Gaad Kanti
Crispy fried fish pieces tossed in a tangy and spicy onion-tomato masala. This quick Kashmiri stir-fry is a flavor-packed appetizer or side dish, showcasing the unique warmth of fennel and ginger powder.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Fish
- b.Rinse the fish pieces and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy texture.
- c.In a mixing bowl, combine the fish pieces with 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and 0.75 tsp salt.
- d.Gently mix until each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow Fry the Fish
- b.Heat the mustard oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it becomes very hot and you see light smoke; this reduces its pungent flavor.
- c.Carefully place the marinated fish pieces in the hot oil in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in two batches if needed.
- d.Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fish and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Kanti Masala
- b.In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons.
- c.Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until they become soft and light golden brown.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become mushy.
- e.Add the remaining 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- f.Reduce the heat to low. Add the whisked curd and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from splitting. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the fried fish pieces back into the pan with the prepared masala.
- c.Gently toss everything together, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the masala without breaking the pieces. Cook for just 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- d.Sprinkle the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- e.Give it a final gentle mix and serve immediately while the fish is still crispy. It pairs well with rice or naan.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use mustard oil and heat it until it's lightly smoking before adding the fish. This mellows its sharp taste.
- 2Patting the fish completely dry before marinating is the key to achieving a crispy exterior when frying.
- 3Fry the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.
- 4To prevent the curd from curdling, ensure it's whisked well and add it to the pan on low heat, stirring constantly.
- 5Add the fried fish to the masala just before serving to maintain its delightful crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace fish with 400g of paneer cubes or large chunks of mushrooms. Marinate and fry them similarly before adding to the masala.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe also works wonderfully with boneless chicken pieces (Chicken Kanti) or mutton pieces (Mutton Kanti), though cooking times for mutton will be significantly longer and may require pressure cooking first.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the hot oil before the onions for a more traditional Kashmiri aroma. You can also add thinly sliced shallots (praan) for an authentic touch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Omega-3s
The fish in this dish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering triglycerides, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Supports Muscle Health
Fish provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger (containing gingerol) possess powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A firm, white-fleshed fish is ideal as it holds its shape well during frying and tossing. Trout is traditional in Kashmir, but other great options include cod, kingfish (surmai), tilapia, or mahi-mahi.