Kallumakkaya Upperi / Mussels Dry

Kallumakkaya Upperi is the special dish we prepare at Thalassery (North Malabar, Kerala). This is quite different from the oil fried ones and the stuffed ones. Mussels/ Kallumakkaya/ Kadukka is a shell fish harvested from the coastline rocks. As it is being harvested now even in fresh water they are available throughout the year.

This was the first time I tried shooting outside my home. It was quite cloudy and I loved the look I got in the snaps. It started drizzling in b/w and I had to run for cover and when I came back again I just loved the wet look which you can see in the last snap. Totally enjoyed it!! Hope everyone of you enjoy the recipe as well as the photographs.. :)

INGREDIENTS
Recipe Source: Reshma (My sweet sister)

Kallumakkaya/Mussels - 1/2 kg
Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - As required
Onion - 1 large chopped finely
Chilly - 2 Split into 1/2
Grated Coconut - 3 tbsp
Mustard - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Coconut oil - 1 1/2  tbsp
Water - 1/2 cup

METHOD

Wash and clean the mussels.
Add chilly, turmeric and salt. Keep aside for half hour.
Mix the mussels well. Add water and cook.
Let cool and then chop mussels into small pieces.
Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds. When it splutters add curry leaves.
Add onions, chilly and stir well for 10 - 15 secs.
Add the mussels and keep stirring for 1 minute.
Check salt.
Add coconut and remove from heat.

Tips:

Add salt sparingly as mussels have salt in it.