Crispy Fried Sardines / Mathi Meen

Sardines / Mathi meen marinated in chilli garlic spice mix and deep fried to crispy golden. Best served with steamed rice and spicy fish curry.

 

Ingredients 

• 10 Sardines / Mathi Meen
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1/2 Teaspoon cumin seeds
• a pinch of fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 Green Chilli
• 1 Teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon turmeric powder
• Juice of half lemon
• Zest of a lemon
• Salt to taste
• oil for deep frying  

Directions 

1. In a pan dry roast whole black peppercorns, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds for 30 seconds on low flame. Switch off the flame and add the ingredients to a food processor
2. Add green chilli , garlic cloves, red chilli powder, salt and turmeric powder, lemon zest, lemon juice to the food processor along with dry roasted ingredients
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water and grind the ingredients to fine paste. Add more water if required.
4. Apply this paste on the washed / clean sardines and coat the fish with masala all over
5. Set aside for 15 minutes
6. In a pan / wok heat oil for deep frying. You can also shallow fry the fish on skillet / tawa
7. When the oil is hot, add 3 sardines in the hot oil and fry on medium flame until the fish is crispy golden
8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel
9. Serve hot with steamed rice and spicy fish curry