Kerala Fish Curry Recipe with Kokum – Spicy Red Fish Chilli Curry

Kerala red fish curry – the fiery, tangy kind cooked in a clay pot – gets its sourness from kodampuli (kokum). Our Instant Fish Chilli Curry Mix has the Kashmiri chilli, shallots, kokum, mango powder and tempering spices ready in two packets: Mix 1 for the base and Mix 2 for the curry.

Time: About 20 minutes, plus 1 hour resting (recommended)  ·  Makes: Up to 1 kg fish curry  ·  Mix used: Instant Fish Chilli Curry Mix

What you need

• 1 packet Natur Blend Instant Fish Chilli Curry Mix (Mix 1 and Mix 2)
• 1 kg fish, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons oil (coconut oil for the most Kerala flavour)
• 400 ml water
• A clay pot (manchatti) or any heavy pot

The mix is pre-seasoned with salt, so taste before adding any more.

How to make Kerala fish chilli curry with Instant Fish Chilli Curry Mix

1. Heat oil. Heat 4 tbsp oil in a pot on medium flame.
2. Sauté Mix 1. Add Mix 1 and sauté until the aroma comes out.
3. Add Mix 2. Stir well, pour in 400 ml water and bring to a boil.
4. Add fish. Add 1 kg cleaned fish into the curry.
5. Cover and cook. Cover with a lid and cook for 10–15 minutes on medium.
6. Rest and serve. Rest for 1 hour for a thicker, deeper curry. Add salt only if needed.

Tips for the best Kerala fish chilli curry

• Firm fish such as seer (neymeen), sardine (mathi), mackerel (ayala) or kingfish hold their shape best.
• Don’t stir after adding fish – swirl the pot gently instead so the pieces don’t break.
• Kerala fish curry is famous for tasting better the next day. Resting it really makes a difference.

What to serve it with

Serve with hot rice (matta rice if you have it), kappa (tapioca), appam or puttu.

What’s in the mix

Kashmiri chilli powder, shallots, kokum (Garcinia indica), salt, chilli powder, garlic powder, mango powder, tomato powder, red chilli, ginger powder, curry leaves, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and turmeric powder.

No artificial colours, preservatives, additives or flavour enhancers are added during manufacturing. Contains: Mustard. Made in Wayanad, Kerala.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use prawns instead of fish?

Yes, though prawns cook in a few minutes. For a dry prawn dish, try our Instant Prawns Roast Mix.

Why rest the curry for an hour?

Resting lets the kokum and chilli soak into the fish and thickens the gravy.

Does the mix already have salt?

Yes. Every Natur Blend instant mix is pre-seasoned with salt. Cook as directed, taste at the end and add salt only if you need it.

Ready to cook? Buy Instant Fish Chilli Curry Mix or browse all our instant Kerala curry mixes. Delivery is free on 3 or more packets.