One of the most recognised Malaysian dishes, it’s thought to have been created by a Southern Indian cook in the 50s in Singapore. Although many find the idea of eating fish heads confronting, the tender cheeks are quite irresistible and you’ll adore the flavours of the curry leaves mingled with lemongrass. Fish fillet works well, too.
Ingredients
Spice paste
Method
Main
1.Rinse fish head in cold water, season with 1 tsp of salt, stand for 20 minutes and wash off salt just before cooking.
2.For spice paste, process ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
3.Heat oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat and fry mustard seeds until they pop, add curry leaves and fenugreek seeds, stir for a few seconds, then add spice paste, lemongrass and star anise. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes or until fragrant and oil separates. Add curry powder and stir for another 2 minutes. Strain tamarind mixture into pan, discarding solids, add coconut milk and bring to the boil, stirring continuously.
4.Place fish head into sauce, reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 8-10 minutes or until fish is almost cooked. Add okra and eggplant, then simmer for another 3-5 minutes or until soft. Season to taste with white sugar and salt, add tomato and serve immediately with rice passed separately.
Note Use fresh not dried curry leaves. Dried leaves don’t have the distinctive fragrance that is essential to the dish. Available from select green grocers and supermarkets. Fish curry powder is made with coriander, fennel, fenugreek and cumin seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric powder and roasted dried chillies. Alagappa’s and Cap Burong Nuri are the best. Available from Asian food stores.
Drink Suggestion: Ripe, rich, late-harvested pinot gris. Drink suggestion by Max Allen
