Reef fish fry
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Whole lagoon or reef fish rubbed with a chilli–garlic paste and pan-fried in coconut oil.
Region: LakshadweepOccasion: Everyday mealsTime: 35 minServes: 4Non-vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 small whole reef fish (such as snapper or emperor), cleaned and scored
- 1½ tbsp chilli powder, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or tamarind water
- Salt, curry leaves
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
Method
- Mix the spices, garlic, ginger, lemon juice and salt into a thick paste.
- Rub it into the fish, inside the cuts and the belly. Rest 20 minutes.
- Heat coconut oil in a wide pan and add curry leaves.
- Fry the fish on medium heat, 5–6 minutes a side, until crisp.
- Serve with rice and a coconut chutney.
History
Besides tuna caught at sea, island families have always fished in the lagoons and along the reefs for their own table.
Significance
Fried fish with rice is the simplest everyday island meal.