Meen pollichathu/Banana Leaf wrapped Fish Fry

Meen pollichathu is a most popular recipe in Kerala. This is basically cooking fish along with masala packed in a banana leaf due to with the flavour and aroma of banana leaf will transfer to the fish which will give an excellent taste.

 

Preparation time:20mins

Cook time:30mins

Total time:50mins

Serve:2

Cuisine: Kerala

Type: Side dish

Author: Nivi Marshal

 

Ingredients:

Fish- 2medium

Banana leaf

 

For marination:

Red Chilli powder-½ tsp

Pepper powder-¼ tsp

Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp

Lemon juice- 1tsp

Salt- as required

 

For Grinding:

Ginger- 1inch

Garlic- 4-5 cloves

Green chilli- 2

Pepper corns- ½ tsp

Cumin seeds-¼ tsp

Red chilli- 3

Curry leaves- 1 sprig

 

For masala:

Onion- 2medium (finely chopped)

Tomato- 1medium (finely chopped)

Red chilli powder- ½ tsp

Salt- As required

Coconut Oil- 1tbsp

 

How to prepare Meen Pollichathu:

• Marinate the fish using the listed ingredients for 20mins. Shallow fry the fish using a tbsp of coconut oil on both sides and place aside.
• Paste the ingredients listed for grinding and keep aside. Now in a pan add oil and saute the onion till transculent, now add the tomato and saute till soft. Add the grounded paste along with red chilli powder and salt and saute for 2-3 mins. Allow the masala to cool.
• Wash the banana leafy and wilt over the open flame to make it soft and ensure the leaf won't tear while packing. In a banana leaf place a layer of masala and place the fried fish above the masala. Again place the masala on top of the fish. Wrap the leaf and place it on another leaf and wrap the outer leaf and tie the parcel.
• Add oil in a tawa or pan and place the parcel in it. Cook for 10mins on each side in low flame. Meen pollichathu is ready to serve.

 

Tips:

• You can also use aluminium foil to parcel the fish, this too taste good still you won't get the authentic flavour of banana leaf in the recipe.