Seafood has a special place in the heart of every non-veg lover. From simple fish to exotic crab, water bodies have given us plenty of options to relish upon. Every region in the country has their unique ways and recipes for preparing seafood and each of them taste amazing, due to the touch of local flavours. Fish biryani, Mangalorean prawn sukka, Malabar fish curry, fish mappas and salmon masala are some popular regional seafood dishes in India.
Seafood is not only delicious but also contains lots of essential nutrients. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and potassium. According to Healthline, adding seafood to the diet can help in keeping brain and heart healthy. It is also beneficial for preventing or treating anxiety and depression. Another amazing thing about seafood is, it is a versatile ingredient that can fit in every meal, from a light breakfast such as salmon patty sandwich to a wholesome lunch like fish curry.
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Seafood can be transformed into mouth-watering appetizers too. So, if you are planning to throw a house party in the coming days, you can definitely treat your guests with seafood appetizers. Here are seven recipes for you, give them a try:
Prawn Vadai
This non-vegetarian variety of fritters is a must try for all seafood lovers. Prawn vadai is basically lentil fritters with prawn that is crispy from outside and soft and fluffy from the inside. This recipe basically uses small or medium size prawns with their shell attached. Just make a batter of grinded urad dal and mixed spices along with the pieces of prawn and fry to a crispy perfection.
Fish Nuggets
They are crunchy, bite-sized treasures of the sea that will tantalize your taste buds for sure. Fish nuggets come in a variety of flavours and textures, from mild to bold and savoury. Apart from being delicious, they are also a healthy alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. These delectable treats are made from succulent cuts of fish that are coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Amritsari Fish Fry
Anchovy Fry
Also known as netholi fry, this crispy dish is a popular appetizer in the state of Kerala. It can be commonly found in the local households and toddy shops. Made with anchovy fish, it is very simple to prepare. The fish is marinated with some basic spices such as ginger and black pepper, then shallow fried. Anchovy fry is best served with onion rings and lemon.
Prawn Koliwada
Prawn koliwada is a popular street food of Mumbai that is best served with mint or tamarind chutney. This dish is named after the Koli community, who are known for their love for seafood. Prawn koliwada is made by marinating succulent prawns in a spiced yogurt mixture, which is then coated in a batter made from chickpea flour and spices. The prawns are then deep-fried to perfection.
Bombil Fry
As the name suggests, this traditional dish of Maharashtra is made with bombil or Bombay duck. It is the tangy and flavourful spices used in the marinade and batter, that sets bombil fry apart from other seafood recipes. To prepare it, the fish is first marinated in spices, typically including red chili powder, turmeric, and cumin. It is then coated in a batter made of chickpea flour and deep-fried to golden brown. The dish is usually served with lemon wedges and mint or coriander chutney.
Crab Tikki
Crab is an exotic seafood that is loved by every non-vegetarian and this dish is a scrumptious appetizer that is made from a mixture of crab meat, potatoes, and spices. The crab meat provides a delicate and savoury flavour, while the potatoes give the tikki a soft and slightly crispy texture. The tikki is then seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, and red chili powder, which adds a subtle heat to the dish.