Step 1

For tomato-chilli pickle, simmer vinegar and mustard seeds in a saucepan over low heat until liquid is almost completely reduced (8-10 minutes), cool then blend with garlic, chilli and ginger in a food processor until smooth. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add ground spices and fry until fragrant (20-30 seconds), then stir in chilli paste and tomatoes. Simmer over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tomato breaks down (45-50 minutes). Add brown sugar and 1 tbsp sea salt, simmer for another 5 minutes, then check seasoning and adjust if necessary. Transfer to a container, cool, cover and refrigerate until required. Makes about 500ml. Pickle will keep for a month.

Step 2

Combine oil, chilli, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper and 2 tsp sea salt in a bowl, then coat fish with spiced oil. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add fish skin-side down and fry until skin is crisp (3-3½ minutes), turn and cook until fish is just cooked through (2 minutes).

Step 3

To serve, spread 1 tbsp yoghurt on the centre of each plate, top with fish, tomato-chilli pickle and fried curry leaves, and serve hot.