Recipe : Suranachi Kaap / Vadi ( Shallow Fried Elephant Foot Yam)

This is a side dish that is among my all time favourites. Flavour profile is very similar to fried fish but this is made up of Suran ( Jimikand / Elephant foot yam). Its shallow fried so its not completely unhealthy too. Makes the best accompaniment for dal chawal or dal khichdi.

Here is the recipe

• First thing first, grease your palms with oil before touching Suran. This helps keeping the itchiness at bay.

• Cut Suran into big pieces like shown in picture.

• In a pot fill water and add a few Kokams. If you don't have Kokam handy, you can use tamarind instead. Add the Suran Slices and bring it to boil. ( max 3-4 mins)

• Don't overcook ( because we will be frying these later)

• Take it off the heat and strain the water using the strainer.

• In a small bowl, take about 4-5 Kokams / Tamarind pieces. Add 1 tsp water and mash it to make it into a paste like consistency.

• Coat all the suran slices with above kokam paste and keep aside.

• In the meantime, in a mixing bowl, add 1 tbs Coriander Powder, 1 tsp Cumin Powder, 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder ( for color) half tsp Kanda Lasoon Masala, ( Onion Garlic Powder), One pinch turmeric, salt as per taste and a very important ingredient i.e. 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste. This gives a very distinct flavour.

** Kanda Lasoon Masala is a must have spice in my kitchen. I buy the Everest Brand's spice however, if you guys have a suggestion for a better one please do tell**

Mix all these and add very litter water gradually to make a thick paste.

Now coat all the Suran Slices with above paste.

• I keep this aside for at least half an hour. You can continue without resting it too.

• In a plate take about half cup Rava ( Semolina) add salt as per taste and Kashmiri Red Chili Powder. Mix this well.

Now coat every Suran Slice ( coated with spice paste) with this Rava Mixture and shallow fry on a Tava.

Ensure that you fry this on a medium flame so that it becomes crispy.

Enjoy with a bowl full of hot dal and rice.