Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl-Spot in Leaf) (കരിമീൻ പൊള്ളിച്ചത്ത്)
Category: main — leaf-wrapped grilled fish
Course: main | Diet: non-vegetarian
Meal roles: main
festive

The iconic Kerala backwater dish: marinated karimeen wrapped in banana leaf and grilled until smoky.

Spice level: 3
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (per person):
name: Karimeen (pearlspot) / tilapia, cleaned
qty: 180
unit: g
name: Shallots, finely chopped
qty: 30
unit: g
name: Green chillies, minced
qty: 2
unit: num
name: Ginger-garlic paste
qty: 5
unit: g
name: Chilli powder
qty: 3
unit: g
name: Turmeric
qty: 1
unit: g
name: Lemon juice
qty: 8
unit: g
name: Coconut oil
qty: 10
unit: g
name: Banana leaf (to wrap)
qty: 1
unit: num
name: Tomato and lime wedges (for the masala)
qty: 20
unit: g
name: Salt
qty: 2
unit: g

Steps:
Slash the fish and marinate with salt, turmeric and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
Saute shallots, chillies, ginger-garlic, tomato and spices in oil into a thick masala.
Stuff the masala into and over the fish.
Wrap snugly in a soft flame-passed banana leaf and grill or pan-roast on both sides until aromatic and cooked, 15-20 minutes.
Serve directly in the leaf with lemon wedges.

Tags: fish
leaf-wrapped
festive