Fried Fish (with spice paste)

A tasty fried fish, goes well with rice in Indian cuisine !!

Serves: 2 - 4

Ingredients

4 good quality fish pieces

200 ml oil (to deep fry)

1 st marinade:

1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

2 nd marinade:

2 1/2  teaspoon red chilli powder

½ teaspoon pepper powder

6 shallots (chuvannulli, / sambar onion)

6 garlic cloves

1/2 - inch piece ginger

1/2 teaspoon thick tamarind paste

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Make a thick paste above ingredients in a small mixer bowl. Do not add water when making paste. It should be thick in consistency.

Method

Wash and clean fish (until water is clear and without dirt). Drain out water completely. Wipe each fish piece carefully with a soft kitchen towel.

In a wide bowl, mix lemon juice and salt together. Marinate this mix evenly on both the sides of the fish. Cover and keep aside for half an hour.

Apply 2 nd marinade evenly on both the sides of each fish pieces. Cover and keep aside for one hour.

Heat kadai or frying pan on high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour 200 ml oil. Heat oil for 2 minutes. Arrange fish and deep  fry till golden brown on both the sides.

Gently remove fried fish from the frying pan with a flat spatula. Drain on paper towels to absorb extra oil. Serve with rice / side dishes ....Decorate with lemon wedges, onion rings and tomato wedges .. (optional).