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Nethili varuval
Fried masala anchovies
நெத்திலி வறுவல்: Tamil coast anchovies rubbed with chilli, ginger and garlic masala and shallow-fried crisp
Nethili varuval is the Sunday fish fry of Chettinad and the Tamil coast from Rameswaram to Tuticorin, made with tiny fresh anchovies that are cheap, fast to clean and fried whole until crunchy enough to eat bones and all. A paste of chilli, ginger, garlic, fennel and lemon coats them, with a dusting of rice flour for crunch. They are eaten hot with rasam or sambar rice, or as a snack. The commonest mistake is crowding the pan, which steams the fish instead of crisping it; fry them in a single layer with space around each. Chef's tip: squeeze out every drop of water after cleaning and let the anchovies sit in the masala for only 15 minutes; longer and the salt draws out moisture.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 3
Ingredients
For the masala
- 14 oz fresh anchovies (nethili)heads removed, gutted, washed and squeezed dry
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground fennel
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp rice flour
For frying
- 5 tbsp sesame or sunflower oil
- 15 curry leaves
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Mix 2 tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp ground turmeric, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp ground fennel, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp salt into a thick paste with a few drops of water.
2 minStep 2: Toss 14 oz fresh anchovies (nethili) in the paste, then sprinkle over 2 tbsp rice flour and toss again. Leave for 15 minutes.
15 minStep 3: Heat 5 tbsp sesame or sunflower oil in a wide heavy frying pan over medium-high until it shimmers and a curry leaf sizzles instantly. Add 15 curry leaves and fry for a few seconds.
2 minStep 4: Lay the anchovies in a single layer without overlapping and fry for 3 minutes until the underside is deep red-brown and crisp.
3 minStep 5: Turn and fry for 2–3 minutes more until crisp all over and the spitting quietens. Fry in two batches if needed, and serve hot.
6 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 310 kcal
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbs
- 6 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does nethili varuval take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 3 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of red chilli powder?
- Cayenne, half the amount (hotter).
- What can I use instead of ground turmeric?
- Leave it out (it mostly adds colour).
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