Kerala Fish Curry

This is one of the versions of the Kerala style fish curry.

Ingredients:

Fish: 500 gm( I have used green Seela fish (Barracuda))
Shallots:1 cup finely chopped
Green chillies: 3 slit
Garlic paste: 1 and 1/2 tbsp
Ginger paste: 1 and 1/2 tbsp
Tomatoes: 3 medium, finely chopped
Tumeric powder: 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder: 2 tsp
Black pepper powder: 1 tsp
Coconut powder:12 tbsp
Coconut: 1/4 cup, grated(optional, if you like to have thick and smooth gravy)
Salt to taste
Coconut oil: 3 tbsp
Curry leaves: 2 sprigs
Warm water: 3 cups,(450 ml)

Method:

1. Wash the fish and put the pieces in a colander to drain water. Take the fish pieces in a bowl, smear salt and a pinch of turmeric powder. Keep aside.

2. Heat oil in an earthen kadai, add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add the shallots, green chillies and saute till the onions are translucent.
3. Now add the ginger- garlic paste and saute till the raw smell is gone.
4. Add turmeric podwer, red chilli powder and coconut ground to paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes. Mix coconut powder in warm water and stir well so there are no lumps.
5. Add the coconut cream to the masala, stir well and continuously for 3-4 minutes. Bring to a boil.
6. Add the fish pieces one by one, swirl the vessel, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Open and check the seasoning.
7. Simmer for 5 minutes and remove from fire. transfer to a serving dish.
8. Serve hot with hot red boiled rice.