Goan Fish Curry. Recipe, Ingredients And History.

Goan Fish Curry

Goa is India’s famous tourist attraction. It has everything to offer to its visitors no matter what are their interest. It is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, historic significance, heritage sites, weather and its delicious food. The many mouth wandering dishes Goa has to offer, The Goan Fish Curry is must try that perfectly conveys the essence of this beach side beachside heaven.

Goan fish curry with its full, fresh and hot flavors, is a tribute to the area’s rich culture heritage and long standing passion for seafood. We are going to take you through the recipe, ingredients and history of this popular dish in this blog.

The Goan Fish Curry Historic Details

Goan cuisine is an unique combination of local ingredients and Portuguese influences, brought about by 450 years of colonial rule. Goa received a number of agriculture good and food preparation method from the Portuguese, which were later subsequently altered according to regional preferences and culture. The addition of vinegar and tomatoes are essentials components of Goan fish curry, which was one of the most significant contributions.

This recipe. which reflects Goa’s historic environment and plenty of costal resources, combines the ideal combination of spices, coconut and fresh fish. Though pomfret or kingfish are traditionally used to make Goan Fish Curry, any firm, white flesh fish can be used.

Ingredients to Prepare Goan Fish Curry

In order to prepare traditional Goan Fish Curry you need below Ingredients.

Ingredients for Curry :

• 500 Grams of firm white flesh fish, chopped into pieces (pomfret, Kingfish or any other desired fish)
• Two tablespoon of edible oil or coconut oil.
• 1 large onion chopped finely
• 2-3 green chilies
• 2-3 chopped garlic cloves
• small ginger slice (1 inch is enough)
• 2 medium tomatoes chopped finely
• 1 cup coconut milk
• one cup drinking water
• Salt as per taste

Ingredients for the Masala paste :

• 1 cup of coconut freshly grated or dried.
• 4-5 Red Chilies (Modify according to intended level of spice and heat level)
• 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon grounded black pepper
• A small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 Cloves
• 1-2 pods of green cardamom
• 2 tablespoon of pulped tamarind

Preparation of Goan Fish Curry :

Preparation Step 1 : Making The Masala Paste

Preheating the Spices : Dried red chilies, coriander seed, cumin, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick and green cardamom pods should all be roasted in a dry skillet until aromatic. Take care to avoid burning the spices.

Masala Grinding : Mix the roasted spices, tamarind pulp, grated coconut and turmeric powder in a blender. To make grinding simpler, add a small amount of water, then blend until a smooth paste is achieved. The foundation of your Goan Fish is this masala paste, which gives it a intense, aromatic flavor.

Preparation Step 2 : Curry Cooking

Heating Up the Oil : Heat the coconut oil in a big skillet or pan over a medium heat. Vegetable oil or any edible oil can be used instead of coconut oil but coconut oil gives this dish a unique Goan flavor.

Aromatic Sauteing : Put the finely chopped onions in the pan and cook them until they take on golden brown color. Add the sliced green chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger and cook for a few minutes or until the raw smell of ginger and garlic is gone.

Tomato Addition : Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the mixture and cook. Keep stirring until mixture starts separating from the oil and tomatoes become soft. This stage help to create thick and delicious curry foundation.

Adding the Masala Paste : While cooking keep stirring for 5-6 minutes after adding the prepared masala paste to the pan. This helps for maturation of the spices taste through cooking. To avoid the mixture dryness add a little water.

Adding Water and Coconut Milk : Add the water and coconut milk to the pan and mix it well to the blend. Heat the mixture until it boils slowly. Coconut milk gives a creamy texture to curry and its gentle sweetness balances the spices.

Fish Cooking : Add the fish pieces carefully to the curry which is cooking. Make sure all of the Fish is merged into the cooking curry. Cover the pan for 10-15 minutes and let the fish cook. fish could be tough and dry of it is overcooked so that keep the attention on the cooking time.

Modification : Now taste the curry and check if salt and spices are required to be added. If you like your curry tangier add a squeeze of a lime juice or add bit more tamarind pulp.

Step 3 : Serve the Goan Fish Curry

The ideal way to enjoy Goan Fish Curry is with steamed rice, traditional Goan bread which is called paav as well and with the poee. Your every bite is delicious because of the rich, savory curry sauce is well soaked into the steamed rice or a traditional bread. Add a fresh cilantro leaves to the curry to give it a vibrant, fresh flavor.

Tips On Making The Perfect Goan Fish Curry

• Fresh Stuff : To get the best flavor to you curry us a fresh fish and ingredients. The curry taste is mostly influenced by the quality of the fish you are using.
• Balance Of Spices : Depending upon you spice aversion, adjust the dried red chilies quantity in your masala. Although Goan food is known for its strong flavors, you can adjust it as per your taste or choice.
• Coconut Milk : As coconut milk makes the curry creamier and richer, Use full fat coconut milk. You can make it thinner by adding little water into it. There so many brands in the market, which are providing best coconut milk.
• Settling Time : Let your Goan Fish Curry rest for few minutes after cooking. It increases the overall taste by blending the flavors together.

Conclusion

Goan fish curry is not just a dish but it is a traditional exploration of the Goa’s past or historic life. This dish is the rhythm of the tastes that is both comforting and stimulating, thankful to the perfect balance of the spices, creamy coconut milk and fish. This recipe will satisfy even the most expert chef brings it to you and delight your taste buds on sun kissed beach view of Goa.

So gather your Goan Fish Curry ingredients and follow the recipe to begin with the culinary journey that celebrates variety and rich taste of Goan cuisine. Relish your original fish curry with your loved ones and friends and after a lunch or dinner let the delicious taste of Goa stays in your palate.

Check out our blog on 5 Must Try Goan Cuisine

FAQs