I'm sure when you think of non-veg pickles, you remember the store-bought ones. But here I am, with one of the yummiest seafood delicacies- which is brimming with flavor and all the more, is quick and easy to prepare - Kerala Fish Pickle in all its glory.
It's alarming to know that every second woman in India is iron deficient.
Iron deficiency anaemia in women could mainly be because of pregnancy because you need additional iron than usual, heavy menstrual periods and lack of certain vitamins like folic acid. The reason why it is a worrying fact is that we as a nation are blessed to have a variety of iron-rich food such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, seafood, chicken, and nuts. So what can we do to increase the intake of iron?
I live in the hills and winter is here. Though I tend to crib that it is already 3 degrees (it is just the end of November, come on!) the best thing about this season is the availability of garden fresh vegetables. So the one thing that I knew I would miss being here is seafood. And Dad had a solution to it.
Kerala Fish Pickle is a treasured recipe from Dad. Packed with flavors, it is perfect for rice and rotis. This dish takes me back to my hostel days when Dad prepared huge jars of the pickle hoping that it would last till I get back home next. Little did he know that my friends and I'd devour the bottles in a couple of days using it even as a bread/sandwich spread.
Kerala Fish Pickle can be made with sardines, tuna, pomfret, and butterfish. This one is made with sardines, which is a great source of iron. 100 grams of sardine provides 16 percent of a woman's daily iron requirement. The heme iron in sardines is easily absorbed two to three times more than plant-based foods. Sardines will not cost you a bomb. It is available in abundance and you can enjoy its other benefits like proteins and Omega 3 fatty acids, without burning a hole in your pocket.
How to Make Authentic Kerala Fish Pickle
Clean and cut the fish into cubes. Marinate in red chilli powder, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder, crushed pepper, and salt. Keep aside for about 30 minutes. Shallow fry the fish pieces until golden brown. You can fry them in batches if you are preparing in bulk quantities. Heat gingelly oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds. Saute ginger, garlic and green chilies along with a few sprigs of curry leaves. Add turmeric powder, fenugreek powder, red chili powder, salt, sugar and about half a cup of vinegar. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the fried fish pieces and mix well. Remove and keep aside. It's ready for use.
Kerala Fish Pickle Recipe
Add a teaspoon of gingelly oil over the pickle to keep good for many more days. You can refrigerate and use this pickle for about two months. It is advisable to transfer a little amount of pickle in another jar and store this at room temperature for daily use.
I'm all set to transform myself into a healthier, fitter me by introducing a fair amount of walking and adequate dietary changes.
Here are other foods which are rich in Iron:
Soumya says
Oh! I love matthi meen in any form! Fish pickles is something I love and whenever I go to Kerala or someone comes from there, I get my dose of it. I'll give this recipe to mom and ask her to make me a bottle.
Thanks, Shalini 🙂
Shinjini says
This looks really yummy, though I’m not a fan of oily fish. Can you make this pickle with non-oily fish like betki or pomfret too?
Rajlakshmi says
what I wouldn't do to taste just a bit of that... I have had fish pickle only once in my life and I loved it so much. Thank you for this recipe.
Natasha says
OMG!!! I'm in love with this recipe. I'm a big fan of fish and prwan pickles and the ones you get in the market are drippng with so much oil. Will definitely give this a go. I'm drooling all over my keyboard just looking at the pictures and reading your post, Shalzy.
Take good care of yourself and hope you start feeling better soonest. Try cooking spinach and other vegetables in an Iron kadai. Helps big time with anemia.
Also what is gingilly oil?
https://natashamusing.com/2017/11/been-there-doon-that-mondaymusings/
Inderpreet says
This recipe is so easy to make, I remember making chicken pickle with my mom ages ago! Have to try this. Wish you all the best for your health.
Meenakshi J says
Pickles are so underrated...I just can't complete any Indian meal without including these yummy ones...Being a vegetarian, I am gonna experiment your recipe with a small batch of Mixed Veggies..Will let you know, if it works with Vegetarians, too! 😀
Rachna says
I have never made or eaten fish pickle. This one does sound delicious.
Surbhi Prapanna says
Though I am a vegetarian, I had enjoyed reading this interesting recipe, it looks yummy as well as healthy too.
Amrita says
That's such a delicious recipe .Will try making it with Pomfret and let you know.One of the causes of anemia is iron deficiency and needs thorough check-up and treatment,
Shilpa Gupte says
It does look so healthy, Shalini! Lucky you...your dad sure knows how to set things right for his little girl! 🙂
Vasantha Vivek says
Looks yummy. attracted by your recipe though i am a vegetarian by birth.
Ramya Abhinand says
Well aware of the consequence of being iron deficient, I on a regular basis try to include food rich in it. Your recipe is interesting as it could be included with a main course can rather than being a meal.
pushpendra dwivedi says
nice recipe i feel yummy