| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 18g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 25g | 1.2g |
As someone who has a deep-rooted love for the flavors and ingredients of Midwestern cuisine, my curiosity constantly leads me to explore and incorporate new tastes into traditional comfort foods. One recipe that I recently fell in love with is Ajwain Fish Curry: Fish cooked with ajwain seeds and a tangy tamarind sauce. This recipe offers a beautiful blend of spices, unique ingredients, and health benefits, making it a wonderful dish to serve at family gatherings.
A Culinary Adventure
Growing up in Nebraska, the dishes I enjoyed were often hearty and comforting, filled with locally sourced ingredients. While those flavors will always be close to my heart, I’ve found that venturing into cuisines from other cultures can add an exciting twist to my cooking repertoire. Ajwain Fish Curry stands as a testament to this culinary adventure. The ajwain seeds bring a unique, slightly bitter taste that enriches the fish, combining wonderfully with the tangy tamarind sauce. This dish isn’t just about the flavor, but about expanding our palates and trying something both exotic and delightful.
Health Benefits
One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is its health benefits. Fish, such as tilapia or cod used in this recipe, is a fantastic source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Ajwain seeds, known for their medicinal properties, are excellent for digestive health and have anti-inflammatory benefits. Tamarind, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and can help improve heart health. This combination makes Ajwain Fish Curry not just a flavorful feast but a nutritious addition to your meal plan.
To enhance the dining experience, this curry pairs wonderfully with various sides. For instance, the bold flavors in the curry complement steamed basmati rice perfectly. Alternatively, you might want to try some cilantro lime rice to give it a zesty twist. Additionally, a simple cucumber salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich and tangy curry.
This dish also bears similarities to Fish Amritsari—a popular North Indian street food, and it works quite well alongside dishes like naan bread or vegetable samosas. Both these accompaniments help to soak up the delightful and spiced sauce, making each bite a symphony of flavors.
In essence, Ajwain Fish Curry brings a unique blend of flavors and health benefits to the table, making it a cherished recipe in my household. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Midwestern dishes or looking to spice things up, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 2 tablespoons ajwain seeds
- 1 cup tamarind paste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the fish. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ajwain seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the ajwain seeds. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and begin to turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step Five
Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook the spices for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step Six
Add the diced tomatoes and their juices to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and meld with the spices.
Step Seven
Pour in the tamarind paste and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step Eight
Season the sauce with salt to taste. Gently place the fish fillets into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them to ensure they are well-coated.
Step Nine
Cover the skillet and let the fish cook in the simmering sauce for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Ten
Once the fish is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the Ajwain Fish Curry with fresh cilantro before serving.
Step Eleven
Serve the Ajwain Fish Curry hot, accompanied by cooked rice to soak up the flavorful, tangy tamarind sauce.
