Monkfish Curry
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Serves: 4 | Spice Level: Mild | Dietary Info: Contains Coconut
Rating: 3.1/5 | 125 Votes
Views: 66,007
A mild and fragrant Monkfish Curry featuring tender pieces of fish enveloped in a flavorful, spiced coconut sauce. A quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Monkfish fillet (cut into cubes) | 800g |
| Tomatoes (roughly chopped) | 4 |
| Hot water | 200ml |
| Coconut oil | 1 tbsp |
| Black or brown mustard seeds | ½ tsp |
| Fenugreek seeds | ½ tsp |
| Fresh curry leaves | 10 leaves (or 15 dried) |
| Fresh ginger (julienne) | 1 inch piece |
| Onion (finely sliced) | 1 |
| Green chillies (sliced) | 3-4 |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Coriander seeds | 3 tsp |
| Kashmiri chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Coconut milk | 100ml |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Lime (for juice) | 1 |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Monkfish: Rinse the monkfish cubes under cold water and let them drain to remove excess moisture.
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Blend Tomatoes: In a blender, purée the chopped tomatoes with 200ml of hot water. Set aside for later.
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Prepare Vegetables and Spices: Slice the ginger, onions, and green chillies. Have the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and curry leaves ready.
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Cook the Spices: Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
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Add More Spices: Quickly stir in the fenugreek seeds, followed by the curry leaves. Be careful not to let the fenugreek seeds color. Add the julienned ginger, sliced onions, and chillies to the pan. Stir continuously and cook until the onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
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Add Tomato Purée: Stir in the prepared tomato purée and increase the heat. Let it simmer and cook for a few minutes.
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Add Ground Spices: In a pestle and mortar, crush the cumin and coriander seeds and add them to the pan. Mix in the turmeric and Kashmiri chilli powder. Stir to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.
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Simmer the Sauce: Partially cover the pan and let the sauce come to a boil. Allow the tomatoes to reduce and thicken, which should take about 10-20 minutes.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Lower the heat, pour in the coconut milk, and stir in the salt to taste. Bring the curry back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Cook the Monkfish: Add the monkfish cubes to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through, then remove from the heat.
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Finish the Dish: Squeeze the juice of a lime into the curry and check the seasoning. Adjust salt if necessary.
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Serve: Serve the Monkfish Curry hot with freshly cooked plain Basmati rice.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains coconut, so it’s unsuitable for individuals with coconut allergies. Always check all ingredients for potential allergens before preparing the dish.
Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo-Friendly (if served with a compliant side dish)
- Contains Coconut
Tips & Advice:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of green chillies or add a pinch of red chilli flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chillies used.
- Substitute Monkfish: If monkfish is unavailable, you can substitute with firm white fish such as cod or halibut.
- Vegan Option: To make this curry vegan, substitute the monkfish with tofu or chickpeas and ensure the coconut milk is the only source of creaminess in the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This curry pairs wonderfully with plain Basmati rice or warm naan bread for an authentic touch. You can also serve it with a fresh cucumber salad or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the curry.
Conclusion:
This Monkfish Curry is a delightful dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of spices, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or a first-time maker, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy!
