Vellarikka(Cucumber) Kichadi

Kichadi/Pachadi which is served in Sadyas,can be prepared with different vegetables.This dish is commonly known as Pachadi,but towards south Kerala this is called Kichadi.I still confuse about the terms Pachadi and Kichadi,but i’ve heard that in Pachadi, pounded mustard seeds are added along with coconut,while in Kichadi mustard seeds are used just for seasoning.If you have any other explanations,pls come forward and share..

Vellarikka

Kichadi

Anyway here’s the recipe …

Ingredients:-

Cucumber peeled,deseeded and cut into small dices – 2 cups
Green chillies slit – 3
Grated coconut – 1/2 cup
Beaten curd – 1 and 1/2 cups
Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Red Chillies – 2
Curry leaves – a sprig
Coconut oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – to taste

Method:-

Add salt,green chillies and very little water(about 1- 2tsp) to the cucumber pieces.Cover it and cook in medium heat till the mixture is dry .Grind together grated coconut and cumin seeds, and add this ground mixture to the cucumber.Add beaten curd and mix well.
Heat coconut oil in a pan,allow mustard seeds to splutter.Add red chillies and curry leaves and fry for a while.Pour the seasoning over the kichadi.Mix well and serve with rice.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving !!!!