Tamil Nadu Samayal's - Nethili Karuvattu Thokku

Main Ingredients:

• 200g Nethili (anchovy) dry fish
• 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, 4-5 garlic cloves (all finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, red chili, and coriander powders
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sesame oil)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon tamarind paste for tanginess

Preparation:

Soak the Nethili dry fish in water for 15-20 minutes, then drain and set aside. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Once they splutter, sauté chopped onions and garlic until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant, then add tomatoes and cook until soft. Mix in turmeric, red chili, and coriander powders, then add the soaked Nethili. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish is done and the masala thickens. For a tangy flavor, add tamarind paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.