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Kadala Curry

เด•เดŸเดฒ เด•เดฑเดฟ

About

Kadala Curry is a flavorful black chickpea curry from Kerala, South India. It has a rich, coconut-based gravy with aromatic spices like fennel, cinnamon, and black pepper, offering a balance of earthy and mildly spicy flavors. Traditionally served with puttu (steamed rice cakes) or appam (fermented rice pancakes), it is a staple breakfast or dinner dish in Kerala households.

Cultural Context

Kadala Curry is a beloved dish in Kerala, often eaten for breakfast or dinner. It is especially popular during Onam (the harvest festival) and is a staple in traditional Kerala sadhya (feast). The dish reflects the region's abundant use of coconut and spices, showcasing its coastal culinary heritage.

Ingredients

1 cupblack chickpeas (kadala)(soaked overnight)
1 cupgrated coconut(fresh or frozen)
10-12 shallots(thinly sliced)
4-5 clovesgarlic(minced)
1 inchginger(grated)
1 mediumtomato(chopped)
2 tbspcoconut oil
1 tspmustard seeds
1 sprigcurry leaves
1/2 tspturmeric powder
1 tspcoriander powder
1 tspred chili powder(adjust to taste)
1/2 tspfennel seeds
1/4 tspblack pepper(crushed)
to tastesalt

Method

1. Pressure cook soaked chickpeas until tender. 2. Grind coconut with spices into a fine paste. 3. Sautรฉ shallots, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil. 4. Add tomatoes, ground paste,...

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Techniques Used

Regional Variations

North Kerala

Uses more black pepper and less coconut milk for a spicier, thinner gravy.

Central Kerala

Often includes roasted coconut for a deeper flavor.

Dietary

VegetarianVeganGluten-FreeHalalcoconut

Sources

๐Ÿ“–

Lathika George โ€” The Suriani Kitchen

2015cookbook
๐Ÿ“–

Kerala Tourism โ€” Traditional Kerala Cuisine

2020institutionโ†— link

Research Evidence

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