Curried Salmon

I have had loads of requests and queries about fish curries recently…with Lent and Easter coming up not to mention this crazy rainy spell, fish curry is just what the doctor ordered.

The weather has been pretty awful – in the curry world this means that fresh tomatoes are not at their best. I would recommend using tinned tomatoes for this recipe if like me, are in Jozi where we haven’t seen the sun in a while.

I grew up in Durban and most of us refer to the AMC pot of choice as the ‘flat fish pot’ since the fish is cooked in a single layer. Haul out your AMC flat pot and give this rainy day recipe a bash….

Curried Salmon

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the fish:
900g salmon fillet
2,5ml salt
5ml red chilli powder
2,5ml turmeric

For the Curry:
60ml sunflower oil
10ml mustard seeds
1 large onion, finely chopped
7ml coarse salt
4 cloves garlic, crushed
10 – 15ml red chilli powder
6 tomatoes, blanched, skinned and grated
5ml ground roasted cumin
5ml ground roasted coriander
Pinch of turmeric
3 sprigs curry leaves
250ml boiling water
10ml Magic Masala

Here’s how:
Slice the salmon into pieces and season with salt.
Dust the salmon with red chilli powder an turmeric.
Rub the spices into the fish fillets.
Leave aside in a refrigerator.

For the Curry Sauce:
Heat the sunflower oil in a large pan.
When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds.
When the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the chopped onion and coarse salt.
Saute until light the onions are a light golden brown.
Add the garlic and saute for a few seconds.
Stir in the red chilli powder.
Stir for 3 – 5 seconds taking care not to burn the spice.
Add the grated tomatoes and simmer for a minute.
Add the roasted cumin, coriander, turmeric and curry leaves.
Simmer until the tomatoes soften and then add the boiling water.
Reduce the heat until simmer until the tomatoes dissolve completely.
Place the fish into the sauce in a single layer.
Sprinkle the magic masala over the fish.
Simmer on a low heat for a few minutes and spoon the sauce over the fish.
Cook for 4 – 6 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

Yudhika’s Tips:
The fish must be cooked in a single layer.
Any firm fish fillets can be used in this recipe.
Add green chillies for a spicier dish.
The sauce can be made in advance and the fish added just before serving.