Thought for Today
Fish Pollichathu Recipe
Ingredients:
For Marinating Fish:
- 500 grams fish fillets (any firm-fleshed fish like kingfish, pomfret, or tilapia)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Masala Paste:
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/4 cup thick coconut milk
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or any cooking oil
- Salt to taste
For Wrapping:
- Banana leaves or aluminum foil, cut into square pieces
Instructions:
- Marinate Fish:
- Clean the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Rub the fish pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare Masala Paste:
- Heat coconut oil or any cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add thick coconut milk and curry leaves. Stir well to combine and let the masala simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
- Prepare Fish Pollichathu:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take a square piece of banana leaf or aluminum foil and lightly heat it over a flame to make it pliable.
- Place a portion of the prepared masala paste on the banana leaf or aluminum foil.
- Place a marinated fish fillet on top of the masala paste.
- Cover the fish with another layer of masala paste.
- Fold the banana leaf or aluminum foil to enclose the fish completely, creating a packet.
- Repeat the process with the remaining fish fillets and masala paste.
- Bake Fish Pollichathu:
- Place the wrapped fish packets on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the masala is fragrant.
- Serve:
- Carefully open the banana leaf or aluminum foil packets.
- Serve the Fish Pollichathu hot with steamed rice or appam.