Chakara in Kaippamangalam 15th May 2012

"Chakara" is a term so familiar to Mallus. Fish in abundance and that too close to the shore...!! Chala (Mathi) Ayala, Chemmeen.. (Poovalan, Naran) Koonthal, Kanava and lots of others. Chala is one of the best fish on earth. Rich in Omega 3 and other nutrients.Good for heart and bones. But mallus especially the middle class and upper does not like this fish. Because it has scales and small bones.. not that tasty... small...smelly and what not ?? Sardines are very very good and if cooked as curry and fried are mouth watering..!! Sardines need to be marinated for 4-5 hours before frying. Apply a paste of Garlic, ginger, salt, red chili powder, egg white and yellow and some corn flour before frying..... Even the smell of this Chala while frying will make you run to the kitchen.... We used to cook Chala in the "Aduppu" in the older times. It is easy. No need to clean the fish. Just wash it and keep it deeply buried in the amber/charcoal for some time. Take it out.. remove the skin and eat it with chuvanna chammanthy made of red chili powder, salt, water and coconut oil...