Sardine/Mathi Fry

      Sardines/ Chala/ Mathi is a fish familiar to every Keralite as it is cheap and almost always obtainable. I know many people in my place who would find it difficult to eat rice without at least a mathi fry or curry. Sardines are considered to be one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which have been found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol, surpassed by only a few other fish such as salmon. The smaller size of sardines makes them less likely to have accumulated toxins such as mercury compared to large fish like salmon. They are also a naturally good source of vitamin D. We usually make curry, thoran or fry with sardines. Today I am posting the recipe for sardine fry.
     By the way, does anyone know how to reduce the smell that erupts in the whole house while frying sardines? Please share if you know ……

       

Ingredients

1. Sardine - 8 - 10
2. Pearl Onion - 8 - 10
3. Ginger - 1 inch piece
4. Garlic - 5-6
5. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
6. Pepper powder - 1.5 tsp
7. Chilli powder - 1.5 tsp
8. Curry leaves - 1 sprig
9. Salt - To taste
10. Oil - For shallow frying

Method

1. Clean and cut the sardines. Make gashes on both sides of the fish. Grind all the ingredients to a paste and marinate the fish with this ground mixture for around half an hour.

2.  In a pan pour some oil and place some sprigs of curry leaves. Now lay the sardines over the curry leaves and fry on medium heat turning them to the other side in between. Switch off and serve immediately with rice.