Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen Pollichathu

Pearl spot fish (karimeen) marinated in a red chilli-masala paste and wrapped in banana leaf, then slow-roasted or pan-fried until the leaf chars and the fish absorbs the smoky, spiced aroma.

Cuisines

Travancore Kerala Kerala Christian

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Build a full meal around Karimeen Pollichathu

Get a matched combo of sides and accents

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Pearl Spot Fish 2 Pearl Spot Fish , cleaned
lemon juice 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
red chili powder 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
black pepper powder 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder
salt 1 teaspoon Salt
coconut oil 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
Shallot 1 cup Shallot , finely sliced
Ginger 1 tablespoon Ginger , finely chopped
Garlic 1 tablespoon Garlic , finely chopped
Green Chili 2 Green Chili , slit
Tomato 1 medium Tomato , chopped
Fennel Seed 1 teaspoon Fennel Seed
garam masala 1 teaspoon Garam masala
Coconut Milk 1 cup Coconut Milk , thick
Banana Leaf 2 Banana Leaf
Curry Leaf 1 bunch Curry Leaf

Instructions

  1. 1 Clean the karimeen and make shallow cuts on both sides.
  2. 2 Marinate the fish with lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Set aside for 15 minutes.
  3. 3 Heat coconut oil in a pan and add fennel seeds. Once they splutter, add sliced shallots, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the shallots turn golden brown.
  4. 4 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and oil separates.
  5. 5 Stir in garam masala and coconut milk. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
  6. 6 Cut banana leaves into pieces large enough to wrap the fish. Wilt them over an open flame to make them pliable.
  7. 7 Place a portion of the masala on the banana leaf, place the marinated fish on top, and cover with more masala.
  8. 8 Wrap the fish securely in the banana leaf and tie with a string if necessary.
  9. 9 Heat a tawa or flat pan and place the wrapped fish on it. Cover and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through.
  10. 10 Serve hot, garnished with fresh curry leaves.

Tips

For an authentic flavor, use fresh banana leaves and cook on a traditional clay pan if available.