Madam don’t you eat any other fish other than vanjaram( seer fish ) asks the fish seller who sells fish at doorstep and he rattles off lot of fish names… catching my nose because I don’t like the smell of fish I tell him first preference is vanjaram next will be pomfret.
My son and I prefer chicken over fish and hubby is vice versa. As there is lot of benefits of eating fish , I buy fish but very rarely. Vanjaram is a safer option and the reason I buy is it does not have that fishy smell /aroma while cooking or cleaning and less bones while eating.
Benefits of eating Seer fish is they are rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains protein, vitamin B-12 and selenium. The omega-3 fatty acids helps in regulating inflammation. It also lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
Prepared this easy pepper masala fish fry, coated the fish with powdered homemade masala and shallow fried in coconut oil.
INGREDIENTS
- Vanjaram/seer fish 400-500 gm
- Turmeric powder 1 tsp
- Vinegar/lemon juice 1 +1 tbsp
- Pepper powder 2 tsp
- Coriander powder. 3 tsp
- Cumin powder 1 tsp
- Fennel powder 1 tsp
- Coconut oil 2+ 2 tbsp
- Salt to taste
METHOD
Mix pepper powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, fennel powder, 2 tbsp coconut oil , salt and vinegar / lemon juice in a bowl. Make a masala paste.
Clean the fish nicely with vinegar, salt and water. Drain the water completely.
Apply the masala paste all over the fish and marinate it for 4-5 hours or overnight in a refrigerator. The longer you marinate the masala will nicely coat we with the fish.
Heat a pan / tawa/ non stick pan( I use a iron tawa/flat pan). Add coconut oil on medium heat, once the oil becomes hot reduce the heat to low (small burner)and place the fish pieces one by one.
Cover the fish and cook for 12-15 minutes. Take out the cover flip the fish and again cook for 12-15 minutes.
Garnish with curry leaves , lemon wedges and onion rings. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as an accompaniment with rice or flat bread.
