Burmese fish curry
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Burmese Fish Curry (Mohinga)
Here's a traditional and authentic recipe for Burmese Fish Curry (Mohinga). It tastes like it is halfway between an Indian and Thai curry, which is exactly where Myanmar (Burma) is geographically. I first tasted it in Thailand in a restaurant with Burmese staff, many escaping the conflict that blights this amazing country.
Ingredients
For the Fish Stock:
- 500 g fish bones or fish heads such as catfish or any freshwater fish
- 2 litres water
- 1 large onion (quartered)
- 2 inch root ginger (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 3 stalks lemongrass (smashed)
- Salt (to taste)
- - 4-5 dried red chilies soaked in hot water and deseeded
For curry paste:
- 3 shallots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 4 whole dried red chillies (soaked in water)
- 1 inch root ginger (peeled)
- 1 tbsp fermented shrimp paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
For the Fish Curry:
- 500 g firm white fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia, cut into chunks)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
- 3 tomatoes (quartered)
- 5 coriander root/stem (cut into 3 cm lengths)
- 4 stalks lemongrass (white parts only, bruised)
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tsp nigella seeds
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan or rice flour)
- salt (to taste)
- cooked rice noodles or rice vermicelli (for serving)
Garnish
- 1 sliced ard-boiled egg (garnish)
- 1 bunch fresh coriander leaves (garnish)
- 2 lime wedges (garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Fish Stock:
- In a large pot, combine the fish bones or fish heads with water, onion, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes to extract flavors. Strain the stock and discard the solids. Keep the stock warm.
Prepare the Curry Paste: I
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked dried chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, shrimp paste, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fish sauce. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Set aside.
- In a separate pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
Prepare the curry
- Add the prepared curry paste to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until the paste is fragrant and the raw smell disappears.
- Pour in the fish stock, add the bruised lemongrass stalks, and kaffir lime leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the fish chunks, coriander roots, nigella seeds and tomatoes to the simmering curry. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- In a small bowl, mix the chickpea flour or rice flour with a little water to form a smooth paste. Stir this paste into the curry to thicken it slightly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season the curry with salt to taste.
Garnish and serve
- Serve the Burmese Fish Curry (Mohinga) hot over cooked rice noodles or rice vermicelli. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges and optional slices of hard-boiled eggs.
Notes
Enjoy this authentic and flavourful Burmese Fish Curry, a beloved dish in Myanmar!
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