Pacha theeyal: A lesser-known curry for your Onam sadya

Looking for a less common curry for your Onam sadya? Try pacha theeyal, a simple coconut-based curry with shallots and ladies' finger. It makes a delicious alternative to the usual sadya sides and can even take the place of koottucurry.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup grated coconut
2. 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
3. 1/2 tsp chilli powder
4. 1/4 tsp coriander powder
5. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
6. 2 shallots
7. 1/2 cup shallots
8. 1 cup ladies' finger, cut into 1-inch pieces
9. 2 green chillies, slit
10. 3 tsp tamarind water
11. Salt to taste
12. 1 tsp coconut oil
13. 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
14. 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
15. 2 sprigs curry leaves
16. 3 shallots, sliced

Preparation

1. Add grated coconut, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds and two shallots to a mixer. Grind into a fine paste.
2. Add the shallots, ladies' finger and green chillies to a pan. Add tamarind water and salt to taste, then cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the ground coconut paste and mix well. Cook for about five minutes.
4. For the tempering, heat coconut oil in a small pan. Splutter the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
5. Add curry leaves and sliced shallots. Sauté until the shallots turn golden.
6. Pour the seasoning over the theeyal and mix gently.

Serve pacha theeyal with hot rice as part of your Onam sadya, just like you would koottucurry.