Mori Masala
A traditional Goan delicacy, this shark curry features tender pieces of fish simmered in a fragrant and tangy coconut-based masala. The unique blend of spices with a hint of tamarind makes it a perfect partner for steamed rice.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation
- b.Clean and wash the shark pieces thoroughly, pat them dry with a paper towel, and set aside.
- c.In a small bowl, soak the dried red chilies and the piece of tamarind in 1/2 cup of warm water for about 15 minutes. This will soften them for grinding.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind Masala Paste
- b.In a high-speed blender or grinder jar, add the fresh grated coconut, soaked red chilies (along with their soaking water), coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, garlic cloves, and ginger.
- d.Grind everything to a very smooth, thick paste. You may need to add a few tablespoons of extra water to help the blades move and achieve a fine consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the coconut oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Add the slit green chilies and continue to cook for another minute until they are fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the ground masala paste to the pan with the onions.
- c.Sauté on a medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking. Cook until the raw aroma of the spices disappears and you notice oil beginning to separate from the sides of the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Form the Gravy
- b.Strain the water from the soaked tamarind into the pan, squeezing the pulp to extract all the flavor, then discard the pulp.
- c.Add 1.5 cups of fresh water and salt to the pan. Stir everything together well.
- d.Bring the curry to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cook the Fish
- b.Once the gravy is boiling, carefully slide the shark pieces into it.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is tender and cooked through. Avoid stirring vigorously to prevent the delicate fish from breaking apart.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Let the Mori Masala rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- d.Serve hot with steamed rice or traditional Goan bread (pao).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the shark, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- 2Using fresh coconut provides the best authentic flavor and texture to the curry.
- 3For a deeper red color without too much heat, use more Kashmiri chilies.
- 4This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
- 5For a more authentic Goan tang, you can substitute tamarind with 3-4 pieces of dried kokum (solam).
Adapt it for your goals.
Fish Substitute
If shark is unavailable, you can use other firm-fleshed fish like kingfish (surmai), pomfret, or even prawns. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add vegetables like drumsticks or raw mango pieces along with the fish for extra flavor and texture. Add them a few minutes before the fish as they may take longer to cook.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier gravy, you can use thick coconut milk instead of water when forming the gravy in step 5.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shark meat is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy Omega-3s
Fish like shark are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support cardiovascular health.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
The curry is packed with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which contain powerful compounds like curcumin and gingerol that have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approx. 1 cup) of Mori Masala contains around 350-450 calories, primarily from the fish, coconut, and oil. The exact count can vary based on the fat content of the fish and coconut.