Rawas Tandoori: A Flavorful Indian Seafood Delight

Introduction:

Rawas, also known as Indian salmon, is a popular fish in Indian cuisine, cherished for its tender, flaky texture and rich flavor. Rawas Tandoori is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the freshness of the fish with the robust flavors of traditional Indian spices. This dish is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, spicy, and aromatic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients:

4 pieces of rawas (Indian salmon) fillets, about 1-inch thick

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the Marinade:

1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chaat masala

1 tablespoon mustard oil (optional, for authentic flavor)

1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Salt to taste

Lemon wedges and onion rings (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Fish:

Rinse the rawas fillets thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, turmeric powder, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the fish fillets and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to eliminate any fishy odor and infuses some initial flavor.

2. Preparing the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and chaat masala.

Pour in the mustard oil for a traditional tandoori flavor (optional). Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the marinade.

Stir in the chopped coriander and mint leaves. Adjust the salt according to taste and mix the marinade until all the ingredients are well combined.

3. Marinating the Fish:

Coat the rawas fillets generously with the prepared marinade, ensuring the marinade covers the fish evenly and thoroughly.

Cover the marinated fish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor absorption.

4. Cooking the Fish:

Grilling:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking.

Place the marinated rawas fillets on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the fish is fully cooked and has a nice charred surface.

Baste the fish with mustard oil or butter occasionally to enhance its flavor and keep it moist.

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place the marinated rawas fillets on it.

Bake the fish for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior.

For an added smoky flavor, finish the fish under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.

5. Serving:

Once cooked, remove the rawas tandoori from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve the tandoori fish hot, garnished with lemon wedges and onion rings.

Rawas Tandoori pairs beautifully with mint chutney, and you can enjoy it with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Conclusion:

Rawas Tandoori is a delightful way to enjoy Indian salmon, bringing together the vibrant flavors of Indian spices with the natural richness of the fish. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you're a seafood lover or trying tandoori fish for the first time, Rawas Tandoori is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and aroma. Enjoy this traditional Indian dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at your dining table!