Pollichathu Meen/ Pottanum Meen

Pollichathu Meen is a dish prepared by wrapping the fish in banana leaf.The fish is marinated with spices and steamed in a pan.The smell of coconut oil,banana leaf,fish and spices is simply awesome.I had banana leaf at home and was thinking what to do so came with this idea.In this recipe pearl spot fish is used,I have used silver pomfret.Pearl spot fish is a low fat,high protein and rich in omega 3 fatty acids which is very good for the brain.This fish is found in the backwaters of Kerala,Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but this recipe is very popular in Kerala.Here is the recipe of Pollichathu Meen.

Ingredients :

Banana Leaf

To marinate

Pearl spot/Vanjarameen/Silver Pomfret- 250 gms(6-7 pieces)

Chilli powder-1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Corainder powder-1/2 tsp

Fish masala-1/2 tsp

Lemon juice-1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

For masala-

Onion-1 medium size (chopped)

Tomato-1 small size

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Chilli powder-1/2 tsp

Corainder powder-1/2 tsp

Corainder leaves-Handfull

Grated coconut-1 tsp

Coconut oil-2 tsp

salt to taste

Procedure:

1.Lets clean the fish two times with water and then with turmeric and rock salt.Once the fish is cleaned then add the spices 1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric powder,1 tsp chilli powder,1/2 tsp corainder powder,1/2 tsp fish masala,1/2 tsp lemon juice and required amount of salt.Mix it and keep it aside for 10 mins.

2.Take a pan,heat it with 2 spoons of coconut oil,Add chopped 1 medium size onion,saute it for a minute then add chopped 1 small size tomato.Cook till it becomes soft.

3.Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder,1/2 tsp chilli powder,1/2 tsp corainder powder.Add required amount of salt and give a good mix.Then add handfull of corainder leaves.Switch off the flame.

4.Lastly add grated coconut and let it get cooked in the steam.Give a good mix then.

5.Now take a pan,heat it with 2 tsp of coconut oil,add 2-3 fish in the pan,don't overcrowd it.Let it get fried for 1 minute and then again flip to other side and fry for a minute on the other side.

6.Now take a banana leaf let's heat it in a very low flame for  a minute on both the sides so while stuffing the fish and masala it won't get torn.It is little difficult to do in a induction coil.But we can manage.

7.Now take the lead and add 1 spoon masala over the masala keep the fish and again keep the masala over it.

8.Now wrap the fish with the banana leaves by folding together and tie it with a thread or banana leaf edges.Take a pan,add the wrapped banana leaf fish and fry it in a low flame.Cook for 5 minutes on one side and flip it to other side and cook it again for 5 min.Cover it with a lid and cook.The smell of banana leaf will nicely pierce in it.

9.Switch off the flame and then serve hot with rice.