Meen Pollichathu - Kuttanadan style with Tilapia

Recipe for Nadan Meen pollichathu - A true Kuttanadan Delicacy

Ingredients:-
To marinate fish:- Bowl 1

Fish -fillet or steak cut - 2  (tilapia,Pearl spot,King fish,Salmon)

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tea spoon

Red chilly powder - 1/2 tea spoon
Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp( as per your heat level)
Salt to taste

For the masala 
Oil - 2 tablespoon 

Shallots finely chopped - 1cup 

Ginger chopped - a small piece

Garlic chopped -5 cloves

Green chillies chopped - 2-3nos
Chili powder - 1/2 tea spoon
Coriander - 1/2 tea spoon
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tea spoon

Lemon juice - of 1/2 lemon or 1 small tomato ( optional)

Coconut milk(thick) - 1/4 cup

Curry leaves

Salt to taste

Aluminium foil/banana leaf

Method

Clean the fish and pat dry. If using fish like karimeen make some gashes on it . Marinate the fish with all the ingredients in Bowl 1. keep aside for 30 minutes. Fry it lightly ( not crisp fried) little oil and drain on paper towels.

Meanwhile heat oil in a pan and saute' chopped onions ,ginger ,garlic and green chillies..When they are soft , add all the powders ,salt and curry leaves,mix it well. (Add lemon juice or if you are using tomato, add it now and sautee well.)Add thick coconut milk and let it stand on fire for 2 minutes, until it is thick .Masala is ready

Take an aluminium foil.Place the fish on the center and apply the gravy well on both sides of the fish

Fold the foil and make sure the edges are secure so that the gravy wont fall out.Steam it in a steamer or Appachembu for 10-15 minutesOr you can bake it for 20 minutes @ 400 degree

Or Take a heavy pan put this foiled fish and place another heavy pan or pot on top of it, and grill it for 10-15 minutes , but grill both sides.

Happy Cooking