Keralian Fish Korma

Dear Friends,

Today I came here to share with you a famous Fish korma recipe. This dish is famous in Kerala(India). Friends, did you know basically korma has belonged to Mughlai Cuisine of the Indian subcontinent. It was discovered back in the 16th century. Kormas were often prepared in the Mughal court kitchens, such as the famous Navratan korma, I mentioned before; it has been served to Shah Jahan and his guests at the inauguration of the Taj Mahal. Korma is usually made with meat and vegetables. But, today, I will share with you korma made with fish. This is a very delicious delicacy of Kerala. So, let's start making fish korma.

Ingredients:-

Pomfret Fish- 4 Pieces(cut into slices).
Vegetable or coconut oil- 7tbsp.

For Marination:-

Red chili powder- 2tsp.
Turmeric Powder- 1tsp.
Ginger-garlic Paste- 1-1/2tsp.
Salt- 1tsp.

For the Spice Paste:-

Mustard Seeds-2tsp.
Kashmiri red chilies- 12nos.(whole)
Coriander Seeds- 2tbsp.
Cumin Seeds- 2tsp.
Ginger- 4tbsp(finely chopped).
Garlic-4tbsp(chopped).
Green Cardamom-4pods.
Cloves-4whole.
Cinnamon Stick- 1piece.(1inch)
Fenugreek Seeds- 2tsp.

Other ingredients for Korma:-

Bay leaves- 2(whole).
Onions- 4(finely chopped).
Tomatoes- 3(cubed).
Coconut Milk- 2 cups.
Curry leaves- 2 springs.
Turmeric Powder- 3tsp.
Coriander leaves- A handful(finely chopped) for garnishing.
Salt- To taste.

Preparation Method:-

Step 1- First, wash all fish pieces thoroughly under running water. Transfer the fish pieces to a bowl. Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste. Marinate the fish pieces well and set aside for 20 minutes.

Step 2- After 20 minutes, Place a frying pan on medium flame, add 4tbsp of oil to the pan. Once oil heated, shallow fry all fish pieces well from both sides. Remove the fish pieces from the pan, once get the texture and transfer to a bowl. Keep aside.

Step 3- Now, in the same frying pan, add more 1tbsp of oil. Next, add Cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, Kashmiri(Byadgi) red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds. Lower the flame and saute for few seconds.

Step 4- Next, add chopped ginger, garlic. Saute for 2 minutes in low flame or until becoming aromatic. Take out from the frying pan and transfer them to a bowl.

Step 5- Once the spices cool down, add them to a blender jar and make a smooth paste. Can add little water. Transfer in a bowl and set aside.

Step 6- Add the remaining 2tbsp of oil to the same pan. Now add bay leaves, mustard seeds, curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds. Next, add chopped onions fry the onions until golden brown.

Step 7- Now add chopped tomatoes, salt, turmeric powder, and (step-5) fried spice paste. Cook until oil separates from spices.

Step 8- Next, add coconut milk mix well with all ingredients. Check salt and spice at this stage. If required, then add more salt. Mix well.

Step 9- Now add fried fish pieces in the gravy and boil for 5-6 minutes. After 5-6 minutes, turn off the flame and transfer fish korma in a serving bowl.

Step 10- Garnish fish korma with chopped coriander leaves, and now it's ready to serve with steamed Rice.

Image credit:source1,source2