Cape Malay Pickled Fish

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 3 pounds cod fillets, cut into 2 to 3 ounce portions
• salt to taste
• 2 large onions, peeled and sliced into rings
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 8 whole black peppercorns
• 4 whole allspice berries
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 red chile pepper, seeded and sliced lengthwise
• 2 cups red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander