Chapala

Savor the bold, coastal flavors of Chapala, a tantalizing South Indian fish curry featuring tender tilapia or rohu simmered in a luscious tamarind and coconut milk-based gravy. This aromatic dish highlights authentic spices like fenugreek, turmeric, and red chili powder, balanced beautifully by the tangy richness of tamarind pulp and the creamy smoothness of coconut milk. With golden sautéed onions, fresh curry leaves, and a fragrant tomato masala, this curry bursts with vibrant taste in every bite. Ready in under an hour and perfect alongside steamed rice, Chapala is a must-try recipe for seafood enthusiasts seeking a warming, flavorful meal steeped in traditional spice blends.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh fish (preferably tilapia or rohu)
• 3 tablespoons Tamarind pulp
• 200 ml Coconut milk
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Coriander powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 250 ml Water

Directions

Step 1

Clean the fish thoroughly and cut it into medium-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2

Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp. Discard the seeds and fiber.

Step 3

Heat oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.

Step 4

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add fenugreek seeds and curry leaves, sautéing for a few seconds.

Step 5

Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 6

Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture forms a thick masala.

Step 8

Stir in the tamarind pulp and coconut milk. Mix well.

Step 9

Add water and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 10

Reduce the heat and gently add the fish pieces. Ensure the fish is submerged in the curry.

Step 11

Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.

Step 12

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from heat.

Step 13

Garnish with additional curry leaves if desired and serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1470.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1319.4

Total Fat 55.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.2g
Cholesterol 285mg	0%
Sodium 2719.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 48.7g
Protein 137.6g	0%

Vitamin D 620IU	0%
Calcium 238.3mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 3353.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.5%

Protein: 40.3%

Carbs: 23.2%