Meen Mulakittathu

(chili-hot fish curry)

Meen Mulakittathu is usually prepared with rice. This is one of the side dishes for a typical plain rice at Malabar or coastal Karnataka. The way it is prepared may differ from home to home . 

Usually Mackerel or Sardines  fish is used to make this but I did not have either of them , I used King fish.

4 mackerel or sardines or king fish

6 small onions

6 cloves garlic

1 tomato

2 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Small ball  of tamarind

1/2 tsp mustard

1 tsp fenugreek

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 springs of curry leaves

salt to taste

Clean and remove the heads of the fish and wash well.

Chop the onion and green chillies

Crush the garlic.

Soak the tamarind in a little water and squeeze out the juice.

Chop the tomato.

Heat the oil.

Add mustard.

When it starts to crackle, add the fenugreek, onion, green chilli's and garlic.

Fry for a few seconds.

Add chili powder, turmeric powder and tamarind water.

Simmer for a few minutes. 

Add the fish, curry leaves and salt.

Cook till the fish is done.