Koorka Mezhukkupuratti is an uncomplicated stir-fry in the Kerala style, featuring koorka, sirukizhangu, or Chinese potato. This straightforward, non-spicy recipe is stir-fried in coconut oil and pairs well with Rasam and steamed rice.
400-450 gms Koorka (chinese potato) (measured before cleaning)
12-15 Whole small onion / shallots
4-6 cloves Garlic cloves (I used big ones)
2-3 Whole dry red chilli
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/4 tsp Chilli powder
1/2 – 1 tsp Meat masala / garam masala
1/3 cup Coconut bites (thengakothu)
1-2 tbsp Hot water
1/4 tsp Mustard seeds
Coconut oil
Salt
Curry leaves
Instructions
Wash and clean koorka. Cook the cleaned koorka with salt and turmeric powder. Make sure you don't overcook it. There should be a small bite to it.
Crush together whole small onion, garlic and dry red chilli in mortar and pestle (if you don't own one, run it in a mixie for a few seconds, just crush it don't make it into a paste).
Heat oil in a pan and crackle the mustard seeds. Add crushed masala and curry leaves. Cook it till the small onion turns golden brown. Add masala powders and fry for 2-3 mins. Add 2 tbsp hot water. Mix well. Add cooked koorka and coconut bites. Mix well. Cook it on low flame for 10-15 mins (refer notes)
Notes
To clean koorka, I soak them in water for half hour – 1 hour and peel the skin using a peeler. I like koorka to be crispy, so I roast them for a long time.