Ayala-Ilumbanpuli Curry (Mackerel Bilimbi Curry)

Ingredients for Ayala-Ilumbanpuli Curry (Mackerel Bilimbi Curry):

1. Mackerel (Ayala) – 3 

2. Bilimbi (cut lengthwise) – ½ cup 

3. Coconut oil – 3 tablespoons 

4. Onion – 1 large, sliced lengthwise 

    Ginger – 1 piece, sliced lengthwise 

    Green chillies – 5, slit lengthwise 

5. Coriander powder – 2 tablespoons 

    Chilli powder – 1 tablespoon 

    Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon 

6. First extract of coconut milk – 1 cup 

    Second extract of coconut milk – 2½ cups 

7. Salt – As required 

8. Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon 

    Dry red chillies – 2, broken into pieces 

    Curry leaves – 2 sprigs 

    Kashmiri chilli powder – ¼ teaspoon

How to prepare Ayala-Ilumbanpuli Curry (Mackerel Bilimbi Curry)?

1. Clean the mackerel and keep them whole or cut into pieces as desired. 

2. Slice the bilimbi and set aside. 

3. Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil and sauté the ingredients listed under set 4. 

4. Once well sautéed, add the ground paste made from the ingredients in set 5 and continue sautéing. 

5. When the raw smell goes away, add the second extract of coconut milk and salt to taste. Once it comes to a boil, add the fish and tamarind and allow it to cook. 

6. After the fish is cooked, add the first extract of coconut milk. Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat. 

7. Heat the remaining coconut oil, splutter the ingredients in set 8, and pour the seasoning over the curry before serving.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine, March 29-April 11, 2025

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