Sardine Fry / Mathi (Chala) Varuthathu

Sardine fry/ Mathi Varuthathu,a common menu entity in our place in Kerala and a popular one.I love this sardine fry very much compared to other smaller fish fries.I think many other Keralites would agree with me too though it leaves a strong odour when cleaned & fried.Earlier this fish was a common man's fish or a poor man's fish as it was very cheap but these days sardine fish prices have also gone high.Anyways,that apart from the recipe,this is a very simple delicious fry.Do check this out & enjoy !!

Ingredients
sardines 6( cleaned & cut)
chilly powder 2 1/2 tsp(refer notes)
pepper powder 1/2 -3/4tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
salt
curry leaves few sprigs
Oil for shallow frying

Method
-Clean the fish and rub it with salt & lime juice.Leave for 8-10 minutes.Wash under running water and then make 3-4 gashes on each side of the fish.(Sardine always leaves a bad odour when cleaning though tasty after its fried)
-Drain all water,Take the other ingredients in a bowl except fish and oil make a smooth paste adding few drops of water.
-Gently rub the paste all over the fish and leave for marination for 3/4-1 hour.
-Heat oil in a non stick pan preferably.When the oil is hot,drop a sprig of curry leaf and then place the fishes.Place heat on medium flame.(TIP: Curry leaf prevents the fish from sticking to the pan)
-Fry the fish one side,turn and fry both sides evenly.Drain on a paper towel to avoid excess oil.
-Serve hot with steamed rice !!

Servings ~ 6 fish fry

NOTES
* Please modify the spices according to your tolerance levels.
* If you wish to add flavors,then you can add a tsp of ginger-garlic paste too though I haven't used that.