Between the weddings and the hectic preparations, there were a few meals that we managed to cook at home ... and we made sure that there was always something special to mark these meals.. I prepared this with my brother's help while our parents were out inviting people for my sister's reception...
Karimeen is one of my favourite fish, and it had been a while since I had had a taste.. so I made sure that it looked and tasted great..
Karimeen/pearl spot fish - 1 kg -scaled, cleaned and sliced (you can also do it whole, just score the outside for better marination)
Grind the following ingredients -
Shallots/cheriyulli - 8 to 10 medium sized
Garlic - 3-4 cloves
Ginger - 1 inch
Pepper corns - 5-6
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - 2-3 nos
Salt to taste
Add to the paste, -
Tamarind pulp - 1/2 tsp (thick)
Coconut oil - 1 tsp
Now marinate the fish by rubbing the paste well into the fish and leave for atleast a half-hour.
Cut and clean and wipe banana leaves well so that there is no water. Wrap the fish pieces in the leaves.. in each wrap, leave a stalk of curry leaves.
In a flat ,thick bottomed pan, wait till heated, add a teaspoon of oil . Coat well. Add the wraps, close the pan well . When one side is done, turn to the other side. You can also layer the pan with banana leaves, lay the fish and cover with another layer of banana leaves , then add the lid.
Unwrap when both sides are cooked and enjoy...
