KERALA FISH CURRY /MEEN MULAKITTATHU

Ingredients

1. Fish-medium size pieces-500 gms
2. Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
3. Fenugreek seeds-1/4 tsp
4. Curry leaves-2 sprigs
5. Shallots,sliced-4 to 5 nos
6. Ginger,crushed-1.5 tsp
7. Garlic,crushed-1.5 tsp
8. Kashmiri chili powder-1.5 to 2 tbsp( see notes)
9. Coriander powder-1/2 to 1 tbsp( see notes)
10. Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
11. Fenugreek powder-1 pinch
12. Fish Tamarind(Kudampuli)-soaked in water-2 to 3 small pieces
13. Water-1 cup(more if required,see notes)
14. Salt-to taste
15. Oil-as required

Directions

• Heat oil in manchatti ( clay pot) and add mustard seeds,let it splutter.Add fenugreek seeds and saute for few seconds.

• Add curry leaves,shallots,ginger and garlic.Saute until shallots turn golden brown.

• Reduce the flame to low and add kashmiri chili powder,coriander powder,turmeric powder and fenugreek powder.Mix well.Saute for about 5 minutes ,stirring continuously until the colour changes to a deep maroon.( make sure you do not burn the masala,or else the curry will taste bitter)

• Add water and fish tamarind ( kudampuli),bring it to a boil.

• Add fish pieces and salt to taste.

• Cover and cook over a medium heat ,until fish is cooked and gravy is thick.
• Remove from heat and keep covered for at least one hour for the flavors to blend in.

NOTES

• If you feel that the curry is a bit too tangy,remove the kokum pieces.
• Adjust the spice level according to your taste.Kashmiri chili powder gives a nice red colour to the curry without being too spicy.I used about 2 tbsp of kashmiri chili powder.If you are using regular chili powder,use according to your spice level.
• If you want to keep the curry for more than one day,avoid using coriander powder.
• Adjust the quantity of water according to amount and consistency of the gravy that you require.I used about 1 and 1/4 cups of water.