Nethallu Vepudu - Nethili/Anchovies (Dry Fish) Fry

Anchovies are small fish packed with essential fatty acids, protein, calcium and other nutrients. This fish is eaten along with bones.  

The fresh anchovies can also be cooked in spicy-sour gravy (nethalla pulusu) which tastes heaven with steam rice.

This is one of my most favorite recipes. I used the dry fish for this.

Ingredients

150 nethili (dry fish)

2 medium onions, finely chopped

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp coriander powder

1/4 tsp garam masala

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 1/2 tsp red chilli powder

2 tbsp oil

1 spring curry leaves

salt to taste

Method

• Soak the dry fish in warm water for half an hour. Remove the head and intestine (black  part) and wash the fish properly.
• Heat oil in pan, add chopped onions, curry leaves and fry till onions turn transparent. 
• Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 2 min on a medium flame. 
• Add all the dry spices, saute for a while on low flame.
• Now add the drained dry fish, saute for 2-3 min on high heat, add 1 cup water and mix well.
• Cook covered for 4-5 min, or until all the moisture is evaporated.
• Serve with rasam rice.