Fish gravy is an easy dish for those who have little time to spend in the kitchen as well as for those who have a craving for tasty food, hot and prepared at once. This is a rich and tasty gravy and the cooked rice, bread and can even be used as a sauce for grilled fish or fried fish.
The best part? It’s very simple to prepare a tasty fish gravy, and the following fish gravy recipe will help you do just that.
What is Fish Gravy?
Fish is one of the healthier sources of proteins, and it goes very well with any spices, herbs, and sauces if not all. Fish gravy encompasses the fish taste profile while infusing extra tastes from spices and aromatics.
This dish is common with the coastal people though one can add and cook it depending on his or her preference. Don’t like too much spice in your gravy, or prefer it thick, or perhaps runny, no worries, this gravy recipe can be adjusted to your taste.
Seasoning for Fish Gravy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over some of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious fish gravy:
- Fish: There is no strict rule on the kind of fish to use because any firm, white fish such as cod fish, tilapia, haddock, or catfish will do well. This kind of fish can effectively be used in gravies and does not tend to crumble to bits at the time of preparation.
- Onions: Onions are firstly nicely chopped and become the foundation of gravies as they’re sweet.
- Tomatoes: Either fresh tomatoes or tomato puree may be used for a sharp, tangy taste and to thicken the gravy.
- Spices: Ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a chilli powder enhance the gravy and give it a delicious warm kick.
- Ginger and Garlic: Ginger and garlic enhance the flavor of the dish & suit the fish taste.
Quick and Simple Fish Gravy Recipe
All in all this recipe will take around thirty minutes and it is good for dinner or lunch preparation.
Ingredients:
500g firm white fish fillets, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 large onion, finely chopped, 2 medium tomatoes, much chopped or one half cup tomato puree, ½ tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder or less according to taste, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1 cup of coconut milk, salt to taste, some chopped fresh coriander leaves to garnish, lemon wedges.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish: Wash the fish fillets under running water then wipe them with a clean paper. If necessary, it should be divided into pieces of medium size. A little bit of salt, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan or skillet part over a medium flame. Then add the finely chopped onions and stir until they are brown in color. This step is considered as crucial because it creates the basic flavor base of the gravy. Blend in the ginger-garlic paste (or crushed fresh ginger and garlic) and fry it for another minute to make sure you do not burn the paste.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Lastly, after the onions are done browning add your chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Just stir it frequently and sauté it until some softening has occurred and the oil floats on the top (about 5 to 7 minutes). In the prepared pan, unpack ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder. Stir to blend and fry for 1- 2 minutes to allow the spices to unfold the aromas.
- Make the Gravy: Add the coconut milk (or water) to the mixture and stir fervently. Take the mixture to allow it to boil gently. It is also important to check on the level of salt and spice given the gravy at this stage should be very hot. You may chop the meat into smaller sizes if you prefer a thick gravy, otherwise, simmer the liquid longer to thicken.
- Simmer and Fry: Now place the pieces of fish food seasoned in the pan and cover them partly in the gravy. Place the lid on the pan and let the fish simmer and fry for 7 – 10 minutes depending on how tender or well-cooked the fish should be. However, the fish must not be overcooked for fear it will become hard.
- Finish and Garnish: When the fish is cooked, decoratively put a few twigs of garam masala (if you desire) on top of the gravy. Stir gently to incorporate.
Finally, remove it from heat and garnish the fish gravy with green coriander leaves. Can be eaten with lemon on the side to make it even yummier.
Tips That Will Help You Enhance Your Fish Gravy
Enhancing fish gravy can be a delightful culinary journey. Here are some tips to elevate your fish gravy:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If a stronger flavored gravy is not desired, substitute the chilli powder with a smaller portion. For lovers of somewhat spicy, you can add green chillies or more chilli powder to the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: To make it vegetarian, replace the fish with tofu or Indian cottage cheese also known as paneer.
- Make it Healthier: Omit coconut milk for a low-calorie gravy, and fry the fish instead of deep frying to lower fat content.
Add Vegetables: In case you want a more heavy meal you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini into the gravy. When adding the vegetables make sure they are cooked in the gravy before putting the fish to allow the vegetables to soften.
