Spicy Chettinad Yam Stir Fry (Senai Kizhangu Varuval)

Senai Kizhangu Varuval Recipe – Spicy Chettinad Style Yam Stir Fry

Senai Kizhangu Varuval, also known as Spicy Chettinad Style Yam Stir Fry, is a popular South Indian dish that combines the earthy flavor of yam with a medley of spices, creating a crunchy and flavorful treat. The yam is sliced thinly, shallow-fried to a crisp, and seasoned with aromatic spices like turmeric, red chili, and coriander. A sprig of curry leaves adds an authentic touch, making this dish a perfect combination of health and taste. The best part? It’s not deep-fried, making it a lighter and healthier option for a satisfying snack or side dish.

Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 3–4

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yam:
   Start by washing and peeling the elephant yam (Suran/Senai/Ratalu). Cut it into thin slices, ensuring that they are uniform in size for even cooking. In a small mixing bowl, combine the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Toss the sliced yam with this spice mixture, ensuring that each slice is coated evenly. Season with salt to taste.

2. Shallow Fry the Yam:
   Heat a flat-bottomed pan over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned yam slices in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the slices for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove the yam slices from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

3. Toss with Curry Leaves:
   In the same pan, add a few more drops of oil if necessary. Add the curry leaves and let them splutter for a few seconds. This releases the aromatic flavors of the curry leaves, which are a key ingredient in Chettinad cooking. Add the fried yam slices to the pan and toss everything together gently, allowing the crispy curry leaves to coat the yam slices.

4. Serve:
   Once everything is well mixed, remove from the heat and transfer the Senai Kizhangu Varuval to a serving dish. This dish can be served as a side with your favorite South Indian meal. It pairs wonderfully with Thandu Keerai Sambar and Steamed Rice, making for a delightful lunch box meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Chettinad Style Yam Stir Fry makes for a great accompaniment to any South Indian meal. You can also enjoy it as a snack or serve it alongside other vegetable dishes for a wholesome meal. The crispy texture of the yam combined with the aromatic spices and curry leaves makes this dish irresistibly flavorful and a perfect addition to your lunch table.

Enjoy this healthier version of a crispy, spice-filled treat, and indulge in the traditional flavors of South India!