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 chilli 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

Natholi fish fry garnished with some more onions and lemon is ready to be served as a starter or with a bowl of steamed red rice.