Kerela Fish Stew

This is a simple recipe which can be made very quickly . I always make this when I buy fresh fish from the market . With just a handful of ingredients and little cooking time you get a nice delicious dish . It goes very well with some crusty bread to mop up all the creamy gravy . I like things spicy so this one is a little spicy but if you like it less then just reduce the number of chillies in it so here goes...

INGREDIENTS

500 gms king fish or any firm white fish
1 inch piece ginger finely chopped
5-6 green chillies chopped finely
7-9 curry leaves
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
4 green cardamom
1 inch piece Cinnamon stick
3-4 cloves
1 tbsp vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1 and 1/2 cup hot water + 1 and 1/2 tbsp coconut milk powder
1 cup hot water + 2 heaped tbsp coconut milk powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp sliced shallots

METHOD

In a saucepan , heat the oil and add the mustard seeds .
When it starts spluttering add the curry leaves and the whole spices .
Add the ginger , green chillies and the fish and fry them for a couple of minutes turning the fish once.
Add the vinegar on top of the fish .
Mix the 1 and 1/2 cups of water and the coconut milk powder and bring it to boil .
Add the seasoning
Now simmer it till the fish is done .
Add the 1 cup of hot water and the remaining coconut milk powder and cook it for a couple of min .
In another small pan , heat the oil and fry the shallots and use it to garnish the curry and serve hot .