Chepa Vepudu (Fish Fry)

Step 1

Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the garlic and ginger into a smooth paste, using a splash of water if necessary to catch the blade. Add the chile powder, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, 2 teaspoons of salt and lime juice, and mix until smooth. Add a scant tablespoon of water if the spice mix is packed and dry (it should be thick, but you should be able to easily spread it over the fish with your fingers).

Step 2

Add flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a plate, mix well and roll the fish pieces around in it, coating each in flour. Shake off any excess flour, then gently rub the spice paste all over the floured fish pieces. Cover, and set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Heat oil in a wide, shallow nonstick pan, or seasoned cast-iron pan, over medium heat. When the oil is hot, slide the fish pieces into the pan, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully flip over to cook another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. The spice paste should be evenly browned and crisp in places, and the fish should be cooked through. (If the pan is small, don’t crowd it. Cook the fish in batches, removing any burning spice paste remaining in the pan after each batch, and adding more oil as needed.) Transfer cooked fish to a paper towel to drain, then to a serving platter with the lime wedges and cilantro sprigs.