Spicy Kerala Squid Roast (Restaurant-Style)
25 minutes
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About Spicy Kerala Squid Roast (Restaurant-Style)
Craving the vibrant flavors of South India? This Kerala Squid Roast brings the authentic taste of a bustling restaurant straight to your home. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth squid infused with a rich, aromatic masala.Pressure-cooked to perfection and simmered in a symphony of onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and traditional spices, this dish is a flavor explosion. It's a simple yet elegant recipe, perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast. Serve this fragrant squid roast hot with appam, puttu, steamed rice, or roti for an unforgettable culinary journey. Get ready for a truly delicious experience!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Squid
- 1 cup Squid cleaned and cut
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 3/4 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
For the Masala
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil or any other oil
- 2 Onions chopped
- 1/4 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 2 Tomatoes chopped
- 2 tsp Chili Powder red
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 cup Water reserved from cooking the squid
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds crushed
- 2 tbsp Coriander chopped
Instructions
- In a pressure cooker, combine the squid, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, ¾ tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Pressure cook for 10 minutes until the squid is tender. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and curry leaves. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to break down.
- Add the remaining red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step helps to release the full flavor of the spices.
- Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved squid cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked squid to the pan. Stir well to coat the squid in the masala.
- Check for salt and adjust according to your taste.
- Add the crushed fennel seeds and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Kerala Squid Roast hot with appam, roti, or steamed rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra crunch and a restaurant-style finish, try flash-frying the cleaned squid rings in hot oil for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the masala; this helps retain their texture and prevents them from turning rubbery.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of tamarind paste or a squeeze of fresh lime juice towards the end of cooking—this lifts the spices and mimics the authentic sour notes found in Kerala seafood roasts.
- To infuse an even deeper flavor, briefly roast whole spices like fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and curry leaves in oil before sautéing the onions; this adds subtle complexity and aroma to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don't overcook the squid; it's best cooked quickly over high heat to keep it tender.
- Freshly grated coconut adds a wonderful sweetness and creaminess to the masala. If using desiccated coconut, be sure to soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. Add more green chilies for extra heat or reduce the amount for a milder dish.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, only until just warmed through, as squid can become tough if overcooked.
- Consider using leftover squid masala as a spicy filling for wraps or dosas the next day.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
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This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m in love with this recipe already!
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Absolutely scrumptious! Thanks for the recipe.