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Writer's picturethe wine wench

Sip & Eat: Chardy & Fish Curry

Another fantastic food & wine pairing, if I do say so myself!

Flatlay of wine and recipe ingredients

This time it's a chardonnay from Victoria & a healthy fish curry dish. I'm not usually a chardy gal, so I was super interested to try this drop.


I was recently #gifted some bottles from Idyll Wine Co., who are based in the Moorabool Valley, Victoria. I received this chardy, as well as a cabernet sauvignon.


idyll [idl] noun - a happy, peaceful, or picturesque time or location in the countryside. It's not just where we work, it's where we meet, laugh, play. It's what motivates us and inspires is to be the best that we can be.

As the weather cools down here, I naturally gravitate towards warm, comforting foods like curries and stews. I was anticipating this chardonnay being more on the crisp, vibrant side of the spectrum than the deep, buttery side. So I wanted to find a dish that would complement it, not overpower it.


This fish curry was a delightful match! It's pretty simple but packed with flavour, making it an awesome mid-week dinner to add to your repertoire.

Woman with bottle of wine in kitchen

What you're gonna need

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • 1 onion

  • 3 or 4 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 3 tbsp grated ginger

  • 2 tsp curry powder

  • 1 tsp ground turmeric

  • 10-15 fresh curry leaves

  • 400mL coconut cream

  • handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped

  • dash of soy/tamari sauce

  • salt & pepper

  • 600g firm white fish, cut into 3cm chunks (I used frozen fillets from Aldi)

  • limes & lime juice

  • the devil's herb (coriander - gross, but I know lots of people like it)

Bottle of wine with curry on stove

Method

  • Pop a large pan or wok over medium heat and melt the coconut oil

  • Add the onion and sauté until soft and starting to brown

  • Stir in the garlic & ginger gently

  • Add the curry power, turmeric & curry leaves and stir. Cook until fragrant

  • Slowing pour in the coconut cream, making sure to scrape the goodness on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and add a splash of water to loosen

  • Pop in the chopped tomatoes and let everything simmer for about 6 mins, or until the tomatoes soften

  • Add the fish and stir to combine everything. Let the fish poach in the sauce for 6-8 minutes or until cooked

  • Taste the sauce and add salt & pepper as desired

  • For an extra flavour punch, add a splash of tamari or soy sauce and stir to combine

  • If you're weird and you like coriander, you could stir it in at this point, along with a squeeze of fresh lime

  • Serve with rice (basmati or cauliflower, or whatever takes your fancy) and a slice of lime (and extra coriander for you heathens)

  • Dig in!

Spooning curry onto bowls of rice

Like I said, a great little mid-week meal. And it's a superb match to this delightful chardonnay! I'm not gonna lie, I'm always sceptical about Aussie chardonnays. I know they've come a long way since the 80's, but I still haven't found many that I love. I'm pleased to say this one from Idyll was a pleasant addition to my short list!


The vibrant tropical fruits in the wine danced beautifully with the fragrant spices in the curry. Fish was also the perfect protein because it really allowed the wine to shine. You can look forward to persistent peach & melon flavours and a nice lick of mouthwatering citrus - highlighted deliciously by the fresh lime in the curry.

Bottle of wine with curry & rice in bowls

Food match: A medium spicy curry like this one, or a tangy Thai salad or stir fry.

Music match: The chilled vibes of Jack Johnson is just what this calls for.

Occasion match: It's Hump Day Wednesday and you're feeling like it's basically already the weekend. You know you're seeing some of your favourite people soon, and you can't wait. But tonight, self-care is on the agenda and you're already thinking about the steaming hot bubble bath you're going to have after dinner. Bliss.


Let me know if you give this recipe a crack and what wine you pair with it!


Connect with Idyll Wine Co. online: Instagram: @idyllwineco


Feel free to share this with your fellow wine lovers! Link below.


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