Koonthal/Kanava Thoran / Squid Stir Fry with Coconut

Ingredients

For cooking the squid

4 or 5 medium size squid, cleaned and cut into rings or small squares

1/4 tsp pepper powder

1/2 inch ginger, crushed

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, crushed

salt to taste

For the masala

20 pearl onions, peeled and cut into two centerwise

1/2 cup grated coconut

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

3/4 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

a twig of curry leaves

2 pinches of garam masala

1/4 tsp pepper powder

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

2 dry red chillies

2 tbsp coconut oil

salt to taste

2 tbsp water

Preparation

1. In a manchatti (earthenware) , add the cut squid pieces along with salt and pepper powder. Close it with a lid and cook in medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the squid pieces are soft enough. (You don't need to water for cooking squid as it will give off water while cooking)

2.Using a mixer, coarsely blend the grated coconut, red chilli powder, kashmiri chilli powder,turmeric powder, cumin seeds and 2 or 3 curry leaves together and set aside.

3. In a kadai, heat oil and splutter the mustard seeds. Add dry red chillies and the remaining curry leaves. Also add Pearl onions along with enough salt and saute until they are soft.

4. To this, add the cooked squid and saute for a minute. Now add the ground coconut mixture and mix well. Adjust the salt if needed and add 2 tbsp water. Close the lid and allow to cook for 5 minutes in low heat. 

5. Open the lid and stir well in medium heat until the water content  completely  disappears. 

6. Turn off the heat and add the garam masala and pepper powder and mix well. The kanava thoran is ready

It goes well with rice and any curd based curry.