FRIED FISH CURRY

Fragrant, warming and very fresh. “This dish is usually made with fish ‘steaks’, AKA cutlets, but it is just as good with fillets or whole fish,” explains food writer Mimi Aye.

“The type of fish doesn’t really matter either, as the luscious, spicy sauce is the thing, so it works equally well with, say, cod or salmon.”

SERVES 2-4 INGREDIENTS:

For the fish:

1tsp salt

2tbsp plain flour

1tsp ground turmeric 1/4tsp MSG or 1/2tbsp chicken or vegetable bouillon

1 whole sea bream or sea bass, or 4 basa or catfish slices (sold frozen in Asian supermarkets) 120ml groundnut oil or other neutraltasting oil, plus an extra 2tbsp

For the sauce:

4 medium onions, sliced thinly 1/3 standard tin of chopped tomatoes (about 135g)

3 fresh tomatoes, diced 1tbsp fish sauce

1/4tsp MSG or 1tbsp chicken or vegetable bouillon

For the garnish:

2 finger chillies Handful of coriander leaves, chopped Rice to serve

Method:

» 1. Mix the salt, flour, turmeric and MSG in a large dish, then add the fish. Turn the fish over in the seasonings, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Heat the 120ml of oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat until sizzling, then carefully add the fish. Fry for two to three minutes on each side. Remove the fish using a slotted spoon and set to one side on a dish.

» 2. In the same wok, heat the remaining two tablespoons of oil over a high heat and add the sauce ingredients. Fry for five minutes, tossing and stirring regularly. Turn the heat down to mediumhigh and continue to fry for another ten minutes. Add the fish and the chillies, and toss gently in the sauce. Dish up on a platter, scatter the coriander leaves on top and serve with steamed rice.