Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Blended Paste

   In a mixer jar, combine 1 cup grated coconut, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 2 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder (or 1.5 tbsp ordinary chilli powder), and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Add water as needed and blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. 2.Prepare the Tamarind

   Soak 6-7 cloves of Garcinia tamarind in warm water and set aside.

3. 3.Sauté Aromatics

   Heat 3 tbsp of coconut oil in a clay pot. Add 1 tsp chopped ginger and 2 tsp chopped garlic. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.

4. 4.Add Shallots and Green Chillies

   Add 2 cut green chillies and 10-12 cut shallots to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the shallots are translucent.

5. 5.Add Curry Leaves and Blended Paste

   Add 2 sprigs of curry leaves to the sautéed aromatics. Immediately add the blended coconut-spice paste to the pot. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until the oil separates and the paste thickens.

6. 6.Add Water and Salt

   Rinse the mixer jar with warm water and add this water to the curry. Mix well. Add salt as required and mix again.

7. 7.Add Tamarind

   Once the curry comes to a boil, add the soaked Garcinia tamarind cloves. Mix gently.

8. 8.Add Anchovy and Tomato

   Add the 1/2 kg cleaned anchovy and 1 medium-sized cut tomato to the boiling curry. Gently mix to ensure the fish is coated with the curry.

9. 9.Cook the Curry

   Cover the pot and cook until small bubbles appear. Then, remove the lid and let it simmer, gently rotating the pot occasionally (do not stir vigorously to avoid breaking the fish). Cook for a total of 15-20 minutes until the curry thickens and the fish is cooked through.

10. 10.Prepare Tempering

    In a separate small pan, heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add 2 cut shallots and sauté until they turn light golden.

11. 11.Add Dry Red Chilli and Curry Leaves to Tempering

    Add 3 dry red chillies to the tempering and sauté briefly. Finally, add curry leaves and sauté until fragrant.

12. 12.Add Tempering to Curry

    Pour the prepared tempering over the anchovy fish curry. Mix gently. The anchovy fish curry is now ready to be served.