Fish Molee

All the guest from Groom side and few kids from the bride side sat for lunch in a large tent. Few people from the kitchen started placing the wet green banana leaves in front of each person. Soon all the leaves were served a big thick slice of bread and followed by a bright yellow curry. First I thought it was chicken. But is was fish. Though I felt a bit weird , the combo of bread slice and that sweet and little spicy fish curry was heaven. Unlike others I asked for more bread. I think I had 2 more thick slices. It was more than enough for an 8 year old… Happily licking my fingers, I was getting up to wash my hands when all were still sitting, I was stopped by one of my Aunt who was sitting next to me. “You are not yet done dear…They are bringing rice….” I was jaw dropped..

I was having lunch at a Christian wedding for the first time. It is my cousin marriage

Actually it was the first course which they have served..and I was mistook thinking that is the only food they are going to serve.. That is the very first time I ate Fish Molee..

Fish molee is basically a curry which cooked with coconut milk and mild spices..You could call it a stew as well…. And this is one of the famous dish in Kerala, especially in a Christian family…It is so easy to prepare and can me made so fast…

You need,

• King Fish – half kilogram (cut into chunks or slices)
• Coconut Oil  – 2 tbsp ( you can replace with refined oil…But coconut oil adds more flavor)
• Mustard seeds  – 1/4 teaspoon
• Curry leaves of 2 springs
• Onions – 1 big quartered and sliced thinly
• Ginger, crushed and finely chopped – 2 teaspoon
• Garlic finely chopped – 2 teaspoon
• Green chilies – 3 slit
• Turmeric powder – 3/4 teaspoon + a pinch
• Coconut milk (medium thickness) – 1.5 cups
• Salt to taste

You have to,

• Clean, wash fish 
• Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric and salt. 
• Rub well and keep aside
• Heat oil in a clay pan or regular pan in medium flame
• Add mustard seeds and allow to pop.
• Add curry leaves and saute for a few seconds.
• Add onions and saute till it turn translucent.
• Add ginger, garlic, green chilies, remaining turmeric powder and fish pieces.
• Saute gently without breaking the pieces
• Add coconut milk and salt to taste.
• Cover and cook on a low heat for approx ten minutes.
• You could serve this stew hot with Appam . It also goes well with rice