SHARK AMBOT TIK CURRY

Hello! Welcome back on another culinary adventure with Viana D'silva.Today, I would like to share another one of my favorite dishes the "Shark  Ambot Tik    Curry".

"Ambotik" is two words, "ambot" means "sour/tangy" and "tik" means "hot/spicy".  So as the name suggests Ambot tik is spicy and tangy fish curry. The spice of this curry is balanced with tamarind and vinegar which forms the basis for the sour component. 

 A popular fish of choice for this curry is the shark fish. To prepare the Ambot tik,  fresh fish with minimum bones is preferred. Shark fish is used because it has chunky flesh with just a single bone. The masala paste and the shark fish are used to prepare this delicious gravy as it adds a distinct flavor of spices to the dish. The dish is served with plain rice or Goan pav.

         INGREDIENTS:

•   500gms Baby shark (skinned and thinly sliced)
•   1 medium onion (peeled and finely chopped)
•   2tsp vinegar
•   4tbsp Oil
•   2cups water
•   Salt to taste

       AMBOT TIK MASALA  PASTE:

• 10 dry Kashmiri red chilies (deseeded) 
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger (roughly chopped) 
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2tsp turmeric powder
• 8 cloves
• 1-inch of cinnamon stick
• 2tbsp tamarind paste
• 4 peppercorns

       

       METHOD:

1. Wash the fish slices and drain out the water. Add a 1/4tsp salt and keep it aside.
2. Grind the ingredients listed for masala paste in a blender and 1/2 cup water to prepare a thick and smooth paste.
3. Heat 2tbsp oil in a handi. Add the onions and saute till they turn light brown.
4. Add the prepared masala paste, saute it till the masala is cooked. Add a pinch of salt.
5. Add 1/2 cup of water to form a thick gravy.
6. When the gravy comes to a boil add the fish slices.
7. Stir gently and cook on a low flame till the fish is cooked or tender.
8. At this point, taste the gravy to adjust sourness. Add 1/2tsp tamarind paste.
9. Let it simmer for 2-3minutes.
10. Take it off the heat.
11. Serve the Shark Ambot Tik Curry with steamed rice, or Goan pav of your choice.