Mia’s Kitchen – Chala Kootan Nadan Mathi Recipe (Kerala Fish Curry Episode 1)
Welcome to the first episode of Kerala Fish Curry series from Mia’s Kitchen! In this episode, we’re going to learn how to make the authentic Chala Kootan Nadan Mathi (chaala curry) – a traditional Kerala fish curry that bursts with flavors. This recipe is a staple in Kerala households and is cherished for its aromatic spices and rich coconut gravy. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
– 500g fresh Mathi (sardines)
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 sprig curry leaves
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1-inch ginger, julienned
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
– 1 ½ tbsp coriander powder
– ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
– 1 cup thin coconut milk
– 1 ½ cups thick coconut milk
– Salt to taste
– Tamarind pulp (size of a small lemon)
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Recipe:
1. Clean the Mathi by removing the scales, gut, and gills. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add curry leaves, sliced onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and fenugreek seeds. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pour in the thin coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the cleaned Mathi into the pan and gently coat them with the gravy. Cook for 5 minutes.
7. Pour in the thick coconut milk and season with salt. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the flavors are well blended.
8. Stir in the tamarind pulp and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or appam.
Join me in the next episode, where we explore another delightful Kerala fish curry recipe. Until then, enjoy cooking and savoring these delicious flavors from Mia’s Kitchen!