Nethili Meen Thokku Recipe (Anchovies Thokku)
Nethili Meen Thokku is a spicy and flavorful South Indian-style anchovy masala that’s perfect to pair with hot steamed rice. It is also known by other names like Nethili Meen Masala, Anchovy Masala Curry, Spicy Anchovy Fry, Nethili Varuval Kuzhambu, or Nethili Roast. Learn how to make nethili meen thokku with step by step pictures.
Equipment
Cooking pot
Blender
Ingredients
- 300 grams Anchovies / Nethili Meen
- ¼ + + ¼ cup Oil
- 1 teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic peeled & sliced thinly
- 2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 4 tablespoon Tamarind Pulp or to taste
- 2 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
For Grinding
- 20 no Shallots / Sambar Onion peeled
- 2 large Tomatoes chopped
- 10 cloves Garlic peeled
- 1 teaspoon Whole Black Pepper
- 2 no Green Chilli
Instructions
- Take all the ingredients in a blender and make it into a fine paste. Set aside till use.
- Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add in ¼ cup of oil and add in fenugreek seeds and sliced garlic. Let it sizzle for a min. Add in the pureed masala and mix well. Cook it for couple of mins. Add in salt and all spice powders, mix them well. Cover and cook till oil separates.
- Now add in the tamarind pulp and mix well. Cook till the mix is thick and looks like a masala.
- Add in anchovies fish and mix well. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 mins till the fish is tender and cooked.
- Now drizzle in the remaining oil all around the sides of the pan and swirl the pan to coat the oil on all sides. Cook this for 5 to 8 mins
- Throw in a handful of curry leaves and swirl the pan. Keep the flame on low and cook it for few mins. Don't stir the masala at this point, if you stir it, the fish will break. So always swirl the pan. Cook all this till oil separates and the mix is thick.
- Serve with rice.
Notes
- Once the fish is added and cooked, dont stir the fish with spoon. Always swirl the pan. I strongly advice you to use a nonstick pan with plastic handles.
- Cook this till oil separates and floats on top.
- This dish will keep well for 4 to 5 days. I keep this in a air tight container in fridge and take small amount as needed and reheat it while serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Nethili Meen Thokku Recipe (Anchovies Thokku)
Serving Size
1 servings
Amount per Serving
Calories
309
% Daily Value*
Fat
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
45
mg
15
%
Sodium
690
mg
30
%
Potassium
727
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
20
g
7
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
9
g
10
%
Protein
18
g
36
%
Vitamin A
1142
IU
23
%
Vitamin C
37
mg
45
%
Calcium
174
mg
17
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.