Restaurant Style Chettinad Fish Curry Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey to South India with this Restaurant Style Chettinad Fish Curry, a dish renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe incorporates fresh fish fillets—preferably surmai or pomphret—cooked in a rich and fragrant gravy that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or idiyappams. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 35 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish fillets (surmai or pomphret variety) | 5-6 pieces |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole black peppercorns | 6 (adjust to taste) |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 pieces |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | ½ inch |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 2 pieces |
| Dry red chillies | 2 pieces |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic | 10 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Onions (chopped) | 2 medium-sized |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 8 pieces |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tamarind water (adjust to taste) | 4 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 320 |
| Protein | Approx. 30g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | Approx. 3g |
| Total Fat | Approx. 15g |
| Saturated Fat | Approx. 2g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Begin by cleaning the fish fillets thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. In a small bowl, mix salt and turmeric powder together and gently rub this mixture onto the fish fillets. Set them aside to marinate while you prepare the gravy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
- In a shallow frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a rich golden brown, which will take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the fried onions from the pan and set them aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Tomatoes
- In the same pan, add the pearl onions (sambar onions) and sauté for 2 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Add the chopped tomato to the pan and cook until it softens. Once done, switch off the gas, cover the pot with a lid, and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Spice Blend
- In a grinder, combine the cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and dry red chillies. Grind these spices into a fine powder. This aromatic spice mix is the heart of your curry and will elevate the flavors significantly.
Step 5: Make the Masala Paste
- In the grinder, add the sautéed onions, grated coconut, ginger, garlic, and tamarind water. Blend this mixture into a smooth paste, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Cook the Gravy
- In the pan with the tomato and shallots, add the freshly made masala paste along with the ground spice powder. Stir everything together and add water as required to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Remember, the gravy should not be too thick or too watery.
Step 7: Cook the Fish
- Once the gravy comes to a boil, gently place the marinated fish fillets into the pan. Add the curry leaves for an aromatic touch. Cover the pot with a lid and let the fish cook on medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Once the fish is cooked, taste and adjust the salt and tamarind water according to your preference. Garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Final Presentation
Serve this flavorful Chettinad Style Fish Curry hot with idiyappams or steamed rice. You can also complement the meal with Elai Vadam, a traditional crispy side that pairs perfectly with this rich curry. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and the luscious texture of the fish as you savor every bite!
This Chettinad Style Fish Curry recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and aromas, making it a wonderful addition to any dining table. Prepare it for your loved ones and bring the essence of South Indian cuisine right to your home!
