| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 262 | 7g | 1g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 34g | 0.35g |
Why I Love Indian Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce
There’s no denying that a flavorful, spicy dish has the power to captivate all our senses. That’s exactly why I love this Indian-inspired dish, Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce. The intricate blend of piquant aroma, vibrant colors, and soulful flavors envelops you like a warm hug, leaving you with a satisfied palate and a content heart. Truly, this recipe stands out equally for its simplicity and exoticality.
The Spark of Creativity
My inspiration for this unique concoction comes from Chef Madhur Jaffrey, a renowned culinary artist known for her mastery over Indian cooking. Jaffrey’s dishes highlight the best of Indian cuisine’s diverse flavors, like the recipe’s harmony between tangy tomatoes and fragrant spices. (source)
Now, while my own culinary journey predominantly revolves around Afro-Southern fusion, I’ve always believed – it’s important to explore and learn from other global cuisines. For me, this dish is a tasteful ode to my affinity for Indian flavors, mixed with my love for fish recipes.
Drawing Parallels
The Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce is reminiscent of another seafood curry, the Goan Fish Curry, famed in India’s coastal regions, with its earthy spice palette tempered by vibrant tomatoes. Likewise, this recipe portrays a seamless amalgamation of the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, the pungency of aromatic spices, and the delicate flavor of white fish. The result is a dish that does more than make your mouth water – it takes you on a journey through a cultural flavor festival.
On a Southern note, if you’re familiar with our beloved Tomato Gravy – this recipe captures a similar zest, but with an Indian twist. The spicy tomato base could also remind you of a Jambalaya, although the spices take a different, more intricate route.
Complementary Flavors
Serving recommendations? This spicy delight pairs perfectly with steaming hot Basmati rice or soft, fluffy naan bread. An excellent side could be a calming cucumber and yogurt Raita (recipe here) to balance the spice. Or perhaps a fresh, peppery watercress salad for some contrasting crispness.
Whether as a standalone meal to savor with family or a culinary showstopper at a dinner party, the Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce is a tribute to diverse taste profiles. I love how it celebrates my passion for global flavors, all the while reminding me of my roots, and it’s a delight to share this with all of you.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of white fish fillets
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons of canola oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1-14 oz can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup of water
- Freshly chopped coriander for garnish
- Rice or naan bread to serve
Method
Step One
Season the fish fillets with some salt and turmeric powder. Leave it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step Two
Heat the canola oil in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the marinated fish to the pan and fry each side for around 2-3 minutes or until slightly browned. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and keep it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and finely chopped green chili. Stir and sauté until the onions turn soft and golden.
Step Four
Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Give it a good stir and mix until the spices are well combined with the onion mixture.
Step Five
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and a cup of water to the pan. Stir well, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes are well cooked.
Step Six
Add the fried fish back into the pan, covering the fish with the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the fish is cooked thoroughly and has absorbed some of the sauce.
Step Seven
Check the seasoning and add extra salt if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander before removing the pan from heat.
Step Eight
Serve the fish in spicy tomato sauce with some warm rice or naan bread.
