Meen Vazhailayil Polichathu
(Kerala Style Fish in Banana leaf wrap )
1.King Fish-6 pieces
Or
Karimeen(Pearl spot)-2
Chilli powder-1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Pepper powder-1/4 tsp
Palm Vinegar-1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Clean the fish pieces. If it's whole fish like Karimeen make gashes on both sides of the cleaned fish and increase the amount of chilli powder to 1 1/2 tsp if your Karimeen is big.Today I used Dover Sole(Aayirampalli) to make this.
Mix all the above ingredients and Marinate the fish for 1 hour & shallow fry till done.Set this aside.
2Coconut oil-2 tbsps
Onions-1 big
Shallots-6-8
Ginger-1 " piece
Garlic-3-4(big)
Green chilies-3-4
Curry leaves-2-3 sprigs
Heat oil and curry leaves and the sliced onions.Once the onions are translucent,add the crushed shallots,ginger ,garlic and green Chillies.
3.Chilli powder-1 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Corriander powder-1/2 tsp
Tomato-1 big
Palm Vinegar-1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Add the above masalas and saute for a minute on low flame. Then add the chopped tomato and salt.Add some water and cook till the tomato blends well.Now add the vinegar to this and mix well. The masala is ready.off the stove.
5.Banana leaves-2
Clean the banana leaves and wilt it by placing it over the gas flames .Remove the center stem and
Cut the banana leaves into 4 pieces.
Take a banana leaf piece and place some Masala at the center & place the fried fish over this masala.Today I placed 3 fish pieces in a leaf as my fish pieces was small.Now place some more masalas over the fish & then place the second banana leaf over this and wrap it to make a parcel.Tie with thread.Repeat with the remaining.
Heat an earthen pot ,add a tbsp of oil and fry these parcels on low heat for 8-10 minutes,covering the pot with a lid.Now turn the parcel and continue to cook the other side for 4-5 minutes.Meen Vazhailayil Polichathu is ready.Remove and serve hot as snack or with rice.
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