MATHI KAPPA PUZHUKKU

(Sardines and Tapioca mashed in Coconut & Spices)

Ingredients:

Sardines- 1 dozen small to med size
Tapioca- ½ Kg
Coconut- ½ cup grated
Red Dry Chili- 4pc or more
Coriander Seeds- 1 ½ Tspn
Cumin/Jeera- ½ Tspn
Turmeric powder- ¼ Tspn
Garlic- 1 Clove
Onion- 1 small
Tamarind- little
Grind all of the above ingredients except the fish and Tapioca in sufficient water to a fine paste. Set this aside

Sardine Preparation:
Clean the sardines and apply salt and turmeric powder. Mix well with your hands and drain if any water available.
Cook this covered in little water until the water completely dries and the sardines are well cooked.
When cool, separate the bones and keep the flesh aside.

Tapioca Preparation:
Remove the skin of the Tapioca and cut into big chunks. Wash well.
Ensure there is no soil or dirt.
In a vessel, cover the tapioca with enough water, add salt and boil it until the Tapioca is cooked well. This should be easy to mash.
Drain the water in a strainer and mash it well.

Method:
In a non-stick vessel, add the mashed tapioca, the flesh of the sardines, the ground paste & salt (as per your taste) and mix well. Cook this on a low to medium fire until the raw flavor disappears and the mixture turns dry. Turn off the flame.

Tempering:
Coconut oil- 2 to 3 Tbspn
Mustard Seeds- ½ Tspn
Shallots- 2 Tbspn finely sliced
Curry leaves- 1 big sprig
Green Chili- 1 optional
In oil, add mustard and when it splutters, add the shallots and curry leaves. Pour this in the prepared Tapioca sardine dish