Kappa Puzhukku or Tapioca in ground coconut - South Indian Style
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 5 people
Ingredients
  • Tapioca, cubed- 2 tapiocas (6 cups)
  • Water- 3 cups
  • Salt- ½ tsp
To grind
  • Coconut, grated- 1 cup
  • Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
  • Garlic, chopped- 2 cloves
  • Green chili- 1 or 2
  • Turmeric powder- ¼ to ½ tsp
  • Water- 1 cup
For tempering
  • Coconut oil or vegetable oil- 2 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
  • Small onions, minced- 3
  • Dried red whole chilies- 3, halved
  • Curry leaves- 10 leaves
Instructions
  1. If using fresh tapioca or kappa, peel the skin off the tapiocas, cut into cubes, and rinse well under running water.
  2. Frozen diced tapioca is available in Indian stores, if using frozen ones, rinse in water.
  3. Fill half of a large saucepan with water, add the tapiocas and salt, cook till the tapiocas turn soft and fork-tender.
  4. Drain the water from the cooked tapiocas and keep it aside.
  5. In a blender, grind the above-mentioned "to grind ingredients" to a coarse paste.
  6. To a large saucepan, add the cooked tapiocas and the ground coconut paste.
  7. Gently mash the tapiocas using a wooden spoon.
  8. Add 1½ tsp salt, combine well.
  9. Cook for a few minutes minutes until the gravy starts to thicken.
  10. Take the pan off the heat and keep it covered.
  11. Place a small frying pan over medium heat, add oil.
  12. When the oil turns hot, add mustard seeds, let splutter.
  13. Add the minced small onions, saute for a few minutes till they turn golden in color.
  14. Add dried red chilies and curry leaves, saute for a few seconds.
  15. Pour this tempering over the cooked tapioca.
  16. Keep the tapioca covered for some time so that the flavors from the tempering will infuse into the tapioca.
  17. In Kerala, non-vegetarians enjoy this with fish or chicken curries. Vegetarians can enjoy it as it is along with pickle or can be served with rice.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/kappa-puzhukku-or-tapioca-in-ground-coconut-kerala-kappa-recipe/