Kerala Fish Curry with Kappa (Tapioca): A Deliciously Authentic Recipe
22 minutes
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About Kerala Fish Curry with Kappa (Tapioca): A Deliciously Authentic Recipe
Transport your taste buds to Kerala with this authentic fish curry and kappa recipe! Imagine tender fish simmering in a rich, aromatic coconut milk gravy, infused with fragrant spices and tangy kodampuli. This dish is a true culinary adventure.Paired with comforting kappa, a starchy delight made from tapioca, this meal offers a symphony of textures and flavors. The creamy curry and the soft kappa create a balance that's both satisfying and unforgettable.Our easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to bring the magic of South Indian cuisine to your kitchen. Get ready for a taste of Kerala that will leave you craving more!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook12 minutes
Total22 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish Curry
- 8 piece Fish cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 small Onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium Tomato thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Ginger minced
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 8 Chilies green, slit lengthwise
- 5-6 Curry Leaves
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Fenugreek Powder
- 4 Kodampuli gamboges
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
- 3 tsp Coconut Oil
- 3 cup Water
For the Kappa (Tapioca)
- 1 kg Tapioca
- 1 small Onion
- 1/2 Coconut grated
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 5 Chilies green
- 8 Curry Leaves
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp Oil for frying
Instructions
Fish Curry Preparation
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot or earthen vessel over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and fenugreek powder. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Pour in the water and add the kodampuli. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gently add the fish pieces to the curry. Simmer until the fish is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Do not overcook.
- Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Stir in the coconut milk and salt. Simmer for a final 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not boil vigorously after adding coconut milk.
- Garnish with fresh curry leaves. Drizzle with coconut oil for added aroma and flavor.
Kappa Preparation
- Peel the tapioca and cut it into small pieces. Place the tapioca pieces in a pressure cooker.
- Add enough water to cover the tapioca. Cook until tender, about 2-3 whistles. Drain any excess water.
- While the tapioca cooks, make a coconut paste: Grind the grated coconut, turmeric powder, and cumin seeds together in a small blender or food processor until smooth.
- In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green chilies. Sauté until the onion is softened.
- Add the cooked tapioca, salt, curry leaves, and the prepared coconut paste to the pan. Mix well.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tapioca is heated through and the flavors have combined.
- Serve the Kerala Fish Curry hot with the prepared Kappa.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- This traditional Kerala recipe comes from Executive Chef Shaikh Inamur Raheman of The Fog Resort & Spa, Munnar, Kerala.
- Chef Raheman has over 17 years of experience and has worked in India and internationally, including at The Park Inn Oman, Hamdan Plaza Oman, Safeer International Kuwait, Club Mahindra Munnar, Quality Inn Aruna, and Asoka Chennai.
- Thanks to The Fog Resorts & Spa, Munnar, for sharing this authentic recipe. The Fog Resorts is considered one of Munnar's best resorts, known for its culinary and nature experiences.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated coconut instead of pre-shredded.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less green chilies.
- Serve this dish hot with rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 2154kcalCarbohydrates: 476gProtein: 6gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 2977mgPotassium: 631mgFiber: 16gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 1549IUVitamin C: 91mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 12mg
5 Comments
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Absolutely scrumptious! Thanks for the recipe.
Absolutely wonderful! Can’t wait to make it.
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.
Such an enticing dish! Thanks for the recipe.
This is so tempting! Thank you.