Ingredients:

1 large or 2 small karimeen / pearl spot fish, cleaned

5-6 shallots

6-8 garlic cloves

1/2 tsp fennel seeds

1/2 tsp pepper corns

2 1/2-3 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

juice of 1/2 lemon

salt to taste

3 sprigs curry leaves

coconut oil, as required for frying

Preparation:

1. Clean the pearl spot thoroughly and make slits on each side of the fish and keep it aside.
2. Grind together shallots, garlic, fennel seeds, pepper corns, chilli powder, turmeric powder, few curry leaves, salt and juice of half lemon.
3. Apply the ground paste on the cleaned fish and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat coconut oil in a pan/ tawa and spread some curry leaves.
5. Place the marinated fish and fry in hot oil on both sides till done. Serve hot...