Non-vegetarian●●●Origin CoastalPrep 30 minutes, plus standing timeCook 20 minutes
A coastal Indian delicacy of steamed fish roe marinated in warm ground spices and a vibrant chilli-coriander paste, shallow-fried until crisp on the outside and tender within.
Dry masala
20 gSeasoned with salt and rubbed over the roe (step 2)
Steam 1000 g fish roe for 10 to 15 minutes until firm. Peel away the outer membrane and cut the roe into slices.
Mix the dry masala with salt to taste. Gently coat each slice of roe with the spice blend, cover, and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
Pound or blend 24 g green chilli, 12 g ginger, 18 g garlic, 300 g coriander leaves, 4.2 g granulated sugar, 5.8 g salt and 30.6 g lime juice into a fine paste. Smear this green paste thoroughly over the spiced roe slices, cover, and marinate for another 5 minutes.
Pour vegetable oil into a broad, shallow pan to shallow-fry and place over high heat, then drop the heat to medium.
Cook the roe slices in batches, leaving plenty of room between pieces so they do not break when turned. Shallow-fry for about 5 minutes until crisp and golden brown on both sides, then remove with a slotted spoon.
Use the same weight, flake it, and add in the last 2–3 minutes so it does not break up. It gives a similar briny seafood richness but no popping texture.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.
Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.