Nethili Fish: A Popular and Nutritious Delicacy

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious seafood option, you might want to try nethili fish. This small, oily fish is a popular ingredient in South Indian cuisine, where it is known for its distinctive flavour and versatility in the kitchen.

Whether you're frying, grilling, or stewing, nethili fish is a great way to add some variety to your meals.

Nethili fish is known by many names, including anchovy, kozhuva, and podimeen. It is a small fish that is typically found in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

Despite its small size, nethili fish is packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their diet and eat more healthily.

If you're curious about nethili fish and want to learn more about this tasty ingredient, keep reading.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at nethili fish and explore its culinary uses. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions about this popular seafood option.

Key Takeaways

• Nethili fish is a small, oily fish that is popular in South Indian cuisine.
• It is packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins.
• Nethili fish can be used in a variety of dishes, from curries to fried snacks.

Nethili Fish Overview

If you are a seafood lover, you must try Nethili fish, also known as anchovies. Nethili fish is a popular type of fish in South Indian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes.

In this section, we will provide you with an overview of Nethili fish, including its species and habitat, as well as its nutritional value.

Species and Habitat

Nethili fish belongs to the Engraulidae family and is commonly found in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Bay of Bengal. They are small, slender fish that are typically less than 15 centimetres long.

Nethili fish are known for their distinct flavour and are used in a variety of dishes, including curries, fries, and stews.

Nutritional Value

Nethili fish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

A 100-gram serving of Nethili fish contains approximately 24 grams of protein, making it a great source of protein for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

In addition to protein, Nethili fish is also high in calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

A 100-gram serving of Nethili fish contains approximately 200 milligrams of calcium, which is more than 20% of your daily recommended intake.

Nethili fish is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin. It is also rich in minerals, including iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

Culinary Uses of Nethili Fish

Nethili fish is a popular fish in South Indian cuisine, and it is used in a variety of dishes. Here are some of the culinary uses of nethili fish.

Preparation and Cleaning

Before using nethili fish in any recipe, it is important to clean and prepare it properly.

To clean the fish, wash it thoroughly under running water and remove the scales. Then, cut off the head and tail, and remove the internal organs. You can also remove the bones if you prefer boneless fish.

Popular Nethili Fish Recipes

Nethili fish can be used in a variety of recipes, including fish fry, fish curry, and appetizers.

One popular recipe is nethili fish fry, where the fish is marinated in a mixture of spices, including turmeric powder, chilli powder, and pepper powder, and then shallow fried until crispy.

Another popular recipe is nethili meen kulambu, a spicy and tangy fish curry that goes well with steamed rice or dosa.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

When cooking with nethili fish, it is important to marinate the fish properly to ensure that it absorbs the flavours of the spices.

You can also use a mix of rice flour and corn flour to make the fish extra crispy.

When making fish curry, it is important to use fresh ingredients, including onions, tomatoes, and curry leaves. You can also garnish the dish with coriander leaves for added flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the English name for Nethili fish?

Nethili fish is also known as anchovy fish in English.

How do you cook a tasty Nethili fish fry?

To cook a tasty Nethili fish fry, marinate the fish in a spicy mixture of spices and then shallow fry it until crispy. You can find a detailed recipe at F for Flavour.

Can you tell me the health benefits of eating Nethili fish?

Nethili fish is low in fat and high in vitamins E, D, and B, as well as minerals such as calcium and selenium, which is important in cancer prevention. You can find more information about the health benefits of Nethili fish at Yummy Tummy Aarthi.

How much protein does a Nethili fish contain?

Nethili fish is a good source of protein, containing around 20 grams of protein per 100 grams of fish.

What's the going rate for Nethili fish these days?

The price of Nethili fish can vary depending on the location and season. It's best to check with your local fish market for the current price.

Are there any bones in Nethili fish that I should watch out for?

Yes, Nethili fish contains small bones that you should watch out for when eating.

It's best to remove the bones before cooking or eating the fish.