Fresh Fish, Creamy Coconut: A Curry You'll Love
This fish curry is a staple in Kerala cuisine, combining the richness of coconut milk with the tang of tamarind and the heat of spices. It's a favorite in my home and pairs perfectly with steamed rice for lunch and with appam for dinner
Ingredients
For curry
- 500gfresh fish (your choice)
- 2tbspcoconut oil
- 6shallots
- 1tbspginger finely chopped
- 1tbspgarlic
- 2green chilies
- 1sprigcurry leaves
- 1tspturmeric powder
- 2tspred chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1cupthick coconut milk
- 1/4cupthin coconut milk
- 1tbsplemon-sized ball of tamarind or 1 tamarind paste
For garnish
- 3shallots
- Curry leaves
How to make Fresh Fish, Creamy Coconut: A Curry You'll Love
Prepare the Aromatics
Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add sliced shallots, chopped ginger, garlic, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the shallots turn golden brown and fragrant.
Add spices
Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Sauté for about a minute until the spices release their aroma.
Add coconut milk
Pour in the thin coconut milk and bring it to a boil.If you prefer a lighter curry, use thin coconut milk at first and finish with thick coconut milk for creaminess. Adjust the quantities based on your preference.
Soak tamarind for a few minutes and then put it into the boiled coconut milk
Cook the fish
Gently add the fish pieces to the pan. Let the curry simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is tender.
Finish with Thick Coconut Milk:
Lower the heat and add the thick coconut milk. Use fresh thick coconut milk for the richest flavor. You can also use canned coconut milk if fresh coconut is unavailable, but make sure it’s unsweetened. Stir gently and simmer for another 2 minutes, then turn off the flame.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fried shallots and fresh curry leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, appam, or roti
Tips & Tricks
Freshness is Key,fresh fish works the best.
Always taste the curry before serving and adjust salt, spice, and tanginess to your preference