Tapioca curry, a flavorful dish popular in parts of South India—especially Kerala—is made by cooking tapioca (cassava) with a blend of spices, often paired with coconut, mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. The soft, starchy tapioca absorbs the rich flavors of the spice-infused coconut gravy, resulting in a hearty and...

Tapioca Curry / Kappa Curry recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)
  • Tapioca
    Tapioca
    300g
  • Chilli powder
    Chilli powder
    1tsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Coriander powder
    Coriander powder
    1tsp
  • Pepper powder
    Pepper powder
    1/2tsp
  • Grated coconut
    Grated coconut
    4tbsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Shallots
    Shallots
    5clove
  • Salt
    Salt

For tempering

  • Garlic
    Garlic
    3clove
  • Mustard seeds
    Mustard seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Fenugreek seeds
    Fenugreek seeds
    1pinch
  • Dried red chilli
    Dried red chilli
    2
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    2sprigs
  • Oil
    Oil
    1tbsp

How to make Tapioca Curry / Kappa Curry

  1. Step 1

    Peel off the skin of tapioca and cut into small cubes.

  2. Step 2

    Boil the tapioca with enough water for 2-3 minutes and strain it. Set aside.

    Step 1.1: Boil the tapioca with enough water for 2-3 minutes and strain it
  3. Step 3

    To a mixer jar, add shallots, coriander powder, and pepper powder. Coarsely grind without adding water.

  4. Step 4

    Add the strained tapioca pieces, ground shallots mixture, salt, turmeric powder, and chilli powder to a khadai.

  5. Step 5

    Add nearly 1 1/2 cups of water to this mixture and cook until the tapioca pieces are tender.

    Step 1.1: Add nearly 1 1/2 cups of water to this mixture and cook until the tapioca pieces are tender
  6. Step 6

    Meanwhile, grind grated coconut and cumin seeds into a fine paste by adding enough water.

  7. Step 7

    Add the ground coconut paste to the tapioca mixture and boil for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the flame.

    Step 1.1: Add the ground coconut paste to the tapioca mixture and boil for 2-3 minutes
  8. Step 8

    For tempering, heat oil in a pan. When hot, add mustard seeds and wait until they pop.

  9. Step 9

    Add fenugreek seeds and sauté for 2-3 seconds.

  10. Step 10

    Add crushed garlic and sauté until it turns light brown.

  11. Step 11

    Add dried red chilli and curry leaves, sauté for 5 seconds, and turn off the flame.

  12. Step 12

    Add the tempering to the tapioca curry and mix well. Serve as a semi-thick curry with dosa, roti, or steamed rice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

128.9kcal (6.44%)

Protein

1.2g (2.4%)

Carbs

14.8g (5.38%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.6%)

Healthy Fat

2.9g

Unhealthy Fat

4.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the tapioca is cooked until tender to absorb the flavors well.

  2. Use fresh curry leaves for a more aromatic tempering.

  3. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

FAQS

  1. Can I use frozen tapioca for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen tapioca, but ensure it is thawed and cooked properly before following the recipe.

  2. What can I pair tapioca curry with?

    Tapioca curry pairs well with dosa, roti, or steamed rice.

  3. Can I make this curry vegan?

    Yes, this curry is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.

  4. How can I store leftover tapioca curry?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

  5. Can I skip the tempering step?

    Tempering adds a distinct flavor to the curry, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version.

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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. ...

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