New Delhi: India's diverse culinary heritage boasts a wide variety of meals that tantalise the taste buds with their various flavours and fragrances. While the country is well-known for its vegetarian and meat-based cuisines, its coastal districts provide a delectable array of fish dishes. India, blessed with a long coastline, offers a delectable variety of fish cuisines that differ place to place. From delicious curries to tangy delicacies, let's embark on a gastronomic journey to discover India's most recognised fish dishes.
1. Bengali Fish Curry:
Bengali Fish Curry, also known as 'Macher Jhol,' is a traditional meal that features a delicate balance of spices and aromas. Freshwater fish such as Rohu, Katla, or Hilsa are often cooked in a light and aromatic gravy made with mustard oil, spicy mustard seeds, turmeric, ginger, and green chilies. This meal, served with steaming rice, is a must-try for seafood lovers.
2. Goan Fish Curry:
Goan Fish Curry stands out as a spicy and tangy treat in the gorgeous state of Goa. This recipe is inspired by Portuguese cuisine and includes coconut milk, tamarind, and a spice blend. Pomfret, Kingfish, and Mackerel are typical ingredients, and the curry is best served with Goan red rice or fluffy pav (bread).
3. Kerala Fish Moilee:
Kerala, known for its lovely backwaters, has a gastronomic delicacy in the form of Fish Moilee. This mild and creamy coconut-based fish curry is a delectable blend of flavours, typically incorporating Seer fish or Pearl Spot. This dish, infused with turmeric, curry leaves, green chilies, and coconut milk, exemplifies the state's culinary delights with coconut. Additionally, the inclusion of coconut milk and exotic spices gives it a pleasant aromatic and light flavour. To enjoy a weekday lunch, pair Kerala Style Fish Molee with Steamed Rice.
4. Andhra Fish Pulusu:
Chepala/Fish Pulusu is one of the most flavorful and delicious South Indian seafood dishes in Andhra and Telangana cuisine, especially from the Nellore district. Chepala means "fish," while Pulusu means "tamarind gravy." So Chepala Pulusu is just fresh fish cooked in a spicy, sour tamarind sauce.
This Andhra fish curry is made with a considerable amount of spices, which turns the curry a vibrant red and, of course, spicy. The masala paste, created with roasted peppercorn, mustard, fenugreek, cumin, and poppy seeds, gives this meal a distinct flavour and taste. And the sesame oil used in this recipe gives the curry a classic earthy and rustic flavour.
5. Maharashtrian Fish Koliwada:
A tasty fried snack in which the fish is chopped and marinated in a thick chilli paste batter. The phrase Koliwada is derived from the Maharashtra region and refers to a fishermen's colony, hence the name Fish Koliwada. It is a popular dish in Mumbai and the surrounding areas. The combination of spices, together with a tinge of red chilli, makes this recipe extremely excellent and a must-try at home during the rainy season.
6. Malvani Fish Curry:
This quintessential Malvani dish features a tangy and spicy curry made with a blend of coconut, kokum, and Malvani masala. Fish, such as pomfret, mackerel, or kingfish, is cooked in this flavorful gravy, resulting in a lip-smacking delicacy. The dish is served along with some steamed rice, fish fry, and pickled onions to make a delicious lunch or dinner.