Meen Peera (Fish with Grated Coconut)

Meen Peera is a traditional Kerala dish popular in central Kerala where I am from. The preparation is very similar to thoran, made with fish instead of vegetables, and fish tamarind (kudampuli) added for sourness. This dish is usually made with the small varieties of whole fresh water fish available in Kerala. Since cleaning small fish is such a pain, you could always use fish filets in this recipe, which is what I’ll be doing after my mom leaves. But this time we picked up some smelt from the Asian market, and the taste was very authentic!

Ingredients

• 1 lb smelt or some other small variety (or use filets cut into small pieces)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
• salt to taste
• 1.5 cups grated coconut
• 2 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp diced garlic
• 10-12 green chillies (or to taste)
• 2-3 pieces kudampuli (fish tamarind/cocum)
• a few curry leaves
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• For Seasoning
  • 1.5 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp thinly sliced shallots
  • 2-3 dry red chillies
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • a few curry leaves

Method

• Soak the kudampuli in a cup of water for about 15 minutes.
• Place all the ingredients including the fish in a deep earthenware vessel or a heavy bottomed pan. Add the soaked kudampuli along with the water to the vessel and mix well.
• Bring the contents to a boil, and cook on medium heat with the lid on till the fish pieces are cooked through.
• Remove the lid and heat till most of the liquid is absorbed.
• In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the shallots, red chillies and curry leaves and saute till the onions start to brown.
• Add the fish mixture to the pan and saute till completely dry.
• Serve warm with rice.

 

Reminder

Remember, the fruit of the month is Lychee!  Have you figured out what to make with Lychees yet? Check out this post for some recipe ideas and details on how to participate!You have till the 25th to come up with a recipe!

 

That’s it folks. We are off to Niagara Falls and Toronto tomorrow. Well, it is an unwritten rule that all Indian parents visiting the US have to see the Niagara Falls. I am totally not into sightseeing trips, but we did this last year with the in-laws, and I have to say it was an impressive sight!  Anyway, I’ll see you all early next week!

Happy Independence Day!

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Category: India - Kerala, Seafood, Side Dish - Dry