Rayalaseema Fish Curry
A more austere, land-driven fish curry than coastal Andhra preparations — river fish or marine fish cooked in a thick paste of dried red Guntur chillies, onion, tamarind, and a minimal whole-spice base tempered in sesame oil. No coconut milk, no fresh coconut; the Rayalaseema fish curry reflects the inland character of the region where fish is less abundant than on the coast. The sesame oil lends a nutty depth specific to Rayalaseema cooking; the tamarind-chilli combination provides both sourness and heat without any softening agent. Eaten with rice or jonna rotte.
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Recipe
Ingredients
|
500 grams | Fish , firm white fillets |
|
2 tablespoons | Oil |
|
1 teaspoon | Mustard Seed |
|
1 teaspoon | Cumin , seeds |
|
1 | Onion , finely chopped |
|
2 | Green Chili , slit |
|
1 tablespoon | Ginger-garlic paste |
|
2 | Tomato , chopped |
|
1 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
2 teaspoons | Red chili powder |
|
1 tablespoon | Coriander powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Garam masala |
|
1 cup | Tamarind , extract |
|
1 cup | Water |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
|
2 tablespoons | Cilantro , chopped |
Instructions
- 1 Clean and cut the fish into medium-sized pieces.
- 2 Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- 3 Add the chopped onions and slit green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- 4 Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- 5 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- 6 Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- 7 Pour in the tamarind extract and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 8 Add the fish pieces gently into the curry and cover the pan. Cook on a low flame for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- 9 Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 10 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips
For a richer taste, you can add a few curry leaves along with the mustard and cumin seeds.