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Malu mirisata (spicy fish curry): photo of the dish
Illustrative photo: Jkwinter — CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fish & seafood

Malu mirisata (spicy fish curry)

A Sri Lankan fish curry with a spicy sauce, often cooked with coconut milk and curry leaves, flavoured with chilli and turmeric. It is eaten spooned over rice, and its more intense taste is appreciated by lovers of fiery cooking.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Épices

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Instructions

  1. Cut the fish into large chunks, season with salt and vinegar, then set aside for 15 minutes.
  2. Thinly slice the onions, crush the garlic and ginger, and cut the lemongrass in half lengthwise.
  3. Heat the oil in a casserole and fry the onions, lemongrass and fennel seeds until golden, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic, ginger, curry paste, turmeric, ground chilli and curry leaf, then fry for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the diced tomato and let it melt for 3 minutes.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and 100 ml of water, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Carefully lay the fish pieces into the sauce, cover and cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, without stirring, until the fish is tender and flakes with a fork.
  8. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot with white rice.

Variations and tips

Milder version. Replace half the coconut milk with water and reduce the ground chilli to 1/2 teaspoon.

Using what's easy to find here. If Sri Lankan curry paste is unavailable, use a mild Indian curry paste.

More ideas

Original Ecomely recipe.