Pearl Spot Pollichathu

Name: Pearl Spot Pollichathu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 44 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian (Kerala)
Ingredients: 2-3 whole pearl spot (karimeen, 350-400g total), cleaned; 1 medium onion, finely sliced; 3 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped; 5 green chilies, slit; 8-10 curry leaves, torn; 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder; 1 tbsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper powder; 3 tbsp coconut oil; 2 tbsp lime juice; Salt to taste; Banana leaves for wrapping (softened)

🍗 Non-veg🌾 Gluten-free📊 Medium

Traditional 97. Pearl Spot Pollichathu recipe

⏱️20 minPrep

🔥24 minCook

🕒44 minTotal

🍽️4Serves

🧺 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 How to make Pearl Spot Pollichathu

Score and season pearl spot (5 mins): Make 3 diagonal slits on each side. Rub with 1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/4 tsp turmeric, salt, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Prepare masala paste (3 mins): Mix ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder, 1/2 tbsp coriander powder, remaining lime juice, and 2 tbsp water to form spreadable paste.
Prepare wrapping (2 mins): Soften banana leaves by holding over flame for a few seconds until pliable. Wipe clean.
Layer masala (2 mins): Place banana leaf horizontally. Spread 1 tbsp masala paste in center. Place pearl spot on masala. Spread more masala on top and inside fish slits. Add sliced onion, tomatoes, green chilies, and curry leaves on top.
Wrap fish (2 mins): Fold banana leaf to create secure parcel, sealing edges by overlapping. Make 2-3 parcels.
Serve (1 min): Carefully open parcels at table. Steam will release with aromatic fragrance. Pearl spot inside should be cooked through, steamed in own juices.

📖 Cultural notes

Pearl Spot Pollichathu represents the apex of Kerala fish cookery, where prized pearl spot is honored through banana leaf steam-roasting technique celebrated in ceremonial meals. ---

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