Kappa Biriyani - My ultimate comfort food

Tapioca/Cassava /yuca Biryani

What is your  definition of comfort food??? For me its something that i would be willing to eat at anytime of the day , something that has the power of igniting those memories we treasure, to make a trip down the memory lane, and something so tasty that you can never grow to hate it..Taste and the memories makes Kappa biryani, a true relish with spicy meat mixture, the most comfy food for me till today!!!! 

Back home ,it was compulsary for us the catholic people to attend the sunday catechism class, till 10th grade.You need that certificate even to get married you know :).it was those classes i hated the most then primarly because of the fact that it goes upto 1 o' clock every sunday!!!!! the day that my mom makes Kappa biryani . sigh!!! can you imagine the kind of frustration that goes through my mind..i will be always glancing at my watch for the needle to touch the point , for the bell to ring and run home...So much for a  poor craving soul... As soon as i take the turn to my house, the flavor attacks my nostrils and my tummy will kick me to run fast . 

"Dad lets eat " is the calling bell for my arrival those days...

When I give a retrospective glance to the days behind...when my  nostalgia is at the highest point, i try to make this recipe on sundays atleast to get that  aroma and cherish those days....In a nutshell , kappa biryani is our sunday brunch now a days..( Sundays are so nostalgic now ). i make it before going to church for 12.00 pm mass and will be back by 1.00 pm which makes the scene perfect to recreate some  good old feelings..

Recipe for Nadan Kappa Biryani 

Ingredients:-

Kappa/Tapioca - 1 kg

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Small onion - 2

Chopped green chiles - 2

For the Meat curry

Meat ( Beef , Pork ,lamb or chicken)- 1/2 kg

Chopped onion - 2

Chopped tomato - 1(optional)

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Chili powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Crushed ginger and garlic - 2 tsp

Crushed star anise , black peppercorns and Cardamom - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

For Garnishing

Curry leaves

Red chiles

Raisins- 2 tsp

Chopped onion - 1 small

Mustard seeds

Method 

Wash , clean and cut kappa into small pieces. Cook it in a heavy bottomed vessel by adding turmeric powder, salt and enough water to cover it .When it is done drain and add crushed small onions and green chiles.mix it well using a heavy spoon.

To make the meat mixture :- Marinate the meat pieces with chili, coriander, all crushed masalas and ginger and garlic and salt. Pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles by adding no water or if you want add 1/2 cup water.( depends on the meat you are using, if it is chicken 1-2 whistle is good, but beef , pork or lamb needs more time to cook).

Heat oil in a pan and chopped onions. saute for 8-10 minutes and add chopped tomato and fry it for another3 minutes. Add the cooked meat , along with the liquid if you have any and mix it well.Add garam masala..let it stand on a medium flame for another 10-12 minutes for the gravy to run dry or thick.Add this meat mixture to the prepared kappa and combine it well, so that the meat mixture gets mixed well with the Kappa.

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. when they pop up add curry leaves, red chiles, raisins and chopped onions.fry till golden and pour over the Kappa Biriyani. and Serve warm

Cheers!!!!