Karimeen Pollichathu - Fish in Banana Leaves

Cook your fish in a package made of banana leaves! This traditional dish from India will stun anyone you serve it to!

INGREDIENTS

Pearl spot fish (or any other small white fish)

Banana leaves

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

half a lemon

salt

water

2 tbsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp chopped ginger

1 tsp chopped garlic

fresh curry leaves

3 tbsp chopped onion

1/2 tsp chili powder

3 tbsp tomato puree

1.5 tsp coconut milk

PREPARATION

• Mix the chilli powder, turmeric powder, juice of ½ a lemon, a pinch of salt and a bit of water together so it becomes a smooth marinade.

• Score the clean Pearl Spot fish. Put on plastic gloves and cover the fish in the marinade.

• Put coconut oil in a pan and pan-fry the fish 2-3 minutes each side.

• For the masala: Add the coconut oil, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chopped green chilli, fresh curry leaves and chopped onion to a pot and put it on a stove. Let it simmer until the ingredients start to get golden brown, then add the chilli and turmeric powder, a bit of salt and the tomato puree. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat. Add the coconut milk and let it simmer for 1-2 more minutes.

• Roast the banana leaves for a few seconds above the stove.

• Add the masala on the banana leaves, put the fish on top and finish with some more masala on the fish.

• Fold the banana leaves and roast it in a pan for a few minutes without oil.

Your fish in banana leaves is ready!