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The purple yam, also called kand in India, is a nutritional powerhouse in addition to being a colourful addition to the culinary scene. Rich in vitamin, nutrition fiber and antioxidant this unique tuber gives a pleasant touch to some of the traditional Indian recipes. Its lovely purple colour and sweet, but earthy, taste makes it a hit with both foodies and those conscious about their health.
Through its mouth watering colours, purple yam may also be used to prepare innovative looking appetisers, sumptuous finger foods and delicious meals; thus giving consumers the opportunity to have a memorable meal. It goes well with spices and balances the meal to create lots of textures for hearty, soul-warming dishes. These six dishes clearly prove how wonderfully versatile purple yam is in Indian cuisine from the conventional starters to the Indian street food.
Chatpata Kand
Simple boiled purple yam is transformed into a delicious snack with this spicy and sour preparation. A mixture of chat masala, red chilli powder, and fresh coriander leaves is added to the yam after it has been cut into pieces and quickly cooked till the outside is crispy. The natural sweetness of kand produces a delicious contrast with the spicy pepper, and an addition of lime juice offers the ideal sour finish. It is quick and easy snacks, and it is best when served at the beginning of a party or during an evening snack.
Kand Pakora
The simple purple yam increases to the next level with these crunchy fritters. A mixture of aromatic spices, finely chopped onions, green chillies, and gram flour are combined with grated kand. After that, the batter is carefully poured into heated oil to produce pakoras that are soft in the middle and wonderfully crispy. The pakoras maintain a pleasing crunch on the outside and a soft interior thanks to the natural moisture content of kand. These are best eaten for tea time especially in winter or during periods when it is raining.
Kand Chilla
A tasty and nourishing dish, kand chilla is ideal for brunch or breakfast. First, peel and grate the purple yam to make Kand Chilla. Add the grated yam, ginger, chopped onions, green chillies, besan (gram flour), and spices like coriander powder and cumin to a bowl. To get a smooth batter, thoroughly mix the ingredients and add water as necessary. Pour a ladleful of the batter into a nonstick pan that has been lightly oiled and heated, making sure to spread it out evenly. Cook until it turns crispy with a brown surface on each side. Serve the Kand Chilla with a tart chutney or yoghurt for dipping.
Kand Chaat
A delicious and flavourful meal, kand chaat is ideal as a street food-style appetiser or as a party snack for gatherings. The purple yam must first be boiled and cubed as part of the preparation. Add the boiling yam, chopped tomatoes, onions, and fresh coriander leaves to a large mixing bowl. The magic arrives when you add the yoghurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and an addition of chaat masala. Mix everything together thoroughly to create a mouthwatering blend of flavours. A pleasant and filling chaat is produced by combining spicy chutneys, creamy yoghurt, and the earthy sweetness of purple yam. Add some crispy sev as a garnish for added crunch.
Image Credit: Freepik
Kand Tikkis
A healthy take on traditional potato-based tikkis, Kand Tikkis are a tasty potato-like snack that also contains purple yam. These tikkis are great for both children and adults since they are perfectly seasoned and crisped. The purple yam should first be boiled and then mashed until smooth. Add the boiling potatoes, green chillies, grated ginger, cumin, coriander powder, and salt to taste once it has cooled. Form the mixture into round, flat patties, then sprinkle with bread crumbs for crunch. The tikkis should be shallow-fried in hot oil till golden brown on both sides. Serve these tikkis hot, along with ketchup or green chutney.
Image Credit: Flickr
Kand Puri
A delicious packed flatbread, kand puri is a filling breakfast or lunch choice. Begin by boiling and mashing the purple yam. Then, make the dough by mixing the mashed yam with whole wheat flour. To improve the flavour, add salt and ajwain. Let the dough rest for a bit after kneading it until it is smooth. Divide the dough into tiny sections and roll them flat. For added flavour, stuff each one with more mashed purple yam or a mixture of herbs and spices. In a heated skillet, cook the stuffed puris till golden brown and puffy. Serve hot with pickles or yoghurt for a satisfying and tasty dinner.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The purple yam, also known as kand, is a very adaptable item that adds taste and nutrients to a variety of cuisines. Maximizing the taste and health benefits of purple yam allows you to cook delicious dishes that kids and adults would love and cultivate healthy eating. Give these delicious foods a try in order to get the winter feeling.
