Netholi Varuthathu - Fried Anchovies

Netholi Varuthathu / Fried Anchovies.
By : Shiny Blesson
Netholi is a small salt water fish , also called podimeen. I have shallow fried the netholi . It takes time , so be patient. You can deep fry if you so desire. It is so crispy, crunchy & yummy...you' ll end up eating it as a snack !!

Netholi meen - 1/2 kg cleaned
Coconut oil - to fry

For marinade , make into a paste
Ginger - 1 inch piece
Garlic - 7 or 8 cloves
Peppercorns - 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Kashmiri Chilli powder - 2 tbsp
Fenugreek powder - a pinch
Curry leaves - 8 or 9
Salt - as needed
Vinegar -2 tbsp or enough to make a paste.
Grind the above ingredients and marinate the fish with the paste for 20 minutes. Shallow fry till crispy.Fry some curry leaves for added crunch.

Note : Lemon juice can be substituted for vinegar
Adjust the pepper and chilli powder according to your spice level.