Fish Curry with Fried Shallots – Kerala Recipe

This Fish curry with fried shallots recipe was published in the magazine from the collection of old recipes of Mrs. K. M. Mathew. Usually, fried shallots are not added to traditional fish curry. Adding this special ingredient makes this fish curry taste different. Give it a try.

Ingredients for Fish Curry with Fried Shallots:

1. Fish pieces (Any type of thick flesh) – One kilogram
2. Kashmiri chilli powder – Three tablespoons
   Garlic – Eight cloves
   Ginger – One piece
   Shallots – Two
   Black pepper – One teaspoon
3. Pot tamarind (Kudampuli)- Five pieces
4. Coconut oil – Half cup
5. Mustard seeds – One teaspoon
   Fenugreek seeds – One teaspoon
6. Shallots sliced lengthwise – Half cup
   Garlic sliced – Two teaspoons
   Ginger sliced – Two teaspoons
7. Salt – As needed
8. Curry leaves – Two sprigs

How to prepare Fish Curry with Fried Shallots?

1. Cut the fish into small pieces and set aside.
2. Grind the second set of ingredients in a mixer and keep aside.
3. Soak the pot tamarind in water and keep aside.
4. Heat coconut oil in an earthen pot, and splutter mustard and fenugreek seeds.
5. Add the sixth set of ingredients, fry until lightly browned and remove from the oil.
6.  Add the ground paste to the remaining oil and sauté on a low flame.
7. When the oil separates, add salt as needed and mix well, followed by the fish pieces and mix gently.
8. Add the soaked pot tamarind along with water upto the level of the ingredients, then add curry leaves and mix well.
9. When it comes to a boil, add the fried shallot mixture kept aside and mix again.
10. Cover the earthen pot with its lid, and cook on a low flame until the gravy thickens.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine, July 5-18, 2025

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