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A classic Kerala curry featuring pearl onions in a rich, dark gravy made from deeply roasted coconut and tangy tamarind. Its unique, complex flavor is a true taste of South Indian home cooking.
For 4 servings
Prepare Tamarind Pulp
Roast Coconut Masala
Grind Masala Paste
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A classic Kerala curry featuring pearl onions in a rich, dark gravy made from deeply roasted coconut and tangy tamarind. Its unique, complex flavor is a true taste of South Indian home cooking.
This kerala recipe takes 55 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 279.24 calories per serving with 3.22g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Sauté Shallots
Combine and Simmer Theeyal
Rest and Serve
Replace shallots with other vegetables like bitter gourd (Pavakka Theeyal), drumsticks, eggplant, or a mix of vegetables like carrots and beans.
For a non-vegetarian version, add 200g of cleaned and deveined prawns along with the shallots and cook until they turn pink before adding the tamarind water.
Use whole cloves of garlic instead of or in addition to the shallots for a pungent and flavorful variation.
Spices like turmeric, coriander, and red chilies are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Ingredients like tamarind, pearl onions, and fenugreek seeds are known to support digestive health and provide dietary fiber, which aids in regular bowel movements.
Coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently and can be used by the body as a quick source of energy.
One serving of Ulli Theeyal contains approximately 350-400 calories, primarily from the coconut and coconut oil used in the recipe.
Yes, it is moderately healthy. It's rich in dietary fiber from coconut and shallots, and contains beneficial compounds from spices like turmeric. However, due to the high saturated fat content from coconut, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Bitterness in theeyal is almost always caused by over-roasting or burning the coconut or fenugreek seeds. It's crucial to roast on a very low, controlled heat and stir constantly to achieve a deep brown color without charring.
You can, but fresh or frozen grated coconut is highly recommended for the best flavor and oil release. If using desiccated coconut, roast it very carefully as it burns much faster, and you may need to add a little extra oil.
Ulli Theeyal stores well in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves by the next day.
While the 'Ulli' in the name means onion/shallot, you can make the same gravy base and use other vegetables like bitter gourd, drumsticks, or eggplant to create different types of theeyal.