Chena Mezhukkupuratti

Chena Mezhukkupuratti (Pressure cooker method. No added onion and garlic) – A less spicy tasty side dish with rice in Kerala cuisine !!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

For chena / yam:

150 g chena  (yam), gently peel off the outer skin, wash thoroughly and cut it into ¼ - inch cubes

3/4 cup water (Indian standard measuring cup of  1cup / 200 ml / 8 oz capacity)

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

In a pressure boil chena cubes with water (just to cover chena) and salt to taste. Bring to pressure cooker on high heat for 2 quick whistles. Allow the cooker to cool naturally. Open the cooker and check the texture of chena. If it’s cooked well, that’s fine. Or cook again for another 2 quick whistles (adjust water too).

For seasoning:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

¾ teaspoon red chilli powder

Method

In a pan or karahi, heat oil. Add mustard seeds. When they crackle, add boiled chena cubes and adjust salt to taste. Cover with a lid and cook on a medium to low heat for 10 – 12 minutes until spices well coated on chena. Serve as a side dish with rice and other accompaniments.