Kerala Fish Fry/ Chala/ Sardine Fry

Chala/Sardine Fish Fry

Spicy sardine fry with rice is my absolute comfort food. Curried or fried sardine fish tastes delicious. Sardine/ Chala/Mathi is found in abundance along the long coastline of Kerala, and so many different ways to cook sardine. Sardines are sustainable food for the coastal regions and are inexpensive and healthy. My favorite way to enjoy sardine is quick and easy fry. These pictures were clicked, during our recent visit to Kerala. It was the rainy season, and we were lucky to enjoy this yummy fish fry. Earlier, I posted another version of this fish fry, along with crispy fried onions and a polichathu recipe in which sardine is wrapped and grilled in banana leaves.

Sardine is a versatile seafood delicacy enjoyed in several cuisines. It can be grilled, curried, smoked, fried, or salted and dried.  It is a healthy fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium. Sardine is not a mild-tasting fish but has a strong fish smell. If you are trying this fish for the first time, it might be a little overwhelming. It has a bold taste that overpowers the other flavors and spices in a sauce. But I promise you will start loving the taste of this fish. Warm fried fish is enjoyed right off the bone. It will be one of your favorites.

Kerala spice paste for a fish fry is a fiery blend of chili powder, pepper powder with ginger, and garlic paste. Sardine has a great flavor, so a simple marinade of salt and pepper itself will make it taste delicious. But this is the Kerala fish fry we are talking about, and coconut oil, ginger, and curry leaves are must add flavor enhancers. Back home in Kerala, my grandmother often makes sardine fry over an open fire or wrap in banana leaves and places on charcoal. It gets quickly crisped on an open fire, and there is a bit of smoked flavor- a rustic flavor and taste. I am sure you'll love them too! Go ahead then and give it a try. Happy cooking!

Kerala Fish Fry/ Chala/ Sardine Fry Recipe

Ingredients
Mathi/ Sardine- 8-10
Kashmir Chilly powder- 1 1/2 tbs
Chilly Powder- 1 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Pepper powder- 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek powder- a pinch (optional)
Ginger paste-1 tsp
Lemon juice- 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Curry Leaves a few
Coconut oil for frying

Clean fish, and squeeze some lemon juice and 1/2 tsp salt, rub on the fish and then give a final rinse. Make 5 to 6 gashes on both sides of the fish.
Make a marinade for the fish by mixing chilly powder, turmeric powder, pepper powder, fenugreek powder, ginger paste, and salt. Sprinkle little water and lemon juice to make a  smooth paste.
Marinate the fish with this paste. Apply on the fish and inside the cavities and marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat coconut oil in medium flame and place the fish in a single layer. While frying, add a few curry leaves. Shallow fry on medium heat till both sides are evenly brown and crispy. It will take two to three minutes on both sides. Serve with rice and moru curry/ yogurt curry.

If you like Sardine here are a few earlier posts..

Mathi/Sardine Pollichathu
Sardine Fry with Onions
Mathi Puliyum Mulakum
Spicy Chilly Sardine/Mathi Adukkiyathu
Meen Mulakittathu

For more fish recipes check my page 100 Fish and Other Seafood Recipes

Try this,
Hope you will all enjoy!