Indian Recipe: Fish Pollichathu
(Fish Roasted in a Plantain Leaf)

1. Fish (Pomphret or Karimeen)- 1 kg
For marinate
2. Cinnamon
   powder - 1 tsp
3. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
For the masala paste and gravy
4. Salt  - to taste
5. Coriander powder - 2 tsp
6. Chilli powder - 2 tsp
7. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
8. Pepper powder - ¼
9. Vinegar - 3 to 4 tbsp
10. Coconut oil - 3 tbsp
11. Button onions (sliced)-1 cup
12. Garlic (crushed)-5cloves
13. Ginger (sliced) – I inch piece
14. Green chillies, slit – 4
15. Curry leaves - a few
16. Coconut milk - 1cup

1. Clean the fish and make gashes on both sides.
2. Marinate the fish with cinnamon powder, turmeric powder and salt for 1hr.
3. In a flat frying pan place a plantain leaf (should have the size of the pan) and pour oil to fry the fish.
4. Pour a little water behind the leaf in order to protect it from burning.
5. Place the fish in the leaf and cover with another leaf.
6. Cover the pan with the lid.
7. When one side is fried, fry the other side the same way.
8. Make a paste of coriander, chilli, turmeric and pepper powders with a little water.
9. In a pan, heat oil and sauté button onions, ginger, garlic, chillies and curry leaves.
10. Add the masala paste and sauté until the aroma seems right.
11. Add vinegar and coconut milk.
12. Add the fish and simmer on low heat until fish is coated with gravy.