Andhra Style Basa Fish Curry

Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the depths of Indian cuisine to bring you a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy: Andhra Fish Curry. Known for its fiery flavours and tangy twist, this dish is a must-try for allspice enthusiasts out there.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of FreshToHome Basa
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 10-12 cloves of garlic
  • 2-inch piece of ginger
  • 3-4 green chillies, slit
  • A handful of fresh coriander leaves chopped
  • 1 cup tamarind pulp
  • 2 teaspoons red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • Water as needed

Instructions

1.
Preparation
Begin by marinating the fish with turmeric and salt. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This not only adds flavour but also helps in getting rid of any fishy odour.

A plate of fresh Tilapia fillets marinated in turmeric and salt.
Fresh Preservative-Free Basa Fillets From FreshToHome

2.
The Holy Trinity of Spices
In a blender, add garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Blend them into a fine paste. This paste is going to be the heart and soul of your Andhra Fish Curry.

3.
Sautéing Time
Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter. Now, throw in the chopped onions. Sauté them until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic-chili paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

4.
Tomato Tango
Toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy. This might take a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth it.

5.
Spice It Up
Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and let the spices blend beautifully with the tomatoes. The aroma at this stage is simply divine!

6.
Tamarind Magic
Pour in the tamarind pulp and add a little water if needed. Bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the tangy magic happens.

7.
Fish Dive
Gently add the marinated fish pieces to the curry. Make sure not to stir too much, as the fish is delicate and can break easily. Let the fish cook in the curry on a medium flame for about 10-12 minutes.

8.
Finishing Touch
Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes. The freshness of coriander adds a lovely contrast to the spicy curry.

9.
Serve with Love
Your Andhra Fish Curry is ready to be devoured. Serve it hot with steamed rice and watch your family and friends fall in love with your culinary skills.

Andhra Style Basa Fish Curry simmering in a pot with rich, spicy gravy and aromatic spices
Andhra Style Basa Fish Curry simmering in a pot with rich, spicy gravy

Now, let’s sprinkle some trivia and fun facts to spice up your cooking journey!

Did you know that Chepalapulusu is another name for Andhra Fish Curry? In Telugu, “chepala” means fish, and “pulusu” means curry. So, when someone says Chapala pulusu Andhra style, you know they’re talking about this heavenly dish.

For those of you who love regional names, this dish is also known as bommidala pulusu in certain parts of Andhra Pradesh. If you ever visit Nellore, don’t forget to ask for the famous Nellore chepala pulusu recipe. It’s a local favourite and has its unique twist!

In some homes, this dish is referred to as Nellore fish curry. Regardless of what you call it, the taste remains unbeatable. And if you’re wondering about variations, you might also come across bommidala fish curry or chepa vepudu, which is a fried version.

There you have it, folks!

A simple, spicy, and soul-satisfying recipe for fish pulusu Andhra style. Now, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs with us. Happy cooking!

 

SUBMITTED BY
Deva Darshan
FreshToHome Customer, Since 2022
Fish Lover &  Home Chef