“Local Indian spices, my grandma’s recipe, and her magic touch is all it takes!”

— Maayan Shapurkar
Jewish community member; Mumbai, India

Ingredients for Fish Curry

    FOR THE MARINADE
  1. 4 filets of pomfret or any other white fish, like cod
  2. ¼ tsp. turmeric
  3. ¼ tsp. salt
  4. ½ tsp. ginger-garlic paste
  5. (if you can’t find paste, use 1 garlic clove, minced, and a ½ inch of ginger)
  6. ½ lemon

    FOR THE GREEN MASALA
  1. 1 bunch cilantro
  2. 2 green chilies or jalapeños
  3. 4 garlic cloves
  4. 1 inch ginger
  5. 1 small tomato
  6. ¼ tsp. cumin seeds

    7. FOR THE CURRY

  7. 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
  8. 1 medium bay leaf
  9. 2 cloves
  10. 1 small cinnamon stick
  11. 7–8 fresh curry leaves
  12. 1 onion, finely chopped
  13. 1 medium potato, sliced
  14. ½ cup coconut milk
  15. A few pieces of raw mango
  16. or tamarind soaked in water (optional)
  17. Salt

Instructions for Fish Curry

  1. Wash and marinate the fish, letting it sit for about 30 minutes.
  2. Grind together all the green masala ingredients with some water, making a thick paste.
  3. Heat the oil in the pan. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and curry leaves. Wait until it pops.
  4. Add the onion, sautéing over a low flame until it turns golden-brown.
  5. Mix in the green masala paste, frying until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate. It may take a few minutes before the masala is cooked well and has lost its raw smell.
  6. Add the potato slices and salt, to taste. Mix well. Cover the pan and let it cook. You can add a little water to the pan to ensure the potatoes cook in the steam and your masala doesn’t burn.
  7. Once the potatoes are half-done, add the coconut milk and bring to a boil.
  8. Add the fish, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
  9. Once the fish is almost cooked, you can add some tamarind or raw mango for a slightly sour tinge to your curry. If using, mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
  10. When fish is ready, garnish the curry with some finely chopped cilantro and enjoy with rice or bread.