Step 1

Have all the ingredients for the sour fish(ambul thiyal)curry.

Step 2

Cut the fish into the required size, they should fit the pan while not crowding within the pan.

Step 3

Soak the goraka(pieces for 5 minutes and then grind them into a fine paste.

Step 4

You will need a little water to make the grinding process easier.

Step 5

Grind and make a paste using garlic(4 cloves), ginger(1tbs), pepper(3tbs), cloves(3), curry leaves(a sprig), pandan leaves(2inch), cardamom(3), red chilli powder(1tsp), turmeric(1/4tsp).

Step 6

Once you have a fine paste of goraka as well as the other ingredients mentioned above,

Step 7

Combine both the pastes, check for seasoning, and add salt and more pepper if necessary.

Step 8

Add the paste to a large bowl with the fish pieces and mix well, set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the clay pot to cook the fish.

Step 9

Cut the banana leaf in a way you can layer the bottom of the clay pot, either in rectangular pieces or one in the shape of a disk.

Step 10

Once you place the banana leaf in the bottom of the pan, give the fish a last mix and add them to the clay pot.

Step 11

Try not to crowd the fish or stacking them one over the other too much as you want all the pieces of fish to cook evenly and intact.

Step 12

If there is leftover marinade in the bowl, add 1 cup of water to it, collect the marinade and pour the water over the fish.

Step 13

Check if the water just about covers the fish, if not add a little more.

Step 14

Place the pan over a low fire, and let it simmer until the water evaporates completely.

Step 15

Do not mix or use a spoon on the dish at any point in the cooking process, if you really want to move the pieces, hold the pan from both sides and give a little shake for the fish to settle.

Step 16

Once the fish takes on a blackish tinge while slightly charring on the bottom, remove it from the fire and let it cool. then gently pry the fish pieces so they come off the pan easily.