When I was doing my grocery shopping did bought two mackerel fish. Never had a idea what am I gonna do with them. But when I came home, had a video call with my mother and we started to talk about seafood. Some seafood menus. Then the topic was her “Fish stew”. 

It is one of my most favourite curry that she cooks in her kitchen on special days. Specially on our church feast. I can remember, this won’t miss on the table. As how we are capable to get the fresh fish out from the boat, we always used to cook, eat fresh seafoods. I think that’s why I’m so in love with seafoods. 

In Sri Lanka my mother aways cook fish stew from Tuna fish. As many of my father’s family engage in fishery industry, we got plenty of seafoods in our home, all the time. I really cannot identify most of the fishes, just know few of them. But I’m pretty sure I had thousands varieties in my whole life. 

I found two medium size mackerel fish, it was nearly 1kg. Clean the stomach cavity, head part and cut one fish into 3-4 pieces. Depend on it’s size. Make sure to marinate them by your clean hands. It helps to marinate every inch of the fish. And don’t forget to feel the smell of ginger garlic vinegar and other spices. 

Fish is easy to cook, it won’t take more time. If you over cook it will break. So keep eye while cooking. And try to use a large pot. So easily you can mix the ingredients. I usually shake the pot, gently mix the ingredients and then shake the pot. It works well. 

1.marinate 1kg fish pieces with crushed 2 garlic cloves, 2” size ginger piece, 1tsp of each turmeric powder and ground black pepper, 1tbs vinegar and salt on your taste. Mix well and leave it to marinate at least 30 minutes. 

2.meantime grind 1tbs mustard seeds with few drops of water and mix with 120ml think coconut milk and keep aside. 

3.heat a pot with 2-3tbs cooking oil and add cinnamon piece, 3 cardamom pods, few curry leaves, pandan leaf and fry about a minute. 

4.add sliced banana peppers and 1 large onion cut into rings to the pot and fry one more minute. 

5.add the marinated fish pieces to the pot and mix with aromas. add 2tbs water to the bowl used to marinate fish, grab all the leftover spices and add it to the pot. 

6.shake the pot. Cover with a lid and cook about 5-7 minute in medium heat. 

7.add our mustard and coconut milk to the pot and mix with the fish.bring it to boil and Cook more 4-5 minute and fire off.