Irachi Masala Ittu Vecha Meen (Fish cooked like Meat)

Recipe No: 208
My Mother in Law used to call this ‘Meen Irachi Curry Vechathu’ and that name means it. This is a very simple preparation that goes with Rice, Flat Breads, Appam, Idiyappam etc: and made with all the ingredients that are used to make a simple Chicken Curry.

Ingredients                                              Serves 4

• Fish cut into pieces……...400 grams
• Coconut Oil………………..2 Tablespoons
• Mustard Seeds……………1/2 Teaspoon
• Fenugreek seeds………...1/8 Teaspoon (Uluva Seeds)
• Onion sliced thin………...3/4 Cup
• Ginger chopped fine…….1 ½ Tablespoons
• Garlic chopped fine……..1 ½ Tablespoons
• Indian Green Chilly…….4 big (split into two)
• Curry Leaves……………..2 sprigs
• Red Chilly Powder…..….1 Teaspoon
• Coriander Powder…..…..1 ½ Teaspoons
• Turmeric Powder………..1/2 Teaspoon
• Pepper Powder…………...1/4 Teaspoon
• Garam Masala Powder…3/4 Teaspoon
• Tomato sliced………..…...1 small
• Thin Coconut Milk……...1 Cup
• Thick coconut Milk….….1 Cup
• Vinegar…………….………..1/2 Teaspoon
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon Coconut Oil, 1 Sprig Curry Leaf and ¼ teaspoon Garam Masala to sprinkle on top at the end

Method of Preparation

1. Heat Oil in a pan on medium high heat and splutter the Mustard Seeds and Fenugreek seeds.
2. Add Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Green Chilly and Curry Leaves; saute till wilted.
3. Lower the heat and add Red Chilly Powder, Coriander Powder, Turmeric Powder, Pepper Powder and Garam Masala Powder; saute for a minute, stirring to avoid burning.
4. Add sliced Tomato, Thin Coconut Milk and Salt; cover the pan and let it boil.
5. Once boiled, add the Fish and let it cook covered.
6. Once cooked well and the gravy is reduced, add the Thick Coconut Milk and Vinegar; let it simmer along the sides.
7. Sprinkle Coconut Oil, Garam Masala Powder and Curry Leaves on top; off the heat; close the pan and let it sit for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• Make this dish with fishes that have thickness to its flesh. (I used Pomfret)
• Once the Fish is added don’t use the spoon; swirl the pan to get everything mixed now and then, which  will avoid the Fish from breaking.
• If you don’t want a lot of gravy, let it reduce well before adding the Thick Coconut Milk. Don't boil it too much after adding the Thick Coconut Milk as it may separate.
• Add a tablespoon of chopped Coriander Leaves at the end for a very different taste.

 




Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…