In a kadai add 2-3 tsp oil for roasting the masala.

Add 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp fennel and saute well

Add 1 tsp pepper corns and mix

Add shallots and onion together around 200 gms. You can also use only shallots if you have.

Add 3 tsp coriander seeds or you can user coriander powder in the kuzhambu directly.

Add 1 inch ginger chopped and garlic 5-6 cloves peeled

Add 5-6 red chilly or as required.

Add 1/2 shell grated coconut, coconuts is completely optional. It gives nice taste, you can also add thick coconut milk directly in the kuzhambu.

Once the masalas turn nice color switch off and cool down completely by transfering it to a plate.

Add to a mixie jar and grind to smooth paste add little water if required.

Kara podi fish / Pony fish cleaned and washed 1 kg.

I used a earthern clay pot for preparing fish kuzhambu. Add 3 tsp sesame oil. sesame oil also give nice taste to the fish kuzhambu.

Add 1/4 tsp of fenugreek and curry leaves.

Now add the ground masala paste and mix well

Add 1 tsp turmeric powder and mix well

Add tomato paste - ground 5 tomatoes in mixie jar, Stir well till the raw smell goes off

After the tomatoes sauted well, Add 2-3 tsp chilly powder. Add required salt and mix well

Add enough water, Soaked a lemon sized tamarind in hot water. Add tamarind juice now to the kuzhambu.

After adding tamarind juice check for salt and spiciness. Adjust accordingly am adding a tsp of coriander powder and a tsp of chilly powder.

Check for salt and allow to boil well. Now after boiling, oil started to ooze outside

Pony fish is nice and fresh it gives nice taste to the kuzhambu

Now add cleaned fish one by one. After adding all the fish make sure the fish have enough space to cook.

Add chopped coriander leaves and switch off immediately. Let it gets cooked in the heat of the pot.

Cover and keep the fish gets cooked in the heat of the pot

The fish itself is very tasty, when you prepare in chettinad style it will be very very tasty.

Serve with idly, dosa or steamed rice. Tastes heavenly the next day. Try the recipe and comment.