CLAMS MEAT STIR FRIED / KERALA STYLE KAKKA IRACHI VARUTHATH

Hi foodies ..here is the recipe for another lovely  delicacy from Kerala. Stir fried Clams / Kakka Irachi Varuthathu / Clams pepper fry  is Keralites   all time favorite shellfish dish .  Kerala style kakka irachi varuthath and mussels fry are an exotic dish that are just too scrumptious and finger licking good.  I especially adore fresh clams and mussels marinated in freshly ground spices and then shallow fried with finely chopped tomatoes and shallots. The stuffed mussels is one of my favorite, which always brought me back to  my mom making this stuff with fresh clams or mussels during my school days. More over this stuffed mussels / kallummakkaya nirachath is a very popular malabar dish and is much sought after item in every malabar adukkalas during ramadan.  Remember....always try to get fresh mussels or clams, as eating dead ones will make you sick and bad.  And it tastes best when it is stir fried in oil until it is golden and slightly crispy like prawns crispy fry.  It is said that Clams are high in calcium and is good for kids. So try out this simple, rustic, crispy, delicious fry and what to say.... no words....Here is the recipe for how to prepare kerala style kakka irachi  varuthathu / Clams fry / Clams ularthiyath / Mussels fry.

INGREDIENTS

Clams meat / kakka irachi      -  2 cups, removed from shell
Shallots                                 - 5 nos, very finely chopped
Tomato                                  - half of a tomato
Chilli powder                        - 1 tsp, i used kashmir chili powder
Pepper powder                    - 1 tsp
Coriander powder               - 1 tsp
Ginger garlic paste             - 1 tsp
Vinegar                               - 1 tsp
Cornflour                          - 1 tsp
Salt                                   - as required
Oil
Curry leaves

PREPARATION

• Rinse the clams thoroughly in several changes of water to remove the dirt and can either boil it in some water for few minutes until the shells start gaping open or can steam the cleaned drained clams for 5 minutes until the shells get opened. Remember , do not over cook as they turn tough easily.
• Now drain the water from clams and remove the meat from shell, discard the shell  and set aside the meat.  
• Grind together all the spice ingredients in a blender to a fine paste with few tbsp of water (only if required). ( except oil and curry leaves ). The marinade must be little bit thick.
• Now marinate the cleaned clam meat with this mixture well and set aside for 30 minutes.
• Then  heat a fry pan with some oil. For crispy frying, we require more oil. Fry the marinated clam meat along with curry leaves until crispy, over  a medium flame. You must stir in each 2 minute intervals. It will take around  5 - 10 minutes for a tasty perfect clam meat  fry.
• Enjoy with steamed rice or  dosa or roti !!!!!