Netholi (Chooda) Peera Pattichathu | Anchioves Stir Fry

Anchioves stir fry /netholi(chooda) peera pattichathu is a side dish served with steamed rice.I love this preparation a lot.I can even have chapathis with this preparation.This dish is best prepared by balancing all the flavors.Netholi is the smaller version of chooda  and in some places in Kerala both are known as chooda irrespective of the sizes.This is chooda and so it can be cut in halves whereas netholi has to be added just like that.This fish is very healthy for all and is also served to lactating mothers in the initial phase of feeding.Try and you will definitely love this recipe!!!

Here is a YouTube #shorts on netholi peera pattichathu.

Ingredients
anchioves 15-20,large ones
gambooge /kudampuli 2-3
pepper powder 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
salt to taste
coconut oil 2tsp
curry leaves

to crush/pulse
grated coconut 1/2 cup
green chillies 6 vertical slit
ginger 1" shredded
shallots 7-8

Method
- Wash and clean the anchioves by snapping the head and tail with hands.Rub sea salt and wash under running water 6 times or more till water is clear.(I cut each in half as these were large ones otherwise use just like that)
-In the meantime,add the ingredients under crush list to a blender and pulse it 2 times.
-Soak the gambooge/kudam puli in water for 20 minutes.
-Mix the fish ,crushed coconut mix,pepper powder,turmeric powder,salt,soaked gambooge,curry leaves and a half cup water in a meenchatti/clay pot.Place over heat and cook covered for 15 mins or till fish is cooked.
-Uncover lid and gently stir the fish using a fork.Adjust salt if required.Cook uncovered if you have any water left out.Pour the coconut oil on top.
-Cover and leave for 5 mins for the oil to blend well.
-Serve warm with steamed rice !!

Servings ~ 3 adults

NOTES
* You can use the same method to cook mathi/sardine peera pattichathu.
* Increase or decrease the chillies and pepper powder as per spice level.
* Adding coconut oil is a must to bring out the actual flavors in the stir fry.
* Don't add any water to crush the coconut and don't overdo it.
* Don't mix the stir fry using a spoon,wait till its warm to remove on a plate otherwise the cooked fish will get mashed up.