Vellarikka Unakka Chemmeen Curry / Yellow Cucumber and Dried Shrimp Curry

Ingredients (Serves 6)

1. Vellarikka / yellow cucumber – 1 medium, peeled, seeded and cubed

Unakka chemmeen / dried prawns – 1/3 cup

Tomato – 2 small, cubed

Drumstick – 5 – 6 pieces

Raw mango – 3 tbsp, peeled and cut into small pieces

Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

Chilli powder – 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves – A few

Water – 1.5 cups

Salt – To taste

2. Grated coconut – 1.5 – 2 cups

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Green chilies – 2

Shallots – 2

3. Coconut oil – 1 – 1.5 tbsp

Mustard seeds –  3/4 tsp

Dried red chilly – 1, broken

Shallots – 4, thinly sliced

Method

1. Cook all the ingredients numbered 1 in a claypot or kadai for 15 – 20 minutes until the cucumber and drumstick pieces are done. Add ground coconut paste. Cook for a few minutes. Switch off.

2. Heat oil in a small pan. Splutter mustard seeds and fry dried red chilies until brown. Add shallots and fry until browned. Add curry leaves and stir for a few seconds. Pour this seasoning over the prepared curry. Cover with a lid. Serve after 10 minutes.