Kerala special kaalan/kalan (with raw plantain)

Kaalan is a popular Kerala dish. It's very easy to make. Check out this simple recipe. Kaalan goes well with boiled rice.

Ingredients

·         Raw plantain – 2 (medium sized)

·         Thick Curd –500 ml

·         Turmeric powder – 1tsp

·         Water

·         Salt to taste

For grinding

·         Coconut (grated)- 1cup

·         Ginger - 1 inch piece

·         Green chilli – 5, split lengthwise

For seasoning

·         Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

·         Dry red chillies - 3nos

·         Shallots – 2 large, sliced

·         Red chilli powder – a pinch

·         Curry leaves- 1 sprig

·         Coconut oil

Preparation:

1. Peel the skin and cut the raw plantain in to 1inch sized square pieces. Add 1/2 cup water, enough salt and turmeric powder to it and cook well.
2. Grind grated coconut, green chillies and ginger together to make a thick paste. Keep it aside.
3. Beat or stir the curd very well so that no lumps exist.
4. Once the plantain is medium cooked add the grinded coconut mixture and the curd. Blend all together and let it boil. Stir well until the gravy is thickened. Remove from flame.
5. Heat oil in a pan & add mustard seeds. When these splatter add dried red chillies, sliced shallots, curry leaves and chilli powder. Saute it until the raw smell goes.
6. Remove from flame and add this to the cooked kalan and blend well.

Note:

Any oil can be used instead of coconut oil. But this gives its traditional taste.