Netholi Thoran / Netholi Peera Vattichath

Netholi / Kozhuva / Anchovies is a small fish which is popular in Kerala.

Ingredients 

Anchovies / Netholi: 1/2 kg

Grated Coconut: 1 cup

Ginger: 1/2 inch piece

Green Chillies: 2 nos

Curry Leaves: 2 stems

Shallots: 5

Red chilli powder: 2 tsp

Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp

Tamarind: 2 tbsp

Coconut oil: 2 tbsp

Salt to taste

Method

First cut and clean the fish and then again clean it by adding some crystal salt. Wash it nicely by changing the water 2-3 times and then allow it to drain.

Add coconut, ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, shallots, red Chilli powder and turmeric powder in a small jar of mixer grinder and just grind it for just 2-3 pulses by adding 1 tbsp of water.

In a earthen pot ( Munchatti ), mix fish with crushed coconut mixture and add tamarind paste to it. Cook in medium flame by adding little water till it boils, then reduce the flame and cook covered for about 10 minutes. Then cook uncovered till almost all the water is evaporated. Finally add 2 tbsp of coconut oil and few curry leaves. Serve hot with plain rice!