Coconut Fish in Banana Leaf — Fish Pollichathu
A Kerala specialty of marinated fish wrapped in banana leaf with a coconut-and-shallot masala, pan-steamed until the leaf crisps and the fish is fragrant.
Indian
Categories
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
For 2 servings
Instructions
Prep
Pat fish dry and cut into 2 equal fillets (200g each). Rub each fillet with 0.25 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Rest 10 minutes. Slice shallots thinly. Chop tomatoes finely. Measure all spices and coconut. Soften both banana leaves over gas flame.
Bloom
Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add curry leaves, let crackle 10 seconds. Add shallots, cook 4–5 minutes stirring until soft and golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies, cook 1 minute until raw smell fades.
Build
Add chopped tomatoes, ground coriander, tamarind paste, remaining turmeric, and salt to taste. Cook 4 minutes on medium-low, mashing tomatoes, until oil beads. Add desiccated coconut, cook 90 seconds stirring until fragrant. Divide masala in half and set aside to cool 2 minutes.
Wrap
Lay first softened banana leaf flat. Spoon half of the first portion of masala onto centre. Place one fish fillet on top. Cover with remaining masala from that portion, pressing gently. Fold banana leaf sides in first, then top and bottom to seal. Secure with a wooden toothpick if needed. Repeat with second banana leaf, second fish fillet, and second portion of masala.
Fry
Heat remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place both parcels seam-side down, cook 5 minutes until bottoms char lightly. Flip carefully, cook 4 minutes until leaf crisps at edges and steam rises when pressed. Rest sealed 2 minutes.
Plate
Slide each parcel onto individual serving plates. Cut open at the table to release aromatic steam. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with steamed Kerala matta rice, lemon wedges, lime pickle, and roasted papad alongside.
Recipes use AI and Edamam. Always check for allergens before cooking. Spotted something wrong—email us at hello@grubplanit.com.