Fish curry

Making homemade fish curry is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and aromatic dish. Here's a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
### Ingredients:
- **500 grams of fish fillets** (such as tilapia, cod, or mackerel)
- **2 tablespoons oil** (vegetable or coconut oil)
- **1 teaspoon mustard seeds**
- **1 teaspoon cumin seeds**
- **1 large onion** (finely chopped)
- **2 tomatoes** (finely chopped)
- **2 green chilies** (slit)
- **1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste**
- **1 teaspoon turmeric powder**
- **1 teaspoon red chili powder** (adjust to taste)
- **1 teaspoon coriander powder**
- **1 teaspoon garam masala**
- **1 cup coconut milk** (optional for a richer curry)
- **2 cups water**
- **Salt to taste**
- **Fresh coriander leaves** (for garnish)
- **Juice of 1 lemon** (optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Fish:**
- Clean and cut the fish into medium-sized pieces.
- Marinate the fish with a pinch of turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Curry Base:**
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste. 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 from the mixture.
3. **Spice it Up:**
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Cook the spices for a few minutes until they are well incorporated.
4. **Add Liquids:**
- Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- If using coconut milk, add it at this stage. It will make the curry richer and creamier.
5. **Cook the Fish:**
- Gently add the marinated fish pieces to the curry.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
6. **Finish and Serve:**
- Add garam masala and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Check for seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
7. **Serve:**
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or any bread of your choice.
Enjoy your homemade fish curry! If you have any specific preferences or dietary restrictions, let me know, and I can help you adjust the recipe accordingly.