SURA PUTTU - SHREDDED SHARK STIR-FRY

     If asked for one popular regional cuisine from South India, most of us would end up saying Chettinad Cuisine.  Chettiar Community - A much-travelled community from time immemorial, travelled all the way spreading the legendary hospitable nature of their community along with their cuisine. They can also take the pride in bringing along with them the influences from abroad. Chettinaad kitchens (mostly a joint family system) were/are a community affair and matter of pride for the women in the family.  Converting every meal into an elaborate venture, with varied dishes both Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian.  The traditional dishes of Chettinad Cuisine leave an indelible mark and takes a special place of its own in Indian Cuisine.
     Sura Puttu is a flaky fish dish that is light and flavorful on the palate. The best fish to use for this recipe is Shark/Sura/Sravu, but can also be prepared with any other Fish Slices. Steam cooked Shark Slices are shredded and then seasoned with mild spices for Sura Puttu. Traditionally Sura Puttu is served with White Rice, Fish Curry or Rasam. Though there are different versions of Sura Puttu, this is a Chettinad style recipe.



Cuisine - Chettinad (Tamilnadu, South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30-45  Minutes

HOW TO COOK SURA PUTTU - SHREDDED SHARK STIR-FRY

 

INGREDIENTS:

To Marinate the Fish:

Shark Fish - 500 Gms
Salt - To Taste
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Tspn

For Seasoning:

Fennel Seeds - 1/4 Tspn
Cumin Seeds -1/4 Tspn
Dry Red Chillies - 1 No.
Curry Leaves - a Sprig
Onions - 2 Nos.
Green Chillies - 4 Nos.
Garlic - 2-3 Cloves
Ginger - 1" Piece
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Coriander Powder - 1/2 Tspn(Optional)
Coconut - 1/2 Cup
Oil - 1 Tbspn

METHOD :

To Marinate and Steam Cook the Shark Fish:

• Clean and wash the Shark Fish chunks. Allow it to drain in a Colander.
• Marinate the Shark Fish chunks with a dash of Salt and Turmeric Powder, leave this aside for 10-15 Minutes.
• Steam cook the marinated Shark Fish chunks for about 8-10 Minutes.
• Switch off the flame once the fish is well cooked and allow it to cool.
• Remove the skin and bones from the Shark fish(If any).
• Using a fork shred the Shark Fish chunks into flakes and keep it aside.

For Sura Puttu - Shredded Shark Stir-fry:

• Heat Oil in a Pan, splutter Fennel Seeds and Cumin Seeds on a low flame.
• Immediately add Dry Red Chillies, Curry Leaves and give a quick Stir.
• Add finely chopped Onions, Garlic, Ginger and Green Chillies to the above.
• Saute the ingredients until Onions turn translucent.
• Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Coriander Seeds Powder and fry on a low flame until aromatic.
• Add shredded Shark Fish to the masala and mix well.
• Cook this on a low flame until the masala is well coated to fish flakes and the raw flavour goes.
• Finally, add grated Coconut to the Sura Puttu and fry for a while on a low flame.
• Cook Sura Puttu on a low flame until it is dry.
• Switch off the flame and garnish the Sura Puttu with finely chopped Coriander Leaves.
• Serve Sura Puttu with Steamed White Rice and any curry of your choice.
• Can be served as a side dish for Rice, Fish Curry or Rasam.

NOTES :

• I have steam cooked the marinated fish and then shredded the fish slices into flakes discarding the bones and skin. 
• Can use any fish variety with thick flesh for Sura Puttu Recipe.
• Adjust the amount of spices to suit your spice preference.