Senai Kizhangu Gotsu Recipe – Spicy & Tangy Yam Curry Recipe
Senai Kizhangu Gotsu, a traditional South Indian dish from Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant and flavorful curry made from elephant yam, which is pressure-cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce. This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy the wonderful benefits of yam, a cooling root vegetable that helps combat colds and flu, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal during cooler seasons. Rich in spices and seasonings, it’s a dish that brings out the best of Tamil cuisine. Serve it with rice, idli, or dosas for a fulfilling and nutritious meal.
Ingredients for Senai Kizhangu Gotsu Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig (roughly torn) |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/2 cup (quartered) |
| Tomatoes | 2 (roughly chopped) |
| Elephant Yam (Suran/Senai/Ratalu) | 200 grams (peeled and chopped) |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~100 |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Fat | ~5 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugars | ~4 g |
Instructions for Senai Kizhangu Gotsu Recipe
-
Prepare Ingredients
Start by prepping all the ingredients: peel and chop the elephant yam (senai/kizhangu) into small pieces, quarter the pearl onions, chop the tomatoes roughly, and set the spices and tamarind water aside. -
-
Tempering the Spices
Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and methi seeds to the hot oil, allowing them to crackle and release their flavors. Once the seeds start to splutter, add the curry leaves and sauté them for a few seconds. -
Sautéing the Aromatics
Add the quartered pearl onions to the cooker and sauté them until they become lightly tender and aromatic. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the curry. -
Cooking the Yam
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the cooker and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften. Add the chopped yam pieces, tamarind water, sambar powder, and jaggery to the cooker. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated in the spices. -
Pressure Cooking
Add about 1/2 cup of water to the mixture to create some moisture. Close the pressure cooker lid, set the heat to low, and cook for 3 whistles. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. -
Final Adjustments
Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and give the curry a good stir. Check for salt and spices, adjusting them to your taste preferences. You can add more jaggery or tamarind water if you’d like a sweeter or tangier flavor. -
Serving
Serve the Senai Kizhangu Gotsu hot, along with your choice of Ven Pongal, steamed rice, or dosa for a wholesome lunch or dinner. This dish pairs well with any type of South Indian rice preparation or as a side dish for idli or dosas.
Tips for Best Results:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of sambar powder and use a pinch of jaggery to balance the flavors.
- Yam Substitutes: If elephant yam is unavailable, you can substitute with other types of root vegetables like sweet potato or regular yam, though the taste may slightly vary.
- Customize the Tanginess: Tamarind water is a key ingredient in this dish, but you can substitute it with lemon juice for a different tangy twist.
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but ensure you use oil in place of ghee if you wish to keep it vegan.
Why You Should Try Senai Kizhangu Gotsu:
This comforting dish is not just delicious but also incredibly healthy, with the natural cooling properties of yam combined with the power-packed spices of Tamil cuisine. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it a delight for your taste buds. Furthermore, it’s an easy-to-make recipe with minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as part of a leisurely Sunday lunch with family and friends.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Tamil cuisine or someone looking to experiment with new flavors, Senai Kizhangu Gotsu offers a nutritious and flavorful option that will surely impress.
