Malu Ambulthiyal – Sri Lankan Fish Curry

 

Malu Ambulthiyal – Sri Lankan Fish Curry

Malu Ambulthiyal is a well-known Sri Lankan sour fish curry, most often made with tuna or other firm fish. A great dish for any seafood lover to try, this is cooked in a thick, sour, and delicious spice paste.

Ingredients:

500g firm fish (tuna, seer fish or mackerel) cut in thick pieces

2 tablespoons goraka (dried garcinia), soaked in water

1 tsp black pepper powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tsp salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch knob of ginger, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 sprig curry leaves

1 green chili, sliced

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 cup water

Instructions:

Make the Goraka Paste: Using a mortar and pestle or blender, mash the soaked goraka into a paste, adding a little water if needed.

Marinate the Fish: Combine fish pieces in a bowl with goraka paste, black pepper, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and curry powder. Pop it in to marinate for 15–20 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics: Next, in a clay pot/pan, heat the coconut oil; Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then mix in garlic, ginger, onion, curry leaves, and green chili. Sauté until fragrant.

Place the Fish: Using tongs, carefully add marinated pieces of fish to the pan. Add 1/2 cup water and cover the pot. [Simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, letting the flavours meld.]

Thicken the Curry: Uncover and reduce until the liquid is thick and the fish is coated with a thick paste.

Step 3: Serve & EnjoyServe hot with rice and vegetables.

Tips:

Clay Pot Treatment: Traditionally, this dish is cooked in a clay pot for enhanced flavor.

Goraka Substitute: Goraka can be substituted with tamarind paste, although the flavor will be a bit different.

Storage: The Malu Ambulthiyal will last for a few days as it is preservative in nature, and does not require refrigeration.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine with your Malu Ambulthiyal!