Kerala Style Fish Stew with Coconut Milk/ Fish Molee

Fish Molee /Moli is a famous fish curry from Kerala (South India). The word molee literally means "stew". Fish Molee is a preparation where fish is stewed in coconut milk and very low spiced flavor in masala is prepared, so that flavor of the fish dominates the taste of the curry.

For Marination :

• King fish  /Pomferts or any firm fleshed fish  : 1 lbs or 2 medium sized 
• Turmeric Powder : 1 tsp
• Lemon juice : 1 tsp
• Salt to taste

For Gravy :

• Onion : 1 large (thinly, sliced)
• Tomato : 1 medium (sliced)
• Ginger : 1 inch piece (crushed)
• Garlic : 2 cloves (crushed)
• Pepper Powder : 1 tsp
• Thick Coconut milk -1st extract /Onnampaal  : 1/2 cup
• Semi  Thick Coconut milk - 2nd extract /Randampaal  : 1/2 cups
• Thin Coconut Milk - 3rd extract /Moonampaal : 1 cup
• Mustard Seeds : 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves : 2 sprig
• Green chillies : 2-3 nos, slit
• Lemon juice /Vinegar : 1 tbsp
• Coconut Oil : 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

 Method of Preparation : 

1. Wash and clean the fish and pat dry it.

2. Marinade the fish with marinade ingredients listed above and set aside for 15-20 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a pan and slightly fry marinated fish pieces on a medium heat and keep it aside.

4. Heat a pan (preferably in 'Kalchatti' an earthen pot) and pour required coconut oil.  (Note : It will enhance the authentic taste) 
5. Splutter the mustard seeds; add the ginger, garlic and saute for a minute. 

6. Add the sliced onion, curry leaves, green chillies and saute till it becomes soft and translucent.
7. Add the tomatoes and saute for a minute. (Note : Do not mash the tomatoes). 
8. Add the pepper powder and simmer the heat.
9. Add the Thinnest coconut milk/Moonampaal and salt and mix well.
10. Add the fried fish pieces carefully, cover and cook the fish. As the fish is half done while frying you just need to cook for another couple of minutes. 
11. Now pour the 2nd extract - Semi thick coconut milk / Randampaal and hold onto the sides of the pan and swirl it until the fish is well totally immersed in the gravy. Let it cook slowly for sometime till the fish completly absorbs it. 
12. Remove the pot from the fire, pour the 1st extract- Thick coconut milk/Onnampaal; place it on low fire again for a minute and gently shake so that it gets mixed . (Note : Don't stir after the fish is cooked, as the fish might break.
13. Remove the pot from the fire and add some lime juice or vinegar. Top with some coconut oil in the end.
14. Serve with  Appam / Idiyappam or with Steamed rice and Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!