Kaplanga(Omakka) Moru curry | Thayir Kachiyathu | Raw Papaya in Buttermilk

Raw Papaya in buttermilk / Kaplanga moru curry is a very simple yogurt based curry that is served mainly with rice. It has subtle flavors and is a very traditional recipe frequently made in all Keralite homes.This curry can be made with other vegetables like vellarika(cucumber) or kumbalanga(ash gourd).Moru curry can be made without vegetables too.But here kids love it with some vegetables,adds a nice crunch.This was a regular curry at home and my cousins even called this 'yellow moru(butter milk)'.Do give it a try if you haven't and enjoy with steamed rice !!!

Ingredients
raw papaya,peeled &diced about 1 cup
yogurt beaten 1 cup
water 3/4 cup
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
fenugreek/methi/uluva powder 1/4 tsp
green chillies 3-4 sliced
ginger shredded 1" piece shredded
garlic cloves 3-4 shredded
shallots/kunjulli 3-4 chopped fine
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
curry leaves a sprig
salt to taste
oil 2-3 tsp

Method
-Beat the yogurt and then blend with water to make thin buttermilk.Keep aside.
-Heat a wide pan or kadai.Splutter mustard seeds,add curry leaves followed by ginger,garlic,green chillies & shallots.Saute till shallots turn translucent.
-Add in turmeric powder and fenugreek powder,saute half a minute.
-Add the diced papaya and add 1/4 cup water.Add salt required for the raw papaya pieces,cover and cook till the raw papaya pieces turn tender and water is absorbed.(takes about 5-7 minutes on low medium flame)
-Add the buttermilk on low flame and keep stirring till its heated(don't bring to boil).Remove from heat else it will curdle. OR Heat the butter milk in another pan with turmeric powder and heat it.Switch off flame and add the cooked raw papaya pieces with the temperings.Stir well.
-Add salt once cooled or leukwarm.Serve with steamed rice !!!!

NOTES
* Don't bring the buttermilk to a boil as it may curdle.Also,add this on low flame.
* You can add other veggies like vellarika/cucumber, ash gourd or just make plain moru curry without any veggies as well,tastes good.
* You can even temper the curry at the end after cooking the raw papaya pieces separately in a pan with turmeric powder and salt.
* You can even add fenugreek seeds instead of fenugreek powder if you don't have.
* If you wish to spice it more,add 1/2 tsp chilly powder too.I usually omit that."

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