Cherupayyar Thoran / Keralean Green Gram Coconut Stir Fry Recipe

Green gram, as you may know is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre and protein.In Kerala, green gram is commonly used to make a 'cherupayar thoran' and 'payasam'. Cherupayar thoran, in my opinion , should be served with steaming hot kanji, kachumor, pickle and pappadams.  If you have not tried this combination,trust me, you are missing on something that no restaurants or hotels can offer you. 

You can make this humble side dish in two ways. Either you can soak cherupayar overnight or cook this after dry roasting this. If you are soaking cherupayar overnight you would need to pressure cook this only for 3 whistle otherwise you go for 4 whistles. I went for the roasting method though.

Ingredients :-

I cup Green gram

2 1/4 cups Water

1 cup Grated coconut 

6 Sliced shallots 

3 Sliced green chillies

1/4 tsp Chilli powder

1/4 tsp Pepper powder

1/2 tsp Mustard seeds

1/4 tsp Cumin seeds(optional) 

I sprig Curry leaves

salt

1 tsp oil

Method :-

Wash cherupayyar under running water(I soaked the cherupayyar for 1 hour) and dry roast on a nonstick pan. Transfer this into a pressure cooker.Without adding salt pressure cook this on high flame for 6 whistles. Let the pressure cookerrest for 15-20 minutes(do not open the lid yet) .

Meanwhile combine grated coconut, sliced shallots, garlic, green chilies, pepper powder, turmeric, powder, chili powder and salt in a bowl using your fingertips. However, I used a mortar and pestle to grind this a little bit. I want the flavour of each ingredients to come out.

After 15 minutes when you open the pan usually you won't see excess water but if there is excess water put the flame on and evaporate the water(we do not want to lose the nutrients, do we?).

Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they splutter add the curry leaves and coarsely ground coconut mixture. Cook this 3 minutes and add green gram. Add more salt in this stage if required. Mix well and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Serve with hot kanji or rice :)