Crispy Fried Nethili/Anchovy

We've recently decided to have more of sea food than other meats why because its more healthy.Like kids we all are big fans of fried foods and fried fish are no exception.

These were really truly enjoyable as crispy as they were they vanished in seconds!

The one new thing I added to this marinade was powdered fennel and curryleaves.I had seen a cousin of mine added whole fennel and curry leaves to the marinade but then that gets over fried or burnt when we have batches of fish to fry this way i thought the taste and flavours were really standing out.

Curry leaves are really good and this one way to get some into your system.I usually add curry leaves to my idli podi and where ever i can sneak it in as then it goes in without everyone picking it out at the table.

You need
Anchovies/Nethali fish 2 cups after cleaning
White vinegar 1 tablespoon + some more
Dhaniya powder/Coriander powder 2 tsp
Chilli powder 1 tsp
Pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Fennel/Saunf 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Coconut oil 1 tsp

Vegetable/Coconut oil to deep fry

• Clean the fish and wash it twice or thrice in fresh water until its clean.Then soak it in some water with a capful of vinegar added to it.
• In a blender powder the fennel seeds and curry leaves.Now along with the rest of the ingredients except for the oil to deep fry mix all into a smooth paste adding a little water.
• Allow this to rest for half hour or more.
• Heat oil in a deep vessel/kadhai and deep fry small batches of the fish until they are crispy and done.
• Serve hot fried crispy nethali(muruku like LM calls them) with steamed rice and rasam or sambar rice.

Notes : 

* Soaking the fish in vinegar mixed water  removes any stale smell from any fish or meat.Tried tip.

* I have added a tsp of vinegar to the masala marinade too thats also to give a pleasant smell to the fried fish.

* Cleaning this fish is easy you can use kitchen scissors to nip the heads and tails and thats all.

* I have heard my MIL say coconut oil masks the fishy smell and gives it a good aroma i don't know about that but i know its really yummy when added to it.