Goan Style Fish Curry

Goan style fish curry is a tangy and flavorful dish, characterized by its rich coconut milk base infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili, typically served with fish native to the coastal region of Goa, India

Fish Curry

Fish curry is a dish that involves cooking fish in a flavorful sauce or gravy made from various spices, herbs, and other ingredients. The exact recipe and style of fish curry can vary widely depending on regional and cultural influences. However, common ingredients often include onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, coconut milk or cream. This is further complemented by a blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, chilli powder, and fenugreek. This particular goan style recipe has influence of goa on it.

What are benefits of fish in diet

Whilst this fish curry is one way to enjoy fish, there is more than just taste. Fish has numerous benefits.

Some of these benefits are:

1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for heart and brain health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support cardiovascular function.
2. High-Quality Protein: Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Fish is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients play crucial roles in bone health, immune function, and metabolism.
4. Heart Health: Regular consumption of fish has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help reduce triglycerides, improve cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
5. Brain Health: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are important for brain development and function. Consuming fish may support cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Weight Management: Fish is a lean protein source, and including it in a balanced diet may contribute to weight management and satiety.
8. Vision Health: Fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, contain omega-3s that are beneficial for eye health and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.

What fish to use for this goan fish curry

You are looking for meaty fish portions such as kingfish, pomfret, or mackerel makes one good choice for this goan fish curry. I have used salmon in this recipe, as salmon is easily accessible in UK.

Method / How to make goa style fish curry

• Heat oil in a pan and add half of red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and curry leaves.
• Add salmon pieces and gently fry them by turning sides for few minutes. Take them out and keep aside. 
• In the same pan, add mustard seeds, rest of curry leaves, chopped onion and sauté till onion are pink. Add chopped garlic and green chilli and sauté again.
• Add rest of salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder, garam masala and sauté. Add chopped tomatoes and sauté again. 
• Add little water and cook the tomatoes till they are mushy. 
• Gently add salmon pieces and mix them in gravy. Add coconut milk to the gravy and mix again. Cover the pan with lid and let it cook for few minutes.
• Add tamarind paste to the curry and mix it well. Switch off the heat.
• Transfer into a serving bowl and garnish with coriander leaves.

Why make this fish curry

• For a fish lover, there should be no reason to eat fish 🙂
• This fish curry has hint of tanginess, richness in taste and smoothness of coconut milk, making it uniquely delicious.
• This makes itself as a good meal.
• If you have read method above, the steps are super simple to follow and execute.

Recipe tips

1. Select Fresh Fish: Choose fresh fish, preferably local varieties commonly used in Goan cuisine such as kingfish, pomfret, or mackerel. Fresh fish will enhance the flavour of the curry.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, including onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, for the best flavor.
3. Toast and Grind Spices: Toast whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and dried red chilies before grinding them to release their essential oils and enhance their flavor.
4. Balance Spices: Balance the spices well to achieve the characteristic flavor profile of Goan cuisine. Key spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and fenugreek seeds. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for heat.
5. Coconut Milk: Use freshly extracted coconut milk or good quality canned coconut milk to achieve a creamy texture and rich flavor in the curry.
6. Tamarind or Kokum: Add a tangy element to the curry using either tamarind pulp or dried kokum (Garcinia indica). Both ingredients impart a distinct sourness to the curry, balancing the richness of the coconut milk.
7. Fry Fish Separately: Lightly fry the fish pieces separately before adding them to the curry. This step helps to seal in the flavours and prevents the fish from falling apart during cooking.
8. Simmer Slowly: Allow the curry to simmer gently on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop depth. This slow cooking process ensures a flavorful and aromatic dish.
9. Garnish: Garnish the finished curry with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and added flavor.
10. Serve Hot: Serve the Goan style fish curry hot with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Serving suggestion

Service this goan fish curry, direct off burner with piping hot steamed rice. This make a divine combonation.

Other fish recipe

Salmon Asparagus

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