Meen Kuzhambu Recipe (Meen Kulambu)

• 20 pieces Sardine Fish / Chala Meen (cleaned & washed (you can use any variety of fish))
• 1 medium Brinjal ( cubed)
• ½ no Drumstick (slit in middle and cut into pieces)
• 1 medium Tomato ( cubed)
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tbsp Tamarind Pulp (or to taste)
• 3 sprig Curry leaves
• Salt to taste

For Grinding

• 2 cups Fresh Coconut (grated)
• 2 tbsp Chilli Powder (or use 8 dry red chillies)
• 1 tbsp Coriander Powder (or use 1 tbsp coriander seeds)
• 4 no Shallots | Sambar Onion (peeled and left whole)
• 2 cloves Garlic (optional)
• 1 tsp Whole Black Pepper
• 1 cup Water

1. 1

   Take all the grinding ingredients in a blender and add water. Grind into a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. 2

   Now take drumstick, brinjal, tomato in a kadai and add some water. Add in salt, turmeric and tamarind and mix well. Cover and cook this for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables is half cooked.

3. 3

   Add in the ground masala and mix well. Add water if needed and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches to a boil. Set the flame to simmer and let it cook for 5 to 8 mins until raw smell from coconut leaves.

4. 4

   Now add in the fish pieces (sardine) and simmer for 5 to 10 mins on low. Add in a handful of curry leaves and mix well. Let it simmer for 2 more mins.

5. 5

   Now switch off the flame and let it sit covered till ready to eat. Serve with hot rice.