Kaalan

കാളന്‍ 

Kaalan is a traditional Kerala dish made of yogurt/curd, coconut and one vegetable like raw plantain(vazhakka) or Ash gourd(kumbalanga) or a tuber like Yam(chena) or Colocasia(chembu). I have used raw plantain in this recipe. Kaalan is a part of Sadhya (a vegetarian feast of Kerala)


Ingredients:

Raw plantain/Vazhakka - 2
Red chilly powder - 1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Green chillies - 3 or 4, slit
Water
Salt

Shredded coconut - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Yoghurt/curd - 3/4 to 1 cup

For Seasoning
Oil
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
fenu greek seeds - 1/4 tsp
Dry Red chilly - 2
curry leaves - a sprig

Preparation:

1.Clean and cut the plantain to pieces and cook with turmeric powder,chilly powder,green chillies,water and salt till it is cooked and the water is evaporated.
2.Meanwhile grind the shredded coconut and cumin seeds to make a smooth paste.When the plantain is almost cooked add the coconut paste,combine well and cook for few more minutes.
3.Add the beaten yoghurt/curd  and combine it well. Switch off the stove immediately.
4.Heat oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds followed by fenugreek seeds.Add curry leaves and red chilly .Pour this seasoning on the kaalan .

Linking this to Kerala Kitchen July 2011 hosted by Magpie