Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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.

13 comments:

Suganya said...

This is so different. Look so good. Nice recipe. Pictures looks perfect!!!...

FH said...

I have heard so much about this Kerala dish, looks so yummy, Ranji.

Last week, Trisha wanted me to cook with Shrimp, I asked her whether she likes Molee, a Indian dish but she wanted the breaded and fried Shrimp! :D

Cham said...

We make it but with green chilies exactly the same way. But the fish are always a tiny one (nettile we call it or small white pomfret) Oh gal u make me homesick :( I don't cook much seafood here:( Drool drool drool

Unknown said...

that is like the perfect nadan touch dish:)

Ashwini said...

Though a vegeterian , mole looks yummy..Will cook this for my hubby and daughter...

Dori said...

Fish dishes are so tempting, I do not cook fish enough... so sad :( Looks so very delicious!

Sum Raj said...

woo delicious....hve to try this...nice fish pieces ranji..presentaion is too gud.

KonkaniBlogger said...

Fish Molee looks yummy Ranji..I had made this once long back, so I know how good it tastes..Lovely pics.

KonkaniBlogger said...

Check my blog, have an award for u..

Vijitha said...

Da moolle is my most fav dish. Moolle chooru n pappadam - heavenly combo.

Urs looks so yummy n tempting! :-)
Trail back I have something for you in my blog.

Finla said...

One of my fav dishes. I have never made them home till now.
Always ate when i went back home.
I must make this once, but am not sure if my hubby and daughter will like it.
SHould give it a try.

Shreya said...

I have always wanted to make fish molee, but never tried. your recipe is really nice, will give it a try:-)

Anonymous said...

This looks yummy! I think I'll try this with cod.