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Meen Pollichathu | Karimeen Pollichathu Recipe | Fish in Banana Leaf

Karimeen pollichathu is a popular Keralan recipe which is fried fish coated with a masala and wrapped in banana leaf. It is also known as meen pollichathu  or fish wrapped in banana leaf all over the world. Meen pollichathu is made with fish, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices and coconut milk which has a exotic taste to it when cooked inside banana leaf. Learn how to make meen pollichathu with step by step pictures and video. 
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 346kcal

Equipment

  • Cooking pot
  • Banana Leaf or Foil
  • Thread
  • Frying Pan or Tawa

Ingredients

  • 3 no Karimeen or Pearlspot Fish (You can use any fish)

For Marination

  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp Coconut Oil (for frying)

For Meen Pollichathu Masala

  • 2 tbsp Coconut oil
  • 2 sprig Curry leaves
  • 1 large Onion chopped finely
  • 1 no Green Chilli finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
  • 1 large Tomato chopped finely
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Black pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup Coconut Milk
  • 2 tsp Tamarind pulp mixed with ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp Coriander leaves optional
  • 1 tsp Lemon for serving - optiona

Instructions

  • Marinate fish with the ingredients given above for 10 minutes. When the fish is marinating let’s make the masala.
  • Heat oil in a kadai. Add in onions, curry leaves and green chillies. Mix and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add in ginger garlic paste, salt and turmeric. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add in tomatoes and cook till it gets mushy. Add in spice powders and mix well. Now pour in the tamarind juice and mix well. Cook this for 3 minutes. Now add in coconut milk and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally add coriander leaves if using and mix well. Remove and set aside.
  • Now let’s fry the fish. Heat coconut oil In a pan. Once oil is hot, place fish on hot oil and cook on high heat for 3 minutes on each sides. Gently remove to a plate.
  • Take a banana leaf, show it on open flame to heat the banana leaf so it gets soft and flexible. Now spread some masala in the base of leaf. Place a fried fish on top. Place some more masala on top and spread it. Sprinkle some curry leaves on top. Now wrap them fish with banana leaf and secure it with a thread. Repeat this with the other fish as well.
  • Once both fish parcel is ready we can grill it. You can grill it in open flame, hot coal, tawa or grill. Apply some coconut oil in a tawa and place the parcel on the tawa. Cook both sides for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Remove and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

Video

Notes

  • You can use any fish as your prefer. Depending on the variety of fish you use. The taste and texture will vary. 
  • For more sweeter and authentic recipe, use shallots instead of onions.
  • Don’t be shy when using curry leaves. It imparts so much flavour. 
  • Coconut oil is preferred but you can use any oil. 
  • If you are unsure of wrapping fish in banana leaf. You can use the help of foil,  check images. 
  • Meen pollichathu taste best when served hot. Serve as appetiser or its steamed rice. 

Serving suggestions

You can serve meen pollichathu with our kumarakom fish curry and steamed Kerala Red Rice or Matta rice. 
You can enjoy it with some steamed tapioca or masala kappa. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servings | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 435mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1580IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @yummytummyaarthi or tag #yummytummyaarthi!
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