Making Kerala Style Kottayam Fish Curry: A Flavorful Journey to Southern India

Introduction

Welcome to Street Food at Home, where we bring the flavours of the world to your kitchen. Today, we're diving into the vibrant and spicy cuisine of Kerala, South India. I'm your host, Mark Wiens, and I'm excited to take you on a flavorful journey through this delicious region.

Kerala is not only known as "God's own country," but also as the "garden of spices" and the "land of coconuts." Its cuisine is a celebration of bold flavours, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients.

In this blog, we'll be focusing on one iconic dish that truly represents the essence of Kerala cuisine: Kottayam fish curry. This spicy and tangy curry is a staple in the backwaters of Kottayam, and it's a must-try for any food lover.

But before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you a little bit about street food at home. Our mission is to bring the joy of street food to your home kitchen. While we can't always travel to experience authentic street food culture, we can recreate those flavours and experiences in our own kitchens.

Now, back to Kerala and its incredible cuisine. The state is famous for its use of fresh seafood, coconut-based curries, and a wide array of spices. The flavours are bold, spicy, and packed with layers of complexity.

Kerala's cuisine is not just about the food itself but also about the culture and traditions that surround it. From toddy shops, where you can enjoy spicy food and palm wine, to home-cooked meals that showcase the warmth and hospitality of the people, every bite tells a story.

So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the flavours of Kerala through the iconic Kottayam fish curry. Get your taste buds ready for an explosion of spices, tangy tamarind, and succulent fish.

Stay tuned for the recipe and step-by-step instructions on how to recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to bring the vibrant flavours of Kerala street food into your home!

The Importance of Garcinia and Spice Mix

In Kerala fish curry, one of the key ingredients is pod tamarind, also known as Garcinia. This fruit is responsible for the tangy and sour flavours that make the curry so unique. By using pod tamarind, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavours in your fish curry.

When it comes to the spice mix, Kerala cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic spices. Different types of chilli powders are used to add heat and depth of flavour to the dish. Kashmiri chilli powder is used for its vibrant colour and fragrance, while the strong chilli powder provides the spiciness that Kerala cuisine is famous for.

In addition to chilli powders, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper are also key spices in Kerala fish curry. Coriander adds a subtle citrus flavour, turmeric adds a beautiful golden colour, and black pepper adds a hint of warmth and pungency. Together, these spices create a complex and aromatic flavour profile.

By using the right combination of garcinia and spice mix, you can recreate the authentic flavours of Kerala fish curry. The tanginess of pod tamarind, the heat of chilli powders, and the aroma of coriander, turmeric, and black pepper all come together to create a truly flavorful and satisfying dish.

Preparing the Curry Base

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it's time to prepare the curry base for our Kottayam fish curry. This process involves toasting the spices and making a flavorful paste that will form the foundation of our curry.

Toasting Spices and Making a Paste

In Kerala cuisine, toasting spices is a crucial step to enhance their flavours. We'll start by dry-frying the spices in a pan to release their aromas and develop a smoky flavour. This technique is commonly used in toddy shops, where they make extra-spicy fish curry.

In our recipe, we'll be using two types of chilli powder: Kashmiri chilli powder for its vibrant colour and fragrance, and strong chilli powder for extra spiciness. We'll also add coriander, turmeric, and black pepper for a complex and aromatic flavour profile.

Once the spices are toasted, we'll transfer them to a mortar and pestle and grind them into a fine paste. This paste will serve as the base of our curry, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Different styles observed in Kerala

It's worth noting that there are different styles of making fish curry in Kerala. Some recipes call for toasting the spices before making the paste, while others prefer adding the spices directly to the curry without toasting. Each method creates a unique flavour profile, so feel free to experiment and find your preferred style.

The Importance of Curry Leaves

No Kerala curry is complete without the addition of fresh curry leaves. These aromatic leaves add a distinct and vibrant flavour to the dish. They have a unique taste that is hard to describe, but once you try them, you'll understand why they are an essential ingredient in Kerala cuisine.

In our recipe, we'll be using curry leaves to enhance the fragrance and taste of our fish curry. If you have access to fresh curry leaves, consider yourself lucky and don't hesitate to use them generously.

Adding Dried Chilies for Extra Spiciness

If you're a fan of spicy food, you can take your fish curry to the next level by adding dried chilies. These chilies will provide an extra kick of heat and intensify the flavours of the dish. In some recipes, the dried chilies are toasted along with the spices at the beginning, while in others, they are added directly to the curry.

Feel free to adjust the amount of dried chilies according to your spice tolerance. Just keep in mind that they can pack quite a punch, so use them sparingly if you're not accustomed to high levels of spiciness.

By following these steps and incorporating these key ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating a flavorful and aromatic curry base for your Kottayam fish curry. Stay tuned for the next section, where we'll dive into the recipe and guide you through the process of cooking this mouthwatering dish.

Choosing the fish

When it comes to making Kerala fish curry, the choice of fish is crucial. The traditional recipe calls for firm fish, as it holds up well in the spicy curry and retains its texture.

Kerala is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood, and you'll find a variety of fish options to choose from. Some popular choices for fish curry include king mackerel, pomfret, seer fish, and sardines. Each fish brings its own unique flavour and texture to the dish.

It's important to avoid stirring the curry too much once the fish is added. This prevents the fish from breaking apart and becoming mushy. Instead, gently simmer the curry to allow the flavours to meld together.

In the video, Mark uses king mackerel for his fish curry. This fish is known for its firm flesh and rich flavour, making it a perfect choice for this spicy dish. However, feel free to experiment with different fish varieties based on your personal preference and availability in your area.

Remember, the key to a delicious Kerala fish curry lies in choosing a firm fish, avoiding excessive stirring, and allowing the flavours to develop. So go ahead and select your fish wisely to create a mouthwatering curry that captures the essence of Kerala cuisine.

Simmering and serving

Now that we have prepared the flavorful curry base, it's time to move on to the final steps of simmering and serving our Kottayam fish curry. This is where all the magic happens as the flavours come together and the dish reaches its full potential.

Simmering the curry is a crucial step to ensure that the fish is cooked perfectly and the flavours meld together. It's important to keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the fish and to maintain the delicate balance of spices.

As the curry simmers, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible. The combination of spices, tangy tamarind, and succulent fish creates a tantalising scent that will have your taste buds tingling with excitement.

Once the fish is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve the curry. In Kerala, it is common to serve fish curry on banana leaves, which not only add a unique touch but also enhance the flavours of the dish. The natural oils present in the banana leaves infuse the curry with a subtle earthiness that complements the spices beautifully.

Before enjoying the fish curry, don't forget to add some mashed cassava and yam to your plate. These starchy side dishes provide a satisfying contrast to the spicy curry and complete the meal. Be sure to mix the mashed cassava and yam with the curry sauce for an explosion of flavours in every bite.

Now, it's time to dig in and savour the vibrant flavours of Kerala. Take a piece of fish, pour some of the curry sauce over it, and let the aroma transport you to the backwaters of Kottayam. Use your fingers to mix the fish with the rice, savouring the combination of spices, tamarind, and coconut.

For an authentic Kerala experience, follow the local custom of continuously pouring the curry sauce over your plate, allowing it to flow like a waterfall. The combination of flavours will dance on your taste buds, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Remember, the beauty of food lies in its ability to transport us to different cultures and experiences. Through the flavours of Kerala fish curry, you can taste the warmth of Kerala's hospitality and the richness of its culinary traditions.

So, gather your loved ones, prepare a batch of Kottayam fish curry, and embark on a flavorful journey to the backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy the vibrant colours, tantalising aromas, and bold flavours that make this dish truly unforgettable.

The Cultural Connection through Food

Food has a remarkable way of connecting us to different cultures and traditions. It is a universal language that brings people together and allows us to experience a glimpse of someone else's world. And one dish that truly embodies this cultural connection is Kerala fish curry.

For me, Kerala fish curry holds a special place in my heart and brings back fond memories of my travels to southern India. The aroma of the spices, the tanginess of the tamarind, and the succulent fish take me back to the backwaters of Kottayam and the warm hospitality of the people.

One of my most memorable experiences with Kerala fish curry was at a toddy shop, where I had the opportunity to taste an extra spicy version of this dish. The combination of flavours, from the smoky spices to the tangy tamarind, created a symphony of taste and texture that I will never forget.

But you don't have to travel to Kerala to experience the magic of this dish. You can recreate it in your own kitchen and embark on a flavorful journey to southern India. I encourage you to try out the recipe and share your own experiences.

As you prepare the dish, take a moment to appreciate the people who are involved in its making. From the fishermen who catch the fresh seafood to the farmers who grow the spices, each person plays a vital role in bringing the flavours of Kerala to your plate.

So, as you savour every bite of Kerala fish curry, express gratitude towards the people and the culture that have brought this dish into your life. Let the flavours transport you to the backwaters of Kottayam and allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in the richness of Kerala's culinary traditions.

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the people of Kerala for sharing their incredible cuisine with the world. Their passion for food and their warm hospitality have left a lasting impression on me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience their culture through food.

Now it's your turn to embark on this flavorful journey. Try out the recipe, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the vibrant colours, tantalising aromas, and bold flavours of Kerala fish curry. And don't forget to share your experiences and photos with me. I can't wait to hear about your culinary adventures!

Conclusion

To wrap up, let's summarise the highlights of this blog. We embarked on a flavorful journey through the vibrant and spicy cuisine of Kerala, South India. We explored the iconic Kottayam fish curry, which represents the essence of Kerala cuisine.

Street Food at Home aims to bring the joy of street food into your kitchen. While we can't always travel to experience authentic street food cultures, we can recreate those flavours and experiences in our own kitchens.

Kerala's cuisine is a celebration of bold flavours, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients. The use of pod tamarind and a spice mix including chilli powders, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper creates a complex and aromatic flavour profile in the fish curry.

In the process of making the curry, we learned about toasting spices, different styles observed in Kerala, the importance of curry leaves, and adding dried chilies for extra spiciness. These tips and techniques help recreate the authentic flavours of Kerala fish curry.

Choosing the right fish is crucial for a delicious Kerala fish curry. Firm fish like king mackerel, pomfret, seer fish, or sardines are commonly used to retain their texture in the spicy curry.

Simmering the curry allows the flavours to meld together perfectly. Serving the curry on banana leaves adds a unique touch and enhances the flavours of the dish. Pairing the fish curry with mashed cassava and yam completes the meal and provides a satisfying contrast to the spicy curry.

In conclusion, Street Food At Home invites you to explore the vibrant flavours of Kerala by trying out the Kottayam fish curry recipe. Recreate the cultural connection through food and experience the warmth of Kerala's hospitality and the richness of its culinary traditions.

Thank you for joining us on this flavorful journey. We appreciate your support and encourage you to share your experiences and photos with us. Stay tuned for more street food recipes from around the world!