Meen Kulambu Soru

Method

1. 1

   Make the base dish: This is a rice and fish curry mixed dish. Cook 2 cups raw rice for separate grains. Cool slightly.

2. 2

   Prepare fish kuzhambu: Make a rich fish kulambu — fry shallots and garlic in sesame oil, add tomatoes, red chilli and coriander powder, tamarind water and cook to a thick sauce. Add fish steaks and cook until done. No whole fish with head visible.

3. 3

   Warm both components: The rice and fish kuzhambu should both be warm.

4. 4

   Mix rice and kuzhambu together: In a deep bowl add a generous serving of warm rice.

5. 5

   Ladle fish kuzhambu generously: Pour 2-3 ladles of the thick, tangy fish kuzhambu over the rice. The ratio should be generous kuzhambu to rice.

6. 6

   Mix gently: Use a spoon to gently fold the rice and kuzhambu together so the rice absorbs the sauce.

7. 7

   Add ghee: Add a small tsp of ghee on top.

8. 8

   Add papad: Serve with a crispy papad on the side.

9. 9

   Add raw onion: Serve with sliced raw onion and a wedge of lime.

10. 10

    Serve: Meen kulambu soru (fish curry rice) should be saucy with the rice soaking up the tangy fish gravy. Eat immediately while hot.