Fish Patties - Meen Vadai

It has been a real hectic week with one of the kids falling sick and the other one having a sleepover at her kindergarten. I've never had a sleepover in all my life and when my little one's kindergarten said that they had a sleepover as a part of their farewell,I was a bit sceptical.But her enthusiasm was so contagious that I had to give in.It was fun to watch the almost 6 year old kids standing excitedly with their torch lights and backpacks,and the parents standing tiredly nearby with their makeshift beds.A part of me was happy when my little girl said 'Mummy leave I'm fine' and a part of me was also sad that she's suddenly all grown up and didn't say 'Mummy stay'.Having studied at the same school from kindergarten for 14 years,I find the system here a bit strange.The kids go to kindergarten for 3 years,then they move on to a Primary school for 4 years after which depending on their capabilities and accomplishments they move to different schools until they get to college.I am somehow convinced that most of the deep lasting friendships start in school and when the kids have to keep moving from one school to another, it would be difficult to find and hold on to a friendship.Not to mention the language and cultural barriers that they face with the kids coming from different countries.But on the other hand I guess it would also make them more adaptable and tougher.It's difficult being a parent, a part of you wants them to be tough and independent,and there's this other part which wishes that they'll always need you.Guess it's a long journey,the only way to keep going is to take one step at a time !

Coming to the recipe,this is an all time favourite at home .This is one starter that I prepare when I have guests coming over as it's easy to make and definitely a hit !

Makes 12 - 14

You'll Need:

Tuna or any bone less fish - 200 g (boiled and mashed)

Potatoes - 3 big (boiled,peeled,mashed)

Onion - 1/2 a medium one (finely chopped)

Ginger (grated) - 1/2 tsp(heaped)

Garlic (grated) - 1/2 tsp(heaped)

Green Chillies(finely chopped) - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves(finely chopped) - 1 tbsp

Curry leaves(finely chopped) - 1 tbsp

Garam Masala Powder - 1/2 tsp

Red Chilli powder - 1/4 tsp

Pepper Powder  - 1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Salt as needed

Oil as needed

Method:
-Boil,peel and mash the potatoes.
-If using fresh fish:Clean,boil and mash the fish as well.Boil the fish with a little water and then simmer until all the water evaporates.If using Tinned fish u can directly drain the oil or water in it and use it.
-In a pan heat the oil and when it heats up splutter the ginger,garlic and green chillies.When they are slightly browned,add the onions and saute until they turn soft.
-Now add the powders,curry leaves and coriander leaves along with salt and mix well.Saute for another 2 - 3 minutes.Take it off the stove.
-Add the finely grated potatoes and mix well.Then add the fish and mix well.Check for salt ,adding more as needed.
-Shape the mixture into small round patties.
-Heat a little oil in a fat pan and shallow fry the patties turning them carefully after 4 minutes on each side.
-You can also deep fry them in oil or just smear some oil on them and bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 15 minutes,turning them over once after 8 - 10 minutes.

 Note:
If you wish to make cutlets,dip the patties in egg(one egg well beaten with a fork) and roll them on bread crumbs and fry them.

Thanks for stopping by ! Have a nice day !