Kerala is a beautiful, verdant coastal region and its food is as abundant as the waters of the Arabian sea that laps it. If you look at Kerala on the Indian map, it looks like a languishing green chilli along the coast and I find a similar sense of serenity in the people. When you visit Kerala, it does seem as though time slows down, whether you are on a houseboat, slowly gliding along the backwater canals, stopping for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants bordering the canals, or staying in one of the many Ayurvedic spas. It is full of character, but it isn’t brash. This fish curry is a little like that, full of delicious coastal flavours (fish, curry leaves, coconut), even green chillies and other spices, but with nothing harsh about it. It is comforting enough for every day, but elegant enough to serve to friends. Serve with Simple, Perfect Rice, or Tamil-style Lemon Rice.