Kerala Aiyla Fish Curry

INGREDIENTS

1. Aiyla (Mackerel fish)      -- 1/2 Kg
2. Turmeric powder           -- 1 teaspoon
3. Chilly powder                -- 2 to 3 teaspoons
4. Coriander powder         -- 3 teaspoons
5. Coconut milk(thick)       -- 1 cup(extracted out of half a coconut)
6. Ginger                           -- 1 small piece
7. Garlic                            -- 1 big peeled and crushed
8. Onion                            -- 1 big chopped
9. Coconut oil                    -- 200ml
10. Tomatoes                      -- 2 small ones chopped
11. Curry leaves                  -- 1 twig.
12. Tamarind extract           -- 1 Lemon sized tamarind soaked in hot water for 10 minutes.
13. Aachi fish masala           -- 50 grams(Optional)

Aiyla or Mackerel fish

HOW TO PREPARE:

• Marinate 500 grams of Aiyla(cut into 2 or 3 equal pieces) with a pinch or turmeric powder, salt and chilly powder and set it aside for 1 hour.
• Pour two teaspoons of coconut oil into a kadai. fry the chopped onions till they pale brown, add crushed ginger and garlic fry for a few more minutes until the aroma of garlic emancipates. Simmer the flame of your gas stove. Add a teaspoon of chilly powder and two teaspoons of coriander powder. Fry for a minute or so till the raw smell of masala is gone. Remove the kadai from stove. Grind the whole mixture and keep the masala aside.
• Pour a teaspoon of coconut oil in a kadai. fry the chopped tomotaes till they are cooked fully.
• Add the ground masala and fry for a minute.
• Add the tamarind extract and sufficient water(1 cup).
• Add 1 teaspoon of aachi fish curry masala(optional).
• Add coconut milk and leave it to boil for 2 minutes. Add 2 - 3 curry leaves for an aromatic curry.
• Add the marinated fish to the boiling curry. Allow it to boil for 15 - 20 minutes.
• Check the salt level and add if necessary.

Tasty fish curry is now ready. It can be served with steaming hot rice or chapathis.

I cooked this curry for my mom on Mother's Day and believe me folks, she was very impressed with my culinary skills :-)