No Crumbs Fish Fry

Here’s a simple No Crumbs Fish Fry for those who have a problem with ants. I am sharing this in a bit of a hurry since there’s a lot that needs to be done before the festive season.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Year-end festivities or accounts reconciliation, family meetups, people travelling, marriages and what have you.

Are you all tired, excited or just kind of dreading the onslaught of madness? Really depends.

No crumbs Fish Fry was delayed

Like I started with this long pending wish list of thanking a few people for their kindness and love during this year. And sending them good wishes for the coming year.

In an inspired feeling of classic nostalgia, I dug out a few old greeting cards. Like, who sends actual physical handwritten greeting cards still? That’s what I was told.

I have a few friends in Silicon Valley who are in a focused drive to shred all documents and papers -they laughed at my crazy notion.

But hey, if you only live once, I might send this card out only once.

I never got a chance to send a baby shower card, a child’s 1st birthday, anniversary or annaprasan card. And yes, I won’t be there to send out kid’s graduation, kid’s wedding or my own funeral card. So, let’s dispense with the logic for now.

Do I cry over No crumbs Fish Fry?

Here’s a little bit of mad magic done quickly with another new kid on the block.

Do you feel a rush of colours in your life suddenly?

Remembering a bit of what you have done over the last 2 years, unerringly posting for almost 90 weeks on this blog, 410 videos/shorts on Youtube and let’s not even count other social media platforms.

Done with the help of a couple of kids here and there. Sometimes a few friends or family members helped. All in their free time- as and when they had the will, the space or mood to do so.

That’s how it goes in every new venture which is borne out of a vision of nobody.

Not even those who are in it are entirely clear what’s happening.

Well, did parents get a manual for their kids that were entrusted to them? No. So, I have no clue either. Who is this Nobody?

Mummy, Aar na- No Crumbs Fish Fry

This baby after 3 years of dreaming and imagining is beginning to crawl, babble and I am shit scared. Going in all possible directions and getting trampled by bigger bullies. What do you do?

You start by reigning in the fear. And take a step back to see what exactly this little exercise has taught you.

I decided to try the India post services.

1. Postal services suck- especially to overseas locations
2. Printing is quicker and cheaper
3. Other stationary required can be procured easily- such as envelopes, pens, etc
4. Bummer-Posting it across the world is expensive and cumbersome

1. India post requires a long list of supporting documents- Aadhar card copies, local address proof copies, form “undertaking DDP”, payment in cash only and sometimes information is provided in little nuggets requiring multiple visits
2. Their server maybe down occasionally- there are helpful eateries around for you to spend some time waiting or wailing
3. Work timing is limited so if you are in an emergency rush- you will obviously avail of more expensive options. These are likely to reach later or faster depending upon how much you are willing to pay
4. Good news- local posting across India is simpler and significantly cheaper.
5. Tested it out through a few deliveries here. Does that help you?

No Crumbs Fish Fry- Am I Dumb?

Now, when I sat back and calculated in my usual entrepreneurial style (daughter of an accountant- back of the envelope kind of quick numbers)- I thought, I could have had a relaxing holiday in a nice spa/resort instead.

Choices choices.

Was that even an option? Think about it. If you are a single mom of a 3-year-old with a missing husband/partner and uncaring in laws/family, would you be taking care of the child or would you be holidaying in Greece? How’s that analogy?

Yet, we hear- about how negative we are and unable to work with others to provide solutions.

Here’s my solution and also my problem. I do the work instead of waiting for others who are sitting or standing and waiting for solutions.

Reversing irreversible decisions

Like, do you have a problem with space and excess of “objects” in your home that you are not particularly attached to in your life? Do help share them with those who really need them.

Like say, the artists who painstakingly created them in the first place. From whom you usurped callously without much payment.

I have an example of this- in my latest video of this recipe vlog (see below). I have callously lifted an old recording shared earlier by a dear friend without her permission. That wasn’t shared with a business motivation but let’s go with the analogy for now as another little experiment.

Will she and her band feel happy about it? I don’t know. They are not a famous band with a big group of lawyers and record labels. So- does that change the context?

While I was in the various rounds of my visits to the post office, I saw a lady sending a greeting card and a pen to someone in Kuwait.

A few young 20 somethings sending a care package to an orphanage. I thought of checking that orphanage first.

Usual uncharitable thought- I don’t know them. I don’t know where that stuff will go finally. But then I think, if I don’t need it or want it- how does it matter, where it goes? Is it irresponsible or uncaring to think like this? Will it actually be a source of joy or a bigger headache for the recipient?

Anyhow, sending a simple greeting card doesn’t need so much of overthinking. I move along, get some documents photocopied and find a cafe to make some changes to the envelopes and supporting documents.

Delayed Lunch or Brunch

A few others are sitting in the cafe and attending to calls or having their meetings in little corners.

Upama was my first choice with Sulaimani tea (dairyfree). Then I asked for parathas.

That cafe had no parathas but had plenty of mini podi idlis with a tiny measly bowl of chutney. I noticed but didn’t ask for more. I had a pizza the previous day when I had gone for printing the cards. Another impulsive indulgence.

Pointed reminder to me that irrespective of what stood out in our YouTube channel in 2024, year-end of 2025 has called out for a little change in the food choices. (See how your options are forcibly manipulated. ;))

It so happens that I’m a foodie who likes all kinds of foods. So, I had some tea, finished my work and left quietly.

Only to return the next day to the post office to face some more disappointment in life.

I fried the No Crumbs Fish Fry

When stress builds up- do you eat more? (I tend to eat more).

Like once I had that pizza- wham! The very next day I was putting lots of cheese on every breakfast topping. Have you seen what happens next after 2 weeks of carbs and cheese laden meals?

Hmmm….

I have to tell many people that I can’t be in 50 places at the same time. That’s what happens when you don’t have a burning issue. Like for example, why is the frigging card delivery so difficult and expensive!

Fish Fry is not everyone’s favorite

My friend is trying to cheer me up. She compliments my hair and saree though I feel like shit. That saree is an old Dhakai saree with multiple spots all over (too old to be upcycled) which I got as a “gift” from my mother. It so happens that I still wore it.

Now, accepting less than what you deserve in life- is that a pattern?

Sure. Ask my husband and in laws more about it. They are willing parties to this abuse of a woman they buttered up earlier to extract and abuse.

You want a Feminist Manifesto- check my unfulfilled bucket list. I do not have the means to do so. My husband and in laws stole and did it instead.

Funny?

No dear- it’s not funny.

It’s not even remotely amusing. But somehow- I’m still asked to be the one bearing the brunt of all the injustices and the jibes while they send letters about respect.

Why am I so negative? Interesting question.

Someone who keeps rising up every day at the crack of dawn and works through the week and weekends is negative. Then possibly, I need to be negative to help others be positive.

Alternate is to disappear into thin air so that people don’t have to deal with opinions or perspectives different from theirs. Works?

I tried the No Crumbs Fish Fry

Ok- let’s get to the fish fry now. Perhaps, this is a more positive outlet for sharing messages of love, peace and festivities.

Crumbs are not a problem for some. But maybe a huge problem for others. Personally, I like all kinds of fish fry. Of course I love Classic breadcrumbed Homestyle Fish Fry.

But this simple batter fried one with hardly any coating is the best kind -it is so easy to make!

The flavour of the fish shines through and you can make it very quickly in less than 10mins. It goes well with rice, fried rice or you can have it just on its own.

A good fish is important. Any tasty fresh good quality boneless fish fillet will do. I recommend bhetki/barramundi.

This one I made with Himalayan Freshwater Trout.

I have fond memories of having trout for the first time as a child when we travelled to Kulu Manali on a family holiday. That was also our first experience of taking a flight. It may be a small thing today for many- was a HUUGE deal for us back then as kids.

Roadblocks for every tiny step ahead

Did I tell you that I tried to order this fish multiple times before, but I couldn’t do it.

I hesitated several times thinking it’s too expensive. My order got cancelled two times. Three is a lucky charm for some.

I don’t recommend it for everyday cooking because it is still very expensive. But perhaps its ok for special occasions and in limited quantity for most people. So definitely this was a memorable celebratory meal– yes, a rare one.

Pity, I couldn’t share it with the people I wanted to share it with. Funny how our thinking changes. I used to feel nothing buying salmon, cod, halibut, everything at double the price earlier. Now I see others and think twice.

Like I said, some things are unforgettable.

And I had this trout fish just to remember another big deal. 50 years is a long time for a person to have survived in this cruel world. Will I live up to 50? I don’t know.

I celebrate quite a few people’s birthdays in November. My aunt turned 79. We await her 80th birthday. Strange how my life is littered with births and deaths in November.

Crying over No Crumbs Fish Fry

I don’t get to be with some of them anymore. But they are there vividly in my memory like the colours on this card.

I shared them as recipe cards- an old classic thing. We don’t do that anymore, I think. Like you got these little cards in various games you played as a child- Pictionary, Taboo, Dumb charades, etc. 🙂

I don’t think many people will use these cards, but I send it out as a little souvenir of how much I learnt through fun (some of it was not so fun actually) over many years of my life. I hope they did too.

So, I just cut the fish fillet into smaller pieces. This one has a couple of thin long bones in between. But its ok.

Marinate with seasoning- salt, pepper and lemon juice. Rub a few simple herbs & spices like ginger garlic paste, if you like it. Coat with a little bit of flour. I kept it overnight- but you don’t need to do that. You can fry it straight away. Or you can just bake it.

No Woman No Cry- No Crumbs Fish Fry

After marinating in the fridge, take it out and let it come to room temperature before frying.

This one doesn’t need to be deep fried. Can be pan fried and needs lesser oil. So that’s one advantage over the other recipe shared earlier. Here’s an old example of another fish fry made with cod or halibut without any coating.

The egg wash batter can be made thicker with more corn flour. But I don’t like that. So, this is a very simple fish fry recipe. I served it with some Black Beans Mushroom Fried Rice. Tasted really delicious. I highly recommend it.

Hope some of you try it and do share your thoughts, queries and feedback in the comments below.

One lingering thought for the road. I’m curious- how many people like fish or eat fish? Have you tried Himalayan freshwater trout fish before?

Footnote

Mr Postman, I have a letter for you

Are you tired of humans and prefer solitude?

Do you wish the whole world was an aesthetic wonder

Beauty and peace wherever you go

Alas my friend you don’t travel to and fro

Because then the differences are starker

The perspectives sometimes darker

Depends on which side of the railway line you cross

Or perhaps you choose not to bother

Not to delve into mundane topics that are gross

Like who does the work free of cost

And yet gets to hear- woman you are so lost!

People treated like objects

Or objects treated as bigger and greater subjects

Dearly beloved of many here and there

Do take a look at what should I send across

To make people really care.

I am sharing a few brighter sides of this world

None of us are fools to believe –

There’s nothing else that is ugly, dirty, chaotic or rough.

But do you want that in your home and kitchen as well?

Or do you wish for a little place of peace

And a few moments of feeling like

“This is home- This is warm and safe

This is full of my stories of my people’s

Little daily acts of being Santa’s elf or gnome?”

I walked away replaced by a helper

The choice was my husband’s and his parents

He is a fully grown adult and so are they

Nobody cared- nobody bothered to see

Which was for me the safest and best way.

And yet, they demand respect. So, I choose to send it

Through you Mr. Postman. May you deliver it

In the best manner possible to everyone else

Who helped me to survive and live

While they slept or watched TV

And looked for respect elsewhere.

Love is a far cry- I don’t get even a basic nod

Of grudging acknowledgment

For years of having believed in their lies

Worked to feed them, clothe them and given them

Shelter, comforts, gifts and luxuries.

Is this fair? No, it’s not. Which is why I say-

Do not wait for this task till May.

Melting Lemon Drop 30. 11. 2025