I would always wonder when I hear from my relatives, it’s better to feed small fish to the infants. Then I would question, why only small fish? And the reply I would hear is “that’s what they have heard from their parents and so on”. It did not sound sensible to me until I came across an article about fish and now, it makes little sense to me and can explain why small fish is more healthier (apart from it’s nutrition level) for infants and young children.
Due to pollution the mercury levels in our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams has increased and this mercury is consumed by fish and converted to a toxin known as methylmercury. Metal mercury is a dangerous contaminant that can affect the nervous system and many fish species carry high levels of this chemical. Methylmercury is just one concern that I have pointed out, in reality there are many manmade chemicals disposed in water bodies as well that’s consumed by fish. Big Fish consume other contaminated small fish, thus compounding their mercury levels, which is why it’s best to choose smaller fish to eat. The primary concern with fish and mercury is for infants and young children, as their developing nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to mercury’s effects. The adult are stronger and prone to other harmful habits and diseases, so this is not a big concern.
If you are thinking that commercial farmed fish is a better alternative, then u might be wrong. Farmed fish are also fed the same diet of growth hormones, antibiotics and other foods that are not found in their natural habitat.
Fish is a great source of heart-healthy lean protein that can lower risk of heart attack. That’s because it contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which is lower in triglyceride levels as well as help reduce inflammation throughout the body and support brain health.
Kerala being in the coastal area, the most preferred food is fish and it is a part of the daily meal. I too love fish. In our house almost every day we have fish cooked, as its not only nutrition packed, they are flavour some and easy to prepare in the variety of ways, apart from the cleaning job.
The good news about Netholi Fish is that, its low in mercury! These Natholis (Anchovies as we know in English) are small in size but actually contain high amounts of minerals and nutrients.
Netholi fry is one such yummy and quick vanishing dish in my house. When I begin to fry the fish, I already have my family queued to do the tasting and by the time it reaches the dinning table the quantity is reduced to half. I often make this without coconut for our normal meals. It’s only on certain occasions I make my Netholi fry look glamorous as shown in today’s picture.
My version of Netholi shallow fry.
Ingredients:
- 500gm Netholi fish / anchovies
- 1 cup coconut grated
- 8 – 10 shallots, sliced
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 sprig curry leaves
- Oil for shallow frying
- Salt as required
For the marinade:
- Chilly powder
- Turmeric powder
- Pepper powder
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Procedure:
Cleaning Netholi fish is super easy – no specific technique required. If the fish is very tiny you can pinch of the head, tail and sides. If it’s little bigger in size then better to use scissor to clean it. I always prefer to clean it with scissor, as this will always give an even look finishing and keep my nails clean.
Mix all the marination ingredients into a smooth paste with few drops of lemon juice and water. Apply it on the fish and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
Heat oil to shallow fry the fish in small batches. You will need less oil for frying in small batches and the fish will be evenly fried. This gives a nice texture to the fried fish. Fry until the fish turns golden brown, not fried to the bones so that the flesh is still soft. Use your instinct to judge the fish.
From the remaining oil, take 1 tbsp oil in a pan and stir fry the ginger, curry leaves, shallots and the grated coconut. Add to it little chilly powder and salt and mix it. Add to it the fried fish with any left over crumbles and keep stirring to avoid burning of coconut. When you get the nutty fragrance from coconut your Natholi fish fry is ready
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