Kozhikode’s Viral Recipe: Koonthal Nirachathu – Stuffed Squid Delight
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
  • Squid, whole- 8
To grind
  • Grated coconut- ½ cup
  • Small onions- 2 (or add ½ of a large shallot)
  • Fennel seeds- 1 tsp
For making stuffing
  • Oil- 2 tbsp
  • Onion, chopped- 1 large onion
  • Ginger, grated- 1 tsp
  • Garlic, grated- 2 cloves
  • Green chilies, chopped- 1 or 2
  • Curry leaves- 8 leaves
  • Squid fins/tentacles, chopped
  • Kashmiri chili powder- 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder- ⅛ tsp
  • Coriander powder- 1½ tsp
  • Salt- 1½ tsp
  • Ground coconut
For making spice coating
  • Coconut oil- 3 tbsp
  • Kashmiri chili powder- 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder- ⅛ tsp
  • Salt- ½ tsp
  • Curry leaves- 10 leaves
Instructions
  1. I've taken 8 whole squids.
  2. If the squids are not cleaned, have to be cleaned well.
  3. We need the tube & the head as well, so don't discard the head.
How to clean squid
  1. Gently pull off the head from the tube.
  2. Ink sac will be found hanging under the head, gently remove that & discard it.
  3. Inside the tube there will be internal shell or pen, it looks like plastic, gently pull it off from the tube & discard it.
  4. Within the tentacles over the head, there is a small hard thing, it's called the beak- if you squeeze where the tentacles meet on the head, the beak will come out, this has to be discarded.
  5. Next, the pink skin has to be removed, using your finger gently peel off the skin & it will come off easily.
  6. Wash the squid thoroughly under running water inside & out.
  7. On both the sides of the tube there will be fins, we can remove that- can be added while making the stuffing. If there are long tentacles, cut that as well.
  8. Chop the fins & tentacles & keep them aside.
Making the stuffing
  1. To a blender jar, add the grated coconut, small onions & fennel seeds, crush them don't make into a smooth paste. Keep it aside.
  2. Place a pan over medium heat, add oil.
  3. Add onion chopped, ginger, garlic, green chilies, curry leaves & ½ tsp salt.
  4. Saute till onions turn light golden in color.
  5. Add the chopped squid parts, combine well & cook for a few minutes.
  6. Add the spices: Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder & salt.
  7. Combine well & cook for 2 minutes.
  8. If you want the stuffing to be very spicy, add hot regular chili powder.
  9. Now, add the crushed coconut mixture, combine well & cook for a few minutes.
  10. This is a dry mixture. Keep aside the stuffing, let it cool down.
  11. Take the squid tube, stuff the filling inside the tube.
  12. Don't over stuff it, by doing this while steam cooking the stuffing will come out.
  13. Now, take the head & keep it on the tube.
  14. Using a tooth pick attach the head to the tube.
  15. Place all the stuffed squids on a steamer.
  16. Add 1½ cups water to a large pan, place the steamer over the pan, close with a lid.
  17. Steam cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
  18. Take the steamer out of the pan.
  19. Now the final cooking: place a pan over medium heat, add coconut oil.
  20. Add Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder, salt & curry leaves.
  21. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
  22. Place the cooked stuffed squid onto this masala & gently coat the squid.
  23. Flip the squid over & let all sides coat well, pan fry for a few minutes till squid turns golden brown in color. Avoid over frying the squid.
  24. Enjoy koonthal nirachathu or stuffed squid while its warm, while having dip it in the masala & have it, tastes absolutely delish.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/kozhikodes-viral-recipe-koonthal-nirachathu-stuffed-squid-delight/