Pithia Fish Curry Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 fish pieces 
• 2 onions, roasted on an open flame
• 4 tbs poppy seeds, toasted till the nutty aroma fills the kitchen
• 2 tbs freshly-grated coconut 
• 3 cloves of garlic, ground
• 1 small piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• A quarter tsp turmeric powder + extra to rub on the fish pieces
• Salt to taste as well as to rub on the fish
• Mustard oil as needed 
• Chopped herbs for the garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove ends of the onions, peel, wash and chop them. Blend till smooth.
2. Blitz the poppy seeds and keep aside.  
3. Rub the fish pieces with a touch of salt and turmeric.
4. Heat some mustard oil in  a pan. When it comes to smoking point, add the fish pieces. This can be done in two batches or else the oil will cool down and the fish will stick to the pan.
5. Fry lightly on both sides till they are golden. Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
6. In the same oil (check to see if another tbs of oil might be needed) add the onion.
7. Add the ginger and garlic and cook till the onions turn paler in colour. 
8. Then add the rest of the spices along with the coconut and cook till the oil separates.
9. Season with salt. Pour some hot water in the curry. The quantity will depend on the amount of gravy you like.
10. Let the gravy come to a boil. Check the seasoning and make adjustments, if needed.
11. Gently put in the shallow-fried fish pieces.
12. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or till the fish is soft and the curry looks 'done'.
13. Remove from the flame and transfer to a serving dish. Scatter the chopped herbs on top.
14. This goes best with rice with. Maybe with another accompaniment. Some vegetables would be nice.

Source: Blending Flavours