Eenthu pana or cycas tree is commonly found in in Kerala, especially in the Malabar region. These plants grow tall and belong to the family of palm trees the seeds of which are edible. 'Eenthu' is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and is known to have aphrodisiac properties. Usually flour is obtained from the crushed seeds dried in the sun. When dried take out the core (seeds) and discard the outer covering (shell) of the seed. These nuts are to be soaked in plenty of water and kept for long hours (6 hours). Then discard the water with the froth and repeat the procedure for about seven times. These nuts are then dried in the sun and powdered for use. These Powders are readily available in market. This flour mixed with rice flour is used to prepare nutritious dishes like eenthu pidi, eenthu payasam etc. Balls made of eenthu flour are also put in prawns curry and chicken curry.
Eenthu Flour – 1 Cup
Rice flour - 1 cup
Cumin Seeds - 2 tsp
Grated Coconut – 1 Cup
Water – As required
Shallots – 4
Green Chillies – 6
Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
Curry leaves - few
Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
Dry red chilly - 2
Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
Salt – To taste
Method:
Mix Eenthu flour and rice flour. Add water and salt to the flour and mix well. While adding water, it is preferred to use hot water instead of cold one. Combine all the ingredients very well and make a dough .
Make small balls from these dough.Take a wide pan and keep water to boil. Drop the balls to boiling water.
When the balls are cooked drain water and keep balls separately.
Coarsely grind Coconut, shallots, ginger and cumin seeds.
Splutter. dry red chilly and mustard seeds in oil and add to the eedum pidi and mix well.
Yummy eenthum pidi is ready. Enjoy with chicken curry.......
Recipe Courtesy : Sarala Sethumadhavan (Sarala aunty)
