Cherupayar Thoran | Green gram Stir Fry | Moong Bean Stir fry

Have you noticed that I have given up posting non veg recipes?? No,dear friends its just because we are observing lent and so we abstain from eating non vegetarian food.We will start to have non vegetarian dishes again on Easter.Tomorrow is Good Friday which marks the most important day of the season of Lent, when the faithful lead a frugal life shunning all luxury and physical comforts to gain spiritual strength.Good Friday is a day of prayer, penance and fasting to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.And hence the day is a very 'holy friday'.After the long Good Friday mass /service,kanji(rice gruel) is served with cherupayar thoran ,pappadam and kadumanga.This is a very ancient tradition followed in churches in Kerala.Back at home,we have the nercha kanji at church and then prepare kanji for dinner too just to participate in the mourn.So,here is a very simple recipe yet filling and satisfying recipe !!

  

Ingredients
cherupayar /green gram 1 cup
shallots sliced 10
chilly powder 1/2-3/4 tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
mustard seeds
salt to taste
curry leaves
oil 2tsp

to grind coarse/crush
grated coconut 1 /2 cup
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
garlic cloves 2-3

Method

• Wash and pressure cook the green gram in a cooker with salt and turmeric powder upto 2 whistles or till cooked on medium high heat.(The green gram shouldn't be over cooked,just tender will do)
• In the meantime,pulse/crush the coconut ,cumin seeds and garlic cloves in a blender till it comes together.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds,add in curry leaves.Saute the shallots until soft and add in the chilly powders on low flame.
• Now,add the cooked green gram (discard water if any)and add the crushed coconut mix and check salt.Give a quick toss.
• Cover and let it simmer for 3 mins on low-medium flame.The green gram blends with the spices and is ready to serve with hot steamed rice / kanji (rice gruel) !!!

Serves 3 adults

NOTES
*  The coconut mix should be blend without water and should just come together.Don't grind it smooth.
* You can even replace shallots for onion.However,shallots tastes better.

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter ahead !!!!