Name: Natholi Mulakittathu | Anchovy Curry Kerala Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Natholi (Cleaned); ½ Tsp Mustard Seeds; ½ Tsp Fenugreek seedS; 1 Tbsp Ginger garlic crushed; 2 Nos. Tomato; 4 Nos. Green chilly; 3 Tsp Red chilly powder; ½ Tsp Turmeric powder; Few curry leaves; Few Coriander leaves (Chopped); 1 lemon sized Tamarind (Soak in ¼ cup hot water for 10 minutes.); 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil; Salt (As reqd)

Natholi Mulakittathu | Anchovy Curry Kerala Style

Natholi Mulakittathu, also known as Anchovy Curry Kerala Style, is one of the most cherished spicy seafood delicacies from Kerala’s coastal cuisine. Small, tender anchovies are simmered in a fiery red gravy enriched with traditional Kerala spices. It creates a dish that bursts with flavor and aroma. This tangy and spicy curry is a true comfort food for every seafood lover who enjoys authentic nadan tastes.

Authentic Kerala Flavours in Every Bite

Kerala’s fish curries are famous for their perfect balance of spice, tang, and coconut oil aroma. Natholi Mulakittathu stands as a shining example. Anchovies, locally known as natholi, absorb all the masala beautifully, making each bite flavour-packed and deeply satisfying.

Perfect Pair for Steamed Rice or Kappa

A plate of steaming hot rice or boiled tapioca (kappa) paired with Natholi Mulakittathu is pure bliss. The spicy, tangy gravy complements the mildness of rice, creating a wholesome Kerala-style meal that is both filling and flavorful. Many prefer this curry a day after it’s made, as the flavors deepen and the fish soaks up the tangy-spicy essence even more.

Traditional, Spicy, and Simply Irresistible

From small coastal homes to high-end seafood restaurants, Anchovy Curry Kerala Style holds a permanent place on the menu. It embodies Kerala’s traditional seafood cooking — simple, rustic, and full of soul. Whether you enjoy it during lunch with rice or dinner with puttu or chapathi, this fiery curry promises a taste of Kerala’s sea and spice heritage in every mouthful.

Natholi Mulakittathu | Anchovy Curry Kerala Style

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Kerala

Servings people

Ingredients

1 Cup Natholi Cleaned
½ Tsp Mustard Seeds
½ Tsp Fenugreek seedS
1 Tbsp Ginger garlic crushed
2 Nos. Tomato
4 Nos. Green chilly
3 Tsp Red chilly powder
½ Tsp Turmeric powder
Few curry leaves
Few Coriander leaves Chopped
1 lemon sized Tamarind Soak in ¼ cup hot water for 10 minutes.
2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Salt As reqd

Instructions

Take all the ingredients and keep it ready.
In a bowl add cleaned and washed fish, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt as required and 3/4 cup water. Keep it aside.
Heat oil in a mud kadai. add in mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and let them sizzle. Then add crushed ginger and garlic. Saute for few seconds.
Now add chopped tomato and green chilly..
Cover and cook until the tomatoes become soft. Stir occasionally.
Then add the prepared spice water, do not add the fish now.
Add tamarind water. Bring it to boil for 5 minutes.
Now add the fish and combine well.
Add some curry leaves and chopped coriander leaves. Cook this partially covered for 5-7 minutes on medium high heat. The fish will be cooked on this time.
Now take it off the heat and cover with a lid. Let it sit for 2-4 hours for the flavors to develop. You can serve immediately as well. but it will taste wonderful if it sits for a while.
Serve this along with boiled tapioca and rice.