NADAN FISH FRY - KERALA KALLU SHAPPU STYLE

     In recent years, Kallu Shappu(Toddy Shops) are getting popularized more for their food rather than for the local heady hooch called Kallu/Toddy for which the shacks were sought for in earlier years.  We can find a decent number of famous Kallu Shappu in Kerala that are noteworthy for their Menu filled with Seafood & Local delicacies it caters.
     Kerala a popular tourist destination, a land filled with natures bounty with a long coastal line embraced by the Arabian Sea is equally famous for its distinct culture & food. Being a coastal state, the fresh catch from the backwaters, rivers & Sea adds an alluring taste to the Seafood. At the bank of these backwaters or seafronts, you can find at least one Kallu Shappu(Toddy Shop).  These Age-old shacks mostly found in the lanes and outskirts of Kerala with self-advertised boards, saying KALLU KADA/TODDY SHOP is a favourite hang-out of the locality.  Small shacks or structures built with a simple outlook, plain floors with creaky wooden benches and tables where they serve their unique & traditional grubs.
       These Kallu Shappu/Toddy Shops are famous for their spicy and mouthwatering Sea Food & local delicacies along with Thengin Kallu(Toddy).  The cooking style focuses mainly for the ones who seek the place for the local hooch, so the dishes are always spicy when compared to home cooking.
     This Nadan Fish Fry is one dish commonly served in a Kallu Shappu(Toddy Shops).  Prepared in a typical Kerala style with local spices and undoubtedly fried in Coconut Oil gives an authentic touch to this Fish Fry. Fish is marinated with a ground paste which is a combination of Shallots, Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Chilli Powder and Turmeric with a drizzle of Lemon Juice.  Some recipes call for adding Tamarind Paste instead of Lemon Juice. This Nadan Style fish Fry is a spicy, tasty and flavour filled dish with a mild note of tanginess. This Kallu Shappu style Fish Fry is comparatively spicy which makes it a perfect combo along with heady Toddy. Simply serve this Nadan Fish Fry as an appetizer or as a side dish.



For more KERALA KALLU SHAPPU RECIPES, Click here...


Cuisine - Kerala
Course - Appetizer/Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Marination - 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes


For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA  click here...

HOW TO COOK NADAN FISH FRY - KERALA KALLU SHAPPU STYLE

NADAN FISH FRY - KERALA KALLU SHAPPU STYLE

INGREDIENTS :

To Marinate :

Fish - 6–8 Pieces
Shallots - 5-6 No's.
Ginger - 1" Piece - 1 No.
Garlic - 3–4 Cloves
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Peppercorns - 10-12 No's.
Lime Juice - from 1/2 a Lime
Salt - To Taste

For Shallow Frying:

Coconut Oil - 5–6 Tablespoons.

METHOD:

• Clean, wash and Cut Fish into slices.
• Clean and wash the Fish and allow it to drain in a Colander.
• If using a full fish, draw 3-4 incisions with a sharp knife all over the fish.
• Grind Shallots, Ginger, Garlic & Peppercorns into a fine paste.
• Marinate the Fish Slices with the with above ground paste along with Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Salt & Lemon Juice.
• Leave this aside for about 30 minutes - 1 hour.
• Heat Coconut oil in a pan and shallow fry the marinated Fish slices.
• Fry the fish slices on a medium-low flame for about 3-5 minutes.
• Gently flip the fish and fry the other side for about 3-5 minutes, or until it is fried on both sides.
• The Fish should turn crispy and into golden brown.
• Remove from oil and drain it.
• Serve Nadan Fish Fry hot garnished with Onion Rings and a drizzle of Lime Juice.
• Can serve Kallu shappu style Fish Fry as an Appetizer.
• Nadan Fish Fry goes well with Steamed Rice or along with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Curries, it can also be served as a side dish along with Rice Dishes, Biriyanis & Pulaos.
• This Spicy Fish Fry goes hand in hand with a glass of Thengin Kallu(Toddy).

NADAN FISH FRY - KERALA KALLU SHAPPU STYLE

NOTES:

• Any type of fish-small/big variety can be used for this recipe.
• I have prepared the dish with Halibut Fish Slices., even medium-sized whole fish can be used for the purpose.
• Adjust the amount of spices as per your taste and the size of the fish.
• Can marinate the fish overnight and leave it in the refrigerator. 
• Using Coconut Oil gives the authentic taste to the dish. Can use any other cooking oil too.
• Can Deep Fry or shallow Fry the fish as per your preference.
• I usually shallow fry the fish.

FEW OTHER KALLU SHAPPU GRUBS:

Kappa Puzhungiyathu
Kappa Ularthiyathu Nadan Fish Fry