FISH MOLEE

Fish molee is one of the most popular seafood dish in Kerala.Its a mild tasting,non-spicy dish prepared with coconut milk.Its very easy to prepare, the extraction of coconut milk being the only hard job here.It is at its best only when a fresh fish is used,preferably a firm fleshed fish like king fish,pomfret or even cod.I used king fish.In US you can find it in any Asian grocery stores. There is not many spices used in this dish,coconut milk is the main ingredient so a bad fish can totally ruin the taste.Fish molee is usually served along with rice or Aappam.

INGREDIENTS

For Marination:-

King fish or any firm fleshed fish - 1 lbs

red chilli pdr - 1 tsp

turmeric - 1 tsp

lemon juice - 1 tbsp

salt to taste

For Gravy:-

onion - 1 medium size, sliced

tomato - 2 medium size,diced

ginger - 1 tbsp

coconut milk, 1st extract - 11/2 cup

coconut milk, 2nd extract - 2 cups

curry leaves - of 1 sprig

turmeric - 1 tsp

green chillies - 4 nos, slit

lemon juice - 1 tbsp

salt to taste

METHOD

Wash and clean the fish.Pat it dry.Marinate it in a mixture of lemon juice,turmeric,red chilli pdr and salt for about 1 or 2 hrs in the refrigerator.

Heat some oil in a pan.Add the curryleabes.green chilies and ginger.Saute for a minute and then add the onions.Add salt.Stir it until the onions become soft and translucent.Add turmeric and tomatoes.Stir it for a couple of minutes.Then add the 2nd extract of coconut milk.Add salt and stir well.Let it come to a boil.Now add the marinated fish pieces.Hold onto the sides of the pan and swirl it until the fish is well totally immersed in the gravy.Do not stir using a spatula.That will break the fish.Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 mins or until the fish is cooked.A fresh fish cooks really fast.So do not turn away from the stove.Ones done switch off the flame and add the 1st coconut milk extract and lemon juice and gently swirl it again until its fully blended with the rest.Garnish with coriander leaves and curry leaves.Serve with aappam or rice.

Another popular seafood dish in kerala is Meen pollichathu.Click here for my recipe.