Chaamp Sikandalous 

8 -10 Mutton / Lamb Chops made out of double ribs.

The Marinade :

2 Tablespoons Garlic Paste.

2 Tablespoons Ginger Paste .

1 Teaspoon salt.

1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Black Pepper.

2 Tablespoons Thick Curd.

1 Tablespoon Oil.

To Cook Chops In :

1 Onion Chopped.

8-10 Black Peppercorns.

1 Stick Cinnamon.

2-3 Green Cardamons.

1 Teaspoon Kasoori Methi / Dried Fenugreek Leaves.

1 Tablespoon Ghee / Clarified Butter 

Marinade the chops overnight . I marinade a whole lot of chops and freeze them in batches of 6-8 , using them as needed . That takes care of the preparation time when you next need to cook them . 

In a deep bottom dish heat the ghee . When smoking hot throw in the peppercorns , cardamons and cinnamon . After 30 seconds add the onions , when translucent gently toss the chops in the onion masala to coat them and then spread them on the bottom of the pan . Cook over high heat 1 minute on each side . Add 1/2 cup water , cover tightly and cook over very low heat for 45 minutes to an hour , turning the chops every 15 minutes or so. When done add the methi and mix gently . At tis stage you can adjust flavors .You should end up with chops covered in a bit of masala as shown in the picture .

The chops are super succulent and tasty . Totally effortless too !

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Prawn kara kuzhambu

Traditionally kara kuzhambu is eaten with boiled rice and often added to curries .Some recipes use jaggery while other end the dish by tempering it with curry leaves and mustard seeds . I played with the recipe as I always do and quite enjoyed what unfolded in the pan !

The Marinade :

Small Red Onions - 80-100 gms
Garlic - 1 pod (10 - 12 cloves)
Tamarind Pulp- 1 Tablespoon ( adjust )
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Gingerly Oil - 4 Tablespoons
Salt to taste

Roast in one Tablespoon Gingerly Oil
Coriander Seeds - 2 Tablespoons
Red Chillies - 8 - 10
Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Aniseed - 1 Teaspoon
Urad Dal - 2 Teaspoons

Chop onions and garlic and fry till light brown . Remove half and grind to a paste along with all the other ingredients . Mix with the rest of the fried onions and garlic . On a low flame simmer the mixture until oil separates , about 3-5 minutes . This is your marinade which you must cool and store in the fridge , does keep a month I believe .

The Prawns :

I marinated the prawns for 30 minutes in some of the above , using just enough to coat them thickly. Next sauteed 1/2 a chopped onion, then add the prawns , cooked them for 5 minutes over medium heat . That's the recipe to this superb flavorsome dish !

Fish Masala Fry ( Red )

Fish Masala Fry ( Red )

Another super easy recipe and takes no time to make . Get ' steaks ' made out of a suitable fish , I used King Fish , and sometimes use ' Singhara ' .

500 Grams Fish Steaks

Make A Fine Masala paste With :

4 Cloves Garlic.

8 Dried Red Chillies ( with seeds ).

1/2 Tablespoon  Coriander / Dhania Seeds.

1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric / Haldi Powder.

Salt.

1 Tablespoon Oil.

Clean your fish well . Pat dry and smear the masala paste - not thickly on both sides of the fish . Let it stand an hour or so in the marinade .

In very little oil shallow fry the fish on both sides till the fish lightly crisp / brown . Approximately 3 minutes on each side .

Remove excess oil and serve this delicious fish hot with lemon wedges ! It's not as spicy as it sounds !

To fry the fish well you shouldn't disturb the fish till you are ready to turn it or it will stick . Your oil should be medium hot and minimum .

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Sesame Crusted Mustard Fish

1 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard Seeds ( powdered )  OR 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard .
3/4 Tablespoon Garlic Paste .
2 Tablespoon Oil .
Salt & Pepper To Taste.
Sesame seeds to coat the fish .

Make a fine paste of the mustard seeds and garlic , mix in the salt , pepper and oil . Let stand for 15-20 minutes for flavors to marry .

Marinate the fish in the mustard garlic paste for about an hour .
Warm the sesame seeds ( without browning ) in a non stick pan for 30 seconds . When cool , coat the fish with the sesame seeds .

The fish will coat unevenly which is fine .
In a nonstick pan with 2 tablespoons oil fry the fish covered over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side . That should be enough to cook the fish . The mustard seeds roast while the fish cook - fantastic aroma of sesame !

I know you will love this unusual sesame crusted mustard fish and the wonderful fusion of flavors !Serve with a wedge of lemon .



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