MEZHUKKUVARATTI (VAAZHAKKA - CHENAI - CHAKKA KURU - KOORKA)

jack fruit seeds

koorka

                                         

                                          

‘Mezhukkuvaratti’ is a general term for vegetable fry but is often used to refer to a mixed vegetable fry – mostly of vegetables like raw banana, yam, brinjal, 'payaru' (vegetable)and the seasonal koorka and chakka kuru (jack fruit seed).

Ingredients –

Raw banana– 2 – peeled and diced

Yam – 250 gms – peeled and diced

Koorka – 6-7 – peeled and diced

Brinjal – 2 – diced

Payaru (lobhia) – 50 gms – 1” pieces

Koorka (optional) – 8 – peeled and diced

Shelled peas – a handful

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Salt to taste

Oil – 3 - 4 tbsp

Method

Wash the diced vegetables.

Heat 2-3 cups of water. First add the yam and koorka and cook covered on low heat for 5-7 minutes.

Next add raw banana, peas and payaru pieces and boil for 3-4 minutes.

Add brinjal.

Add more water if needed to cover the vegetables.

Add turmeric and salt and cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes till vegetables are cooked.

Drain off the water and keep in a colander for 10 minutes.

Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Add the vegetables and fry on low heat till the vegetables turn a little crisp and brown.

Tips

You can add 1 tbsp of coconut oil and 2 tbsp of refined oil for the special taste.

If you don't have many of the vegetables mentioned above, you can also add 2 tbsps of vella payaru (black-eyed peas) after pressure-cooking it with a little turmeric powder and required salt.
You can also use 'nendrakkai' (Kerala plantain - raw) instead of the regular raw banana - don't peel it boil it along with the skin, it tastes good.

© Copyright 2011. Brinda Balasubramonian.