Netholi Thoran / Netholi Peera Vattichath

Netholi / Kozhuva / Anchovies is a small fish which is popular in Kerala.

Ingredients 

Anchovies / Netholi: 1/2 kg

Grated Coconut: 1 cup

Ginger: 1/2 inch piece

Green Chillies: 2 nos

Curry Leaves: 2 stems

Shallots: 5

Red chilli powder: 2 tsp

Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp

Tamarind: 2 tbsp

Coconut oil: 2 tbsp

Salt to taste

Method

First cut and clean the fish and then again clean it by adding some crystal salt. Wash it nicely by changing the water 2-3 times and then allow it to drain.

Add coconut, ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, shallots, red Chilli powder and turmeric powder in a small jar of mixer grinder and just grind it for just 2-3 pulses by adding 1 tbsp of water.

In a earthen pot ( Munchatti ), mix fish with crushed coconut mixture and add tamarind paste to it. Cook in medium flame by adding little water till it boils, then reduce the flame and cook covered for about 10 minutes. Then cook uncovered till almost all the water is evaporated. Finally add 2 tbsp of coconut oil and few curry leaves. Serve hot with plain rice!

FALOODA RECIPE

Falooda is a mixture of falooda sav, basil seeds, jelly crystals, nuts, fruits and ice cream. This is a perfect drink to beat the summer heat...

This recipe serves two...

Ingredients 

Falooda sev / Vermicelli : 1/4 cup

Chilled milk : 1 cup

Rose essence : few drops

Basil seeds : 3 tbsp

Sugar syrup : 4 tbsp

Strawberry jelly : 4 tbsp

Mixed fruits : 1/4 cup ( apple, banana, pineapple, mango etc )

Vanilla ice cream : 4 scoops

Chopped nuts : 1 tbsp

Method

Prepare slightly thick sugar syrup.

Make the strawberry jelly as per the directions given in the packet and keep it ready.

Soak the falooda seeds ( basil seeds ) in water till it bulges. Drain the excess water and keep aside.

Boil the falooda sav in milk till it cooks. Make sure it should not be mushy. Add few drops of rose essence, mix well and set aside.

Cut all the fruits into small pieces.

For serving, take a long glass, add 2 tbsp of sugar syrup in the bottom. Then add a spoonful of basil seeds on top of sugar syrup. Add falooda sev, strawberry jelly, chopped fruits and nuts on top one another...add chilled milk in between, top with ice cream. 

BEEF VARATTIYATHU - Malabar style

I think this recipe doesn't need much introduction. This is popular in Malabar region. People from other regions of Kerala are also familiar with this dish. BEEF VARATTIYATHU is always a big hit at our home. Whenever I made this for my guests, they loved this and finished it off. I made this for a Friday feast along with Jaipuri Pulao and Raita. If you used to make beef in another style, then definitely tryout my version.

Ingredients

Beef: cut 500 gms into cubes 

Ginger-Garlic paste: 1 tbsp

Whole pepper: 1/4 tsp

Chilly powder: 3 tsp

Coriander powder: 2 tbsp

Turmeric powder: 1 tsp

Coconut oil: 3 tbsp

Fenugreek seeds: 1/4 tsp

Fennel seeds: 1/4 tsp

Onion: 2 big

Green chillies: 3

Tomatoes: 2

Pepper powder: 1/4 tsp

Garam masala powder: 1/2 tsp

Shallots (Small onion): 5

Curry leaves: 2-3 sprigs 

Salt to taste

Method

Firstly mix together washed and drained beef with 1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chilly powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, whole pepper and salt. Pressure cook the beef by adding little water. Do not add more water. 1/4 cup of water is enough to cook the beef. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the beef cubes are done.

In an earthen pot (Munchatti), heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil and add fenugreek seeds. When it browns, add fennel seeds. When it starts to crackle, add sliced onion and saute till it becomes transparent. 

Add remaining ginger-garlic paste and saute till the raw smell goes. Now add green chillies followed by remaining chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder. Saute in low flame and take care not to burn the masala powders.

Add chopped tomatoes, saute till it become mushy. Now add cooked beef with the water, mixwell and cook for 8-10 minutes covered. Open the lid and add pepper powder, garam masala powder and stir well.

In a small pan, heat remaining coconut oil and add chopped shallots. When shallots turns brown, add curry leaves and pour this to the beef gravy.

Beef varattiyathu is now ready to serve.