Step 1: Prepare Tamarind and Coconut Paste

Soak 6-7 cloves of tamarind (Garcinia) in warm water and set aside. In a mixer grinder, add 1 cup grated coconut, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 2 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder (or 1.5 tbsp ordinary chilli powder for less spice), 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and enough water. Blend into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil in a clay pot. Add 1 tsp chopped ginger, 2 tsp chopped garlic, and 2 cut green chillies. Sauté for 5 minutes until their raw smell disappears. Then add 10-12 cut shallots and sauté for another 5 minutes until they are lightly browned.

Step 3: Cook the Coconut Paste

Add 2 sprigs of curry leaves to the sautéed aromatics. Immediately add the blended coconut paste. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until the oil starts to separate and the paste thickens slightly. Rinse the mixer jar with a little warm water and add this water to the curry. Add salt as required and mix again.

Step 4: Add Fish and Cook

Once the gravy starts to boil, add the soaked tamarind. Then gently add the 1/2 kg cleaned anchovy fish and 1 cut medium-sized tomato. Gently mix to coat the fish with the gravy. Cover the pot and cook until some bubbles arise (approximately 5 minutes).

Step 5: Simmer the Curry

After the initial covered cooking, remove the lid. Gently rotate the pot as shown in the video to ensure even cooking and prevent the fish from breaking. Continue to simmer the curry for a total of 15-20 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Prepare and Add Tempering

While the curry simmers, prepare the tempering. Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add 2 cut shallots and sauté until they turn golden. Add 3 dry red chillies and some curry leaves, sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Pour this tempering over the anchovy fish curry.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

The Kerala Style Anchovy Fish Curry is now ready to be served. Allow it to rest for a short while for the flavors to deepen. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious curry with rice.

• Anchovy is rich in calcium and beneficial for bone strength, especially for children.

• Do not overcook the fish; gently rotate the pot instead of stirring vigorously to prevent breaking the fish.

• Allow the curry to sit for some time after cooking for the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken further.