Chepala Pulusu

Introduction

Chepala Pulusu is a traditional Andhra-style fish curry that is loved for its tangy and spicy flavors. Made with fresh fish pieces, tamarind, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is a staple in many households. The rich, tangy gravy is perfect when paired with steamed rice. In this recipe, we will go step-by-step through the process of preparing this mouth-watering fish curry that will surely be a hit at any meal.

Marination time: 30 Minutes
Preparation time: 20 Minutes
Cooking time: 30 Minutes

 

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Marinate the fish
• Step 2: Marination time
• Step 3: Prepare tamarind
• Step 4: Prepare vegetables
• Step 5: Roast spices
• Step 6: Make masala powder
• Step 7: Prepare garlic paste
• Step 8: Start frying spices and onions
• Step 9: Fry onions and chillies
• Step 10: Add more spices and sauté
• Step 11: Prepare tamarind water
• Step 12: Add fish to the curry
• Step 13: Add tamarind water
• Step 14: Adjust seasoning
• Step 15: Add masala powder
• Step 16: Finish with garlic paste and coriander
• Conclusion

 

Ingredients

Baguchesina Chepa Mukkalu (Cleaned Fish Pieces): 1 kg

Ullipayalu (Onions): 2 big

Pachimirapa (Green Chillies): 6

Chintapandu (Tamarind): 100 grams

Velulli (Garlic): 6 nods

Allam Velulli (Ginger Garlic) Paste: 2 tsp

Salt: 3 tsp

Karam (Red Chilly Powder): 2 tsp

Pasupu (Turmeric Powder): 1 tsp

Dhaniyalu (Coriander Seeds): 2 tsp

Jeelakarra (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp

Menthulu (Fenugreek Seeds): 1/4 tsp

Lavangalu (Cloves): 4

Dhalchina Chakka (Cinnamon): 2 cm

Oil: 5 tsp

Kothimeera (Coriander Leaves): 1 bunch

Karivepaku (Curry Leaves): 1 Stem

Procedure

Step 1: Marinate the fish

Clean fish pieces neatly. Add 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Red Chilly Powder, 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder, 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste to fish pieces.

Step 2: Marination time

Mix them well and marinate for 45 min (best if refrigerated).

Step 3: Prepare tamarind

Soak 100 grams Tamarind in water.

Step 4: Prepare vegetables

Slice Onions and Chillies.

Step 5: Roast spices

Fry 2 tsp Coriander Seeds, 1 tsp Cumin Seeds, 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds for 2 min till golden color (make sure they don't turn black).

Step 6: Make masala powder

Let it cool. Blend fried coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds & cumin seeds into powder.

Step 7: Prepare garlic paste

Blend 6 Garlic nods into paste, keep them aside.

Step 8: Start frying spices and onions

Heat 5 tsp Oil in a Wide Flat Cooking Pan, add 4 Cloves and Cinnamon.

Step 9: Fry onions and chillies

Immediately add Sliced Onions, 3 Green Chillies, 1 stem Curry Leaves & little Coriander Leaves. Fry on high flame for 3 min.

Step 10: Add more spices and sauté

Add 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder, 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste & 1 tsp Salt. Fry for 2 min on high flame by mixing. Add remaining Sliced Chillies.

Step 11: Prepare tamarind water

Filter Soaked Tamarind water, adding water to it (about 3 glasses including tamarind water should remain).

Step 12: Add fish to the curry

Add Marinated Fish Pieces to fried Onion Pan, mix it and let it sit for 5 min.

Step 13: Add tamarind water

Add already prepared 3 glasses of Tamarind water to the cooking pan.

Step 14: Adjust seasoning

Add 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Red Chilly Powder to the curry. Taste once, add more salt or Red Chilly Powder if necessary. Close the pan and cook for 5 min on high flame.

Step 15: Add masala powder

Add the Masala Powder (prepared in Step 6) and mix carefully. Cook for 5 min on high flame.

Step 16: Finish with garlic paste and coriander

Add the Garlic Paste (prepared in Step 7) and Coriander leaves. Cook for 5 min on low flame.

Turn off the flame once the curry thickens and oil floats on the surface. This indicates the curry is ready.

Conclusion

Chepala Pulusu is a flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for lunch or dinner when paired with hot steamed rice. The tanginess from tamarind combined with the bold spices makes it an unforgettable meal. With each bite, you'll experience the rich cultural heritage that goes into preparing this dish, making it a beloved recipe in many homes. Try making it for your family and enjoy the delightful flavors of Andhra cuisine.

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