Nethili Fish, also known as Anchovies, is a small, silver-colored fish that is popular in Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique taste and texture, and is often used to make delicious dishes such as nethili fry, nethili curry, and nethili karuvadu kuzhambu. Nethili fish is also rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indian cuisine or just looking to try something new, nethili fish is definitely worth a try!
1. Health benefits of Nethili Fish
Some of the key health benefits of Nethili fish are:
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Nethili fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
- High in protein: Nethili fish is a rich source of protein, which is important for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and tissues in the body.
- Low in calories: Nethili fish is a low-calorie fish, which makes it a great addition to weight loss diets.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Nethili fish is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron, which are essential for maintaining good health.
- Helps prevent heart disease: Regular consumption of Nethili fish has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, as it helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Overall, Nethili fish is a nutritious and delicious fish that can help improve your health in several ways.
2.How to clean and prepare Nethili Fish
Cleaning and preparing Nethili Fish can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s an essential step to ensure that the fish is clean and ready to be cooked. Here’s how to clean and prepare Nethili Fish:
- Rinse the Nethili Fish under running water to remove any dirt or debris on the surface.
- Cut off the head and tail of the fish using a sharp knife.
- Make a small incision on the belly of the fish, and remove the guts and internal organs. Be careful not to rupture the bile sac, as it can make the fish taste bitter.
- Remove the scales from the skin of the fish using a fish scaler or the back of a knife. Work from the tail end of the fish towards the head, using gentle scraping motions.
- Once the scales are removed, rinse the fish again under running water to remove any remaining scales.
- Pat the fish dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- Nethili Fish can now be used in various dishes, such as fish fry, fish curry, and fish pickle.
Note: It’s important to clean and prepare Nethili Fish as soon as possible after purchasing it to ensure that it remains fresh and free from bacteria.
3. Popular Nethili Fish dishes in Tamil Nadu
Nethili fish, also known as Anchovies, is a popular fish variety in Tamil Nadu, India, and is used in many delicious dishes. Here are some popular Nethili Fish dishes in Tamil Nadu:
- Nethili Fry: Nethili fish is marinated in a mixture of spices and then deep-fried until crispy. It is served as an appetizer or side dish.
- Nethili Karuvadu Kuzhambu: This is a spicy and tangy fish curry made with dried Nethili fish, tamarind, and a blend of spices. It is usually served with steamed rice.
- Nethili Meen Kuzhambu: This is a traditional fish curry made with fresh Nethili fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. It is a staple dish in many households in Tamil Nadu.
- Nethili Varuval: This is a dry version of Nethili Fry, where the marinated Nethili fish is sautéed with onions and curry leaves until crispy.
- Nethili Puttu: This is a steamed rice cake made with rice flour and Nethili fish. The fish is first cooked with onions and spices and then mixed with the rice flour mixture to create the cake.
- Nethili Avial: This is a traditional vegetable and fish stew made with Nethili fish, vegetables, coconut, and a blend of spices. It is usually served with rice.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious Nethili Fish dishes that are popular in Tamil Nadu. Each dish has its own unique blend of spices and ingredients, making them a must-try for any food lover visiting the region.
4.Where to buy fresh Nethili Fish in Chennai
Chennai, being a coastal city, has several markets and fish stalls where you can find fresh Nethili Fish. Here are some places where you can buy fresh Nethili Fish in Chennai:
- Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex: This is one of the largest wholesale markets in Chennai, and it has several stalls that sell fresh fish, including Nethili Fish. The market is open daily from early morning until late afternoon.
- Kasimedu Fishing Harbour: This is another popular destination for buying fresh fish in Chennai. The fishing harbour has several stalls that sell a variety of fish, including Nethili Fish.
- Thiruvanmiyur Market: This is a local market that sells a variety of fresh produce, including fish. The market has several stalls that sell Nethili Fish, and it’s open daily.
- Mylapore Fish Market: This is a small market located in the heart of Mylapore that sells a variety of fresh fish, including Nethili Fish. The market is open daily in the morning.
- Besant Nagar Beach: There are several small fish stalls located on the Besant Nagar beach that sell fresh fish, including Nethili Fish. The beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
- Buy Online – with Ocean Bazzar Chennai’s most trusted Seafood Store.-
When buying Nethili Fish, make sure to choose fish that have clear eyes, shiny scales, and a fresh smell. It’s also important to buy fish from a reputable vendor to ensure that it’s fresh and free from contaminants.
Gross weight 1kg Nett weight 650-700 grms approx.