Ayira Meen Kuzhambu

Ingredients:
Ayira Meen (Indian Spiny Loach) – 250 gms, cleaned, washed
Sambar Onions – 1 cup, peeled (1/4 cup left whole and remaining chopped)
Tomato – 1, chopped
Green Chillies – 2, chopped
Tamarind Extract – 3 cups
Red Chilli Powder – 3 tsp
Coriander Powder – 2 tsp
Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
Coconut – 1/2 cup, grated
Fennel Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves – a bunch
Coriander Leaves – a bunch
Oil – 2 tsp
Salt as per taste

Method:
1. Grind together 1/4 cup of sambar onions, coconut and 1/4 tsp fennel seeds to a paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan.
3. Fry the fenugreek seeds and fennel seeds for 30 seconds.
4. Add the onions, green chillies, tomatoes and curry leaves.
5. Saute well.
6. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder.
7. Pour the tamarind extract and bring to a boil.
8. Add the ground paste and stir well.
9. Add the fish and bring to a boil again.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves.
11. Serve hot with rice.

image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rajanna/7758407416/