Chepala Vepudu

Ingredients

• - 300g fish
• - 3 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 1 tsp cumin seeds
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 onion sliced
• - 1 tsp red chilli powder
• - 1 tsp coriander powder
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - 2 tbsp grated coconut
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare fish: Clean 500g firm fish. Cut into 2-cm pieces. Wash and pat dry. No whole fish with head visible.
2. Marinate fish: Mix with 1 tsp turmeric, 1.5 tsp red chilli powder and salt. Marinate 20 minutes.
3. Fry marinated fish: Heat 3 tbsp oil. Fry fish pieces on medium heat 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked. Remove.
4. Make tempering: In the same oil add 1 tsp mustard seeds. When they pop add 1 tsp urad dal and fry golden.
5. Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies, 1 sprig curry leaves, a pinch of asafoetida and 5 sliced garlic cloves.
6. Add onion: Add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook 8 minutes until golden.
7. Add tomatoes and spices: Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Add 1 tsp red chilli powder and 1 tsp coriander powder. Fry 2 minutes.
8. Add fried fish: Add the fried fish pieces back. Toss gently to coat in the masala.
9. Cook together: Cook on medium heat 3-4 minutes until masala clings to the fish.
10. Serve: Adjust salt. Chepala vepudu should be dry and well-spiced. Serve with steamed rice.