Mappas
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs fish filet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 6 T oil
- 1 T mustard seeds
- 2 medium onions, thin sliced
- 3/4 inches ginger, rough chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, rough chopped
- 4 sprigs curry leaves, separated from stem with stem broken into pieces
- 1 1/2 t turmeric
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 6 t coriander
- 1 t indian chili powder
- 2 t garam masala
- 1t white vinegar
- 6-8 oz coconut cream, shaken
Steps:
- Wash fish chunks in water and drain. Repeat until water is no longer cloudy.
- Heat oil in a wide diameter pot or pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds.
- When mustard seeds begin to pop, add the onion and saute for 2-3 minutes on med-high heat.
- When the onions begin to soften, add garlic, ginger, and curry leaves. Add 1/2 t salt and 1 t turmeric, and then cover.
- When the onions are very soft but not yet browned/fried, add the tomatoes, another 1/2 t salt, and cover, cooking 7-12 minutes on high.
- Once the mixture looks cooked, uncover, stirring every few minutes until the mixture is mushy.
- Add the spices: corriander, 1 t garam masala, chili powder (you can substitute sliced chilis instead, adding when you put in the garlic/ginger), and 1/2 c water. Stir and cover again.
- Cook another 5-10 minutes, uncovered until the oil begins to separate.
- Add 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon vinegar and stir to incoprotate. It is very important at this point to taste and adjust salt, spices, and sour. It should be flavorful and a bit salty (we will add fish and dillute later). At this point, you can add the other 1 t of turmeric and another 1t of garam masala. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- With your hands, gently place the fish into the curry, nestling together chunks in an even layer. This is important so they cook evenly. Turn to medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked. Every so often, shake the pot in a circle (do not stir!) to keep the heat distributed. It is important not to break fragile fish pieces by stirring.
- Once the salmon is cooked, add in a half can of coconut cream, stirring to incorporate. Bring to a simmer and taste again, adjusting spices as needed. Gently stir to incorporate and ensure even cooking of the fish.
- Serve over any starch.