Authentic South Indian Nethili Meen Kulambu (Anchovy Fish Curry)
35 minutes
777 reads

About Authentic South Indian Nethili Meen Kulambu (Anchovy Fish Curry)
Dive into the vibrant flavors of South India with this authentic Nethili Meen Kulambu, a tangy and aromatic anchovy fish curry. This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create a dish that's both comforting and bursting with taste.The rich coconut milk base is perfectly balanced by the tartness of tamarind, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This Nethili Meen Kulambu is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice or appam.Get ready to experience a culinary journey to the shores of South India with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic South Indian delicacy!
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish Curry
- 4 tsp Oil coconut oil is traditional but vegetable oil works well too.
- 300 grams Nethili Fish anchovies, cleaned and ready to cook
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 Onion finely chopped, large
- 2 Chili adjust to your spice preference, green, slit
- 1 Tomato finely chopped, large
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 cup Water
- Salt to taste
- 1 handful Coriander chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 cup Tamarind Paste adjust for desired tartness, or to taste
For the Masala Paste
- 1/2 cup Coconut fresh, grated
- 2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Tamarind
- Soak 1/4 cup of tamarind pulp in 1/4 cup of warm water for about 15 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp to extract the juice. Set aside.
Make the Masala Paste
- Grind together the coconut, ginger-garlic paste, and fennel seeds into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions are lightly golden. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and mushy.
Add Spices
- Stir in chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
Incorporate the Masala
- Add the prepared coconut masala paste to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
Simmer with Tamarind
- Pour in the tamarind juice and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the Fish
- Add the cleaned nethili fish and 1 cup of water. Simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Do not overcook.
Garnish and Serve
- Stir in the chopped coriander leaves. Gently mix and remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or appam.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Nethili Meen Kulambu:
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated coconut instead of desiccated.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Don't overcook the fish; it should be tender and flaky. Overcooked fish will become dry.
- If you don't have fresh tamarind, you can substitute with tamarind paste, but adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of tartness.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 33gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 852mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 985IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 3mg
4 Comments
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.
Such an enticing dish! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m loving this recipe already!
This looks delightful! Thanks for the recipe.