Suran Phodi (Goan Yam Fritters)
Suran Phodi is a delightful Goan vegetarian dish made with the unique vegetable called Suran, also known as yam. This flavorful side dish features Suran that is coated in a spiced semolina mixture and then pan-fried to a crispy perfection. The dish is aromatic, slightly tangy, and savory, making it a perfect accompaniment to Goan curries and rice. Here is a detailed recipe for you to recreate this Goan delicacy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Suran (yam) | 250 gms |
| Tamarind paste | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Oil | 4 tbsp (for frying) |
| Semolina | 2 tbsp |
| Rice flour | 1 tbsp |
| Red chili powder (for coating) | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric powder (for coating) | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt (for coating) | 1/4 tsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 100 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Goan
Diet: Vegetarian
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Suran:
- Begin by applying coconut oil on your hands, as Suran can be quite sticky when you handle it. Peel the skin of the Suran carefully using a sharp knife.
- Once peeled, chop the Suran into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even cooking.
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-
Soak the Suran:
- In a bowl, add 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir to dissolve the salt completely.
- Add the chopped Suran into the saltwater mixture and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This process helps remove any bitterness from the Suran.
-
Wash the Suran:
- After 30 minutes, drain the water from the Suran and wash the pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt.
-
Marinate the Suran:
- Transfer the washed Suran into a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste to the Suran, mixing it well to coat the pieces evenly.
- Let the Suran marinate for another 30 minutes. The tamarind paste imparts a tangy flavor to the Suran, enhancing its taste.
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Prepare the Spices and Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt for the marination, and mix well.
- In another bowl, prepare the coating by mixing semolina, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. This mixture will give the Suran its crispy, golden coating.
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Fry the Suran:
- Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Take each piece of marinated Suran and coat it well in the semolina mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated on all sides.
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the coated Suran pieces into the pan. Cook on both sides until they become golden brown and crispy. Make sure to pour a little oil over the Suran while frying to ensure an even crispness.
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Serve:
- Once the Suran Phodi is crispy and cooked to perfection, remove the pieces from the pan and drain any excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve hot, ideally alongside a Goan Mushroom Vindaloo and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips for a Perfect Suran Phodi:
- Handling Suran: As Suran (yam) can get sticky while cutting, applying coconut oil on your hands beforehand will make it easier to handle.
- Crispy Coating: The semolina and rice flour mixture ensures a crisp and crunchy texture, but make sure to fry the Suran on medium heat for even cooking.
- Tamarind Paste: The tamarind paste adds a tangy flavor to the Suran, balancing the richness of the fried coating. You can adjust the amount of tamarind based on your preference.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Conclusion
This Suran Phodi recipe is a wonderful example of Goan cuisine, where simple ingredients come together to create something flavorful and comforting. The Suran, with its earthy texture and taste, when coated with a crispy semolina crust, offers a delightful combination that pairs perfectly with spicy curries and rice. Try this dish for a taste of Goa right in your home!
Enjoy your Suran Phodi alongside your favorite Goan dishes like Goan Mushroom Vindaloo or Goan Fish Curry, and donβt forget to serve it with some warm, fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal.
