Authentic South Indian Nethili Meen Kulambu (Anchovy Fish Curry)

35 minutes

777 reads

4.25 from 4 votes

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!
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹499.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Calories351 kcal
Serves2
Served AsDinner
Recipe TasteSaltyTangy

Ingredients
 

For the Fish Curry

For the Masala Paste

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

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.
Explore Recipes by Tags lamb recipessouth indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.25 from 4 votes

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

Akum Raj Jamir
Akum Raj Jamir

A foodie and a passionate cook. Loves everything about food. I love experimenting with food in my kitchen and develop new recipes.

Articles: 153
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

4 Comments

4.25 from 4 votes

Leave a Reply