Nellore Chepala Pulusu Recipe

Nellore Chepala Pulusu is a traditional Andhra fish curry known for its tangy and spicy flavors. It's a popular dish in the Nellore region and is often enjoyed with steamed rice. Here's how you can make Nellore Chepala Pulusu:

**Ingredients:**

- 500 grams fish (preferably a firm variety like seer fish or kingfish), cleaned and cut into pieces

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, slit

- 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)

- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

- A few curry leaves

- 2 tablespoons oil

- Salt to taste

- Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

**Instructions:**

1. **Preparing the Tamarind Base:**

   - Soak tamarind in warm water and extract the tamarind pulp. Set it aside.

2. **Tempering:**

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add fenugreek seeds and let them splutter. Then, add asafoetida and curry leaves.

3. **Aromatics and Spices:**

   - Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4. **Tomatoes and Masalas:**

   - Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

   - Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.

5. **Spice Powders:**

   - Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

6. **Tamarind Pulp and Fish:**

   - Add the tamarind pulp and enough water to achieve the desired consistency for the curry. Bring it to a gentle boil.

7. **Cooking the Fish:**

   - Add the fish pieces to the curry. Allow them to simmer in the tamarind base until they are cooked and tender. Be gentle while stirring to avoid breaking the fish.

8. **Finishing Touch:**

   - Once the fish is cooked, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves for garnishing.

**Serve:**

Serve Nellore Chepala Pulusu hot with steamed rice. The tangy and spicy flavors of the curry pair well with the plain rice.

**Note:** Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference.

Enjoy the flavorful and delicious Nellore Chepala Pulusu, a traditional Andhra fish curry!