Koonthal/Squid/Kanva Roast

Clean and cut the squid into rings and marinate it with above listed ingredients 'For Marination' for 1/2 hr.

In a pan or manchatti heat 1 tbsp of oil and add the 1 sprig of curry leaves and the marinated squid /koonthal and cook for 5 minutes, until the squid is hard. Remove them from the apn and keep aside. (Note : Make sure not to overcook the squid /koonthal/kanava as the they become rubbery; don't add water while cooking)

In the same pan, add a 2 tbsp of remaining oil and add sliced onion and saute well till the onion become light brown in color.Now add crushed small onions,ginger,garlic and sliced green chillies.Saute well till the small onions are also slightly brown.

Then add chopped tomato and saute till they become soft amd mushy. Add all spice powders, remaining curry leaves and saute for couple of minutes.

Add the half cooked squid, sprinkle enough salt, mix well and roast it for 10 minutes on medium flame. Add more oil if needed.

Finally just 1-2 mints before turning off the stove take some oil in your pan,crush some curry leaves with oil and add to the curry.It enhances the flavour.

Notes:Preferably use home made garam masala as it gives a unique flavour to the dish.For making home made masala, dry roast 1 small piece cinnamon,2 cardamom,4-5 cloves,1 star anise/thakkolam and 1 tspn fennel seeds/ perum jeerakam and grind them to a fine powder.