| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 11g | 2g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 22g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Indian Fish with Tomato and Onion Masala
There are many reasons why the recipe for Fish with Tomato and Onion Masala has captured my culinary heart. The first time I tasted this Indian dish, I was taken aback by the symphony of flavors that hit my palate all at once. I realized then; I had to introduce this dish into my repertoire, not only because I thoroughly enjoyed it, but also because it beautifully represents what I stand for: diversity, boldness, and creativity in the culinary sphere.
An Homage to Diversity in Flavor
As someone who has been influenced by the diversity in the flavors of New York City, this Fish with Tomato and Onion Masala recipe embodies that ethos perfectly. The elements of this dish, right from its core ingredients – succulent white fish, spicy red chili powder, earthy cumin, tangy diced tomatoes, and the warm, aromatic garam masala – forms a palette of tastes that captures the essence of the cultural melting pot that is NYC.
It’s similar to the way an actor like myself draws on a depth of experiences and emotions to bring a role to life. I understand the ingredients not just for their distinct roles but for their synergistic magic. It’s a perfect dish to treat my wife to, after a long day of rehearsals or performances.
A Culinary Tribute to Flavor Maestros
This Fish with Tomato and Onion Masala recipe resonates with me, not just for its burst of flavors, but also because it reminds me of the chefs who have inspired me along my culinary journey. One such person is Madhur Jaffrey, the queen of Indian cuisine, whose recipes have brought Indian flavors to the global forefront. My rendition of this dish is an ode to her and everyone else who is unafraid to experiment with food and flavor.
A Dish for All Occasions
This dish pairs exquisitely with a wide array of Indian breads like naan or pita. I also find it just as delicious when served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, the grains absorbing each drop of the richly flavored masala.
No matter what it is served with, this dish’s versatility and robust flavor profile make it fit for any dining occasion – from a casual weeknight dinner to even a grand celebratory feast.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of white fish fillets
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 14 ounces of canned diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 2 green chillies, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the fish fillets with a little salt and set them aside. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they become translucent and soft. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes to allow their flavors to develop.
Step Four
Stir in the cumin powder, turmeric, and red chili powder to the pan. Cook the spices for about 1 minute, until they become fragrant.
Step Five
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring well to combine with the spice mixture. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened.
Step Six
Now, place the fish fillets into the pan, ensuring they’re covered with the tomato and onion masala. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Step Seven
Finally, sprinkle the garam masala over the fish. You can also add the chopped green chillies if you prefer a spicier dish. Stir gently to mix in the garam masala, but be careful not to break up the fish fillets.
Step Eight
Remove the pan from the heat, then drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the fish. Adjust the seasoning with a little more salt if necessary.
Step Nine
Garnish the fish with the fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Your Fish with Tomato and Onion Masala is now ready to enjoy.
