Kalan | Kaya Kaalan | Raw Plantain Curry (Kerala Style)

Nendrakai Kalan is a rich delicious curry mainly served in sadyas(vegetarian traditional feast) during Onam,Vishu or marriages.This is a coconut & yogurt based curry that serves best with steamed rice.The main spice flavors in this curry is from the pepper powder and green chillies.There are many variations to kalan like kurukku kalan ,katti kalan,etc.I love all coconut & yogurt based curries with rice ,its a complete satisfying meal and so is this recipe.As Keralites have Vishu(Kerala festival) coming up next month,this recipe can be a helping guide to many who wish to prepare their own at home.Enjoy making this at home !!!

Ingredients
plantain 2
pepper powder 1 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
salt
ghee 2 tsp
fenugreek powder 1/4 tsp
sour yogurt 2 cups
to grind
coconut grated 1 cup
green chillies 3
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
to temper
mustard seeds 1 tsp
dry red chillies2-3
curry leaves
coconut oil 2 tsp

Method

• Peel and chop the plantains in cubes,leave soaked in water.
• Mix the pepper powder in 1 1/2 cups water and sieve the mixture.Pour this mixture in a pan and add turmeric powder.
• Add the chopped plantain and bring to a boil.Let it cook till tender about 7-8 mins.Add few curry leaves.
• Add salt once it gets cooked and simmer the heat.Add in the yogurt and mix well.(Keep stirring or else will curdle)
• In the meantime,grind the coconut,cumin seeds & green chillies to a smooth paste.Add this paste to the pan and let one or two bubbles appear at the surface.Put off heat,add in the fenugreek powder and ghee.
• In another pan,heat oil.Splutter mustard seeds.Add the curry leaves and dry red chillies.Put off flame and add the seasoning to the curry.
• Serve warm with rice!!

Servings ~ 4-5 adults

NOTES'
* The yogurt should be sour,otherwise it may not bring out the actual flavors in the curry.
* Adding fenugreek powder enhances the flavors of the curry.
* You can even add chopped yam to this curry.But yam takes lesser time to cook so add accordingly .
* Keep the flame low,once you add the yogurt or else it may curdle.
* Add a piece of yam too if you have, which adds to the consistency and taste.