Kerala duck curry or Nadan Tharavu Curry & Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala

   Kerala Duck Curry - Kuttanadan Recipes

  INGREDIENTS

·                     Duck: 1/2 kg, cleaned and cut into medium sized pieces

·                     Onion: 2

·                     Ginger: 1 inch

·                     Garlic: 1 pod

·                     Green chilli: 2

·                     Kashmiri chilli powder: 1 tsp

·                     Coriander powder: 2 tsp

·                     Garam masala: 1 1/2 tsp

·                     Crushhed pepper: 1/2 tsp

·                     Turmeric: 1/2 tsp

·                     Vinegar: 2 tbsp

·                     Coconut oil: 2 tbsp

·                     Mustard seeds: 1/4 tsp

·                     Cloves: 3-4

·                     Cinnamon: 1 inchi

·                     Whole peppercorns: 1/2 tsp

·                     Curry leaves: 2 sprigs

·                     Salt 1/2 to 1 tsp (according to taste)

·                     Thin Coconut milk: 1 cup

·                     Thick coconut milk: 1/2 to 3/4 cup

  METHOD:

1.                  In a small chutney grinder add in the garlic, ginger, and curry leaves. Grind it coarsely.

2.                Heat a pressure cooker with 2 tbsp coconut oil, add in mustard seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and whole peppercorns. Add in sliced onions and green chillies, saute for 5 minutes or until it starts to become transparent. Add in the coarsely grinded ginger garlic and mix well.

3.                I also added fats and skin of the duck meat and mixed and sauted it along with the onions and a sprig of curry leaves for 5 minutes on low flame. Add Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

4.                Mix well and keep on low flame. Add in 2 tbsp vinegar and again mix well.

5.                 Add in the duck meat and mix well for 3 minutes on low flame; so that the moisture in the meat evaporates.

6.                Add 1 cup thin coconut milk; if using coconut powder (1 tbsp coconut milk powder to 1 cup water). Cover and cook the duck meat in the cooker. After the first whistle reduce the flame for 20 mins. Once the steam is released by itself; open cooker and keep the flame on high.

7.                 Add in 1/2 to 3/4 cup thick coconut milk, stir and simmer for a min and lastly add in 1/2 tsp crushed pepper powder. Switch off the flame

NOTES

·                     I added the fat to the onions so that the oil is released out.That is the oil which is floating on top.

·                     There is no tomatoes in this recipe; vinegar is used in its place.

·                     Duck meat takes time to cook; mine cooked well after 20 mins of simmering after the first whistle.

·                     Coconut oil is a must to make this curry.

·                     If using coconut milk powder- For thin milk: 1 cup water and 1 tbsp coconut milkpowder. For thick milk: 3/4 cup water and 3 tbsp coconut milk powder.

 Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala

It is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast stretches of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters create some of the unforgettable sights.

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is all about an agrarian community, striking a chord of harmony with its physical setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet) the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own. Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region.

The most popular route taken to get close and explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. This road goes through the heart of Kuttanad and gives visitors plenty of options to watch the day-to-day life at Kuttanad. The best thing for a visitor toKuttanad is that, one can take deviations from either side of the Alappuzha-Chanaganasserry road to reach villages, predominantly consisting of farmers. During the harvest season the vast expanse of paddy fields, at some places dotted with islets of coconut trees, will be busy with farmers engrossed in different farming activities;done in the traditional manner. Quite early in the morning itself one can sight the women folk heading towards the paddy fields carrying their lunch box and sickle, and on the other hand men could be seen already on the fields till the land, sowing the seeds, getting rid of weeds, diverting water channels etc.

The Kuttanad area is also rich in avian population, and one can easily find flocks of parrots hovering in the paddy fields, especially those fields with rice stalks in bloom. You may also come across a black blanket sweeping across the sky, which on close look will reveal as yet another flock of birds. And this time its is the darter birds, which haunt the backwaters in and around Kuttanad and the adjoining Vembanad Lake.

As you explore the villages, don't forget to take a walk by the numerous canals that crisscross Kuttanad, which are lined by tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze. During most part of the day, these canal stretches would be abuzz with different activities. There will be vendors on boat selling vegetables, grocery and fish to households on the banks of these canals. You would also come across big country boats called Kettu Vallams on which goods like coconut husk, rice grains etc. are transported to nearby markets in bulk. Among the sights on the backwaters here at Kuttanad, the most fascinating obviously is that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving across the backwaters in large numbers;shepherded by men on small boats. One can also catch men playing on the backwater;some diving down to collect lime shells from the depths and others fishing with their nets and traditional cane basket called Ottal.

For those interested in trying out few local dishes may do so by dropping at the small traditionally built wayside eateries, which are quite famous for backwater fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular naturally extracted beverage is the toddy, which is available in plenty and enjoyed by many for its speciality.

You may also find Kuttanad, a bit more exciting, if you hire a boat. You can hire motorboats, houseboats etc. from the boat jetty operated by the government as well as private groups near the KSRTC Bus Station at Alappuzha or else may get on one from places like Kidangara, which is on the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. Some of the places worth visiting in theKuttanad area are Nedumudy, Kaavalam, Champakkulam etc.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha. 
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha

Location

Lattitude:9.355408, Longitude: 76.404047