Chettinad Pattani Kurma Recipe: Chettinad Peas Curry
Introduction:
Chettinad Pattani Kurma, a flavorful dish from the Chettinad region, is a perfect example of the vibrant and aromatic spices that characterize South Indian cuisine. This soulful curry blends freshly ground coconut masala with roasted spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom to create a rich and fragrant base. The addition of tender green peas, combined with a crispy curry leaf tempering, makes this dish both comforting and full of flavor. This Chettinad Peas Curry is a great option for dinner, especially when paired with traditional accompaniments like Malabar Parotta and a refreshing Cucumber Pineapple Raw Mango Salad.
Ingredients:
| For Coconut Masala | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Roasted Gram Dal (Pottukadalai) | 1 tablespoon |
| Poppy Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch, roughly chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, roughly chopped |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| For the Kurma | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions), finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 |
| Tamarind Water | 1/2 cup |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Serves:
- 4-5 people
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Coconut Masala:
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds, pottukadalai (roasted gram dal), poppy seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, and cardamom. Roast them for a few seconds until you hear the seeds crackle, and the fragrance of the spices fills the air.
- Add the garlic, ginger, green chilies, and fresh coconut to the pan. Lightly roast the mixture until the coconut turns a golden brown.
- Turn off the heat and let the roasted spices and coconut cool. Once cooled, transfer the ingredients into a blender or mixer jar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder and a little warm water to blend everything into a smooth paste. Set this coconut masala aside for later use.
-
-
Cook the Green Peas:
- In a pressure cooker, add the green peas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles. Once done, release the pressure immediately to preserve the vibrant green color of the peas.
-
Make the Chettinad Pattani Kurma:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the finely chopped pearl onions and sautรฉ them until they soften and turn golden brown.
- Add 2 sprigs of curry leaves and finely chopped tomato. Continue sautรฉing until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
- When the onion-tomato mixture has combined well, add the prepared coconut masala, cooked green peas, and salt to taste.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of tamarind water along with additional water to achieve your preferred consistency for the kurma. Traditionally, kurma is slightly thick, but you can adjust the water to your liking.
- Bring the curry to a brisk boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Turn off the heat once the kurma reaches the desired consistency.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Chettinad Pattani Kurma hot, garnished with a sprig of curry leaves. This dish pairs wonderfully with Malabar Parotta or steamed rice. You can also complement it with a side of Cucumber Pineapple Raw Mango Salad for a refreshing and well-rounded meal.
Tips for Perfecting Chettinad Pattani Kurma:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to control the spice level. Chettinad dishes are known for their bold flavors, but you can tone it down if you prefer a milder curry.
- Tamarind Water: The addition of tamarind gives this kurma a tangy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for sourness.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker kurma, reduce the water slightly during cooking, or if you want a more soupy consistency, feel free to add more water.
This Chettinad Pattani Kurma is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together a perfect balance of flavors, from the aromatic spices to the richness of the coconut masala. The addition of peas provides both texture and a natural sweetness, making this curry a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the authentic taste of Chettinad cuisine!
