MADURAI KARI DOSAI

    "Sangam Valartha Madurai,  Tamizh Valartha Madurai", Madurai just didn't embrace and encourage learned men and literature but also paved a culinary path laced with hospitality.  Madurai’s food is a happy union of all these influences, mainly that of Chettinaad cuisine, known for its fiery flavours.  Madurai known as Temple & trading city, it has taken its sobriquet of 'Thoonga Nagaram'(the city that never sleeps). The streets stay alive through the night with bustling crowd, Food Stalls & market activities.  

    Madurai is a food haven for Street Food & hospitality. The place & people are famous for their inventive varieties of street food & fast food that it is a common saying that they serve more than 7-10 side dishes along with a humble Dosa.  As I see, Madurai is hardly the sort of city where you can linger over a relaxed meal or enjoy fine dining, but food is taken very seriously by the locals.  Madurai is not a city which flaunts vibrant restaurants and if you want real food with real taste then you should hardly try not to notice the ambience.  But, as my husband says, there comes the real taste.

    With a wide arena of world-famous Madurai style Street food, with Idlis and Parottas, here we are going to talk about Kari Dosai.  Madurai's most famous Simmakkal Konar Mess Kari Dosai. A three layered thick Dosa, layered with an omelette and then covered with minced mutton/Kothu Kari Masala. This dosai will definitely change your opinion about the extent to which dosas have evolved.  The Konars - are a community of cowherds and goat herds. A community which rears cattle catering Offal dishes sounds shocking though.  As said, "கொன்றால் பாவம் தின்றால் போச்சு!!!"

    If Parotta found its popularity in Madurai Cuisine, then Kothu Parotta found its origin in this city.  And the tradition of Kothu Parotta has become the identity of Street Food or the ones commonly called as Kaiyendhi Bhavans/Thattu Kadai. The total credit of inventing Kothu Parotta goes to Madurai.  Then comes Jigirdhanda & Paruthi Paal, local refreshing drinks with unique ingredients. Madurai Idli, Kari Dosai, Ayirai meen kulambu, Spicy Madurai Biriyani, Chukka Varuval, Bun Parotta are few other dishes along with long list of Vegetarian & Non-vegetarian dishes, which comes into my mind when I think of Madurai Food. 

    Speaking the truth, I never have had an opportunity to taste this popular Madurai Kari Dosai which is famous in Simmakkal Konar Kadai.  But ever since I came across this Kari Dosai, wanted to make it and I made it for lunch.  Lunch is one meal we eat heartily, and I planned it during the recent Lock down when all were at home.  With my over whelming attitude, I bought up the hot Dosa griddle with a Kari Dosai all the way from my kitchen to the dining table(which is just 2 steps away) to top it up in my husband's plate.  And there went a mishap, he just extended his hands to spoon in the Salna, and the dosa griddle scorched his back.  I went down with my guilt and ran for a piece of ice cube.  Two hot lines got scorched at his back and the scar took a few days to vanish and until then he enjoyed making me feel guilty of my mishap.  Lesson Learnt: "Never ever bring the dosa griddle(or whatsoever which is hot) to the dining table. Take extra safety measures while handling hot utensils/dishes".

MADURAI KARI DOSAI

    Well, coming back to MADURAI KARI DOSAI - I made this Kari Dosa with a hearty spread of Kothu Kari Masala cooked in a typical Madurai Chukka Varuval Style.  Then what we need is a simple Dosa Batter.  We need to pour thick Dosas as for an Uthappam. Do not spread the Dosa. Spoon out some beaten Egg over the Dosa and top it up with Kothu Kari Masala, drizzle a hearty spoon of Gingelly Oil, cover and cook until the Dosa & Eggs are cooked.  Finally, garnish the Dosa with finely chopped Coriander Leaves. Here you go with a hot Madurai special Kari Dosai.  Serve it along with plain or Chicken/Mutton Salna or any other Curry or Chutney of your choice.  This Kari Dosai is sinfully heavy and leaves us with a feeling it is over dozed with Meat, Egg and above all it is served along with another Madurai speciality - Salna. Any way, it is an utter indulgence topped with decadence.

 

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MADURAI KARI DOSAI

What you may need for this Kari Dosai:

INGREDIENTS:

Idli/Dosa Batter - 3- 4 Cups
Kothu Kari Masala - 1-1/2 Cups
Beaten Egg - 2-3
Gingelly Oil - as needed
Coriander Leaves  - for garnishing

 

METHOD:

For Madurai Kari Dosai:

• Beat the Eggs along with Salt and keep it aside.(can add Pepper to it if you prefer).
• Heat the Dosa Griddle on a high flame and then lower the flame.
• Smear the Griddle with oil.
• Thoroughly mix the Dosa Batter and pour one big ladle of batter over the Dosa Griddle.
• Do not spread the batter. The Dosa should be slightly thicker.(like for an Uthappam).
• Spoon in a ladle of beaten Egg and spread it out on top of the Dosa.
• Wait for a few minutes.  Let it cook halfway through.
• Now spoon in Kothu Kari Masala and spread it out evenly on top of the Egg spread Dosa.
  
• Keep the flame at low while cooking Kari Dosai.
• Drizzle few teaspoons of Gingelly Oil over the Kari Dosai.
• Cover the Kari Dosai with a lid and cook on a very low flame for a few minutes.
• Garnish it with finely chopped Coriander Leaves.
  
• Once cooked, remove the Kari Dosai from the griddle(there is no need to flip and cook the Dosai).

For more Recipes with MUTTON/ LAMB, Click here... 

MADURAI KARI DOSAI

NOTES:

• Do not spread the batter. The Dosa should be slightly thicker.(like for an Uthappam).
• Cover the Kari Dosai with a lid and cook on a very low flame for a few minutes.
• You don't need to flip and cook the Dosa. 
• I have made Kothu Kari Masala with minced Mutton.
• Can prepare the same Kothu Kari Masala with minced Chicken/Beef.  For a Vegetarian option, can prepare the same recipe with shredded Cabbage, Cauliflower or minced Soya Chunks.
• If you feel adding Eggs to be a heavier option, can skip the step.
• Serve Madurai Kari Dosai with Salna or any Chutney or Curry of your choice.

 

MADURAI STYLE MUTTON KOTHU KARI MASALA

    Madurai known as a Temple & trading city, it has taken its sobriquet of 'Thoonga Nagaram'(the city that never sleeps). The streets stay alive through the night with bustling crowd, Food Stalls & market activities.  Madurai is a food haven for Street Food & hospitality. The place & people are famous for their inventive varieties of street food & fast food that it is a common saying that they serve more than 7-10 side dishes along with a humble Dosa. If Parotta found its populairty in Madurai Cuisine, then Kothu Parotta found its origin in this city.  And the tradition of Kothu Parotta has become the identity of Street Food or the ones commonly called as Kaiyendhi Bhavans/Thattu Kadai. The total credit of inventing Kothu Parotta goes to Madurai.  Then comes Jigirdhanda & Paruthi Paal, local refreshing drinks with unique ingredients. Madurai Idli, Kari Dosai, Ayirai meen kulambu, Spicy Madurai Biriyani, Chukka Varuval, Bun Parotta are few other dishes along with long list of Vegetarian & Non-vegetarian dishes, which comes into my mind when I think of Madurai Food.

     This recipe comes as a part of an ultimate delicacy, a speciality of Madurai & Madurai Street Food - Kari Dosa.  Sinfully heavy and leaves us with a feeling it is over dozed with Meat, Egg and served along with another Madurai speciality - Salna. So as a first part of the recipe here comes a typical Madurai style Kothu Kari Masala.  Some recipes even use Chicken/Mutton Sukha Varuval simply shredded into fine pieces and then spread on top of Kari Dosai.    When I planned to make Kari Dosa, I decided to make the Kothu Kari Masala in a typical Madurai Style, so that it goes well as a topping for Kari Dosai. 

     When it comes to recipes with Kothu Kari or Minced Meat, we can prepare it in different versions.  This Madurai style Mutton Kothu Kari Masala Recipe hit the mark with the special notes of Spices.    This Madurai Style Kothu Kari Masala can also be served as a side dish for Rice or Biriyani. A perfect combo of my liking is Rasam and especially Kozhi Rasam and Kothu Kari Masala served along with steaming hot Rice is an utter delicacy to devour upon.

    This recipe is similar to Mutton/Chicken Chukka Varuval recipe and what I have substituted is Minced Meat.  I have used Minced Mutton in this recipe. The only difference is the cooking time needed for the type of minced meat you are using.  This recipe can also be cooked with Minced Chicken or Beef.  This recipe calls for freshly roasted & ground Masalas which makes Mutton Kothu Kari Masala flavour-filled.  And few other tips which yields you with authentic  Madurai Style Mutton Kothu Kari Masala are:

• Shallots give an authentic taste to the dish.  It is advisable to use Shallots for the recipe.
• Dry roast the spices for Mutton Kothu Kari Masala on a very low flame.  Care should be taken not to burn the ingredients.
• Use Gingelly Oil for authentic flavour.
• Use ample of Curry Leaves for this recipe, which will give out a wonderful aroma to Mutton Kothu Kari Masala.
• Add Minced Mutton along with 1/2 a cup of Water & Cook this on a low flame until it turns soft & cooked.
• Then cook it on a low flame until it turns slightly dry. 
• Sprinkle pepper powder generously.

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INGREDIENTS:

For Mutton Kothu Kari Masala:

Minced Mutton/Lamb  -  1/2 kg.
Gingelly Oil - 2 -3 Tbspn 
Fennel Seeds/Sombu  -  1 Tspn
Curry Leaves  -  2 Sprigs
Green Chillies - 4 Nos.
Ginger-Garlic Paste - 5 Tspn
Shallots  -  25 Nos.
Turemric Powder -1/2 Tspn
Chukka Masala - 2 Tbspn
Water - 1/2-3/4 Cup
Pepper Powder  -  1 Tbspn.
Salt  -  To Taste

For Kothu Kari Masala Powder:

Coriander Seeds - 1 Tbspn
Dry Red Chillies - 6 - 8 Nos.
Cumin Seeds - 1 Tspn
Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs 

HOW TO MAKE DOSA

    It's since a long time, I was planning to write a post especially for DOSA, a humble dish on its own.  It is one comfort food in a South Indian household, a saviour, a quick-fix, an all-time all-rounder, equally good to be served for Breakfast, Dinner, and even it can be sneaked up as an evening tiffin.  Not only that, it is one of the most popular Tiffin item served in South Indian restaurants.

    Well, growing up in a South Indian household, we all have fond memories of Dosa, whatsoever.  It is one of the popular South Indian Dish and also one of the most frequented Tiffin item in a household.  Idli & Dosa is a staple, an unavoidable Tiffin Item at home.  Idli Dosa Batter is a must-have & a rescue ingredient in our pantry.  It is a common practice to have a Dabba (box) full of Idli Dosa Batter.

    I grew up eating Dosa, for most of the days in a week, my Mom would make Dosa for Breakfast or Dinner.  Some days, I ask my Mom to pack it in my school box, to which she was always reluctant, saying that it would dry off by the time you eat.  But I had always loved the Kanju Pona Dosas (dried dosas) with Chutneys or Sambar.   Well, when I say Dosa, the Dosa made at home was the slightly thick Dosas, not the crispy Paper like roasts, we get at restaurants.  Small Dosas, soft and white, made in small cast iron griddles. We call it Sada Dosai.  But the evolution of restaurants and the popularity of the same has led the Indian housewives to perfect the same old Dosas into crispy thin Dosas alias the Murugal Dosai.  And the arrival of Non-stick dosa pans paved the way for thin crispy dosas.

HOW TO MAKE DOSA

Well, coming back to Dosa Recipe, 

   South Indian Cuisine is incomplete without DOSA. Crowned to be one of the best among the long list of South Indian Tiffin Items.  An all-time comfort food, healthy, tasty and easily digestible. Most of the South Indian households wake up to the wonderful aroma of Idli or Dosa. A simple recipe with very few ingredients which seems quite straightforward, but only for the people who have cooked it and perfected it knows the skill behind soft or crispy Dosas. Though not a skill tough to achieve, once you get the proportions right and if the batter ferments well, you are good to go.  But, then comes the task of spreading it out neatly in the Dosa griddle.  Soft Dosas or Crispy Dosas the heat of the griddle, cooking time, the way you spread it out on the griddle all matters for a perfect Dosa. 

So, what you need to consider for Perfect Dosas are:

• Perfect Rice Dhal Ratio
• Type of Rice and Urad Dhal used
• Soaking Time
• Amount of water needed to grind the batter
• Consistency of the Dosa Batter
  
• Thoroughly mixing the batter
• Addition of Salt
• Fermentation Time
• Cooking the Dosas over a Dosa Pan.
  

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Cuisine - South Indian
Course - Main Course
Difficulty - Medium
Author - SM   

Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Soaking Time - 4-5 Hours/Overnight
Fermenting Time - 8-10 Hours/Overnight
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes


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THE PROCESS OF MAKING DOSA

HOW TO MAKE DOSA

 

    I saw the evolution of the same old Small, soft Dosas to Murugal Dosas to Crispy Paper Roasts at home.  My Mom took meticulous measures to make perfect Crispy dosas for my brother.  She even went to an extent of scraping out the extra batter from the poured in Dosas to make it extra crispier and thin. So, when it comes to the batter you can get Soft or Crispy Dosas with the same batter, but the only difference is how you would like to make it.  A few steps and you can easily make your preferred Soft Dosas or Crispy Dosas.

INGREDIENTS:

For Dosa Batter:

Idli Rice/Par-boiled Rice - 1 Cup
Raw Rice - 1 Cup
Urad Dhal - 1/2 Cup
Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Tuvar Dhal - 2 Tablespoons
Aval/Poha/Flattened Rice - 1/4 Cup
Salt - To Taste

For making Dosa:

Oil/Ghee - For Dosa

METHOD:

For Dosa Batter :

• Clean & Wash Rice, Urad Dhal, Tuvar Dhal, Aval & Fenugreek under running water for about 3–4 times or until the water runs clear.
• Soak all the above ingredients except salt for about 6–8 hours.
• Once soaked, Drain the water from the ingredients and grind it in a mixer or grinder.
• If grinding the batter in a Wet grinder, then add all the ingredients and grind it into a smooth paste, adding a little water at a time. 
• You might need approximately 2–3 cups of water.
• If grinding the Dosa batter in a mixer, then grind it in batches.  
• Use cold/ice water while grinding the batter in a Mixer (Blender).
• Grind the ingredients to a smooth paste and then transfer it into a bowl.
• Add salt to the batter & mix well thoroughly until well combined preferably using your hands.
• Cover the Bowl and leave the batter aside.
• Allow it to ferment for about 8-10 hours/overnight.

For a detailed recipe on HOW TO MAKE IDLI-DOSA BATTER IN MIXER GRINDER, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE DOSA

For Soft Dosai/Sada Dosai:

• Heat the Dosa Griddle on a high flame and then lower the flame.
• Smear the Griddle with oil.
• Thoroughly mix the Dosa Batter and pour one big ladle of batter over the Dosa Griddle.
• Slightly spread the batter so that the Dosa is slightly thicker.
• Keep the flame at low while cooking Dosai.
• Drizzle a few teaspoons of Oil/Ghee over the Dosai.
• Cover the Dosai with a lid and cook on a very low flame for a few minutes.
• Alternatively, you can simply flip it up and cook on the other side. 
• You can cook on a low flame to get soft, white coloured dosas.
• If you prefer a slight golden yellow dosas, cook for a few more minutes.
  
• Once cooked, remove the Sada Dosai or Plain Dosa from the griddle.
• Serve Sada Dosai - Plain Dosai along with Sambar or any Chutney of your choice.
  

HOW TO MAKE DOSA

 

For Crispy Dosa - Murugal Dosai:

• Heat the Dosa Griddle on a high flame and then lower the flame to medium-high.
• Smear the Griddle with oil and spread the oil using an Onion Slice or a cloth.
  
• Thoroughly mix the Dosa Batter and pour one big ladle of batter over the Dosa Griddle.
• Spread the batter evenly around the Dosa Griddle.
• Keep the flame at medium while cooking Dosas.
• Drizzle a few teaspoons of Oil/Ghee over the Dosas.
• Cook the Dosas on a medium flame until it turns crispy and slightly golden yellow in colour.
• Roll out the crispy Dosa and remove it from the Dosa Griddle (there is no need to flip and cook the Dosa).
• Serve Crispy Dosai - Murugal Dosai along with Sambar or any Chutney of your choice.

For Paper Dosai - Paper Roast:

• Heat the Dosa Griddle on a high flame and then lower the flame to medium-high.
• Smear the Griddle with oil and spread the oil using an Onion Slice or a cloth.
  
• Thoroughly mix the Dosa Batter and pour one big ladle of batter over the Dosa Griddle.
• Spread the batter evenly around the Dosa Griddle.
• Keep the flame at medium while cooking Dosas.
• Drizzle a few teaspoons of Oil/Ghee over the Dosas.
• Wait for a few minutes, or until the batter is half cooked. 
• Then scrape out any extra half cooked batter from the Dosa using a spatula, preferably with the Dosa Karandi (Chattagam/Chattuvam/). 
• The idea is to make the Dosa thinner and crispier, which yields you with a so-called thin and Crispy Paper Roasts.
  
• Cook the Dosas on a medium flame until it turns crispy and slightly golden brown.
• Roll out the crispy Dosa and remove it from the Dosa Griddle (there is no need to flip and cook the Dosa).
• Serve Paper Dosai - Paper Roast along with Sambar or any Chutney of your choice.

 

NOTES:

• Use Par-boiled Rice/Idli Rice along with good quality Raw Rice for Dosai recipe.
• The ingredients should be finely ground batter.
• The consistency of the batter should neither be too thick nor too thin.
  
• Fermentation plays a major role, imparting the Dosa with the preferred texture - Soft or Crispy.
• Allow the batter to ferment for about 8-10 hours/overnight.
• If you live in a cold climate, leave it in a warm place until the batter ferments.
• We use a Griddle especially for making Dosas.  You can get a variety of non-stick or cast iron dosa pans in the market.
  
• Cook the Dosa on a very low flame, for Soft Dosai.
• If you need Crispy Murugal Dosai, cook it on a medium-low flame until it reached the required texture and colour.

 

STORING THE DOSA BATTER:

• Once the batter is fermented, can store it in the refrigerator upto 3-4 days.
• Bring the batter to room temperature before making Dosas.
• Adjust the consistency of the batter, if required.
  

SERVING SUGGESTIONS :

MUTTON CURRIES :

CHICKEN CURRIES:

FISH CURRIES:

Madurai Mutton Chukka Varuval

CHICKEN SALNA

  

       Parotta and Salna is an ultimate match made in heaven!!! Though it can sound too enthusiastic, at the least it is a Match made in Madurai, as for people of Tamil Nadu.  But Parotta and Salna knotted their combination in Ceylon alias Sri Lanka. The traces of Sri Lankan Origin is clearly visible when it comes to Madurai Parotta.  But the culinary specialists of Madurai have gone to the next level of innovating Parotta varieties like Poricha Parotta, Coin Parotta, Madakku Parotta, Veechu Parotta and Bun Parotta etc., & etc.,  

    This Parotta all the way travelled to Malaysia(not sure whether it is from Sri Lankan or Tamilnadu influence) and it is called in the name of Roti Canai.   Least to mention the local Mamak shops serve it along with Salna.  And the renditions of Roti/Parotta you could see in Malaysia will surely override the numbers available in Madurai.  While talking about one particular Roti - Roti Banjir or the flooded Roti, where shreds of Parotta is served with copious serving of Salna.  Literally, Salna would be flooded over the Parotta.

    Parotta without Salna is totally an incomplete meal or a feel.  I was in a quest for a perfect Salna which needed to suit our taste buds.  And after a long search and quite a number of trial & errors(not literally errors, it didn't appease our senses as a True Salna), I finally found one which perfectly tasted as we wanted, and it is this recipe.

    The beauty of this recipe is that it tastes great even without any meat or vegetable in it, as a Plain Salna or Empty Salna.  Or if you are in a literal mood for a treat go ahead add Chicken or Mutton or for a vegetarian version add Mushrooms. If Keralites are addicted to Parotta and Beef, then Tamilians are an ardent fan of this inseparable pair - Parotta & Salna.  In my opinion, this Salna is one gravy taken for granted or considered "not so special", but at the same time cannot forgo it too.  Maybe the reason behind it, is that it comes along with Parotta, and we still do order a variety of Side Dishes to wash off the Parottas.  Leaving aside this unsophisticated Salna.  Salna is a Gravy or a Curry of slight thin consistency, brightly hued and spicy too.  The cornucopia of flavours from the spices in Salna makes this humble Salna a delicacy on its own.

    I have heard a few anecdotes saying that there are Coimbatoreans who love to gulp down a few cups of Shree Annapoorna Gowrishankar Sambar(My husband's maternal Grandfather was one person), for the love of it.  Then there is nothing exaggerated if die-hard fans of Madurai gobble up jugs of Salna.  So is the love for certain food items.  பாசக்கார புள்ளைங்க!!!

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HOW TO  COOK CHICKEN SALNA

CHICKEN SALNA

 INGREDIENTS:

To Sauté:

Oil - 2 Tablespoon
Fennel Seeds - 11/2 Teaspoons
Cinnamon 1" Stick - 1 No.
Star Anise - 1 Flower
Cloves - 2 Nos.
Shallots - 10-12 Nos.
Poppy Seeds(Khus Khus) - 1 Teaspoon
Coconut - 1/2 Cup

Add-ons to Grind: 

Green Chillies - 1 No.
Ginger - 1" Piece
Garlic - 5-6 Cloves
Roasted Gram/Pottukadalai - 1 Tablespoon

For Chicken Salna:

Oil - 3 Tablespoons
Cinnamon - a small piece
Fennel Seeds - 1 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs
Chicken - 500 Gms
Onion - 1 No.
Tomato - 2 Nos.
Salt - To Taste
Mint Leaves - a handful
Coriander Leaves - a handful
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 11/4 Teaspoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Cumin Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Garam Masala Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Mutton Masala/Curry Masala - 1 Teaspoon

 

METHOD:

To Sauté & Grind:

• Heat Oil in a pan, reduce the flame to low and add the spices mentioned under "To Sauté" as mentioned in the order.
• Followed by Shallots & Poppy Seeds.  Sauté until shallots turn translucent.
• Then add grated coconut and fry on a low flame until coconuts turn slightly dry.  
• The colour shouldn't change.
• Now switch off the flame and allow the ingredients to cool down.
• Once cooled, add the ingredients mentioned under "Add-ons to Grind"  along with the sautéed ingredients.  
• Can substitute Roasted Gram Dhal with Cashew Nuts (Use about 8-10 Cashews).
• Grind it into a fine paste and keep it aside.

 

For Chicken Salna:

• Clean, wash & cut Chicken into medium-sized pieces.
• Allow it to drain in a colander.
• Dry Roast the Cumin Seeds and grind it into a fine powder and keep it aside.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds & Curry Leaves.
• Immediately add Chicken Pieces and sear it until it turns into white and the water is totally absorbed.
• Then add finely chopped Onions and sauté it on a low flame until translucent.
• Next, add finely chopped Tomatoes and sauté it until it turns soft and cooked. 
• Now sprinkle a dash of salt and give a quick stir.
• Add finely chopped Mint and Coriander Leaves.
• Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Garam Masala Powder, Mutton Masala Powder.
• Fry this on a low flame until the raw flavour goes.
• Sprinkle some water and cook this on a low flame until oil separates from the mix.
• Cover and cook until the Chicken pieces turn soft and tender.
• Adjust the amount of water as required.
• Now pour in the ground Salna Masla Paste and mix well.
• Pour in some water and adjust the consistency.
• Boil the Salna on a very low flame until the raw flavour goes, and it reaches the desired consistency.
• Switch off the flame and garnish it with finely chopped Coriander Leaves.
• Serve this Chicken Salna with Parotta, Chapati, Dosa, Idli,  Idiyappam etc.,
• It is one best combination with Parotta and Kari Dosai.

CHICKEN SALNA

NOTES:

• Skip adding Chicken Pieces and follow the same recipe for Empty Salna or Plain Salna.
• For Mutton Salna slightly increase the amount of spices.
• For a vegetarian version, prepare the same recipe with Mushrooms.
• Can substitute Roasted Gram dhal with Cashew nuts.
• Mint Leaves & Coriander Leaves gives a wonder flavour and aroma to Salna.  So add as you desire.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CURRY LEAVES

   Curry Leaves Tree is one common shrub found in an Indian household. As the name suggests, it is so synonymous to a Curry, an unavoidable add on when it comes to most of the Indian savoury dishes. Curry Leaves are widely used in Indian Cuisine. Along with a few other common plants, Curry Leaves tree is one shrub planted in a kitchen garden. Curry Leaves are colloquially called Karuveppilai in Tamil and Kariveppila in Malayalam which means Black/Curry Neem Leaves. Well, even I had a misinterpretation during my initial days in my -in-laws place. My MIL says it as Veppila(which means Neem Leaves) & I was wondering whether they were using Neem Leaves in cooking. Later to realize that it was a simple colloquial way of saying it so just leaving the Kari/Curry out of it. Thank God, I didn't use a handful of Neem Leaves to season a curry, in the pursuit of pleasing my MIL😅. 

   The reason for a Curry Leaf Tree in our house in Malaysia is my MIL. During one of her visits, she suggested we plant a Curry Leaf Tree & it is almost seven years, standing tall & loyal with avatar sized leaves. That's what one of our acquaintances said when she took some Curry Leaves from the plant. It has grown tall and has spread out wide branches. I have never since bought Curry Leaves from the market.  

   Curry Leaves holds numerous tales & proverbs proclaiming its therapeutic & culinary uses. No loyal Indian cook can say that he/she has completed their cooking scenes without a sprig of Curry Leaves. When I came across with this word - A sprig of Curry Leaves, I was awed by the word and was wondering whether it was Sprig/Spring. I was only 6 or 7 years old then. As a common practice, I went searching for the word in my dog-eared Longman English Pocket dictionary with a red colour cover. Well, I learned a new word that day.

 

 

CURRY LEAVES

    So many words and so many anecdotes do the dictionary hold that it was one thing I have used day in day out during my growing ages. I owned it as early as when I was three years old & the dictionary is still there at my home. But if somebody says it is a book, it would become a laughing stock because it has turned into a bunch of yellowed out of age pages - just pages. That is normally the condition of any book I use. Have to rescue it when I go home next time.

   Well coming back to Curry Leaves - the unique flavour & aroma of these leaves were valued by our ancestors and they easily incorporated it into our daily cooking as a quintessential seasoning or as a tempering. Some dishes even call Curry Leaves as the main ingredient like Curry Leaves Thogayal/Chutney, Curry Leaves Podi(Spice Powder), Curries like Kariveppilai Kuzhambu, Kariveppilai Sadham etc.,

 

   Curry Leaves as such can optimize the dish it is added into. Fresh ones impart a wonderful aroma & flavour. The wonderful aroma of fresh curry leaves in a glass of cold Buttermilk(Sambharam) is so welcoming & refreshing. Needless to say about the aroma it imparts in Neeragaram/Pazhayasadham.  It imparts a unique flavour when added into a dish fresh, boiled, fried or ground. Well, if you are living in a place where you cannot get Curry Leaves, you can store them in a ziplock bag in a freezer or dry it up in a shade and store it in airtight containers. It can also be dried & powdered and then used in Curries like Sambar, Rasams etc.,

   Curry Leaf is an exceptionally nutritious herb catering its benefits both as a herb and as a medicine. No Indian Curry is complete without a sprig of Curry Leaves in it & my Mom had her tricks to make us eat Curry Leaves. I grew up hearing that it is loaded with Iron and benefits hair growth, gets rid of Anaemia etc., & etc., And during my Postpartum along with Moringa Leaves, Curry Leaves were added into my daily diet. For building up strength, treating Anemia and also helps in secreting breast milk. The Leaves provide expectant mothers with necessary calcium, vitamins, zinc and iron. Calcium helps to strengthen the bones. Zinc plays a vital role in hair growth and skin health & Iron alleviates Anaemia. 

 

"CURRY LEAVES - THE CURE LEAF"

Names of Curry Leaves in other Languages:

Tamil - Kariveppilai

Malayalam- Kariveppila

Kannada - Karibevu / Baisoppu / Karibevina Soppu

Telugu - Karivepaku / Karepaku

Tulu - Bevudirae 

Hindi - Kadi Patta / Kathnim / Mitha Neem / Curry Patta / Gandhela / Bareanga

Marathi - Kadhi Patta / Karhinimb / Poospala / Gandla / Jhirang / Pandheri Kunthi

Gujarati - Mitho Limdo / Meetho Limbado / Goranimb / Kadhilimbdo

Bengali - Curry Patta / Barsanga / Kariphulli

Konkani - Karbapathi / Beva Palo

Oriya - Bhrusanga Patra / Barsan / Basango / Bhuraunga

Punjabi - Kadipatti / Curry Patta

Assamese - Narasingha Sinhalese - Karapincha

Bahasa Melayu - Daun Kari

 

CURRY LEAVES - NUTRITIONAL VALUE & USES

 

    Curry Leaf is an important seasoning herb in most of the Asian Cuisines. It is one tree which can be easily grown and maintained. A Curry Leaf Tree is one common shrub seen in most of the South Indian households. The leaves retain lots of Vitamins and Minerals. It can be used fresh or dried.

   Curry Leaf is a good source of Proteins, Vitamins & Minerals. It is also rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage. Curry Leaves are a rich source of minerals like Iron, Calcium, Potassium, essential Amino Acids and Vitamin A, B, C & E. It is a good source of dietary fibre too.

    

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CURRY LEAVES

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CURRY LEAVES

    Curry Leaves has been used as a Food & as a Natural Medicine for years. Apart from being a versatile Culinary Herb, Curry Leaves offer a wide range of Health Benefits too.

 

Treats Anemia:

    

    Curry Leaves are an excellent source of Iron & Folic Acid. Folic Acid helps the body to absorb iron and helps in increasing the Red Blood Cell count. Curry Leaves is very helpful in treating and preventing Anemia and also believed to treat Sickle Cell disease.

 

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:

 

    Curry Leaves helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar & protein in the urine. Alternatively, increasing the haemoglobin levels and overall protein content. Curry Leaves affect insulin activity of the body and balance blood sugar levels helping to reduce some diabetic symptoms. Curry Leaves are successful at reducing lipid and glucose levels and regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients, which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and improves protection against cell damage.

 

Lowers Cholesterol: 

   

    Curry Leaves are a good source of antioxidants which helps to reduce LDL(bad cholesterol level) and triggers the increase of HDL(good cholesterol). Increase in HDL protects our body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.  Try to incorporate Curry Leaves in your daily meals. Alternatively, having fresh leaves on an empty stomach every day can also help in lowering cholesterol.

 

Aids Weight Loss:

 

    Curry Leaves can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Vitamin B present in Curry Leaves helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, rather than storing it as fat. Daily consumption of Curry Leaves enhances digestion, reduces fat and cleanses the intestine helping in reducing excess weight.  Ayurveda suggests having a ball of crushed curry leaves every morning in empty stomach with honey for weight loss along with a strict diet.

 

Treats Bacterial Infections:

      

    Curry Leaves are known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which helps combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus and E.Coli.

 

Aids Digestion & Treats Stomach Complaints:

 

    Antibiotic & Antibacterial Properties of Curry Leaves help to inhibit the growth of various pathogens & Vitamin B present in Curry Leaves helps with digestion. Curry Leaves can be used to treat stomach disorders, such as Constipation, Gastritis, Diarhhea and Ulcerative Colitis. Gently crush some Curry Leaves into a small berry sized ball & have it with Buttermilk. Consume this twice or thrice a day for relief from Diarrhoea.

 

Congestion & Cold:

   

    Ayurveda uses Curry Leaves as an effective home remedy to treat wet cough, sinusitis or chest congestion. It helps to loosen up and release congested mucous. Take a spoon of powdered curry leaves and honey. Make it a paste and eat this mixture twice a day to get relief from congestion.

 

Eye Health:

   

    Curry Leaves serves as a good source of Vitamin A and with its Antioxidant properties. Curry Leaves helps to improve eyesight helps to impart strength and rejuvenation to the eyes. It also curtails the development of Cataract. Curry Leaves may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.

 

Preventing and Treating Cancer:

     

    Curry Leaves are rich source of Anti-oxidants.  Curry leaves contain compounds that have significant anticancer effects that suppress the development of cancer cells.

 

Relieves Morning Sickness:

 

    Curry Leaves helps to relieve the symptoms of Morning Sickness during pregnancy. Consumption of curry leaves help in the secretion of digestive enzymes, which provides ease from nausea, vomiting and morning sickness.

 

For Skin:

 

    Curry Leaves contains Protein & Minerals like Iron & Calcium which helps to protect skin cell damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair. It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores. Curry Leaves are efficient in reducing pimple, acne and black marks.

 

Curry Leaves For Hair

 

    Curry Leaves are rich in Vitamins like A, B, E, C & minerals like Iron, Magnesium, Copper & Calcium, which strengthens and nourishes hair follicles from the roots. Curry Leaves protects hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Curry Leaf is a medicinal herb which provides protection to the hair & scalp with its anti-oxidant, anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Dandruff:

Regular use of Curry Leaves helps to remove dead hair follicles, which is one of the reasons behind dandruff.  A hair mask prepared with Curry Leaves,Yogurt/Curd & Fenugreek Seeds helps to remove dandruff, removes excess oil from the scalp, hydrates the hair roots and has potent antifungal properties.

Anti-bacterial:

Curry Leaf extracts have been proven to be very effective against certain bacterial strains. It helps to treat minor scalp infections as it has anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties. Curry leaves are quite mild and hence it is also suitable for people who have scalp sensitivity.

Prevent Hair Fall - The protein and beta-carotene present in Curry Leaves help in increasing hair growth and reducing the hair fall. The Anti-oxidants, Proteins & Amino Acids present in Curry Leaves are also beneficial in moisturizing the scalp and strengthening the hair follicles.

 

Nourish Damaged Hair - Regular use of chemicals on hair and exposure to pollution may make the hair dull, dry and lifeless. Curry leaves help in restoring the moisture and also helps in strengthening the hair follicles.

 

Prevent Premature Greying - Hair greying is a natural phenomenon. Sometimes premature greying may occur due to genetic reasons, alcohol usage or due to stress. It can also be caused due to environmental conditions & chemical treatments. However, vitamin B in Curry Leaves helps in strengthening and nourishing the hair and also helps in delaying the hair greying process. Curry leaves prevent premature greying of hair by restoring the pigment melanin which is essential for the black colour of hair. It also acts as a protective agent against oxidative stress by free radicals which damage the scalp and hair.

For Dry Hair - Heat Coconut Oil with a few Curry Leaves in it. Boil it and then cool it down. This Oil provides deep conditioning to dry and dull hair. Keep this oil mixture applied on hair for half an hour and then shampoo as usual.

 

Natural Hair Conditioner - Applying a decoction made by boiling curry leaves in water may help in controlling the fizziness & dry hair. Use this decoction as a last rinse after shampooing and conditioning the hair. 

 

 

CULINARY USES OF CURRY LEAVES

 

CURRY LEAVES

 

 

• Fresh Curry Leaves are used as an ingredient in many Indian & South-east Asian dishes.  
• Whole or Chopped/Crushed Curry Leaves are added while tempering most of the Savoury dishes in Indian Cuisine.
• Curry Leaves while used as a tempering enhances the flavour of dishes like Sambar, Rasam, Poriyal/Thoran, Kootu, Pachadi etc.,
• Fresh Curry Leaves in dishes like Avial & Olan brings out its natural aroma & flavour in the dish.
• Tiffin items like Upma, Pongal, Sevai etc., tastes great when tempered with Curry Leaves.
• It is also added as a garnish in dishes like Raithas, Dhals, Curries and in Porridges like Neeragaram/Pazhangkanji, Ragi/Finger Millet Koozh etc.,
• Fresh Curry Leaves can be added into instant Dosa varieties like Gothumai/All-purpose Flour Dosai, Rava Dosai etc., 
• It can also be added while making Adai Dosai, Paniyarams etc., along with other seasonings.
• Deep-fried snacks/Fritters like Vadai, Pakodas, Bondas etc., tastes great when you add curry leaves into it. 
• Curry Leaves are used to make refreshing summer drinks and a traditional drink called 'Sambharam/Neer Mor/Chaas'.
• Fresh Curry Leaves are used to make Chutneys, Chammanthi & Thogayals. 
• Kariveppilai Sadham is one rice dish which uses Curry Leaves to flavour the rice. 
• Curry Leaves can also be used to make spice powders like Karuveppilai Podi, which can be mixed with rice and eaten. Add a drizzle of Ghee/Gingelly oil to enhance the flavour.
• Fresh Curry Leaf is one main ingredient in a curry called Kariveppilai Kuzhambu or make Karuveppilai Thuvaiyal.
  
• Can make a flavourful South Indian style Seafood dish with Prawns called Karuveppilai Eral.
• Deep-fried Curry Leaves add a wonderful flavour to snacks like South Indian Mixture, Kara Boondhi etc.,

 

For more Recipes & Dishes with CURRY LEAVES, Click here...

 

 

HOW TO STORE CURRY LEAVES

 

Storing Curry Leaves in Water @ room temperature:

 

• Wash the Curry Leaves along with the stalk through running water.
• Do not remove the leaves from the stalk.
• Discard any old, wilted, blackened/yellowed leaves.
• Fill a small Vase/Glass bottle with water(about1/3).
• Insert the Curry Leaves Stalks to the Vase/Bottle filled with water.
• Change the water periodically or when the colour of the water changes.
• Cover the bottle/Vase with an empty plastic cover/cling wrap(Optional).
• If stored properly, Curry Leaves can last in room temperature for a few days.

 

Storing Curry Leaves in the refrigerator:

 

• Remove the stalks of the Curry Leaves.
• Discard any old, wilted, blackened/yellowed leaves.
• Wash the leaves through running water.
• Line it up on a clean kitchen towel and allow it to dry.
• The idea is to remove the moisture from the leaves.
• Line up the container(used for storing) with a paper towel.
• Spread the fresh Curry Leaves in it.
• Cover the leaves with another paper towel.
• Cover the container and leave it in the refrigerator. 
• Refrigerated Curry Leaves stay longer this way.

 

Storing Curry Leaves in the Freezer:

 

• Remove the stalks of the Curry Leaves.
• Discard any old, wilted, blackened/yellowed leaves.
• Wash the leaves through running water.
• Line it up on a clean kitchen towel and allow it to dry.
• The idea is to remove the moisture from the leaves.
• Can Freeze the Curry Leaves and store it in a Ziploc Bag.
• Can use these Curry Leaves directly while making 'Sambharam/Neer Mor/Chaas' or while making Neeragaram/Pazhankanji, Ragi Koozh
• Alternatively can thaw the Curry Leaves, squeeze out excess water and use accordingly.
• Curry Leaves when left in the freezer stays good for more than a month. 

 

Drying the Curry Leaves:

 

• Dry the Curry Leaves under direct sunlight/under shade until the leaves are dry.
• It may take a few days for this purpose.
• This method suits the people living in suitable weather condition.
• Alternatively can dry the leaves in an Oven.
• Place the leaves in 1 - 2 layers in a shallow oven-safe pan. 
• Adjust the heat setting of the oven to low 170°F /80 °C.
• Bake it for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Adjust the timing as per your oven settings.
• Do not allow the leaves to brown. 
• Store it in an airtight container.

 

 

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DISCLAIMER: Please remember these treatments options are meant as guidelines and in no way replace the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homoeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.