Cochin Style Erachi Choru/ Cochin Style Meat Rice

Ingredients (Serves 5 – 6)

1. Beef – 400 gm, cubed

2. Shallots / kunjulli – 1 1/4 cup, sliced

Ginger, crushed – 1 tbsp

Garlic – 1.5 tbsp, crushed

Tomato – 1.5 small, sliced

Green chilies – 6 – 8, crushed

Fenugreek seeds / uluva – A tiny pinch

Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

Pepper powder – 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder – 1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder – 1 tsp

Yoghurt – 2 tbsp

Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

Salt – As required

Cilantro / coriander leaves – 1.5 tbsp, chopped

Mint leaves – 1.5 tbsp, chopped

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Salt – As required

3. Rice (puzhukkalari / matta rice) – 1 cup

Whole spices – Fennel seeds – 1/2 tsp, star anise – 1, cloves – 4. cinnamon stick – 1/2 inch, green cardamom – 4

Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

Thin coconut milk – 1 cup

Water – 1 cup

Coconut oil – 1 tsp

Salt – As required

4. Coconut oil – 2 tsp

Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp

Mint and cilantro – 1 tbsp each

Method

1. 1. Add all the ingredients numbered 2 in a pressure cooker. Combine well with your fingers. Remove 1/4 cup of this mix to use while cooking rice. Add cubed beef, 1 tbsp water and pressure cook for 4 – 5 whistles till beef pieces turn soft (do not overcook). Open the cooker after 15 minutes. Taste check for salt.

2. Combine rice with all the other ingredients numbered 3 and 1/4 cup of the onion mix from step 1) in a large pressure cooker (4 or 5 liter). Pressure cook for 2 whistles till 90% done.

3. Open the cooker after 15 minutes. Add cooked beef along with gravy. Mix everything gently. Taste-check for salt. Cover and cook for 1 whistle (depending on the type of rice used) or on lowest heat for 5 minutes. Switch off the flame. Open the cooker after 10 minutes. Add 2 tsp coconut oil, 1/2 tsp garam masala powder, chopped mint, cilantro and mix well. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Serve with pickle, pappadam and raita.