Spicy Yam Stir Fry (Surnaa Upkari/ Sooran Bhaaji)

Upkari or Vegetable side dish are my favorites. They are easy to make, fast to cook and healthy with less or no oil. Fairly simple recipe, tasty to the core; goes well with Daals and Curries. Owing to the potential itchy sensation one may acquire while eating, many detest eating this dish.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20-30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

Yam/ Sooran/Suran (chopped into 1/2" cubes) - 4 cups

Red Chillies - 2

Salt - as per taste

Jaggery (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon

For seasoning:

Oil - For frying

Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon

Curry leaves - 4-6

For Garnish:

Grated coconut - 1/4th cup

Method:

Chop off the bark of Yam, use kitchen gloves if required because the yam can leave an itchy sensation on hands. Chop into 1/2" cubes and wash well with water. If using frozen ones, thaw them for 1/2 hour, rinse well in multiples washes till the water gets clear. Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. Set aside.

Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds, once they begin to pop and curry leaves. Split Red Chillies into two and add them. Give a gentle stir and add chopped Yam pieces. Add salt as per taste. Add enough water to boil the vegetables. Add Jaggery pieces and stir well. Bring to boil and simmer on low flame till all the pieces are completely cooked and water gets evaporated. Garnish with lot of grated coconut and serve warm.