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Aromatic short-grain Kaima rice layered with spicy fried fish and a rich masala of fried onions, tomatoes, and cashews. This Malabar specialty from Kerala is a true celebration of coastal flavors.
For 4 servings
Marinate the Fish
Prepare Fried Garnishes (Bista)
Aromatic short-grain Kaima rice layered with spicy fried fish and a rich masala of fried onions, tomatoes, and cashews. This Malabar specialty from Kerala is a true celebration of coastal flavors.
This kerala recipe takes 100 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 517.3 calories per serving with 30.17g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Shallow Fry the Fish
Cook the Rice
Prepare the Biryani Masala
Layer and Cook on 'Dum'
Serve
Replace king fish with prawns, seer fish (neymeen), or pomfret. Marination and frying times may need slight adjustments.
For a vegetarian version, use thick slices of paneer or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower. Marinate and fry them just like the fish.
If Kaima or Jeerakasala rice is unavailable, you can use short-grain Basmati rice. The aroma and texture will be different but still delicious.
King fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and are crucial for brain function.
This dish provides high-quality protein from the fish, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
The blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help boost your immune system.
Its distinctiveness comes from the use of Kaima (or Jeerakasala) rice, a short-grain, aromatic variety, instead of the long-grain Basmati. The masala is also unique, with a generous amount of fried onions (bista) and a subtle sweetness from cashews and raisins.
Yes, you can substitute with Basmati rice if Kaima is not available. However, the authentic taste, texture, and aroma of Thalassery biryani are closely tied to the Kaima rice, which cooks up soft and absorbs flavors beautifully.
It can be part of a balanced diet. The fish provides excellent lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the dish is calorie-dense due to the use of oil for frying and ghee. To make it healthier, you can pan-sear or bake the fish instead of shallow frying.
A typical serving of Thalassery Fish Biryani (around 530g) contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ghee used. It's a complete and hearty meal.
Use a firm-fleshed fish like King Fish or Seer Fish. Be careful not to overcook the fish during the initial frying stage, as it will cook further during the 'dum' process. When layering and serving, use a wide spatula and be gentle.
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