Spicy Shiraz

Published on 2 August 2025 at 15:49

🍷 Spicy Shiraz & Sri Lankan Fish Curry: An Epic Fusion

This is a pairing born of bold, complex flavours—a truly memorable clash of spice rack and vineyard.

🍇 The most desirable aspect of this Shiraz is not its boldness, but its intense, intriguing complexity. It boasts a deep, dark profile of ripe black fruits and plum, but the true star is the signature peppery spice and underlying earthy notes.

🌶️ The Curry Connection: Why It Works

What makes Sri Lankan fish curry an ideal companion to Shiraz is its harmonious layering of spices—think turmeric, cumin, and a touch of chili heat—that beautifully complements the wine's peppery undertone. The coconut milk adds richness, taming the curry's fiery edge, while offering a creamy backdrop that enhances the wine's fruit-forward character. Together, they create a balance of heat, depth, and lush decadence, turning every bite and sip into a culinary adventure. It's not just a pairing; it’s a sensory dialogue.

 

Ingredients - Fish marinade

Ingredients for curry

  • 1 onion,2 cloves garlic & 1 small piece of ginger

  • 10 curry leaves

  • 2 green chilli (split lengthwise)

  • ½ tsp turmeric and ground cardamom

  • 2 tsp Sri Lankan curry powder 

  • ¾ tbsp kashmiri chili powder and cayenne pepper

  • 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp tamarind paste

  • 2 cups coconut milk, Salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the fish into 2 - 3 inch pieces 
  • Place the fish in a bowl, along with all the other marinade spices. Mix to coat and let the fish marinate for 10 - 20 minutes.
  • For the curry, Heat 2 tbsp of oil , add the onion, garlic and ginger, and saute until softened.
  • Add the curry leaves, green chili, turmeric, curry powder, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cinnamon stick.
  • Saute for about 30 - 60 seconds. Add the fish and tamarind, and gently mix until the fish is coated with all the spices.
  • Bring the curry to a boil over medium heat. Then simmer, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Let the curry sit for at least another 10 minutes if you can, before serving. This allows the flavours to develop further.
  • Serve the fish curry with rice or paratha, and other curries or side dishes. Add the coconut milk and stir it in.

Sri Lankan Fish Curry