ASTRAM RECIPE

Chembu  Astram is typical Kerala cuisine. It is very easy to prepare and makes a great accompaniment with rice gruel (kanji).

 

INGREDIENTS 

1.    Colocasia ( chembu) peeled and cut into pieces : 1 cup
2.    Red chilli powder : 1 tblsp
3.    Turmeric powder : a pinch
4.    Curd : ½ - 1 cup
5.    Salt to taste

 

TO GRIND

1.    Grated coconut : ½ cup
2.    Cumin seeds : ½ tblsp
3.    Small onion peeled : 2

 

TO TEMPER

1.    Coconut oil : 1 tsp
2.    Mustard seeds : 1 tsp
3.    Small onion peeled and slitted : 2
4.    Red chillies : 2
5.    Curry leaves : 1 spring
 

METHOD

1.    Cook  colocasia with salt, turmeric powder and chilli powder at medium-low heat, adding enough water.
2.    Grind the grated coconut , cumin seeds ,small onion with little water  to a very fine paste and mix it to the cooked colocasia. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes at low heat until the raw taste of coconut is gone.
3.    Switch off the flame, add curd and mix well.
4.    Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Fry small onions until light brown. Now add curry leaves and red chillies . Pour on top of the curry.
5.    Serve hot with rice.