"Karimeen Fry: A Crispy Kerala Tale - From Bamboo Traps to Festive Extravaganza!"

Authentic Fish Nirvana Recipe

Chef Pillai's Fish Nirvana Recipe | ഫിഷ് നിർവാണ: Authentic Kerala Style Fish Curry

Crispy Unakka Manthal Fry|Dried Sole Fish Fry – Crunchy & Spicy!

Unakka Manthal Varuthathu – Dried Sole Fish Fry

    Few dishes bring as much nostalgia to my plate as Unakka Manthal Varuthathu—a crispy, flavour-packed Dried Sole Fish Fry. More than just a dish, this is a journey down memory lane. Every trip to Palakkad is incomplete without bringing back a pack of Unakka Nangu or Unakka Manthal, making it an inseparable part of my travel memories.

A Nostalgic Bite

    My love for dried fish goes back further than I can remember. It has been one of my absolute favourites since childhood. Holidays at my mother’s home meant a visit to the Kongad Chanda—a bustling shandy market in Kongad, open only on Mondays. My grandfather would carry a big vatti (basket) to the market and return with loads of groceries, fresh vegetables, and, without fail, two special items—A pack of dried fish wrapped in newspaper, securely tied with jute rope.  A few Ari Murukku, tied like a garland, ready to be devoured.

    The moment he returned, we kids were treated to crunchy Murukkus, while my grandmother got busy frying Unakka Nangu. A crispy piece of Unakka Manthal with steaming rice? Heaven!

NADAN FISH FRY WITH COCONUT MILK

    Fish Fry is a simple recipe, a simple marinade with Salt, Red Chilli Powder and Turmeric is more than enough to bring out the taste and flavour of a Fish Fry.  When a few other ingredients follow the toll, it takes the recipe into another level. Ginger Garlic Paste, Pepper/Fennel/Cumin Powder, some add tangy ingredients like Lemon Juice/Tamarind, can spice it up with Kandhari/Bird's Eye chillies.  The versions and variations a Fish Fry can be made is innumerable, and it even changes with regions from which it originates and takes twists and turns to suit a cook's whims and fancies.

    Recently, I was watching a Malayalam Movie "Maduram" and the actor in the Movie, Mr.Joju George cooks a fish fry in it.  He says he added a bit of coconut milk while marinating the fish.  The dialogue instantly caught my attention and the very next day I got into action.  And absolutely the taste of the Fish Fry was astounding, just the addition of Coconut Milk had elevated the taste and flavour of this Fish Fry.  So, a Fish Fry inspired from the Movie, "Maduram" through the words of Actor Joju George.  Some dialogues coming from some actors really make the dish sound interesting and tasty. 

    This Nadan Fish Fry with Coconut Milk is a simple Fish Fry recipe prepared in a typical Kerala style with local spices and undoubtedly fried in Coconut Oil.  This gives an authentic touch to this Fish Fry.  Fish Slices are marinated in freshly ground spice paste with a drizzle of Lemon Juice, Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk.  The finishing touch of this Fish Fry is undoubtedly the Coconut Milk, which elevates the taste and flavour of this Nadan Fish Fry.

    This Nadan Fish Fry is a spicy, tasty and flavour filled dish with a mild note of tanginess laced with coconut milk. This Nadan Fish Fry is comparatively spicy, which makes it a perfect combo along with heady Toddy. Simply serve this Nadan Kerala Style Fish Fry as an appetizer or as a side dish.



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Cuisine - Kerala
Course - Appetizer/Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Marination - 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes


For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA  click here...

HOW TO COOK NADAN FISH FRY WITH COCONUT MILK

NADAN FISH FRY WITH COCONUT MILK

INGREDIENTS:

To Marinate the Fish:

Fish - 6-8 Slices
Lime Juice - from 1/2 a Lime
Coconut oil - 1 Teaspoon
Thick Coconut Milk - 1/4 Cup
Salt - To Taste

 

To Grind:

Shallots - 8-10 No's.
Ginger - 1" Piece - 2 No's.
Garlic - 5-6 Cloves
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Teaspoon
Peppercorns - 1Teaspoon
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves - a few sprigs

 

For Shallow Frying :

Coconut oil - 5-6 Tablespoons.
Curry Leaves - a few Sprigs

METHOD:

For Nadan Fish Fry: 

• Clean, wash and Cut Fish into slices.
• Clean and wash the Fish and allow it to drain in a Colander.
• If using a full fish, draw 3-4 incisions with a sharp knife all over the fish.
• Grind all the ingredients mentioned under "To Grind" into a fine paste.  Sprinkle some water while grinding if necessary.
• Marinate the Fish Slices with the with above ground paste along with Coconut Oil, Thick Coconut Milk, Salt & Lemon Juice.
• Leave this aside for about 30 minutes - 1 hour.
• Heat Coconut oil in a pan, line it up with a few sprigs of Curry Leaves.
• Then place a few marinated Fish Slices and shallow fry the Fish slices.
• Fry the fish slices on a medium-low flame for a few minutes.
• Gently flip the fish and fry the other side for a few more minutes, or until it is fried on both sides.
• The Fish should turn crispy and into golden brown.
• Remove from oil and drain it.
• Serve Nadan Fish Fry with Coconut Milk, hot garnished with Onion Rings and a drizzle of Lime Juice.
• Can serve Kallu shappu style Fish Fry as an Appetizer.
• Nadan Fish Fry goes well with Steamed Rice or along with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Curries, it can also be served as a side dish along with Rice Dishes, Biriyanis & Pulaos.
• This Spicy Fish Fry goes hand in hand with a glass of Thengin Kallu(Toddy).
•  Can serve this tasty Fish Fry in a Kerala Style Fish Curry Meals for a Lunch too.

 

NADAN FISH FRY WITH COCONUT MILK

NOTES:

• Any type of fish-small/big variety can be used for this recipe.
• I have prepared the dish with Halibut Fish Slices., even medium-sized whole fish can be used for the purpose.
• Adjust the amount of spices as per your taste and the size of the fish.
• Can marinate the fish overnight and leave it in the refrigerator. 
• Using Coconut Oil gives the authentic taste to the dish. Can use any other cooking oil too.
• Adding Coconut Milk is purely optional, but it gives an added taste and note of flavour to this  Nadan Fish Fry.
  
• Can Deep Fry or shallow Fry the fish as per your preference.
• I usually shallow fry the fish.
• Curry Leaves gives an incredible flavour to the roast.
  

 

NADAN CHEMMEEN ROAST

    We cook Prawns in innumerable ways, a mix of this and a mix of that, and there you go with a simple, yet tasty Prawn dish ready in your hand.  It is always to play around with the ingredients and here I came up with a slight mish-mash and this one was an ultimate Nadan Kerala style Chemmeen Roast with just two simple steps.  Marinade and then shallow fry.  That's it, this tasty, spicy Kerala Style Prawn Roast would be ready within minutes.

    This Nadan Chemmeen Roast is one dish which looks more or less similar to the ones served in a Kallu Shappu(Toddy Shops).  Prepared in a typical Kerala style with local spices and undoubtedly fried in Coconut Oil, gives an authentic touch to this Prawn Roast.  Prawns are marinated in freshly ground spice paste with a drizzle of Lemon Juice.  The finishing touch of this Chemmeen Roast is undoubtedly the Coconut Milk, which elevates the taste and flavour of this Nadan Chemmeen Roast.

    This Nadan Style Prawn Roast is a spicy, tasty and flavour filled dish with a mild note of tanginess laced with coconut milk. This Nadan Chemmeen Roast is comparatively spicy which makes it a perfect combo along with heady Toddy. Simply serve this Nadan Kerala Style Prawn Roast as an appetizer or as a side dish.



For more KERALA KALLU SHAPPU RECIPES, Click here...


Cuisine - Kerala
Course - Appetizer/Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Marination - 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes


For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA  click here...

HOW TO COOK NADAN CHEMMEEN ROAST - KERALA STYLE PRAWN ROAST

NADAN CHEMMEEN ROAST

INGREDIENTS:

To Marinate the Prawns:

Prawns - 500 Grams
Lime Juice - from 1/2 a Lime
Salt - To Taste

 

To Grind:

Shallots - 8-10 Nos.
Ginger - 1" Piece - 2 Nos.
Garlic - 5-6 Cloves
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Teaspoon
Peppercorns - 1Teaspoon
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Tomato - 1/2 a tomato
Curry Leaves - a few 

NADAN CHEMMEEN ROAST

For Shallow Frying :

Coconut oil - 5-6 Tablespoons.
Curry Leaves - a few Sprigs

 

Other Ingredients:

Thick Coconut Milk - 1/4 Cup

METHOD:

For Nadan Chemmeen Roast:

• Clean, Peel and de-vein the Prawns.
• Clean and wash the Prawns and allow it to drain in a Colander.
• Grind the ingredients mentioned under' To Grind" into a very fine paste.  Sprinkle some water while grinding if necessary.
• Marinate the Prawns with the with above ground paste along with Salt & Lemon Juice.
• Leave this aside for about 30 minutes - 1 hour.
• Heat Coconut oil in a pan and shallow fry the marinated Prawns along with a handful of curry leaves.
• Fry the prawns on a medium-low flame for until all the marinade is absorbed and turns slightly dry.
• The marinade would turn aromatic and should start to coat the prawns.
• Now, pour in the Thick Coconut Milk and fry this on a very low flame for a few more minutes.
• Let the Chemmeen Roast become dry and aromatic.
  
• Switch off the flame.
  
• Serve Nadan Chemmeen Roast as an Appetizer or it goes well with Steamed Rice or along with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Curries, it can also be served as a side dish along with Rice Dishes, Biriyanis & Pulaos.
• This Spicy Nadan Chemmeen Roast goes hand in hand with a glass of Thengin Kallu(Toddy).
  

 

NADAN CHEMMEEN ROAST - PRAWN ROAST

NOTES:

• Medium to Big Sized Prawns suits well for the recipe.  But can try with small sized shrimps too.
  
• Adjust the amount of spices as per your taste and the amount of Prawns you are cooking.
  
• Can marinate the Prawns overnight and leave it in the refrigerator. 
• Using Coconut Oil gives the authentic taste to the dish. Can use any other cooking oil too.
• Shallow Fry the Prawns on a very low flame until all the marinade turns aromatic and coats well into each piece.
• Adding Coconut Milk is purely optional, but it gives an added taste and note of flavour to this Nadan Chemmeen Roast.
• Curry Leaves gives an incredible flavour to the roast.
  

 

KAPPAYUM MEENUM

    Somewhere in the early 2000s, a rainy evening my hubby got into a mood of eating Fish Curry with Steamed Tapioca i.e. "Kappayum Meenum".  Any craving has to be set forth and satiated  immediately.  He got into action and went to buy some Fish and Tapiocas.  It was almost 7 in the evening, though he could buy Fish he couldn't get Tapioca in the midst of climbing up & down numerous shops.  He isn't a person to let his craving go off that easily.  Called his friends and asked them whether they could source out some Tapioca, and I am not sure, how one of his friend bought a few pieces of Tapioca for all the glee of my husband.  Happy go Lucky he was and there his craving was satiated to the core on that day.  He is an ardent fan... maybe ardent is the least suitable word for the same... he goes head over heels for Tapiocas.  And if it is combined with A Fish Curry or along with Beef - Kappayum Irachiyum, he loves it to the core.  So for people who love this combo, here comes Kerala's popular - "Kappayum Meenum". 

    Tapioca and Fish Curry combo stayed underrated within the walls of Kerala Kitchen for a long time until these Kallu shappu and NRI cravings paved the way for propagating this combo.  And even I remember a movie dialogue from Malayalam Movie Kangaroo where Suraj Venjaramood says "Don't serve Kappayum Meenum to the NRI Bridegroom, just serve some fried rice.  You can readily shoo him off." 

KAPPAYUM MEENUM

    A simple dish as a matter of fact, what you need is just to steam cook the Tapiocas and if you have Fish curry then just combine it up with steamed Tapiocas as you eat a curry with Rice.  And that's one simple dish of laymen of those days.  When Rice was a scarcity or a luxury, Tapiocas came to the rescue to the locals and the tuber rich in carbohydrate filled their hunger driven stomachs and the need for energy for a whole day's toil.

    Mostly, a day-old Fish Curry is served along with steamed Tapiocas.  Left over curries, used up with Rice or Kanji or Tapiocas or Raw Jackfruit, were a norm during those days.  A hearty & quick breakfast to keep up with the hard toil of the day.  Kappayum Meenum is a dish which can easily be served at any time of the day.  Be it as a Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or even as a snack.

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Difficulty : Easy

Serves : 4- 6

Author : SM

Preparation Time - 15 - 25 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 -30 Minutes

 

HOW TO COOK KAPPAYUM MEENUM - STEAMED TAPIOCAS WITH FISH CURRY

So what you need for this recipe - Kaapyum Meeenum

• Steam Cooked Tapiocas &
  
• A Fish Curry

STEAM COOKED TAPIOCAS:

KAPPAYUM MEENUM

It is very easy to Steam cooking Tapiocas,  just peel, clean, wash and cut the Tapiocas into desired sizes.  Then cook tapiocas in ample of water along with Turmeric & Salt.  Turmeric is purely optional, but I would suggest you to add it.  As it is a tuber dug out from the soil, it is always advisable to cook such vegetables or tubers along with Turmeric Powder.  While serving it along with Fish Curries, can slightly overcook & mash the tuber.

For a detailed explanation of HOW TO CLEAN  COOK TAPIOCAS, Click here...

• Some like the steamed Tapiocas mashed & seasoned colloquially called Kappa/Maravalli Kuzhachathu/Udachathu. Will post the recipe soon. 
• Kaapa Puzhungiyathu with Mulagu Chalichathu is another best combination popular in God's Own Country.
• A simple stir-fried the steamed Tapiocas - Kappa Ularthiyathu also goes hand in hand with Fish Curries.

For more RECIPES WITH TAPIOCAS, Click here...

FISH CURRY:

And when it comes to Fish Curry, prepare a typical Nadan Kerala Style Curry for the combo which is the best suitable to be served along with steamed Tapiocas.  If it's spicy and tangy then needless to say - it would be damn perfect.

For Fish Curry Options:

FISH CURRY WITH RAW MANGOES

ALLEPPEY FISH CURRY

MEEN MULAGITTATHU

MEEN THILAPPICHATHU

• Fish Curry with Raw Mangoes
• Meen Mulagittathu/Meen Vevichathu
• Alleppey Meen Curry
• Meen Kudampuli Ittu Vattichathu
• Meen Thala(Fish Head) Curry
• Meen Thilappichathu
  
• Malabar Meen Curry
• Angamaly Style Meen Curry
  
• Palaghat Style Meen Kudampuli Itta Curry/Meen Puli
  

For more RECIPES WITH FISH, Click here...

 

HOW TO SERVE KAPPAYUM MEENUM:

KAPPAYUM MEENUM

    Slightly mash the steam cooked Tapiocas.  At home we do not personally prefer mashing it.  Pour in a ladle full of spicy Fish Curry with a slice/piece of Fish.  And there you go with a typical Nadan kerala style dish - "Kappayum Meenum"

Heavenly is the duo.  Indulge with all might.  

Enjoy Kappayum Meenum!!!

Cochin-Style Beef Vindaloo (Vindalee) - Rich & Spicy Kerala Curry

Beef Vindaloo (Vindalee) - A Recipe That Travelled from Portugal to Cochin

Vindaloo—carne de vinha d’alhos

    A dish brimming with history, heat, and irresistible tang. Did you know that the word "vindaloo" is derived from the Portuguese dish carne de vinha d’alhos? Translating to "meat marinated in wine vinegar and garlic," this dish travelled to India in the 15th century along with Portuguese explorers. Over time, it was embraced by local kitchens, where it took on new flavours, spices, and ingredients to suit the Indian palate. Food historian Lizzie Collingham highlights this fascinating journey in her book, Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerors.

    Cochin, with its vibrant mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian influences, gave birth to its unique twist on this curry, creating what we now lovingly call Cochin-style Beef Vindaloo (Vindalee). It’s a quintessential festive dish in many Kerala Christian households, especially during Christmas and celebratory feasts.

The Evolution of Vindaloo – From Portugal to India

The story of vindaloo is as piquant as its taste. Here’s a quick dive into its fascinating transformation:

• Origins: The Portuguese dish carne de vinha d’alhos featured meat marinated in wine vinegar and garlic.
• Adaptation in India: With no wine vinegar available in India, Franciscan priests fermented palm wine (toddy, or "kallu") to create a local substitute. Tamarind became a tangy alternative.
• Spices and Ingredients: Indian cooks introduced spices like black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and the now-iconic chilli peppers, which were also brought to India by the Portuguese from the Americas.
• Regional Influence: In Cochin, this dish found a permanent home in Christian kitchens, where it evolved into a rich, spicy, and aromatic curry, often made with beef or pork.

 

Christmas Special Cochin Beef Vindaloo (Vindalee) - Kerala Christian Festive Curry

Vindaloo: A Recipe Steeped in Catholic Tradition

    The Vindaloo is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Catholic community in Goa, but Cochin also deserves a notable mention. Among the Catholic families of Cochin, this dish holds a cherished spot, particularly during celebrations and festive occasions.

    With its Portuguese lineage, the recipe traveled to Cochin, finding its way into the kitchens of Fort Cochin families. My mother-in-law’s family, with a strong connection to Portuguese influences, inherited this legacy. Her mother, the beloved "Clementina Joseph" (fondly known as Clemmi Thathi), brought Portuguese culture into her cooking. In our home, Vindaloo is affectionately called "Vindalee Curry."

A Family Tradition: Cochin-Style Vindaloo

    In my opinion, "Every Catholic household has its own perfect Vindaloo recipe, a staple on celebration menus." While the Goan and Cochin versions share similarities, the Cochin-style Vindaloo stands out due to some unique ingredients and techniques:

• Cloves, Cinnamon, and Tamarind: These additions bring a distinct flavour profile to the Cochin version. Tamarind, in particular, balances the sharpness of vinegar, making the dish more palatable for those who dislike a strong vinegar aroma.
• Personal Tweaks: My mother-in-law avoids adding cinnamon and cloves to her Vindaloo. However, I like to include them for a richer aroma and complexity.
• A Secret Ingredient: One nearly forgotten ingredient is the bark of the drumstick tree. This traditional addition not only acts as a digestive aid but also enhances the dish with a unique taste and flavour.