Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the fish

   Place the cleaned fish steaks on a banana leaf or plate, ready for cooking.

2. 2.Grind aromatics

   In a mortar and pestle, add chopped shallots/small red onions and grind them coarsely. Then add ginger and grind, followed by garlic, grinding until a coarse paste is formed.

3. 3.Prepare the spice base

   Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder to the hot oil. Stir well for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4.Sauté onions and spices

   Add the ground shallot-ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the raw smell disappears, and the mixture turns a deep red color.

5. 5.Add curry leaves, salt, and tamarind

   Stir in the curry leaves, salt, and tamarind extract. Mix thoroughly for 1 minute.

6. 6.Simmer the gravy

   Pour in water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly.

7. 7.Cook the fish

   Carefully place the fish steaks into the simmering gravy. Ensure the fish is partially submerged. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the gravy has reduced and coated the fish well.

8. 8.Serve

   Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the cooked fish to a serving plate, garnished with fresh curry leaves if desired. Serve hot.