MATHI THAPPU

INGREDIENTS

1/2 kg Sardines / Mathi
1/2 cup Shallots chopped
1 tsp Garlic crushed
1 tsp Ginger crushed
1 tsp Red chilly powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1.5 tsp Coriander powder
Curry leaves
Salt to taste
Coconut oil

METHOD

1. Mix turmeric powder, red chilly powder,coriander powder,crushed ginger + garlic and shallots with water in a bowl to make a paste.

2. Coat fishes in the prepared masala paste and set aside for about 10-15 minutes.

3.Meanwhile, coat an earthen pot (or non-stick kadai) with a thin layer of coconut oil. Spread curry leaves in the pot as shown below.

4. Align your masala coated fish on top of this layer of curry leaves and sprinkle about 3-4 tbsp of water on top of the aligned fish. Cover and cook on low flame until well cooked.

Fish prepared by following this method results in an almost baked-fish like taste and as the curry leaves act as a protective layer from the oil smeared on the pot, you get healthy, yummy and simply finger-licking good fish!