Authentic Kerala Ulli Theeyal Recipe: Aromatic Shallot Curry

25 minutes

1279 reads

4.60 from 5 votes

About Authentic Kerala Ulli Theeyal Recipe: Aromatic Shallot Curry

Ulli Theeyal, a quintessential South Indian delicacy, offers a surprisingly simple yet intensely flavorful culinary experience. This aromatic shallot curry from Kerala boasts a rich blend of roasted coconut, tamarind, and warming spices, creating a comforting and unforgettable taste.
Traditionally served as a side dish at the festive Onam Sadya, Ulli Theeyal's bold flavors and ease of preparation make it a beloved dish across Kerala and a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant tastes of South Indian cuisine.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to crafting this authentic Ulli Theeyal, ensuring you capture its unique depth and character. Prepare to be amazed by its simplicity and the incredible payoff in flavor!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Calories168 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

Shallots & Aromatics

Spices & Seasoning

Coconut & Tamarind

  • 1 cup Coconut freshly grated, shredded
  • 1 medium Tamarind ball, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water for at least 30 minutes

Oil & Seeds

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Instructions
 

Roast Coconut and Shallots

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add 1 cup of shredded coconut, 5 chopped shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Fry until the coconut is a dark golden brown, stirring continuously to ensure even roasting.

Prepare Spice Paste

  • Remove from heat and add 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 dry red chili. Let the mixture cool completely.
  • Grind the mixture into a smooth paste using a little water. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a separate pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves and fry for a few seconds.

Cook Shallots and Add Paste

  • Add the remaining 10 chopped shallots and fry until they turn pink. Stir in the ground coconut paste and mix well.

Simmer and Season

  • Pour in the tamarind water (strain the pulp first) and bring to a boil. Simmer gently until the curry thickens to your desired consistency, adding a little more water if needed.
  • Season with salt to taste.

Serve

  • Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish with other Kerala delicacies.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Ulli Theeyal

  • For a deeper flavor, dry roast the spices (coriander, chili, and turmeric) lightly before grinding them into a paste.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
  • If using lemon or water lemon instead of tamarind, add its juice at the end, after the curry is cooked.
  • To enhance the aroma further, add a small piece of cinnamon stick while sauteing the shallots. Remove before serving.
Explore Recipes by Tags kerala recipesregional recipes

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4.60 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 855mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g

Jaya Rajesh
Jaya Rajesh
Articles: 3
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4.60 from 5 votes

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