Mathi Fish Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Curry

If you're a seafood lover, you're in for a treat! Mathi fish, also known as sardines, is a popular fish in Kerala, India, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it a delicious fish, but it's also packed with health benefits.

Mathi fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good heart health. It's also a great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and iron. Plus, it's low in fat and has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy way to incorporate more fish into your diet, a mathi fish recipe is a great place to start. With a variety of recipes available, you're sure to find one that suits your taste buds. From mathi fish curry to mathi fry, there's something for everyone. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and healthy mathi fish can be?

Key Takeaways

• Mathi fish, also known as sardines, is a popular fish in Kerala, India.
• Mathi fish is packed with health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and iron.
• Mathi fish recipes are easy to find and can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet.

Ingredients and Preparation

Key Ingredients

To make a delicious Mathi Fish Curry, you will need the following ingredients:

• Mathi (Sardine) Fish - ½ kg
• Shallots (small onion) - 20
• Garlic - 5 pearls
• Green chillies - 2
• Curry leaves - few
• Tamarind extract - ½ cup (small lime size)
• Coconut oil - 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
• Red chilly powder - 2 tsp
• Coriander powder (optional) - 2 tsp
• Salt - to taste

Preparing the Fish

Before you start making the curry, you need to clean the fish pieces properly. Remove the scales and wash the fish thoroughly. Then, marinate the fish pieces with salt and turmeric powder and keep them aside for about 10 minutes.

Making the Curry

To make the curry, take a mixer-jar and add grated coconut, normal red chilly powder, kashmiri red chilly powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Grind the ingredients into a smooth paste by adding a little amount of water.

Take a pan and add coconut oil. Once the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped shallots, chopped garlic, and chopped green chillies. Sauté the ingredients until the shallots turn golden brown.

Add the prepared masala paste and sauté for a few minutes until the raw smell goes away. Then, add tamarind extract and water to the pan and bring the curry to a boil.

Add the marinated fish pieces to the curry and cook until the fish is fully cooked and the curry reaches the desired consistency. Finally, add a few drops of lemon juice to the curry and serve hot with steamed rice.

Cooking and Serving

Cooking Techniques

Cooking mathi fish is relatively easy and quick. First, clean and pat dry the fish using a kitchen tissue. Then, make a fine paste of all the ingredients using either oil or a bit of water. Apply the masala paste on the fish and make sure to rub the paste inside the fish's stomach and gashes. Keep the marinated fish pieces for 20 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Next, heat a frying pan and pour some oil in it. Add the marinated fish pieces and fry them on low flame until they turn golden brown. You can also add some fenugreek seeds to the oil for seasoning. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Mathi fish fry is a popular dish in Kerala and is usually served with rice. You can serve it with either white rice or red rice, depending on your preference. The dish also goes well with kappa (tapioca) and sambar. For a richer taste, you can add coconut milk to the sambar.

Fresh mathi fish is a good source of omega 3, calcium, and selenium. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and contains fewer calories than other types of meat. However, it is important to note that mathi fish contains bones, so be careful when eating it.

Canned sardines are also a good option if you don't have access to fresh mathi fish. You can use them to make sardine fry or mathi-chaala varuthathu. Simply mix chili powder, black pepper powder, coriander powder (optional), and kashmiri chilli powder to make a masala paste. Then, apply the paste on the sardines and fry them in a pan until they are hot and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a traditional Indian-style mathi fish curry?

To prepare a traditional Indian-style mathi fish curry, you will need a few key ingredients such as coconut, red chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and sardines. First, grind the coconut and spices into a smooth paste. Then, heat a pan and add the prepared masala paste. Add the sardines and cook until they are fully cooked and the curry has thickened. Serve with rice or bread.

What's the best way to fry mathi fish Kerala-style?

To fry mathi fish Kerala-style, you will need fresh sardines, spices such as turmeric powder and red chilly powder, and oil for frying. First, clean and wash the sardines thoroughly. Then, marinate the sardines with the spices and let them rest for a while. Finally, heat oil in a pan and fry the sardines until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with onion rings and lemon wedges.

Can you tell me if mathi fish is beneficial for your health?

Mathi fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. It is known to have many health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and boosting brain function. However, it is important to keep in mind that like any other food, mathi fish should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Are mathi and sardines the same fish, or is there a difference?

Mathi and sardines are the same fish. Mathi is the Malayalam name for sardines, which are small, oily fish found in abundance in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They are commonly used in Indian and Kerala cuisine and are known for their distinctive flavour and nutritional benefits.

What's the English name for mathi fish?

The English name for mathi fish is sardines. Sardines are a popular fish species found in many parts of the world, including the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They are known for their small size, oily texture, and rich flavour.

How much would 1kg of mathi fish typically cost?

The cost of 1kg of mathi fish can vary depending on the season, location, and availability. On average, 1kg of mathi fish can cost between £4 to £6 in the UK. However, it is always best to check with your local fishmonger or supermarket for the most up-to-date pricing information.