A deliciously mild and aromatic fish curry that celebrates the flavours of coastal India, this casino de peixe is a comforting seafood dish you’ll want to make again and again.
There’s something so soothing about a mild, fragrant fish curry. This caldinho de peixe (literally “little fish broth”) from the coast of India combines tender chunks of fish in a rich, coconut-based sauce seasoned with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns.
About the Recipe
This mild fish curry exemplifies the layered, nuanced flavours of Indian coastal cuisine. While the freshly ground masala paste packs an incredible aroma, the coconut-tamarind base keeps things beautifully balanced and not too spicy. It’s the perfect introduction to Indian seafood curries.
What’s not to love? This caldinho de peixe ticks all the boxes – it’s incredibly fragrant yet mild enough for most palates. The velvety, coconut-based sauce is pure comfort food bliss. And, of course, fresh fish always makes a deliciously healthy protein option. This crowd-pleasing dish will become an instant family favourite.
Caldinho de Peixe Mild Fish Curry
Cooking Tips
To unlock the maximum flavour, use fresh curry leaves and bloom the whole spices first. I also highly recommend seeking fresh curry powder rather than pre-ground for a potent aroma. And don’t skip the tempering step at the end—those crispy mustard seeds and curry leaves are little bursts of flavour.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
One batch of this caldinho de peixe yields 3-4 hearty servings. I love spooning it over steamed rice or with fresh naan for sopping up every last drop. Leftovers will be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for a future meal. Total prep time is around 45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Goan Fish Curry
- Kerala Fish Curry (Moilee)
- Fish Ambat (Tangy Coconut Fish Curry)
- Sri Lankan Fish Curry
Nutrient Benefits
Not only is this curry delicious, but it’s also pretty nutritious. The coconut milk provides a dose of healthy fats, while the fish is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like selenium. The spices and fresh ingredients also provide plenty of fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Caldinho de Peixe (Mild Fish Curry)
Ingredients
- 225 gms Fish (sliced, lightly salted (Mullet or Mackerel))
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon Powder
- 1 to 2 Cloves (powdered)
- 1/4 tsp Tamarind Extract
- 1 Onion (small, sliced)
- 1/2 tbsp Oil
For Masala:
- 1/2 Coconut (grated)
- 1/4 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 4 to 5 Black Peppercorns
- 1 Green Chilli (deseeded)
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Rice Flour
- 2 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Grind all the masala ingredients to a coarse paste.
- Squeeze and extract a thick liquid.
- Add one cup of hot water, mix well and squeeze again to extract a thin liquid.
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add onions and fry till golden brown.
- Pour the thin masala liquid and simmer.
- Add the tamarind extract, cloves and cinnamon powders.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the fish and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Now add the thick extract and salt and allow it to simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Remove and serve hot with rice.
Tip: You can use any white fish for this recipe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Thawed frozen fillets work beautifully here. I recommend patting them very dry before adding them to the sauce. You may need to simmer a minute or two longer to guarantee they’re cooked through.
I can’t find tamarind extract – can I substitute it?
If you cannot access tamarind extract or paste, use equal amounts of lime juice instead. The flavour will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
What type of fish is best for this curry?
While the recipe calls for mackerel or mullet, you can use any mild, white fish here. Cod, halibut, tilapia and snapper are all great choices. Just avoid anything too delicate that might fall apart.
How spicy is this caldinho de peixe?
This is an incredibly mild curry, perfect for those who don’t love a lot of heat. The green chillies give it just a tiny kick. Of course, you can always add more to amp up the spice level.
Can I make this caldinho de peixe vegetarian/vegan?
To make a plant-based version, substitute the fish for roasted veggies like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas. You’ll also want to use veggie broth in place of water. It has the same incredible flavour.
