Mackeral masala fry wrapped in Banana leaf

Fish masala wrapped in banana leaf and fried, is a Kerala style dish. I had tasted this dish in one of Kerala restaurant. I used mackerel fish for this recipe, you can also use pomfret or any other fresh water fish. We always deep fry or shallow fry the fish in home, this time I felt to try something different, and believe me it was truly awesome!!! My brother was making fuss saying he recommends only fried fish, but to my surprise after he ate this specially recipe, he loved it more :P he he he.

This is a unique way of fry fish within banana leaf. The banana leaf flavor makes the dish very exotic :P The fish was cleaned and marinated for 4 hrs in fridge. Later wrapped in banana leaf and fried. Tomato masala was prepared separately which was then spread across the fish masala before serving for meal. I made this at night, as noon we already had chicken fry along chicken curry. So there was ample time for the fish to get marinated. Try one and you will surely love this recipe.

Mackeral clean well and make even cut along the fish abdomen.

Masala paste for fish: Grind the following to fine paste

Red chilli 20 no' (roasted)

Roasted cumin 1 small tbsp

Star anise 1 no' (Roasted)

1" cinnamon stick (Roasted)

1 tbsp pepper powder

8 no' garlic flakes

Small ball of tamarind
Salt to taste

METHOD:

• Marinate the fish in the masala and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours> I kept it for 4 hours, as this preparation was for night dinner.

• Transfer the marinated fish on a cleaned banana leaf and wrap it neatly. Tie it folded leaf using thread. 

•  Now take a kadai , add 2 tbsp oil. Shallow fry the wrapped fish under low flame. Check the video for further method.

                                                                  check the video

• Flip both the side after each 3-4 mins, as shown in video.
• When done take the wrapped fish in plate.

Making of tomato masala for fish:

Ingredients:

Tomato 4 (chopped)

2 medium onion (chopped)

Ginger 1" finely chopped

2 green chillies finely chopped
2-3 tbsp finely chopped curry leaves

1 fist full of chopped cilantro leaves

salt to taste

METHOD: 

• Fry the ginger and green chillies.
• Add the onions and fry till transparent, add the tomatoes, finely chopped curry leaves, salt to taste and fry till it become to saucy consistency.
• Add the chopped cilantro, saute well.
• Now spread the tomato masala over the fish and serve along hot boiled rice along some fish curry or even chicken curry.

                                                                Check the video

Fish layered with Tomato masala

Serve the fish masala in plate along lemon