Stuffed Pomfret with green masala is a wonderful way to eat fish. The green masala is made with a blend of coriander, onions, coconut, and spices then stuffed in the fish and pan-fried until golden on both sides
2medSilver Pomfretor Sea bass, Denise, or Bouri works too
2tspChili powder
1/2tspTurmeric powder
1 tbspLemon juiceor lime juice
1tspSalt
4tbspAll-purpose flourmaida
4tbspOil
Ground chutney stuffing
¼Onionroundly chopped
1cupCoriander leavesKothmir
1/2cupMint leavesPudina
2Chiliesgreen
1/2inchGinger chopped
4clovesGarlic
1/2tspGaram masala
1inchTamarindsmall marble
1/4tspCumin powderjeera powder
1/2tsp Coriander powderdhania powder
1/2cupCoconut grated or chopped
1/4tsp Black pepper powder
1/4tspSalt
Red masala stuffing
4largeDry red chiliessoaked in hot water for 10 mins
4largeGarlic cloves
½inchGingerfresh
1tspCoriander powder
½tspCumin powder
¼tspTurmeric powder
½tspGaram masala
½cupFresh coconut
1inchTamarindsmall marble
¼cupCilantro fresh leaves and stalk
¼tspBlack pepper
½tspSalt
Instructions
Marinate fish - Clean, trim, and wipe the fish dry. Slit the fish on either side of the bones. Season with salt and pepper. Apply lemon juice, turmeric powder, and chile powder - all over and inside the slits too. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. Pro tip - the marinated fish can be left in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
Green chutney stuffing - In a blender add all the ground stuffing ingredients and blend into a smooth pastePro tip - do not add any liquid as it will make a very soft paste. We want a thick ground paste that will stay inside the fish.
Or Red chutney stuffing - In a blender add all the ground stuffing ingredients and blend into a smooth pastePro tip - do not add any liquid as it will make a very soft paste. We want a thick ground paste that will stay inside the fish.
Stuff fish - Divide the stuffing between the two fish. Then, stuff your choice of green or red chutney filling in the fish between the slits. Pro tip - Be generous and make sure to stuff the fish well on both sides of the slit.
Coat fish - Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a plate. Coat the fish in flour on all sides. Pro tip - The flour helps keep the filling in and will help get a lovely color on the fish during pan-frying.
Pan-frying - Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the fish on one side for 3 to 4 minutes then use a large flat spatula and flip the fish to the other side then cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Pro tip - Start with medium-high heat for the color then reduce to medium-low heat to prevent burning.