Unakkameen (Dry Fish)-Drumstick curry

I prefer unakkameen , mostly pronounced as Onakkameen , to raw fish any day. I even love the Dried fish smell. I used to volunteer to go to the market near our home , so that i could buy from the monger all those i really love like "Nanku , Ayila , pambada..ooh!!!! i am drooling even at the mention of it. 

My joy knew no limits , when i found fleshy salted cod in our local grocers' just soon after i came to US.

This unakkameen curry is a must for  a "feel at home" lunch for me , especially after days of travel and feast on junk food. Par boiled rice , this curry and some thoran and pappadom..OOh ...thats certainly a comfort meal for me :)

Recipe for kerala style Unakka meen curry with drumsticks( muringakka)

Ingredients:-


To grind
Bowl 1
Grated coconut - 1 cup
Garlic - 1 or 2 cloves
Red chili powder - a pinch
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tea spoon
Salt to taste

Bowl 2

Unakkameen(dry fish-any variety) - 8- 10 medium pieces
Drumstick (Muringakka) - 5-6  pieces
Tomato chopped - 1or 2 nos OR Kudampuli - 2 pieces 

Green chilli chopped - 2-3

Shallots chopped - 5-6

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Oil

Red chilli ,curry leaves and mustard for seasoning

Method

Soak the dry fish in water for 4-5 hours so that the excess salt would reduce..

Soak Kudampuli in a cup of water.

Grind all the ingredients in Bowl 1 to a smooth  paste

Combine all other ingredients in Bowl 2 and cook with soaked kudampuli and the water. (add more water if needed.) 

Cook for 5-7 minutes , then add the ground coconut paste and cook it for another 5-7 minutes or until done.

Heat oil in a pan ,and add mustard seeds.When it starts to splutter red chillies and curry leaves .Pour it over the Curry..

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recipe courtsey: My mom!!!