Kurukku Kaalan Recipe – A Kerala Delicacy
Kurukku Kaalan is a traditional dish from the beautiful state of Kerala, known for its aromatic flavors and delightful textures. This vegetarian dish, often served as a side, features raw bananas simmered in a yogurt-based gravy, enhanced by a rich coconut-spiced paste and tempered with a fragrant mix of spices. Its mildly tangy and creamy taste pairs perfectly with rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Kerala meal.
Ingredients for Kurukku Kaalan:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw banana (kacha kela) | 2 (peeled and chopped) |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Curd (yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Red chili powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Green chilies | 2 (slit) |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Coconut oil | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | ½ tsp |
| Fenugreek seeds | ⅛ tsp |
| Dry red chilies | 2 (broken) |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4
Cuisine:
- Cuisine: Kerala (South Indian)
Course:
- Course: Side Dish
Diet:
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Kurukku Kaalan:
-
Pressure Cook the Raw Banana:
Begin by placing the chopped raw bananas, turmeric powder, curry leaves, salt, and ¼ cup of water into a pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook it for about 2 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally, which will help the bananas soften.
“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
-
Add Curd and Red Chili Powder:
Once the cooker cools down, open it and add the curd (yogurt) and red chili powder. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients into a smooth consistency. Set this aside. -
Prepare the Coconut Paste:
In a mixer grinder, combine the grated coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds. Grind these ingredients together into a fine paste. This coconut mixture will add depth and richness to the dish. -
Add the Coconut Paste to the Cooked Banana:
Now, add the ground coconut paste to the cooked banana mixture in the pressure cooker. Stir everything well and let it boil on medium heat. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, ensuring that all the flavors blend together. -
Tempering the Dish:
While the curry is boiling, heat coconut oil in a small tempering pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and broken dry red chilies. Let the seeds splutter for about 15 to 20 seconds. Turn off the heat as the tempering releases its aromatic flavors. -
Add the Tempering to the Kurukku Kaalan:
Pour the hot tempering into the boiling kurukku kaalan. Stir gently to combine the tempering with the curry. This final touch adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the dish. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve the warm Kurukku Kaalan with steamed rice, beetroot thoran (a Kerala-style stir-fried beetroot dish), pachadi (a yogurt-based cucumber salad), and crispy papads for a complete and satisfying Kerala meal.
Tips for Perfecting Kurukku Kaalan:
- Consistency: The consistency of the gravy can be adjusted by adding more or less water while cooking the bananas. The gravy should be thick and creamy but not too runny.
- Curd: Use fresh, thick curd (yogurt) for the best flavor and texture.
- Coconut Paste: Grinding the coconut with cumin and green chilies ensures the paste is fragrant and smooth. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies as per your taste.
- Tempering: The tempering adds a final layer of flavor to the dish, so be sure to let the spices splutter in hot oil before adding them to the curry for maximum aroma.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Conclusion:
Kurukku Kaalan is a wonderfully satisfying Kerala side dish that combines the earthy flavors of raw banana with the rich, creamy texture of curd and coconut. The tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, and fenugreek gives it a delightful aromatic touch, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic South Indian cuisine. Whether paired with rice or enjoyed with a traditional Kerala meal, this dish promises to elevate your dining experience with its unique flavors.
