Fish Peera

This is a popular Kerala fish recipe....

Preparation time - 20-30 minutes

Cooking time - 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Sardines - 1 kg
Tamarind (Kudampuli) - 1-2 pieces or as required
Shallots - 10-15
Ginger - 1 inch piece
Garlic - 5-6 cloves
Green chillies - 2 or as required
Curry leaves - 3 sprigs
Coconut -1 1/2 cup, grated
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Soak the kudampuli in water for 15 minutes.

2. Boil the fish with 1/2 cup of water and salt. Wait till the water begins to boil. Close and cook for 2-     3 minutes. Put off the heat. When cooled, de-bone the fish. Keep aside.

3. Coarsely beat the coconut and green chillies. Crush the shallots, ginger and garlic.

4. In an earthen pot (chatti), mix the de-boned fish, crushed shallots, ginger and garlic. Also add the coarsely gorund coconut, turmeric powder,salt and curry leaves.

5. Add the kudampuli and a little water slowly mix it.

6. Pour the coconut oil on the top and cover the chatti.

7. Place the chatti on the cook top and allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes.Remove from heat.

8. Transfer it to a bowl. Serve hot with kanji [rice soup].