Sardines (Chalai or mathi meen) Kulambu

My mom used to prepare this sardines kulambu whenever we get this tinned fish. Sardines are called 'chalai meen' in Tamil. Since finding Sea fish is a little difficult in the place we stay, I started getting this canned sardines. Initially I got Sardines in water, but nowadays am not finding them. So am going for the sardines in tomato sauce. I separate the sauce and the fish and just add the fish as the sauce gives a sweet taste to the curry.

Alternatively instead of adding tomatoes to the curry we can add 2 tablespoon of this sauce. It gives a little thickness to the curry.

Ingredients:

Sardines - 1 can
Mustard - 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 4 or 5
Curry leaves - 1 Spring
Onion - 1 large
Tomatoes - 1 medium
Tamarind paste - 2 tsp

1.Heat oil in a pan.When the oil becomes hot add mustard and when the mustard splutters add 4 or 5 fenugreek seeds.Don't add too much fenugreek it will give a bitter taste to the dish.

2.Add the chopped onions. Saute it till the onions become pink.

3.Add slit green chillies.

4.Add tomatoes cut into pieces and saute it.

5.Add turmeric powder, chilli powder,coriander powder and mix it.

6.Add tamarind water or tamarind paste. Add 1 cup of water to it and allow it to boil. Add curry leaves.

7.Then add the fish. Allow it to cook for 15-20 min.

U can also add raw mango pieces to the mixture before allowing it to boil. It gives more sour taste to the curry.Allow it to settle for sometime before savouring it. It tastes even better the next day.