Red chutney stuffed tandoori pomfret

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A healthy, yummy grilled and stuffed pomfret recipe so perfect to go with your beer this summer

 

Hello, this is another summer food recipe that I have for you. And this is especially for seafood lovers. This lip smacking red chilli chutney stuffed tandoori pomfret is perfect for your summer barbecue sessions. Coated with a yummy yoghurt based marinade outside and stuffed with a fiery chutney inside, this grilled pomfret is a fish lover’s delight. While the stuffed pomfret is a Maharashtrian delicacy, the concept of tandoor belongs to the north of India. So, I have amalgamated the best of both worlds. In Malwan – a coastal Maharashtra region – this is known as bharlela (stuffed) paplet (pomfret). However, while the Malwanis generally fry their stuffed fishes, I have chosen to grill it.

Generally, a green chutney – with and without coconut – is made for the stuffing. But I decided on a red chilli and garlic one, which also works wonders with the pomfret. The beauty of this stuffed and grilled fish is that, it is coated with masalas from within and outside. The tandoori marinade outside and the chutney inside this meaty fish, make this pomfret truly a treat.

The marinade & the stuffing

The marinade is, more or less, similar to the one I had made for my tandoori chicken recipe. It is a very quick and easy yoghurt based one, the recipe of which I have given below. This tangy, spicy and earthy coating is a flavour bomb. Although, flavour packed, it isn’t overpowering, so as, to take the pomfret’s own taste away. In fact, it complements, both, the fish and the filling very well.

The red chilli chutney, that I have made for the stuffing, is also not an elaborate one. And since, I have used a mix of chillis – that impart heat and colour – to make it, it is not overtly hot as well. Furthermore, it is the kashmiri chillis, that give this baked pomfret, its gorgeous red colour.  Additionally, the garlic and vinegar also, lend their own punch to the chutney. In fact, you could make some extra, while making the filling, to have it with the cooked fish later on, as well.

By now, I am sure you must’ve guessed, what a delicious fish preparation this red chutney stuffed tandoori pomfret is. And if you are a fish fan, like I am, believe you me, you gotta try this.

 

Easy recipe

This grilled fish recipe is a pretty easy one. You just need apply the marinade on the outside and the chutney inside and then grill or bake it. One important bit is that, you will have to ask your fish monger to make the pockets on the sides of the pomfret for the filling. While you can get the pockets done on both sides of the fish, I have made it only on one. And if you are going to buy your fishes from a super market, like me, don’t worry about the pockets. That process, as well, is fairly easy. There are a lot of videos available online that will show you how to go about it. And if it is any solace, I also have to do it myself always. 🙂

Now, since I don’t have a tandoor at home, like most of us, I have baked my pomfret in an oven. However, you could also grill it on an open flame or barbecue it. Alternatively, you could also use a griddle pan to make your red chutney stuffed tandoori pomfret at home.

This grilled pomfret, makes for a great appetiser and also a main meal by itself. The only accompaniments you will need sre, some green chutney, raw onion rings, a generous squeeze of lime and a big chilled, glass of beer. So, I hope, you are going to grill a pomfret, my style, this summer and let me know how you enjoyed it. And for you to do so, here goes the red chutney stuffed tandoori pomfret recipe.

Eat hearty!

Here are some of my grilled meat recipes for you to try this summer:

Surmai rava fry

Amritsari fish fry

Spicy chicken 65

Chicken tandoori with mint chutney

Sorshe narkel chingri (mustard coconut prawn curry)