Meen Puttu: A South Indian Classic

What exactly is meen/fish puttu? For those in the know, it’s a cherished South Indian dish made from shredded fish. Typically using shark, kingfish, or mackerel, the fish is cooked, flaked, and sautéed with fresh coconut, shallots, green or red chilies, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, turmeric, and spices. Fish puttu is usually enjoyed with rice or as part of a larger meal.

If shark isn’t your choice, you can use mackerel or another fish. It’s worth noting that the shark used in meen/fish puttu, often smaller species like "sura meen," is not the same as the large sharks used for shark fin soup. The smaller sharks used here are caught for their meat, ensuring a more sustainable approach.

I’ve made meen/fish puttu countless times, and another great option for sura meen is frying. It’s incredibly easy! Marinate the fish with turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Then, choose between deep frying for a crispy texture or a healthier oven bake or pan-fry method.

Now, let’s dive into the meen/fish puttu recipe.

Meen/Fish Puttu Recipe

Ingredients

For the Fish

A few pieces of sura meen (baby shark)

2 tsp turmeric powder

Water as needed

 

Method

Simmer the fish with 1 tsp turmeric powder and enough water.

Once the fish is cooked (do not over simmer), remove it from heat, drain the water, and let it cool.

Flake the fish, add the remaining 1 tsp turmeric powder, and mix well.

Set aside.

Other Ingredients

3 tbsp grated coconut

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp black mustard seeds

Fresh chilies (red, green, or a combination)  - sliced thinly

5 shallots - sliced thinly

1/2 inch ginger - chopped

Some curry leaves

 

Method

Combine these ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Additional Ingredients

1/2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

 

Method

Heat oil in a pan.

Sauté the bowl of ingredients (coconut, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, chilies, shallots).

Stir fry quickly.

Add the flaked fish, lime juice, and salt.

Stir a couple of times to combine all ingredients, then dish out.
Note: Do not overcook or over-stir, as it will dry out the fish flakes.

Meen/fish puttu was perfectly complemented by fried plantain (valakkai), a spicy potato sambal, and a flavorful tanni saar (sweet leaves lentil gravy).