Suran Coconut Curry (Elephant foot yam curry)

Elephant foot yam? Now what is that? My kids were stumped. What a weird name! But if you see this yam, which is like a super large  yam or potato, it does indeed resemble an elephant’s foot!   In Indian cuisine this yam is used in almost every region although it is called by different names – Oal in the East, Chena (Kerala), sennai kizhangu in Tamil, sudan in the west and jimmikhand in the North.

In Kerala cuisine this yam is used in Avial (the traditional mixed vegetable dish) and in other similar dishes. My mom used to also add it to her shrimp curry or fish curry at times. And that’s why last week when I was cooking fish curry for my family, I thought why not create a vegan version for myself! That way I can still taste the deliciousness of the curry with the kodampuli (black tamarind that is native to Kerala) which I love so much.! Hence this vegan version was born.  Worked out quite efficiently for me actually since it took me the same amount of time -only 2 different pots to cook both versions of the curry.

Turns out that this yam has some medicinal benefits and is used in Ayurvedic system of medicine quite extensively.The curry turned out very tasty – how could it not? My fish curry is super famous after all with our family and friends! Of course, I don’t mean to brag 🙂

The unique flavor of this curry has a lot to do with using kodampuli(Garcinia cambogia). Kodampuli is a type of sour fruit that is indigenous to only kerala in india. It is available in Indian grocers that stock Kerala foods. If you are unable to get this item, you can substitute with tamarind or with green mangoes.

Linking to Throwback Thursdays. Also Linking to Fiesta Friday where 2 of my favorite co-bloggers – Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook and Apsara @ Eating Well Diary are co-hosting this week.

Yam coconut curry (Suran curry)

• Servings: serves 3-4 with rice
• Time: about 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
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Ingredients:

• 1 cup of suran (elephant foot yam) pieces cubed (I used frozen suran pieces after thawing the in hot water for 5 minutes)
• 1/2 tsp thinly chopped ginger
• 2 small green chillies slit length-wise
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust as per desired spiciness)
• 1 tsp of salt (or as per taste)
• 2 small pieces of kodampuli soaked in about 2 tbsp water (or you can use 2-3 tamarind pieces pit or 1 tbsp tamarind pulp)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups coconut milk (canned or fresh- see recipe for making fresh coconut milk below)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped red onions or shallots
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 sprig of fresh curry leaves

Method: Take a medium size cooking pot (I use earthen pot since that’s what’s used traditionally in Kerala and this imparts a nice smoky flavor to the curry). But you could use any stainless steel or non stick pot.  Add the suran pieces into the pot. Next add the green chillies and the ginger. then add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt.  Next  add the kodampuli  that has been soaked in a tbsp of water for 5-10 mins(or you can use tamarind).  Add the water.

Place the pot on the stove on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes till you see the water boiling. Immediately put the burner on low simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Cook covered for about 10 minutes swirling the pot gently every 5 minutes or so in order to prevent the suran pieces from sticking to the pot. Next open the lid and add the coconut milk.  Let simmer for about 3-4 minutes on low heat. Turn heat off.

Heat the coconut oil in a tadka pan for about 30 seconds. Then add the chopped onions and saute till golden brown. Add the curry leaves with its stem.  Pour all the coconut oil along with the onions and curry leaves into the  pot.

Serve with cooked parboiled rice.

*For getting coconut milk:

1 1/4 cups of fresh grated coconut or (frozen grated coconut that has been thawed)

2 cups  warm water (divided)

Take the fresh grated coconut (or thawed frozen grated coconut) and add to a blender along with 1 cup of warm water.  Blend for about 1-2 minutes. Then strain using a large strainer into a container.  Next take the coconut from the strainer and again add to the blender with another 1 cup of warm water. Blend it again for about 1 minute and strain this milk into the pot so you will have approximately 2 cups of coconut milk.