Meen Vevichathu, Matta Rice, Cabbage Thoran and Pappadam

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Matta Rice (Also known as Kerala Red Rice or Rosematta Rice)
• 4 cup Water (For pressure cooking)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak the Rice

   • Place the matta rice in a large bowl. Rinse it under cold running water 4-5 times, rubbing the grains gently between your palms, until the water runs mostly clear.
   • Add fresh water to the bowl to cover the rice by at least 2 inches. Let it soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a softer texture.
   • After soaking, drain the water completely using a colander.
2. 2

   Pressure Cook the Rice

   • Transfer the drained rice to a 3-liter or larger pressure cooker.
   • Add 4 cups of fresh water and the optional salt. Stir once.
   • Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and place the weight on the vent. Cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle.
   • After the first whistle, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
   • Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This can take 15-20 minutes. Do not attempt to quick-release the pressure.
3. 3

   Fluff and Serve

   • Once the pressure has completely subsided, carefully open the cooker lid.
   • The rice should be perfectly cooked and absorbed all the water. Gently fluff the grains with a fork or a spatula.
   • Serve hot with your favorite Kerala curries like Sambar, Avial, or Pulissery.

Ingredients

• 500 g Cabbage (finely shredded)
• 0.75 cup Fresh Grated Coconut
• 4 pcs Shallots (peeled)
• 3 pcs Green Chilies (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 inch Ginger
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Urad Dal
• 2 pcs Dried Red Chilies (broken in half)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Water (for steaming)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the coconut mixture. In a small grinder, combine the grated coconut, shallots, green chilies, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder. Pulse 2-3 times to get a coarse, crumbly mixture. Avoid over-grinding it into a fine paste. Set aside.

2. 2

   Temper the spices. Heat coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely. Add the urad dal and sauté until it turns a light golden brown. Finally, add the broken dried red chilies and curry leaves, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Cook the cabbage. Add the finely shredded cabbage and salt to the pan. Mix everything well to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated with the tempering spices.

4. 4

   Steam the cabbage. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over the cabbage, cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still retains a slight crunch.

5. 5

   Add the coconut mixture. Uncover the pan, add the ground coconut mixture, and stir gently to combine everything well.

6. 6

   Finish the dish. Continue to cook uncovered for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps evaporate any excess moisture and cooks the raw coconut mixture. Turn off the heat once the thoran is dry.

7. 7

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Urad Dal Pappadam (Plain or with peppercorns (kali mirch) are common choices.)
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil (For deep frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like sunflower or canola oil.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Choose your preferred cooking method. Pappadam can be deep-fried, roasted over a gas flame, or cooked in a microwave. Each method yields a slightly different texture and flavor.

2. 2

   Method 1: Deep Frying (Classic Method)

   • Pour vegetable oil into a kadai or a small, deep pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high flame for 2-3 minutes.
   • To test the oil temperature, drop a tiny piece of pappadam into it. If it sizzles and expands immediately, the oil is ready.
   • Using tongs, gently slide one pappadam into the hot oil. Lightly press the center with the tongs to ensure even cooking. It will puff up in 3-5 seconds.
   • Quickly flip it over and cook for another 2-3 seconds. It should be a pale cream color, not brown.
   • Remove the pappadam with tongs, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pan. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
   • Repeat the process for all pappadams, frying one at a time.
3. 3

   Method 2: Roasting over Open Flame (Smoky Flavor)

   • Turn on a gas stove to a low-medium flame.
   • Using a pair of long metal tongs, hold one pappadam about 2-3 inches above the flame.
   • Continuously and quickly move the pappadam over the flame, flipping it every few seconds to cook it evenly and prevent burning.
   • The pappadam will start to bubble, change color, and become crisp in about 20-30 seconds.
   • Once it's cooked with a few characteristic charred spots, it's ready. Be vigilant as it can burn in an instant.
4. 4

   Method 3: Microwaving (Oil-Free Method)

   • Place one or two pappadams on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they do not overlap.
   • For a more even cook, you can lightly brush both sides with a tiny amount of oil, but this is optional.
   • Microwave on high power for 30-45 seconds. The pappadam will cook and become crisp.
   • Keep a close watch as cooking times vary greatly between microwaves. If it's not fully cooked, microwave in 10-second intervals until done.
5. 5

   Serve the freshly prepared pappadams immediately. They are best enjoyed while warm and crispy alongside a main meal of rice and curry, or as a standalone snack.