Red Fish Curry ( Meen Mulakittadhu)

Ingredients

1. Fish-medium size pieces         -    500 gms

2. Mustard seeds                          -    1/4 tsp

3. Fenugreek seeds                       -   1/4 tsp

4. Curry leaves                             -    2 sprigs

5. Shallots(sliced)                        -    4 to 5 nos

6. Ginger(crushed)                       -    1.5 tsp

7. Garlic(crushed)                        -    1.5 tsp

8. Kashmiri chili powder             -    1.5 to 2 tbsp( depends upon the spice level)

9. Coriander powder                    -    1/2 to 1 tbsp

10. Turmeric powder                    -    1/2 tsp

11. Fenugreek powder                  -    1 pinch

12. Kudampuli(Gambooge)         -     2 to 3 small pieces (soaked in hot water)

13. Water                                      -     1 cup  

14. Salt                                          -     to taste

15. Oil                                           -     as required

Preparation

1. Heat oil in manchatti ( clay pot) and add mustard seeds,let it splutter.Add fenugreek seeds and saute for few seconds.
2. Add curry leaves,shallots,ginger and garlic crush.Saute until shallots turn golden brown.
3. Reduce the flame to low and add kashmiri chili powder,coriander  powder,turmeric powder and fenugreek powder.Mix it well and saute until the colour changes to a deep maroon.
4. Add water and kudampuli , bring it to a boil.
5. Add fish pieces and salt to taste.
6. Cover and cook over a medium heat ,until fish is cooked and gravy is thick.
7. Remove from heat and keep covered for at least one hour for the flavors to blend in.
8. Serve with rice .