MEEN POLLICHATHU

Meen pollichathu ,a kerala delicacy in which a fish is coated with a spicy masala paste, then covered and cooked in a banana leaf. This will keep the fish moist and flaky .All the juices will be trapped inside the leaf and injected into the fish.The flavor of the leaf will also accent the taste of the dish.

I dont get banana leaves here so i had to compromise some of the flavor by using auminium foil.But if u get hold of the leaves by all means use it cause thats the best.So here goes the recipe.

I am sending this to Sangeeths Eat healthy - protein rich contest.

(Pardon me for the bad photos..took it in a big hurry as i just couldnt resist the aroma :D)


INGREDIENTS

For marinating fish:-

Tilapia - 2 fillets
turmeric - 1 tsp
salt

For masala:-

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
garlic - 1 tsp , freshly chopped
ginger - 1 tsp , freshly chopped
onions - 1 cup, chopped fine
green chilies - 3 slit
tomato - 1 chopped fine
tamarind conc - 1 tsp or according to ur taste
turmeric pdr - 1 tsp
red chilli pdr - 1 tsp
coriander pdr - 1 tsp
curry leaves - 1 sprig
cilantro - a bunch
salt and pepper

Aluminum foil or banana leaf

METHOD

Mix turmeric and salt together and apply it evenly on the fish on both sides and leave it aside for 15-20 mins.

Heat some oil in a pan.Put curry leaves,ginger,garlic,green chillies and onions.Saute them until the onions are soft.Add salt,tamarind concentrate,turmeric pdr,black pepper and red chilli pdr.Add tomatoes and saute them until tomatoes are cooked.Sprinkle water if the gravy gets too dry.Check salt add cilantro.Keep it aside and let it cool down.

Take the aluminum foil.Put some masala in the center.Place the fish on top and put some generous amount of the masala on top of it as shown in the pic above.Fold the foil and seal the edges.

Heat a tawa or grill on medium-high flame.When it gets sizzling hot place the fish covered in foil on top.Cook for 5 mins on each side.Fish is very delicate and cooks very fast.

Serve immediately with rice.