Meen Polichathu means shallow fried fish, but in Kerala, this is made uniquely. Pearl spot fish, a freshwater fish is generally used for this dish. The fish is marinated in ginger, garlic and red chilli paste and shallow fried from both sides in coconut oil. A paste is made from onions, tomato, dry spices and freshly grated coconut and smeared on the fish. The fish is wrapped in a slightly charred banana leaf and shallow fried again.
The smoky and tasty Meen Polichathu is served with Nei Choru, meaning ghee rice. It is made with an indigenous variety of rice, Jeeraga Samba, that is available in Kerala.
The authentic Kerala meal of Meen Polichathu & Nei Choru is simply irresistible.