simple recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving this Kerala Style Fish Curry a try. It’s a culinary adventure waiting to be embarked on, one that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the beautiful shores of Kerala, even if just for a few moments.
Beyond the Plate: Culinary Exploration and Self-Discovery
My culinary journey is a reflection of my personal growth. It's about exploring new cultures, challenging myself in the kitchen, and finding joy in the simple act of creating something delicious. This Kerala fish curry is just one chapter in this ongoing story, a story filled with flavors, aromas, and memories that I cherish.
I encourage you to embark on your own culinary adventures. Explore different cuisines, experiment with new ingredients, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Cooking is a process of learning and discovery, and the rewards are immeasurable. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's create some magic in the kitchen!
