Nethili Meen Fry is a crispy fish fry which tastes simply divine. These are fresh Indian Anchovies coated with light masala and deep fried. In case if you don’t find these in your local market then substitute them either with fresh Sardines or Smelt. If using frozen, thaw at room temperature and then proceed.
Ingredients
10 nos Fresh Anchovies
1 tsp Red Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Rice Flour
1/4 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Oil (for deep frying)
few drops Water
1/4 tsp Corn Flour/starch (optional)
Method
First to clean the fish, remove the head by pinching off and if you can remove the guts as well. Wash them thoroughly, strain and set aside.
Marinate the fish with red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, rice flour, ginger garlic paste, salt and water. Let it stay for atleast half hour. (You may include corn flour for extra crispy fry)
Heat oil in a kadai and deep fry them. Make sure the oil is hot enough orelse they will turn soft and start to crumble while frying.
Serve with hot with sambar or rasam sadham.
These fishes smell and taste strong, so pls open all the windows while deep frying.
These are fresh anchovies from a local market in Kerala, India. I am vacationing in India right now and enjoying these fabulous home cooked food.