Kalva Sukka
A coastal shellfish stir-fry with sweet briny clams, roasted coconut, black pepper, and warm spices. This dry Mangalorean-style dish is packed with flavor and tastes wonderful with neer dosa, chapati, or simple rice.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~7 min
Clean the clams well.
1.Rinse the clams under running water and scrub the shells well.2.Discard any clams with broken shells.3.If any clams stay open after a gentle tap, discard them.TIPWell-cleaned clams keep the sukka free from grit. - boil · ~7 min
Cook the clams until they open.
Place the clams in a pot with water and salt. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the shells open. Remove the meat from the shells and keep the strained cooking liquid aside.
TIPDiscard any clams that do not open after cooking. - roast · ~7 min
Roast the coconut and spices.
1.Heat a dry pan over low heat.2.Roast the dried red chili, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant (2-3 min).3.Add the grated coconut and roast until lightly golden and aromatic (3-4 min).4.Cool the mixture slightly. - mix · ~3 min
Grind the masala.
Grind the roasted coconut mixture with garlic, ginger, and turmeric powder to a coarse masala. Add only a spoon or two of the reserved clam liquid if needed to help it move.
TIPKeep the masala coarse for the right sukka texture. - saute · ~11 min
Cook the onion base.
1.Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat.2.Add curry leaves and let them sizzle for a few seconds.3.Add chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden (5-6 min).4.Add tomato and cook until soft and pulpy (4-5 min). - saute · ~7 min
Cook the masala with the clams.
Add the ground masala to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the clam meat and a few tablespoons of reserved cooking liquid, then toss and cook until the masala coats the clams and the dish turns semi-dry.
TIPDo not overcook after adding the clam meat or it can turn chewy. - garnish
Finish with cilantro.
- serve
Serve hot with neer dosa, chapati, or rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Strain the clam cooking liquid through a fine sieve or cloth so no grit gets back into the sukka.
- 2Roast the coconut on low heat and stir constantly; it should turn lightly golden, not dark brown.
- 3Keep the masala slightly coarse rather than smooth so the finished sukka stays crumbly and dry.
- 4Add salt carefully because the clams and reserved stock already bring natural salinity.
- 5Once the clam meat goes into the pan, cook only briefly until coated; longer cooking makes it rubbery.
- 6Use a wide pan for the final toss so moisture evaporates quickly and the masala clings to the clams.
- 7You can roast and grind the coconut-spice masala a few hours ahead, then finish the dish just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier
Increase dried red chilies and black pepper for a hotter, more pepper-forward coastal style.
less coconutLess-coconut
Reduce the grated coconut slightly for a lighter sukka with more direct clam and pepper flavor.
prawn sukkaPrawn-sukka
Use peeled prawns instead of clams for a similar masala; cook them very briefly to avoid toughness.
extra dryExtra-dry
Skip most of the reserved liquid at the end and sauté longer for a drier sukka to serve with chapati.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Seafood
Clams provide substantial seafood protein, making this stir-fry filling even though it is served in a dry style.
Mineral-Dense Ingredients
Clams are naturally rich in key minerals, while coconut and spices add trace nutrients and satisfying depth.
Digestive Spice Blend
Ginger, garlic, cumin, fennel, and coriander contribute aromatic compounds traditionally used to support digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Discard any with broken shells, any that stay open after a tap before cooking, and any that do not open during steaming.



