Nethili Karuvadu Fry/ Anchovy Dry Fish Fry

My mom and grandma make karuvadu kulambu which seems like a tedious process to me. I wanted to  make something simple with dry fish as it is very nutritious. I tried different recipes and settled down with this one as it turned out to be yummy.

If you dont have any vegetables on hand to make a side dish for rice,you can try this.

What you will need:

• Nethili karuvadu-200g
• Onion-1
• Shallots- 10 to 15 chopped
• Garlic- 5 cloves chopped
• Tomato-1
• Green chilli-3
• Curry leaves-1 sprig
• Chicken masala powder- 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
• Oil- 1 tbsp
• Salt-as needed
• Water-2tbsp

How to:

1.Remove the head part from each karuvadu and discard.Wash well in running water to remove sand particles if any. Add karuvadu to hot water and let it sit for 20 mins.

2.Peel and chop onion, shallots, garlic and tomato. Slit green chillies.

 

3.Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. Let it splutter.Add onion, shallots, garlic, green chillies. When onion turns pink, add tomatoes.

 

4.Add chicken masala powder and salt.

 

5.When tomato turns mushy, drain water from karuvadu and add it to the pan. Mix well. Sprinkle two handfuls of water.

 

6.Close with lid. Let it cook for 5-7 mins. Stir in between. Switch off when the karuvadu gets cooked and becomes dry.

 

Karuvadu fry with rice and dal is a nice combo. You can try it with rotis too if you like dry side dishes for rotis.

P.S:

• As we put karuvadu in hot water for some time, there is no need to add a lot of water while cooking.
• You can use any other masala powder like mutton  masala or meat masala for flavour.