Tapioca is also known as Cassava or Yuca (ചീനി or  കപ്പ ). This root vegetable of Latin American origin is a rich source of carbohydrates. A small amount of toxins are present in tapioca which will be removed by boiling couple of times  & draining the water.Kappa Vevichathu (കപ്പ  വേവിച്ചത്‌)  is a common man’s preparation of Kerala. This in combination with fish curry is a popular combo from poor-man’s kitchen -now a day – to even to 5-stars hotels in Kerala. It also goes well with Beef or Chicken curry.  This dish is very easy to prepare and is very delicious too.

Ingredients

For kappa

1. Sliced Kappa    :    1/2 kg
2. Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp
3. Salt to taste

For masala

1. Coconut   : 1/4 to 1/2 c (to individuals taste choice)
2. Dried red chillies   : 4
3. Jeera        : 1/4 Tsp
4. Garlic gloves : 3
5. Turmeric :  1/2 Tsp

For seasoning

1. Mustard.   : 1/4 Tsp
2. Oil.      : 2 Tsp
3. Dry red chillies : 3
4. Curry leaves  : 3 sprigs

Method

• Coarse grind the masala ingredients.
• Boil the kappa with enough water to cover the kappa
• Once it boiled well drain the water and fill the water , add turmeric and little salt
• Cook the kappa well and drain the water
• Smash the kappa with any wooden spoon or mathu- മത്ത് ( I used mathu for smashing)
• Add the ground masala and mix everything very well.
• In a pan/ kadai pour the oil
• Add the mustard seeds wait to splutter and then add chillies and curry leaves and sauté
• Add the smashed kappa and mix well
• If the kappa is dry sprinkle some water
• In a low flame keep it for another 2 -3 minutes