Ingredients

• For fish:
• 500 g - fish, cut into cubes
• 1/2 tsp - turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp - red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp - salt
• For mappas:
• 1 tbsp - oil
• 3 tbsp (1/4 cup) - finely sliced shallots (chuvannulli / small onion)
• 10 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 inch piece ginger, finely sliced
• 6 curry leaves
• 3 green chillies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tsp - red chilli powder
• 3 tsp (or 1 tbsp) - coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp - turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp - pepper powder
• 50 ml (1/4 cup) - water
• 225 ml - thin coconut milk
• 4 kudampulis (soaked in 3 tbsp water with 1/4 tsp salt in water)
• 3/4 tsp - salt (or to taste)
• 100 ml - thick coconut milk

How to Make Kottayam Style Meen Mappas

• Wash and clean fish pieces. Drain out water completely. Wipe each fish piece with a soft kitchen towel.
• In a bowl, marinate fish pieces with red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt. Keep aside for half an hour.
• Dilute red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and pepper powder in 1/4 cup (50 ml) water. Make a smooth solution and keep it ready (spice mixture).
• Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add finely sliced shallots, garlic, ginger, curry leaves and slit green chillies. Fry until fragrant and golden in colour.
• Add diluted spice mixture and stir well on low heat for 2-3 minutes or until raw smell goes.
• Add thin coconut milk and soaked kudampulis along with soaked water (strain water through a fine sieve). Cover with a lid and bring to boil.
• When it starts boiling, add marinated fish pieces and salt to taste. Cover again and cook on medium to low heat for 8 -10 minutes or until gravy thickens. Switch off the heat.
• Add thick coconut milk and stir well. Do not boil again. Serve with rice / pulao / ghee rice / appam /idiyappam.
• Recipe Courtesy: Niya's World