Neymeen Pollichathu

Neymeen Pollichathu is a flavorful Kerala-style dish featuring tender fish marinated in aromatic spices and wrapped in banana leaves for a unique steaming effect. This healthy seafood dish is bursting with flavors and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Fresh Neymeen fish - 300 grams
• Banana leaves - 2 large pieces
• Coconut oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Garlic - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Green chilies - 2, slit
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped

Steps

1. Clean and pat dry the Neymeen fish. Make shallow cuts on both sides of the fish for marination.
2. In a bowl, mix ginger, garlic, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt to create a marinade.
3. Rub the marinade all over the fish, including inside the cuts. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. While the fish is marinating, prepare the banana leaves by briefly heating them over an open flame or hot water to make them pliable.
5. In a pan, heat coconut oil and sauté sliced onions until they are translucent. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies, and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
6. Add the marinated fish to the pan and gently place the sautéed mixture on top of it. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
7. Place the marinated fish on one piece of banana leaf, fold it over like a parcel, and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks. Repeat with the second piece of fish.
8. Steam the wrapped fish parcels in a steamer or a large pot with a lid for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
9. Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

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