Something Fishy
No! I am not up to any mischief.
I am going to tell you a story about how my mom-in-law “seasoned” me, a hard-core vegetarian, to the smell of fish. It was not easy!!! She really worked hard :).
For me, being a vegetarian, eating fish was something… something.. that was not good.
For my husband, having a meal without fish was something… something.. that was not good.
Talk about opposites.
We used to visit my in-laws every three months or so. And every time we visit, mom-in-law would make my husband’s favorite - Kerala Style Sardine Fry.
Oh My God, forget entire house, the entire neighborhood would smell of fish fry.
I would sit outside (which was not very helpful, the smell would follow me), visit neighbors (which was not very helpful either, because they would be making some sort of fish too), immerse myself in a book (the book smelled of fish), watch TV(there would be cookery show showing a “delicious” fish recipe) – There was no escape! But then, to my relief, the smell would slowly diminish by evening (or it could be that my nostrils got used to the smell).
Next day morning, house would smell normal, but my mom-in-law would make fish fry all over again.
This went on for quite a while (she did not give up).
And there came a stage, when I could be in the kitchen when she was frying fish.
And then I started eating it.
And now, I fry fish.
When I say “I fry fish”, I meant the boneless, skinless type we get here in the US. I still cannot clean fish without throwing up. Unfortunately (or fortunately ;)) we don't get fresh sardines here in the US. Even if we do, I have not bothered to find where to get them. And if you know... please do not tell me!.
But we do get "Sardines in Water" 😉 - the canned kind. You cannot make fish fry with them, but I make a Kerala style stir fry, whenever my husband craves the smell and taste of sardines. The stir fry pairs nicely with par boiled rice.
The smell is still strong and I would not recommend it to people who cannot stand the fish odor. But if you love fish, and do not care about the odor, do give this sardine stir fry a try and let me know how it worked for you.
Sardine Stir Fry
Simple sardine stir fry, South Indian style, that gets ready in 15 minutes. Very easy recipe for a quick side dish with your boiled rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tin Sardines in Water
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Salt adjust according to your taste
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper adjust according to your taste
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- 3 tsp Canola oil
- ¼ tsp Mustard Seeds
- 5-6 Curry Leaves
- ½ Cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Coconut grated
Instructions
- Drain the water from the sardines.
- Marinate the sardines with salt, cayenne pepper, paprika and turmeic.
- Mean while, heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, add the curry leaves and saute for a few seconds.
- Now, add the chopped onions. You have to saute till the onions are light brown in color. You can sprinkle a pinch of salt to fasten this step.
- When the onions are browned, add the marinated fish. Since the fish is already cooked, all it needs a stir for about a minute or two. Stir & mix everything well.
- Garnish with grated coconut. Serve hot with rice.
Sardine Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tin Sardines in Water
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Salt adjust according to your taste
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper adjust according to your taste
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- 3 tsp Canola oil
- ¼ tsp Mustard Seeds
- 5-6 Curry Leaves
- ½ Cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Coconut grated
Instructions
- Drain the water from the sardines.
- Marinate the sardines with salt, cayenne pepper, paprika and turmeic.
- Mean while, heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, add the curry leaves and saute for a few seconds.
- Now, add the chopped onions. You have to saute till the onions are light brown in color. You can sprinkle a pinch of salt to fasten this step.
- When the onions are browned, add the marinated fish. Since the fish is already cooked, all it needs a stir for about a minute or two. Stir & mix everything well.
- Garnish with grated coconut. Serve hot with rice.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and/or Twitter.
Like what you see? Subscribe NOW and never miss a post – subscribe to receive new posts via email. We won’t spam you and that is a promise.
Till we meet again…
Namaste.
Deliciously Your’s.
Urmimala says
Hi.. can i also make this with fresh sardines?
Will H says
This recipe appears too small to feed three people. Are you suggesting that this is a topping to mix with the rice, giving it kind of a fried - rice appearance?
Framed Recipes says
Thanks Will. This dish is served as a side to rice or rice porridge and is not a main dish. Not eaten in large quantities. It is sufficient for our three member family(2 adults and a kid).