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Fish tikka masala in a bowl with rice
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5 from 11 votes

Fish Tikka Masala with Sardines

This easy Fish Tikka Masala is a quick curry that's filled with comforting and warming spices, a creamy tomato sauce, and spicy sardines.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 110kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 15 ounce can tomatoes (diced or crushed)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tins sardines (~4oz) packed in chili + oil, oil discarded King Oscar Spanish Style Sardines Recommended
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt (optional)
  • fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
  • To serve: naan, jasmine, or basmati rice (Use cauliflower rice for low carb option)

Instructions

  • Pour oil into a large pan or wok.  Add the mustard seeds, and heat over medium heat until the seeds begin to pop (2-3 minutes).
  • Add the diced onion, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt.  Stir onions until they begin to soften (3-4 minutes). 
  • Add tomatoes.  Cover pan, and let the tomatoes simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the milk and sardines.  Simmer another 5 minutes.
  • Taste curry, and add more salt if necessary.
  • Serve with a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro (optional.)  Curry pairs well with rice or naan.
  • This curry is best served right away, but leftovers can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one day.

Notes

Recipe Variations: Can't find sardines packed with chili?  Want things spicier?  Try one of these adaptions:
  • Use unflavored sardines.  Add 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • Make it creamier: Swap half the milk for heavy cream.
  • Make it spicier: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and/or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper when you add the garam masala.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 647mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 0.5mg