Flavours of Konkan
When anyone asks me what I would like as my LAST meal,I always say I’d like some fried pomfret so naturally, when I go Indian grocery shopping I always check for this fish. Though I must admit, nothing beats the flavours one gets from fresh fish. But well, just have to make do with frozen fish as the one I love is a Pomfret local to waters of the Indian Ocean.
This is a relatively simple recipe and does not require much effort but the marination is key as it can really give depth of flavour which is what we need.
I had 3 of these beauties to cook and couldn’t resist getting them to pose for my camera all dressed with the dangerously delicious spices that I rubbed into the fillets.
Okay, it’s relatively easy making fillets after this fish has thawed thoroughly as it has very few bones, I like to remove the bit in the front with the eyes and the tail and also remove the fins then make fillets the size fit for a curry or fry.
Pompfret Fish Curry
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized Silver Pomfret
- 2 tbsp Coriander and green chillipaste
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic paste
- 1.5 tsp Red Chilli powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 3 – 4 Cloves Garlic withskin on
- 2 tbsp Grated coconut
- 1 small pinch Asafoetida/Hing
- 2 tbsp Refined oil
- 1/4 Lime – juiced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash thoroughly and marinate with redchilli powder, turmeric,salt ,ginger- garlic paste,coriander-green chilli paste and set aside for at least 40 minutes.
- After the marination is done,heat oilin a saucepan,add asafoetida just a tiny spritz and throw in the crushedgarlic cloves with their skins on. As soon as they start to brown add the marinatedfish n toss it around for about half a minute.
- Add enough water to cover the fishand cook on a low flame.
- As the water begins to boil add inthe finely grated fresh coconut and stir in well till the curry is nice andthick.
- Simmer till the fish is cooked andsqueeze the lime into it.
- Serve with steaming hot riceand allow yourself to enjoy this simple yet classic fish curry, an everydayfare in the houses along the coast of Konkan and a great treat in ours.
These beautiful flowers are on stalks of fresh spring onion!! Unexpected, I know right?!! My ma (in-law) very patiently chopped these stalks and created this cute little spring onion floral display and the whole idea of this photograph with books we are currently reading is hers.
Bengali Bhaja with spring onions and potatoes
I was so excited to see them and had to buy myself two bunches and look for a Bengali Bhaja or bhaji (Marathi) sabji/sabzee (Hindi). Found a lovely food blog called ‘Hamaree Rasoi’.
Needless to say, the meal was supremely satisfying and we all slept with gentle snoring now and then …TMI- oh yes, totally 😉
I love love love Pomfret! My grandparents lived in Mumbai and every time I went to visit I would have this dish, hot from the tandoor. Yummy! I had no idea you could buy it here.
Hey Tina! they have a Tandoor, how cool is that!! I wish I had a garden here would deffo procure one! You can only get frozen promfret at Indian stores here,sighhh…but I am happy with that for now!
Manjiri mam,
For fish lovers, a new outlet has opened named “Curry Leaves”. Its a authentic Kerela food take-away. Pls do visit next time you are in Pune. Its at Maharaja Complex, Paud Rd at old Chitale Bandhu shop.
Hello Sanjay Ji, Surely would love to visit ”Curry Leaves” when I am in Pune next, Cheers!
Fish and curry? Yes please…
haha yes exactly what I feel each time I see a good pack of pomfret – Curryyy!
Looks divine 🙂 Curry is something I can eat all the time 🙂
Hey Sylvia, thanks! Come over will cook for you!xx
i have never seen spring onion flowers they look gorgeous! also the fish curry looks relish, i too would snore happily after eating them 😀
Hey Ananda, ya was so taken in by their pretty flowers had to buy them! lolz ya comfort food ultimate it certainly is!:)