Crispy fried anchovies or ko netholi…
When it comes to fish, I love fried fish better than the fish in the curries. Growing up in Kerala, I used to enjoy fish almost everyday. My mom used to fry a few fish & the remaining fish was added to the fish curry.
Anchovies are a popular fish in Kerala, small & big anchovies are available. Big anchovies have a slight sweet taste & tastes delish when fried.
The other day, when I bought the big anchovies (called Ko netholi or kozhuva in Kerala) I fried most of them. For the marination simple spices are added, don’t add a lot of spices that will be overpowering & it will mask the taste of the fish. Fried in coconut oil, tasted absolutely delish.
Anchovies- Ko Netholi, Kozhuva Fry- Kerala Recipe
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: Thasneen
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- Big anchovies or ko netholi- 15
- Chili powder- 2 tsp
- Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp
- Ground black pepper- ½ tsp
- Salt- 1 tsp
- Coconut oil- ½ cup, for frying
- Curry leaves- 1 sprig
Instructions
- I've taken big anchovies, you can also use small anchovies.
- Clean the fish well under running water, don't have to debone the fish.
- Take the fish in a bowl, add chili powder, turmeric powder, ground black pepper & salt, combine well.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Place a frying pan over medium heat, add coconut oil.
- Place the marinated anchovies in the oil, add curry leaves.
- Fry the fish, flip over & let both the sides turn golden brown & crispy.
- This fish is very delicate & will break apart, so avoid stirring them.
- Transfer to a plate & enjoy with rice.
