Prawns / Chemmeen Peera(Shrimps With Shredded Coconut)Kerala Style

Prawns is the most popular seafood in the world especially in Kerala.They are extremely good source of proteins and also contains high levels of vitamins that are essential for healthy skin,bones and teeth.

 
In Kerala, many variety of dishes are made with prawns,like prawns theeyal,prawns biryani,prawns cutlet.....options are endless.Meen peera can be prepared using small fish like anchovies(Netholi),prawns(Chemmeen)or occassionly using small sardines too!!! I had peera of seer fish(Ney meen)once and have heard people say that even tuna can be used.So basically what I learnt is that there is no hard and fast rule as to which fish to be used for Peera!!!

It's an authentic Kerala style dry dish with all spices,small onions,ginger,garlic,green chillies,curry leaves,shredded  coconut mixed with kudampuli and fish like prawns,kozhuva anchoives(Netholi) and sardines.If you are using big fish, it will be better if you de-bone the fish before preparing it.Fish peera tastes best when prepared in an earthen pot.
This is a very easy recipe-less time,less oil,less spice...

Ingredients:

1. Prawns/chemmeen-500gm,cleaned and deveined
2. Grated coconut-1cup
3. Small onions-15-20,sliced
4. Green chillies-3-5,minced
5. Ginger-1''piece,finely chopped
6. Garlic-3-5 small cloves,sliced
7. Curry leaves-2-3sprigs
8. Kudampuli(kokum)-3-4 medium sized pieces
9. Chilly powder-2tbsp(add according to your tolerance level)
10. Turmeric powder-1/4tsp
11. Mustard seeds-1/2tsp
12. Fenugreek seeds-1/4tsp
13. Coconut oil-as required
14. Salt to taste 

 Method:

1. Clean and wash prawns thoroughly.
2. Wash and soak the kudampuli in 1/2 cup of water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Combine prawns with  ginger,garlic,green chillies,small onions,curry leaves,kudampuli(and the water in which it was soaked),grated coconut,turmeric powder and chilly powder.
4. Heat coconut oil in an earthen pot.Splutter mustard seeds followed by fenugreek seeds.Add combined fish mixture along with salt and water to this.Don't add too much water because prawns has moisture content.
5. Cover and cook on medium-low heat,stirring occasionally to make sure the prawns doesn't stick to the bottom of the vessel.Open the lid and allow excess water to evaporate.
6. Cooking time will depend on the type of fish used.
7. Prawns need more cooking time.It takes around 15-20minutes.
8. Drizzle 1tbsp of coconut oil over the fish peera and stir.Remove from flame.Keep covered until ready to serve.

NOTES:

1. You can also cook prawns first with kokum,turmeric powder,salt in little water.
2. You can use few pieces of raw mangoes for sourness instead of kudampuli/kokum also. 
3. Any type of fish can be use for 'Peera'.But small fish like anchovies(Netholi-Uzuva)or sardines can also use for this Kerala style recipe.
4. Using coconut oil gives an authentic flavor and aroma to this dish,but you can use any type of cooking oil.
5. Adjust the spices according to your spice tolerance level. 

 

 Serve tasty 'Meen Peera' with warm Rice and Enjoy.....

Happy Cooking!!!