Sardine Thokku (South Indian Style Canned Sardines)

Ingredients

• 3 can Canned sardines (in olive oil; use the oil and juices from the can if not too salty)
• 1.5 tbsp Cooking oil (vegetable or neutral oil)
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 sprig Curry leaves (fresh leaves)
• 2 Green chilies (chopped)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 Tomato (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp Chili powder (Indian red chili powder)
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2.5 tbsp Water (to prevent spices from burning)
• Cilantro (fresh, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the fennel seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Sauté until the fennel seeds are fragrant and the curry leaves are crisp.

2. 2

   Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.

3. 3

   Add the chopped tomato and a small pinch of salt. The salt will help the vegetables release their moisture and cook down faster.

4. 4

   Continue cooking the mixture until the tomatoes break down completely, caramelize, and reach a thick, jammy consistency.

5. 5

   Stir in the chili powder and turmeric. Immediately add a splash of water (2–3 tablespoons) so the spices cook through without burning.

6. 6

   Cook the masala until it looks glossy and you see the oil starting to separate from the edges.

7. 7

   Gently add the canned sardines into the pan. If the oil and juices from the can aren't too salty, include them for extra flavor.

8. 8

   Taste the mixture and adjust the salt levels as needed.

9. 9

   Let the sardines sit in the masala for a minute or two to absorb the flavors, then gently turn them over so both sides heat through and the fish crisps slightly.

10. 10

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve this dish with steamed rice, a fried egg, pappadum, and sliced cucumber for a complete meal. For additional depth, some users suggest adding a pinch of cumin seeds at the start with the fennel seeds.

Nutrition per serving

• Main
• Seafood
• Indian
• South Indian
• Quick
• Pantry Meal
• Dairy-Free
• Gluten-Free