Malvani Fish Curry Recipe – A Delicious and Spicy Delight
Introduction
Experience the vibrant and aromatic flavors of coastal India with this Malvani Fish Curry, a dish that embodies the essence of traditional Malvani cuisine. Known for its rich and spicy profiles, this curry features tender king fish fillets swimming in a luxurious coconut milk sauce, enhanced with a blend of spices that create a symphony of flavors. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this dish promises to elevate your lunch or dinner experience, making it an excellent choice for weekends or special occasions.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
| Tamarind water | 1/4 cup |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| King fish (cut into flat fillets) | 2 pieces |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | From 1 lemon |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 whole |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 4 pieces |
| Star anise | 1 whole |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2
Instructions
-
Marinate the Fish:
Begin by washing the king fish thoroughly under running water and then draining it completely. In a bowl, combine the fish with red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the fish is evenly coated with the spices. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors. -
-
Prepare the Malvani Masala:
In a saucepan over medium heat, dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, star anise, and black peppercorns for about 5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Once roasted, transfer these spices to a spice grinder, add the dry red chilies and nutmeg, and grind them into a smooth Malvani masala powder. Set aside for later use. -
Cooking the Fish Curry:
Heat a kadai or deep pan over medium heat and drizzle in the mustard oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Follow this by adding the curry leaves and allowing them to crackle. -
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onion to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and fragrant. Next, incorporate the chopped tomatoes, followed by a sprinkle of salt and turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes soften and become slightly mushy. -
Combine with Malvani Masala:
Sprinkle in the freshly ground Malvani masala and sauté for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom. Pour in 1/2 cup of tamarind water, stirring well, and let it cook with the masala and tomatoes for about 2 to 3 minutes. -
Add Coconut Milk:
Lower the heat and add the coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then carefully add the marinated fish pieces, along with any leftover marinade from the bowl. If the curry appears too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. -
Simmer the Curry:
Give the Malvani Fish Curry a gentle stir to ensure the fish is well coated with the sauce. Cover the kadai with a lid and let the curry simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes, or until the fish is completely cooked through and tender. -
Finishing Touches:
Once the fish is cooked, turn off the heat and taste the curry to check for salt and spice levels, making adjustments if necessary. -
Serve:
Transfer the Malvani Fish Curry to a serving bowl and serve it hot, alongside steamed rice, crispy fish fry, and pickled onions to create a delightful meal that showcases the beautiful flavors of Malvani cuisine. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a comforting home-cooked meal.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich, spicy flavors of Malvani Fish Curry, a dish that not only brings warmth and comfort but also transports you to the coastal regions of India with every delightful bite. Pair it with your favorite sides, and savor the exquisite blend of spices that make this curry a beloved choice for seafood lovers everywhere. Enjoy your culinary journey with this delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion!
