Nadan Moru Curry which is the seasoned buttermilk curry that can be found in many Malayali homes is a must-try dish if you love Nadan cooking Malayalam dishes. This buttermilk has a tangy and mild spicy taste that can be combined with hot rice and some even like it with chapatis. It can be seen in many homes especially during the hot summer days wherein it gives a refreshing and cooling feel to your body. This simple dish is loved by many and can be made with few ingredients that are widely available in all our households.
The splendor of Nadan Moru Curry which is quite famous in most of the Malayalam cooking village, lies in its versatility. It may be served as a side dish with steamed rice or as part of a bigger meal at some point of festive activities and family gatherings. The flavors are simple yet complex, with the buttermilk imparting a tangy base which is perfectly balanced by means of the earthy spices. This dish exemplifies the essence of Kerala cuisine, wherein fresh, household ingredients and simple cooking techniques create delicious and nourishing meals.
History and Tradition Behind the Dish
Personally, speaking I have very fond memories with this dish. In our home we have the habit of eating our meals with atleast one curry and this one is no exception. The Nadan Moru curry originates from the deeply rooted Kerala conventional cooking practices. As it is made from essential spices it has many health benefits that even many old people used to have it for better digestion. This dish has been passed down to many generations gaining itself the position of an unavoidable item now in many Keralite homes. Now this has gained a place as the Kerala’s culinary background.
Mostly this dish is made in unique ways in many homes. Some prefer to make it with coconut paste, or ash gourd while some prefer it to be simpler. Despite these variations the main ingredient in it remains unchanged- buttermilk.
Cultural Significance of Kerala Style Moru Curry
The Moru curry holds a great place in Kerala culinary heritage. It isn’t only available in the households, but also has a significant place in festivals and ceremonies especially in feasts like Sadhya. You cannot imagine a Sadhya without the Kerala style moru curry. These grand feasts, generally served on banana leaves, encompass a lot of vegetarian dishes, with Moru Curry being a staple. Its inclusion in such events underscores its importance and recognition inside the nearby delicacies.
The cultural significance of Moru Curry is also evident in bringing people together. It is often organized all through circle of relatives gatherings and special activities, symbolizing unity and the sharing of culture. The simplicity and authenticity of this dish make it a comforting presence at any meal, representing the heart and soul of Kerala’s meals way of life.]
Key Ingredients for this Recipe
To put together the proper Nadan Moru Curry, a few key elements are essential. These include:
Curd- 1 ½ cup
Green chillies – 3
Ginger – 2 teaspoons
Cumin seeds- ½ teaspoon
Asafoetida – ¼ teaspoon
Turmeric powder- ¼ teaspoon
Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
Shallots – 3 to 4
Dry red chillies- 2
Curry leaves – as needed
How to Prepare Nadan Moru Curry Recipe Kerala Style
Preparing the delicious Nadan Moru curry is simple. Here’s how we make it:
- Take 1 ½ cups of thick curd in a bowl. Add salt as needed and whisk well to gain a smooth consistency. Using thick curd is favored to prevent the curry from becoming too watery.
- To the whisked curd, add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Continue whisking until the turmeric is absolutely mixed in it. Some may favor to use a mixer, however whisking is usually recommended to keep away from making the mixture too thin.
- Crush 3 green chilies and finely chop 2 teaspoons of ginger. Add this to the curd mixture and mix properly. The green chillies will give and added high spice kick while the ginger will give you the heat and aromatic smell and taste.
- Now let’s add water to the mixture to give it the liquid consistency. Ensure to add little by little initially. The moru curry needs to be thick but pourable. Check the salt of the dish and add if needed. Also make sure to add curry leaves for the nice aromatic flavour.
- Next pour this to a pan and heat it in low flame. Don’t forget to stir it continuously else it gets curdled. Without boiling it just warm it until you see steam coming from it.
- Once the combination is hot, add ½ teaspoon of fried and grinded cumin powder and a pinch of dried and grinded asafoetida. Stir well to combine. Turn off the stove once you see steam coming from the Moru.
- Now let’s do the tempering part. In a small pan, add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil. Once it is hot, add ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add 3-4 sliced shallots, 2 red dry chillies and some curry leaves. Fry them till they are brown.
- Once done, pour it into the curd mixture. Mix it well and now your Moru Curry is ready. Serve it hot with rice and enjoy.
Tips to Make Perfect Kerala Style Moru Curry Recipe
- Make use of thick curd. The curd should be in the room temperature.
- Ensure to stir the curd mixture continuously when in flame, else it will get curdled leaving you with watery liquid and chunks of curds.
- When you add the ingredients while tempering, make sure you turn the flame to low else it will get burned up easily and will give your Moru curry and burnt taste.
Sides and Accompaniments
The Kerala Style Nadan Moru Curry is well comined to have with hot steamy rice giving you the tangy and creamy taste and flavours to the dish. It can also be combined with Chapathis or Kerala Parotta as well.
I prefer it with meals where I also have my thoran, a vegetable dish, whereby it balances the curry’s flavours. Also you can have pickles and padads alongside for the perfect crunchy and spicy taste.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Nadan Moru Curry Kerala Style Cooking
The Nadan Moru Curry is very simple and easy to make. Curd being the main ingredient is this dish, is also loaded up with many health benefits. Its spicy, subtle tangy and aromatic taste is sure to be loved even by the small children in your homes. When you are short of time, this dish is perfect to be made as it won’t take more than 20 minutes of your time.
By trying out these Kerala style cooking recipes, you can experience the essence of Kerala’s traditional delicacies. The use of fresh, household components and easy cooking techniques highlight the splendor of Nadan cooking. Enjoy the technique of making and savoring this delightful curry, and embrace the rich cultural background it represents.
Extra Notes: Other Nadan Cooking Recipes to Try
Explore the numerous flavors of Kerala with other Nadan cooking Malayalam recipes. Nadan Meen Curry (Fish Curry) offers a rich, spicy seafood enjoy, whilst Kerala Style Avial (Mixed Vegetable Curry) offers a healthful, nutritious choice packed with lots of veggies. Each of these recipes offers a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Kerala, making sure a satisfying and sundry eating revel in.
If you like try out more such amazing dishes do check out our YouTube channel- Kalavara, which is one of the best cooking channel.
