Caril de Peixe (Timorese Fish Curry with Coconut Milk)
Local name: Caril de peixe
In short: A mild Timorese fish curry of firm white fish, tomato, potato and greens simmered in coconut milk, served with steamed rice or katupa. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 465 kcal
Caril is a mild coconut curry of Timor-Leste, cooked with chicken or fish and eaten with rice or katupa. This version uses firm white fish simmered with tomato, potato and greens in a sauce of onion, ginger, garlic, turmeric and curry powder. The curry is mild, so the sweetness of the coconut milk and the freshness of the fish come through. Add chilies to taste.
Instructions
- Toss the fish with the 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Set aside for 10 minutes while you start the sauce.
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, ginger and chilies and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the curry powder and 1 tsp turmeric and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they break down into a thick, jammy sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the potatoes and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, partly covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until the potatoes are almost tender.
- Nestle the fish into the sauce and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, until it is opaque, flakes easily and reaches 63°C (145°F) at the thickest part.
- Stir in the greens and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted. Add the lime juice, taste for salt and serve hot with steamed rice or katupa.
Tips
- Add the fish at the end and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Fish cooks quickly, and hard boiling makes it dry and can split the coconut milk.
- Moringa leaves, mustard greens or spinach all suit this curry. Add them in the last 2 minutes so they stay bright and tender.
Questions and answers
Is Timorese caril spicy?
It is usually mild, with a gentle sweetness from the coconut milk. Chilies are optional in this recipe. Serve sliced fresh chilies or ai-manas at the table so each person can add heat to taste.
Can I make caril with chicken instead of fish?
Yes, cooks make it with chicken too. Use 800 g (1 3/4 lb) bone-in chicken pieces, brown them first and add them with the coconut milk. Simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, adding the potatoes after 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
What do you serve with caril?
Steamed rice is the simplest choice. Katupa, the leaf-wrapped coconut rice of Timor-Leste, is a traditional partner, and its firm slices soak up the sauce well.
How long does it take to make Caril de Peixe (Timorese Fish Curry with Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Caril de Peixe (Timorese Fish Curry with Coconut Milk)?
About 465 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 23 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 465 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
