Don't give me that look. I know, it's Navrathri and we are not supposed to have non-vegetarian food. Being a South Indian, the customs of Navrathri fast are quite different from the Northern parts of India. Most of us avoid non-vegetarian foods all these nine days. And as far as I know, at least in my family, there is nothing called as a complete fast. However, now I'm settled in Pune and is taking it up. It's the third day and I'm surprised that I'm not dizzy or tired with consuming only fruits all these days.
I made fish fry for P today as I didn't want to put him through any difficulties because of my fast! I know, I'm a dutiful wife 😛 There is not even a day without fish fry for lunch at home in my family. Oh yeah, since my childhood!! So you can imagine how much of fish lovers we are!!
This is a basic Kerala style fish fry recipe. There are many different ways to fry fish- adding mashed shallots or fish masala powder or even garam masala. But here's the easy-peasy method.
Source: Marias Menu
Ingredients:
Fish steaks – 4
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 and ½ tsp
Chilly powder – 1 and ½ tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Crushed pepper – ½ teaspoon (freshly crushed peppercorns would be better)
Lime juice – 1-2 tsp
Salt
Coconut oil- 3tbsp
Method:
Clean and dry fish pieces.
Make a fine paste of ginger-garlic paste, chilly powder, turmeric powder, crushed pepper with little water, not making it too flowy. Marinate the fish pieces with the ground paste and lime juice.
Rest the marinated fish for a minimum of half an hour.
Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the fish pieces.
Serve hot with onion rings and a slice of lime. Best with Kerala Rice.
Chef says: It is always better to add freshly crushed peppercorns than ready-made pepper powder. Try and feel the difference.
Ramaswamy says
I am a senior citizen who is hooked to cooking. Besides the recipe , I would like suggestions as to the type of fish , type of vessel,which I feel is very important. Hence, hereafter add your suggestions as to the type of fish/'vessel recommended by you.
A lot of bloggers miss peripheral points like this , which is important for avid amateur cooks like me.
afracooking says
What a fabulous dish! You know, I have never prepared fish this way (and I eat a lot of fish!) Thank you for the inspiration!
ellytreehugger AKA elly stornebrink says
Is that salmon steak Shalini? The middle piece looks like it though I doubt you have it unless it's imported! However, I could sure use that recipe if I buy salmon steak...thanks for sharing it! 😉 <3
shalzzzzz says
Thanks, Elly. It is the Indian Salmon also called Carp Fish 🙂 They are extremely tasty when fried and served as an appetizer. You can check the below link to know more about this fish. It is easily available in India.
http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-carp-fish-(rohu)-1767i
Michelle Liew says
Adding to my recipe list. I'm currently looking for new food to try!!
shalzzzzz says
Thanks a lot, Michelle. I hope you can drop in when free to get more recipes 🙂
Cynthia Vincent Daniel says
Looks Yummy, Am gonna try it soon. I love sea food 🙂
shalzzzzz says
Thanks for dropping by, Cynthia 🙂 Try and let me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Shailaja/ The Moving Quill says
I am glad for you, Shalini. I can imagine how difficult it must be to give up a favourite dish for 9 days. Good for you 🙂
shalzzzzz says
Thanks, Shailaja. Yeah, it is kinda tough but anything for Durga Maa 🙂
nabanita21 says
Oh no I can eat don't worry about it 😉
Loved what you shared especially since it's fish 😀
shalzzzzz says
Thanks, Naba 😛 Ya, eat eat!! I'll hog after the festival 😀
Laurel Regan says
Looks wonderful - how did you ever resist having some for yourself?! Thank you for sharing this recipe. 🙂
shalzzzzz says
I know, tell me about it! 😀 Hope you liked it.