Happy Cooking: Tandoori Masala Macchli(Fish)….Indian Masala

With winter, fish is selected as a favorite non-veg, by many. One preparation is fish baked in an earthen oven. But, for that one perforce has to visit an eatery. Normally, this is one dish which one covets to prepare at home, but due to the tandoor not being available this is not possible. Today, one has access to modern day gadgets which not only mimic the tandoor but also user friendly. The recipe, which I listed, the inventor was one Mr. Patel, a Gujarati Head cook in one the IAF Officers’ Mess. The aged Gentleman was a strict vegetarian, but he cooked one of finest non-vegetarian dishes, that I have had. He used to cook this recipe in a PATILA, as there was no tandoor in the OM kitchen.

To facilitate your cooking, I am going to tell you to use a GRILL oven. I’ll also mention the use of patila. However, the ingredients will be same.

For this dish you will require:

1.One full fish- 750 to 1000 gm (Surmai/Tuna, Any fish that is firm in flesh and has a single centre comb for skeleton) - cleaned and washed, with three slashes on either side & left as a whole.

Marinate this fish in the paste formed by-

a) ¼ cup Juice of fresh lime/lemon

b) 01 spoon each – white Pepper powder.

Cinnamon powder

06 Cloves powder

Salt to taste

Jeera powder

Coriander powder

c) 06 tps Gram flour (Besan)

Mix b) + c) all and form a paste with some of the Juice of lime.

Layer the insides of the Fish with this paste and leave some lying in the stomach region.

The remaining Juice of lime + a little Salt + 01 spoon Dry Mango Powder smear it all over the fish.

Keep it to marinade for 02 to 04 hrs.

METHOD

(In grill oven)

Place the fish in a fish Pan or in a pan that is big enough to hold the Fish. Place on the middle rack in a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes on 180 degrees C.

CHECK AFTER 15 MINUTES AND ADJUST TIMINGS.

(In Patilla)

For cooking in the patilla, you would require burning coals. The coals are placed all round the patilla big enough to hold the fish in Pan. Cover the patilla and place hot coals over the lid. Check after 10-12 minutes and adjust timing for complete cooking.

Serve with Mint Chutney or Mayonnaise or Worcestershire sauce, depending on the type of bread accompanying.