Kurukku Kalan / Kaalan

User profile image
Gayatri (@rene121)

Kurukku Kalan is a traditional Kerala dish, especially popular during the Onam Sadya feast. It is a thick, creamy yogurt-based curry made with raw banana (plantain) and yam, cooked in a spiced coconut and yogurt gravy. The dish gets its characteristic sour taste from well-set curd, which is simmered until...

Kurukku Kalan / Kaalan recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

Vegetables

  • small Raw banana (vazhakkai / nendran)
    small Raw banana (vazhakkai / nendran)
    1
  • Yam (chena)
    Yam (chena)
    1cup

For cooking vegetables

  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Black pepper powder
    Black pepper powder
    1/2tsp
  • Chilli powder
    Chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • Salt (to taste)
    Salt (to taste)
  • Water
    Water
    1cup

For grinding

  • Grated coconut
    Grated coconut
    1cup
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Green chilies
    Green chilies
    2
  • Water (to grind)
    Water (to grind)

For yogurt mix

  • Sour thick curd (yogurt)
    Sour thick curd (yogurt)
    1cup

For tempering

  • Ghee
    Ghee
    2tsp
  • Mustard seeds
    Mustard seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Fenugreek seeds
    Fenugreek seeds
    1/4tsp
  • Dried red chilies
    Dried red chilies
    2
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    1sprig

How to make Kurukku Kalan / Kaalan

Cook the vegetables

  1. Step 1

    In a thick-bottomed pan or in a earthen pot, add the cubed yam and banana.

    Step 1.1: In a thick-bottomed pan or in a earthen pot, add the cubed yam and banana
  2. Step 2

    Add turmeric, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and enough water to just cover the vegetables.

    Step 1.1: Add turmeric, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and enough water to just cover the vegetables
  3. Step 3

    Cover and cook on medium heat until the vegetables are soft but not mushy, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Once cooked, allow most of the water to evaporate by keeping it on medium heat.

    Step 1.1: Once cooked, allow most of the water to evaporate by keeping it on medium heat

Add the curd (yogurt)

  1. Step 1

    Add the well-beaten curd slowly, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.

    Step 2.1: Add the well-beaten curd slowly, stirring continuously to avoid curdling
  2. Step 2

    Cook on medium heat until it becomes thick.

Making coconut paste Add coconut paste to vegetables

  1. Step 1

    In a blender add grated coconut, cumin seeds, and green chilli.

  2. Step 2

    Blend until smooth paste by adding little water.

  3. Step 3

    Adjust salt and sourness as needed.

Add the coconut paste to the vegetable mixture

  1. Step 1

    Add the ground coconut paste to the cooked vegetables and curd mixture.

  2. Step 2

    Mix well and cook on medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the tempering

  1. Step 1

    In a small pan, heat ghee.

  2. Step 2

    Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

  3. Step 3

    Add fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves.

  4. Step 4

    Fry for a few seconds and pour this tempering over the kurukku kalan.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

101.4kcal (5.07%)

Protein

2.1g (4.3%)

Carbs

8.9g (3.25%)

Sugars

2.1g (4.16%)

Healthy Fat

1.8g

Unhealthy Fat

4.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Sour curd gives the best flavor. Fresh curd won’t work well.

  2. You can make kalan a day ahead—it tastes better as it sits.

  3. Traditionally, kalan is thicker than moru curry or pulissery.

FAQS

  1. Can I use fresh curd instead of sour curd?

    No, sour curd is essential for the authentic taste of Kurukku Kalan. Fresh curd won't provide the characteristic tanginess.

  2. Can I prepare Kurukku Kalan in advance?

    Yes, you can make it a day ahead. In fact, it tastes better as it sits and the flavors meld together.

  3. What is the best way to serve Kurukku Kalan?

    Serve it with hot steamed rice, papadam, and other sadya dishes like avial, thoran, and sambar.

  4. Can I skip the tempering step?

    Tempering adds a rich flavor and aroma to the dish, so it is highly recommended not to skip it.

  5. How long does Kurukku Kalan last?

    Kurukku Kalan has a long shelf life and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Loading reviews...

rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia