Ingredients
For Marinating the Fish
- 500 grams Kingfish or Pomfret
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
- 2 tablespoon Red Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
- 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
- to taste Salt
- 1 Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
For the Masala
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 1 large, thinly sliced Onion
- 2-3 slit Green Chilies
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 medium, chopped Tomato
- a handful Curry Leaves
- 1 cup Grated Coconut
- to taste Salt
For Wrapping
- Cut into large squares Banana leaves
Directions
Meen Pollichathu is a traditional South Indian dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and culinary techniques of Kerala. This dish is characterized by its unique method of cooking fish, typically marinated and wrapped in banana leaves, which infuses the fish with rich aromas and moisture.
Steps
1 Done | Marinate the FishIn a bowl, mix turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice to form a paste. Rub the paste all over the fish pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. |
2 Done | Prepare the MasalaHeat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped tomato and cook until soft. Stir in the grated coconut, add curry leaves, and season with salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes. |
3 Done | Assemble and CookOn a banana leaf, place a fish piece and top it with the prepared masala. Fold the banana leaf over the fish to create a secure packet. Repeat for all fish pieces. You can either steam the packets in a steamer for about 20-25 minutes or grill them on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the fish is fully cooked. |
4 Done | ServeCarefully unwrap the banana leaf packets and serve the Karemeen Pollichathu hot. It pairs well with steamed rice or appams. Enjoy your delicious Meen Pollichathu! |
