Fish Molee Recipe: Easy-to-Make Kerala-style Curry

Fish Molee is a traditional Keralite dish that is popular for its rich and creamy coconut-based gravy. It is a mildly spiced fish stew that is usually served with appam (pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut) or steamed rice. The dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a hearty meal for any occasion.

To make fish molee, you will need ingredients such as fish, coconut milk, onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. The dish can be easily adapted to suit your preferences by substituting the fish with prawns or vegetables. You can also adjust the spice levels by adding or reducing the amount of green chillies used.

Cooking fish molee involves sautéing onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies in oil before adding the fish and spices. The mixture is then simmered in coconut milk until the fish is cooked through. The dish can be garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served hot with appam or steamed rice.

Key Takeaways

• Fish molee is a traditional Keralite dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a hearty meal for any occasion.
• The dish can be easily adapted to suit your preferences by substituting the fish with prawns or vegetables and adjusting the spice levels.
• To make fish molee, sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies in oil before adding the fish and spices and simmering in coconut milk until cooked through.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making fish molee, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. Here are some tips on selecting the right fish, coconut milk, and spices for your dish.

Fish Selection

The best fish for fish molee is a firm, white fish that can hold up to the rich, creamy sauce. Popular choices include kingfish, pomfret, salmon, pearl spot, and seer fish. However, you can use any firm white fish that you prefer.

Coconut Milk Varieties

Coconut milk is a key ingredient in fish molee, and you can use a variety of different types depending on your preferences. Fresh coconut milk is the best option if you have access to it, but canned coconut milk works just as well. When using canned coconut milk, be sure to choose a good quality brand that is free from any additives or preservatives.

You can also choose between thick and thin coconut milk depending on the consistency you want for your dish. Thin coconut milk is made by diluting fresh or canned coconut milk with water, while thick coconut milk is made from the first press of the coconut meat. If you don't have access to fresh coconut milk, you can use canned coconut cream as a substitute for thick coconut milk.

Spice Mix Essentials

The spices you use in fish molee are what give it its unique flavour. The essential spices include turmeric, curry leaves, black pepper, green chilli, red chili powder, pepper powder, and garam masala. You can also add whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for added depth of flavour.

If you don't have access to all of these spices, don't worry. You can still make a delicious fish molee with just a few key spices. Turmeric, black pepper, and green chilli are the most important spices, so make sure you have these on hand. You can also use coriander powder as a substitute for garam masala if you don't have it.

Cooking Procedure

Preparing the Fish

To make a delicious fish molee, you need to start by preparing the fish. You can use any firm fleshy fish for this recipe. Cut the fish into small pieces and clean them thoroughly. You can also marinate the fish with some salt and lemon juice for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavour.

Creating the Base

To create the base for the fish molee, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. You can use any oil of your choice, but coconut oil is preferred for its unique flavour. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add chopped ginger and garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. You can also use ginger garlic paste instead of chopped ginger and garlic. Add sliced tomatoes and sauté until they turn soft.

Simmering and Serving

Once the base is ready, add some water and bring it to a boil. Add some salt to taste. Reduce the heat and add thick coconut milk. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens. Add the fried fish pieces and let it cook for a few more minutes until the fish is cooked through. You can also add some curry leaves for an aromatic flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a simple version of fish molee?

To make a simple version of fish molee, you can use basic ingredients like fish, coconut milk, spices and herbs. Marinate the fish with turmeric powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and salt. Then fry the fish slices for a few minutes. Heat oil in a pan and add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Add the fish and coconut milk to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, garnish it with curry leaves and coriander leaves.

What's the traditional Goan style for preparing fish molee?

The traditional Goan style for preparing fish molee involves using fish like kingfish or pomfret. The fish is marinated with turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Then it is shallow-fried and kept aside. A paste of onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, coriander leaves, and cumin seeds is made. This paste is then cooked in coconut oil and coconut milk. The fried fish is then added to the curry and simmered for a few minutes.

Can you suggest the best fish molee recipe?

There are many variations of fish molee recipe. However, a simple and authentic recipe involves using fish, coconut milk, spices, and herbs. You can marinate the fish with turmeric powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and salt.

Then fry the fish slices for a few minutes. Heat oil in a pan and add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Add the fish and coconut milk to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, garnish it with curry leaves and coriander leaves.

What are the key ingredients for an authentic fish molee?

The key ingredients for an authentic fish molee include fish, coconut milk, onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, curry leaves, and coriander leaves.

How does Chef Pillai prepare his version of fish molly?

Chef Pillai prepares his version of fish molly by using fish, coconut milk, onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, curry leaves, and coriander leaves. He marinates the fish with spices and herbs, then shallow-fries it.

He makes a paste of onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, coriander leaves, and cumin seeds. This paste is then cooked in coconut oil and coconut milk. The fried fish is then added to the curry and simmered for a few minutes.

What are the variations in fish molee recipes across different regions in India?

Fish molee recipes vary across different regions in India. In Kerala, fish molee is made using coconut milk and is not spicy. In Goa, it is made using fish like kingfish or pomfret and is slightly spicy. In Tamil Nadu, it is made using fish like seer fish or pomfret and is spicy. In Andhra Pradesh, it is made using fish like rohu or catla and is spicy.