Kallu Shappu (Kerala Toddy Shop) Style Beef Fry
Boiled yam, mashed tapioca with fish curry (kappa and meen curry), fried mussels, crab curry, and the quintessential beef fry—all make up the distinctive cuisine found in Kerala's 'kallu shaaps' or toddy shops. This culinary experience is a unique sub-cuisine, perfectly complementing the intoxicating pleasures of toddy. While the Supreme Court has recently upheld the Kerala government's decision to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol in bars across the state, toddy shops remain unaffected. This ensures that the delectable kallu-shaap cuisine will continue to delight both seasoned patrons and those exploring culinary adventures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 kg Beef (cleaned & cut into small-medium size cubes)
For Marination
- 1 cup Small onion / Pearl onion (crushed)
- 1.5 tbsp Crushed Ginger & garlic (each)
- 1 – 1.5 tbsp Crushed red chilli
- 1.5 – 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Pepper powder
- 1 – 1.5 tsp Garam Masala
- 3/4 – 1 cup Thengakothu (coconut bits)
- 2 tsp Vinegar
- Salt
For tempering
- Coconut oil
- Curry leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the cleaned beef pieces with the ingredients listed under marination (number 2 ingredients). Keep it aside for 15-20 mins. Add 2 tbsp of water to this & pressure cook till the beef is done (the cooking time of beef depends on the type of beef used). Keep the cooker closed for 20-25 mins. Open the cooker & if there is any excess water in the beef, cook till the water is dried completely.
- Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan & add tons of curry leaves. Fry it for few seconds. Add the cooked beef. Give it a good stir. Cook on low flame till the beef becomes black in colour. If the beef appears to dry in between, add a little oil & continue cooking. It will take around 10-15 mins. Don't forget to give a stir in between. That's all …the shappu beef fry is ready!
Notes
- Using coconut oil very generously & I believe that’s the secret behind this lovely dark colour. So let loose your grip on the oil bottle for just once & enjoy this spicy treat 😉 Also please try to use crushed red chilli itself, instead of chilli powder. It gives a very different flavor to this dish.
- Try to use small onions (shallots)& please don’t substitute it with onions, it will affect the taste. Don’t forget to use coconut oil for this recipe, it’s a must!
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