"Traditional Thanjavur Meen Varuval Recipe
When we think of Thanjavur, what comes to mind are its majestic temples, culture, music, and paintings. But just as important is the region’s culinary heritage. Among its traditional delights, one standout is the “Thanjavur Fish Fry.”
Made with an aromatic paste of ginger, garlic, shallots, green chilies, coriander leaves, curry leaves, and a blend of spices, this dish captures the essence of Thanjavur cuisine. Once marinated and fried, the fragrance that fills your home will transport you straight to this historic land. This fish fry pairs perfectly with rice, sambar, or rasam, and once you’ve tasted it, it’s impossible to forget.
This isn’t just any fish fry—it’s a signature of Thanjavur!
Preparation Time
30–40 minutes
Serve
6–7 people
Ingredients:
- For the fish fry paste:
- Shallots – 5
- Garlic – 10 cloves
- Ginger – small piece
- Tomato – 1
- Green chili – 1
- Coriander leaves – a handful
- Curry leaves – a few sprigs
- Grated coconut – as needed
- Fish pieces – 10 large pieces
- Red chili powder – 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder – ½ tbsp
- Oil – 100 g
- Black pepper – 1 tsp
Required Cooking Equipments:
- Mixer – to make the paste
- Plate – for marinating
- Kadai/pan – for frying the fish
- Bowl – to place the fried fish
Cooking Instruction :
- First, in a mixer, grind together shallots, garlic, ginger, tomato, green chili, coriander, curry leaves, fennel seeds, pepper, and grated coconut into a fine paste.
- Separately, mix chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt with a little water to form a smooth spice mix.
- Wash the fish pieces thoroughly and coat them with both the freshly ground paste and the spice mix. Let it marinate for an hour.
- Then heat a wide pan with a generous amount of oil and shallow fry the fish pieces on medium heat. Turn them gently to avoid breaking. Add some curry leaves while frying for extra flavor.
- Your delicious Thanjavur Fish Fry is ready! The aroma alone will make your mouth water—get ready to serve and enjoy!
Serving Method:
- Serve the fish fry warm.
- Pair it with sautéed onions, lemon wedges, and a few mint leaves for added flavor.
- Goes perfectly with plain rice and sambar or rasam.
- For a festive look, garnish with fried curry leaves and onion rings.
Cooking Tips :
- Adding a bit of gram flour or rice flour gives the fish a crispy outer layer.
- Always fry the fish only after the oil is well-heated to avoid breakage.
- Flip the fish gently while frying to prevent crumbling.
Thanjavur Fish Fry isn’t just another fish recipe—it’s an elegant dish that can elevate any meal to a feast. Its irresistible aroma and unforgettable taste make it a timeless treasure from Tamil cuisine. If you’ve tried it before, you’ll be drawn back to it again. If not—now’s the time to experience this culinary gem!
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Cook's Signal
"Vannakkam! Cooking Signal was born from my love for cooking and for sharing Recipe with family and friends. My goal is to inspire and empower you to cook with confidence and to enjoy quality time with your loved ones."
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