Kerala Fish Curry
Fiery red fish curry made with kudampuli (Malabar tamarind/Gamboge) that gives it a characteristic sourness. Cooked in earthen pots with coconut oil, dried red chillies, and shallots — a daily staple across Kerala homes.
Cuisines
Travancore
Kerala
Kerala Christian
Malabar
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Build a full meal around Kerala Fish Curry
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Often paired with
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
300 grams | Fish , fresh, preferably seer or kingfish |
|
2 tablespoons | Coconut oil |
|
1 teaspoon | Mustard Seed |
|
1 teaspoon | Fenugreek Seed |
|
10 | Curry Leaf |
|
1 cup | Shallot , sliced |
|
2 tablespoons | Ginger-garlic paste |
|
2 tablespoons | Red chili powder |
|
1 tablespoon | Coriander powder |
|
1/2 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
2 tablespoons | Tamarind , pulp |
|
1 cup | Coconut Milk , thick |
|
2 cups | Water |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
Instructions
- 1 Clean and cut the fish into medium-sized pieces.
- 2 Heat coconut oil in a clay pot or deep pan over medium heat.
- 3 Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds, allowing them to splutter.
- 4 Add curry leaves and sliced shallots, sautéing until the shallots turn golden brown.
- 5 Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- 6 Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, stirring well to combine.
- 7 Pour in the tamarind pulp and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- 8 Add the fish pieces, ensuring they are submerged in the curry.
- 9 Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- 10 Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 11 Adjust salt to taste and remove from heat.
- 12 Let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
For an authentic taste, use a clay pot for cooking and allow the curry to rest for a few hours to enhance the flavors.