🐟 Coastal Fish Curry Recipe

A luscious, tangy-spicy curry with coconut and coastal spices — perfect for seafood lovers.

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Curry:
500g fish (pomfret, seer/kingfish, tilapia, or any firm white fish) – cut into medium pieces

2 tbsp oil (preferably coconut oil)

½ tsp mustard seeds

1 sprig curry leaves

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)

2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed

¼ tsp turmeric powder

1½ tsp red chili powder (or use 1 tsp Kashmiri for color + ½ tsp regular for heat)

1½ tsp coriander powder

Salt to taste

1 cup thick coconut milk

½ cup tamarind water or 1 tsp kokum (for sourness)

Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish (optional)

🐠 Marinade (Optional but recommended):
½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp red chili powder

Salt

A squeeze of lemon juice

🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
Marinate cleaned fish pieces with turmeric, chili powder, salt, and lemon juice.

Set aside for 15–20 minutes while you prep the curry.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base
Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add curry leaves, then chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.

Step 3: Build the Curry
Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft and oil separates.

Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

Cook the masala for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Simmer
Add tamarind water or kokum, then pour in ½ cup water. Bring to a boil.

Add the marinated fish pieces gently and simmer on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until fish is cooked through (do not over-stir or fish may break).

Step 5: Finish with Coconut Milk
Add coconut milk and gently simmer for another 2–3 minutes on low heat. Do not boil after adding coconut milk.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chili or tamarind if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves or extra curry leaves.

Serve hot with steamed rice, neer dosa, or appams.

🌴 Coastal Tips:
Use fresh coconut milk or high-quality canned for authentic flavor.

For extra coastal aroma, drizzle a few drops of raw coconut oil at the end.

You can also grind a fresh coconut-based masala for richer texture (let me know if you’d like that version!).

🐟 Welza Twist:
Use Welza Turmeric, Red Chili Powder, and Coriander Powder for bold, authentic flavor. For a regional twist, try with Welza Tamarind Whole or Dry Kokum.