Kappa (Tapioca ) Puzhukku

Tapioca is called kappa in Malayalam. Making kappa puzhukku is easy. You need to boil or steam tapioca and then season with the tempered ingredients. There are a few variations of making kappa puzhukku usually coconut paste is added. I am sharing my mother in laws method which is easy and does not need ground coconut paste. Some fresh grated coconut can be added in the tempering though and can be skipped if you do not have coconut.

Ingredients:

• 1 tapioca or kappa 500 grams cut in to small cubes
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt or add as required

for tempering 

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped pearl onions or shallots
• 1 dry red chilli
• 1 green chili , chopped
• 7 to 8 curry leaves
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric

Method:

Cut tapioca and put in water with turmeric before cooking. Drain out that water.  In a pot  cook it in clear water with turmeric. One should be careful while cooking it in pressure cooker as there are changes tapioca getting smashed. Drain the water and keep it aside . Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a kadai Add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds. let the mustard seeds crackle. Then add 1 dry red chilli, 1 green chili (chopped) and 7 to 8 curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds till the red chilies change color and the curry leaves become crisp.

Next add 2 tablespoons chopped pearl onions or shallots sauté onions till translucent. add cooked kappa and stir.