Crispy and spicy Anchovy or Netholi or Kozhuva fry. Anchovies marinated with spices and then shallow fried. Anchovy is also called nethili or chooda or podimeen in different parts of Kerala. A quite easy and tasty appetizer.
Clean the fish (netholi / kozhuva / anchovy) and pat dry using a paper kitchen towel.
Grind the ingredients listed under grind section and make it a fine paste - shallots, ginger, garlic, chilli powder, pepper powder, turmeric powder, lime juice, and salt. As needed, add just enough water to grind. Adjust the salt as per your taste.
Marinate cleaned fish with the prepared marinade and curry leaves. Keep it aside for 30 minutes.
Before frying, add rice flour. Rice flour gives a crispy touch.
Heat oil in a flat pan. Add the marinated fish to the pan. Deep Fry the fish over medium high flame until done and crispy. It would turn into golden color.