Ayala Varuthathu (Fried Mackerel)

Ayala Varuthathu (Fried Mackerel)
( No food color used )

Makes: 4
Serves: 2 -3

You will need

4 medium size ayala fish / Mackerel
100 ml oil for frying

For the marinade:

1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoon red chilli powder (or 1 1/2 teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients well and keep aside this thick paste.

Method

Wash and clean fish. Add 1 teaspoon salt ( or kalluppu ) and wash well (till you get a clear water). Drain out water completely and wipe each piece with a kitchen towel.

Marinate fish pieces with above ingredients (do not add extra water) and keep aside for half an hour. Apply the marinade evenly.

In a frying pan, heat 100 ml oil. Reduce heat to medium and deep fry fish pieces ( 2 at a time or 4 - depends upon the diameter of the frying pan ) in batches till golden brown and crisp on both sides.

Serve with Rice ( choru ), Fish curry, Vegetable side dishes...