Lau Bilahi Maas (Fish Curry with Bottlegourd and Tomatoes)

Ingredients–

• 6 pieces small fish
• 1.5 cups of bottlegourd, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 dry red chillies
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 3 tbsp mustard oil
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Method –

1. Smear the fish with salt and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder for 15 minutes
2. Heat oil in a pan
3. Fry the fish and set aside
4. In the remaining oil, add fenugreek seeds and dry red chillies
5. Sauté till the seeds darken
6. Add bottlegourd and sauté on low heat till water dries up
7. Add the chopped tomatoes
8. Cook till the tomato turns mushy
9. Add salt and turmeric powder
10. Cook covered till oil releases
11. Add 1.5 cups of warm water and let it come to a boil
12. Add the fish and lower the heat
13. Cook till the desired gravy consistency is achieved
14. Turn off the flame
15. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves
16. Serve with plain rice