South Indian Traditional Fish Curry

Contributed by: Kamala Kannan Mahalakshmi

Our happiest moments are mostly tied to the joy of eating together with family members. When I was a child, often, we had guests at home on Sundays. They love to eat the fish curry specially made by my mother, Mdm Santhakumari, with homemade spices. My mum was a good cook who was concerned with cooking healthy dishes for the family. During the traditional festival days, my mother would try her best to make nice dishes for us. She uses homemade spice and curry powder for all her dishes, giving them a different flavor.

I learnt the art of cooking with love and care from my mum. Whenever I cook fish curry at home, it reminds me of my childhood, spending time in the kitchen and making mum’s special dish together. Till today, I enjoyed cooking my mother’s fish curry recipe. My family will always remember my mom for her traditional fish curry.

Portion: 4 pax
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil

• ½ tsp mustard

• ½ tsp fenugreek seeds

• 1 big onion, sliced

• 1 sprig of curry leaves

• 1 big tomato, sliced

• 2 tbsp fish curry powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt as required

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste, mixed with 300ml of water

• 2 tbsp coconut milk

• 4 slices of mackerel or any fish


Method

1. Heat oil in the cooking pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek to the oil.

3. Once the mustard splutters, add chopped onion.

4. Add curry leaves, sauté the onion until it turns brown.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and sauté until mash.

6. Then add the fish curry powder, turmeric powder, and salt.

7. Add tamarind mixture

8. Add coconut milk and close with a lid. Allow it to cook for 10 mins.

9. Add the fish and cook for 5 mins.

10. Serve hot with rice, idly or dosa.


Helpful Tips

Coconut milk is optional. If you are looking for healthier version you can skip coconut milk and use fishes rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like sardines, salmon, and cod fish.