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8 MINS delivery
Fish Kolambu
Serves 4
45 mins
210 Kcal
Fish Kolambu is a spicy, aromatic South Indian fish curry that tastes ingenious. It started in Tamil Nadu and holds an exceptional position in many coastal houses. It is famous for its sharp, rich gravy of tamarind, spices, and fresh catch. Fish kolambu is always accompanied by steamed rice and the perfect combination of tender fish with a bold yet flavour-friendly curry. The fish kolambu recipe begins with the marination of fresh fish, which usually consists of a variety of seer fish, pomfret, or mackerel mixed with a mixture of turmeric and salt. The curry is prepared by frying onions, tomatoes, and garlic in oil, and then the mix of cumin, coriander, fennel, and red chilli powder is added. Tamarind is an essential ingredient while making this curry as it gives a tangy flavour to the curry. Once the base is cooked, add tamarind extract and water to form this tangy gravy. Add the marinated fish to the curry gently and simmer it until cooked, taking all the flavours from the marinade over the fish. To serve, the fish kolambu is garnished with a few coriander leaves and served hot, accompanied by a serving of rice. Variations may add coconut milk or curry leaves for added depth to the dish. Fish kolambu is the ultimate indulgent comfort food, an excellent amalgam of spice, astringency, and the taste of fresh fish. It can be a festival or an everyday family gathering, but this traditional fish-based dish, without fail, appeals to the traditionalist's palette.
Ingredients required for Fish Kolambu
- 4 tbsp sesame oil
- 150 gms shallot onions
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
- 2 onions
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- 3 tsp coriander powder
- 3 tomatoes pureed
- Tamarind
- Salt
- 500 gms salmon fish steaks
Cooking steps for Fish Kolambu
- 1Let's explore the recipe of Fish Kolambu. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- 2Toss in 150 gms of shallots and saut for about 5 minutes until they're soft and golden.
- 3Sweet, caramelised onions? Check.
- 4Now, throw in 1/2 cup of fresh shredded coconut.
- 5Toast it gently with the onions until it's lightly golden and starts releasing some of its natural oil.
- 6This is the magic that makes your curry creamy and thick.
- 7Blend the onion-coconut mix into a smooth paste and set it aside for later—it's about to become the star player.
- 8In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons of sesame oil (you can never have enough) and let it heat up.
- 9Add ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds and ¼ teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.
- 10Wait for the mustard seeds to do their little popping dance, and let the fenugreek bring in its bittersweet vibes.
- 11Next, toss in two sprigs of fresh curry leaves.
- 12They're non-negotiable for that authentic South Indian aroma.
- 13Let them sizzle for a few seconds, then add two sliced onions.
- 14Saut until golden brown and soft—this is the foundation of flavour.
- 15Now for the spice party: Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of red chili powder (go bold), and 3 teaspoons of coriander powder.
- 16Stir it all together and let the spices bloom in the oil, creating a fragrant base that smells like heaven.
- 17Add the puree of three tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 18The tomatoes will break down into a tangy, saucy goodness that perfectly balances the richness of the coconut paste you made earlier.
- 19Here's where it gets exciting: Add a lime-sized ball of tamarind.
- 20Mash it into the curry, dissolving all that tangy goodness into the sauce.
- 21Sprinkle in salt to taste and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavours can mingle like old friends.
- 22Slide in the salmon steaks gently into the curry and stir to coat each piece in that rich, spiced sauce.
- 23Let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is tender and flaky, soaking up all those epic flavours.
- 24Don't overdo it, though—you want it juicy and perfect.
- 25Taste and tweak—add more salt or tamarind if needed.
- 26Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for that extra pop of freshness.
- 27Serve your Fish Kolambu recipe hot with steamed rice or warm naan.