The best part about living in Toronto is that most of the tropical fruits and vegetables are available here. One of my favourite vegetable is suran or elephant foot yam, hearty and filling. I remember eating and loving it from an early age. Though it is unpopular and rarely consumed, some are even afraid of the itchiness it causes at the back of the throat. This can be prevented by addition of tamarind water, a tip I learned from my mother. She even advised us to eat this vegetable after an injury as it expedites healing of the wound and stitches (if any).
The preparation of this dish is simple with minimum ingredients. Garnished with grated coconut adds a pleasant taste to the vegetable. Avoid overcooking to retain the nutrients, flavour and texture. Healthy and nutritious, it can be used in curries, sambhar, stews, soups, baked or fried. When selecting suran, choose one that is firm with no bruises, blemishes or soft spots.
A tropical edible tuber, large in size and resembling the foot of an elephant. High in fibre, aids in digestion and promotes weight loss. Helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Has a low glycemic index and good for diabetics. It has anticoagulating properties that can prevent blood clotting. Good source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The preparation of this dish is simple with minimum ingredients. Garnished with grated coconut adds a pleasant taste to the vegetable. Avoid overcooking to retain the nutrients, flavour and texture. Healthy and nutritious, it can be used in curries, sambhar, stews, soups, baked or fried. When selecting suran, choose one that is firm with no bruises, blemishes or soft spots.
A tropical edible tuber, large in size and resembling the foot of an elephant. High in fibre, aids in digestion and promotes weight loss. Helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Has a low glycemic index and good for diabetics. It has anticoagulating properties that can prevent blood clotting. Good source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Savoury Suran or Elephant Foot Yam
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
750 grams suran or elephant foot yam
1 onion (chopped)
4 large cloves of garlic (chopped)
1/2-inch ginger (grated)
4 red dried boriya chillies (also known as button chillies)
1/2 cup tamarind water
1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Method:
Peel off the outer skin and cut suran into small cubes. Wash and place in water to prevent it from turning dark until ready to cook.
Heat oil and sauté onion till soft. Fry the garlic, ginger and red chillies for a couple of minutes. Mix in the well-drained vegetable, add tamarind water with salt. Cover and cook on medium heat until vegetable is tender. Garnish with grated coconut.
Serve hot as a side dish with the main meal.
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
750 grams suran or elephant foot yam
1 onion (chopped)
4 large cloves of garlic (chopped)
1/2-inch ginger (grated)
4 red dried boriya chillies (also known as button chillies)
1/2 cup tamarind water
1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Method:
Peel off the outer skin and cut suran into small cubes. Wash and place in water to prevent it from turning dark until ready to cook.
Heat oil and sauté onion till soft. Fry the garlic, ginger and red chillies for a couple of minutes. Mix in the well-drained vegetable, add tamarind water with salt. Cover and cook on medium heat until vegetable is tender. Garnish with grated coconut.
Serve hot as a side dish with the main meal.
