Mathi or sardine fry

Mathi or sardine fry is a famous side dish for every malayali. Mathi or sardine may be cheap in price but it is very delicious and rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals. It is a one of the highest source of Omega - 3 fatty acids on the planet, Which helps to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol.

Ingredients:

Mathi or sardine - 1 kg

Chilly powder - 1 tablespoon

Pepper powder - 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon

Fennel Powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Ginger - 1 small piece

Garlic - 2 cloves

Shallot - 1 No

Lemon juice - 11/2 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Coconut oil for frying (to get the authentic taste).

Directions to make:

1. Firstly, clean the sardines neatly by using rock salt and vinegar.Then, make gashes on each sides of the fish.These gashes help to apply and absorb the masala faster.

2. Take a bowl and put chilly powder, pepper powder, turmeric powder, fennel powder, ginger garlic and shallots paste, lemon juice and salt.Mix it with the cleaned sardine.Allow it to sit for marination (at-least 2 hours or overnight).

3. After marination pour required coconut oil in pan and wait till it get hot.Then add curry leaves to the oil. It give a good aroma and prevent the fish from sticking on bottom of the pan.

4. Add sardines over the curry leaves and fry them on medium low heat. Flip it carefully after 8 minutes.

5. After frying the fish perfectly, remove it from the oil and pat dry it on a tissue paper.

6. Now the fish fry is ready. Serve it hot with rice and enjoy.