Surna Kandya
An authentic Maharashtrian dry curry (sabzi) featuring tender elephant foot yam (suran) and sweet onions (kanda). This homestyle dish is perfectly balanced with tangy kokum, sweet jaggery, and the unique aroma of Goda masala, making it a flavorful accompaniment to chapati or dal rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Elephant Foot Yam (Suran)
- To prevent skin irritation, apply a little coconut or vegetable oil to your hands before handling the yam.
- Thoroughly peel the yam, wash it well, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the yam cubes in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 whistles on medium heat, or until tender but not mushy.
- Alternatively, boil the yam cubes in an open pot with enough water to cover them until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain all the water and set the yam cubes aside.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which should take about 30-40 seconds.
- Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for another 20 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until its raw aroma disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and mushy, and oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add Spices and Yam
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Goda masala. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the spices without burning them.
- Gently add the cooked yam cubes, kokum pieces, grated jaggery, and the remaining salt.
- Carefully toss everything together to coat the yam cubes evenly with the masala. Be gentle to avoid breaking the yam.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water over the mixture.
Simmer and Serve
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the curry simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This allows the yam to absorb all the flavors.
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve Surna Kandya hot with fresh chapatis, bhakri, or as a side dish with dal and steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always oil your hands before cutting elephant foot yam to prevent the calcium oxalate crystals from causing skin irritation.
- 2Do not overcook the yam, as it can become mushy and disintegrate into the curry.
- 3Goda masala is essential for the authentic Maharashtrian taste. If unavailable, you can use garam masala, but the flavor profile will be different.
- 4The combination of kokum and jaggery creates a perfect sweet and tangy balance. Adjust the quantities to your preference.
- 5Choose a yam that is firm, heavy for its size, and free from any soft spots or cracks for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Coconut
Add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the yam in Step 4 for a richer texture and flavor.
Tangy AlternativeTangy Alternative
If you don't have kokum, you can use 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste diluted in a little water, or 1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) added at the end.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a Satvik or Jain version, simply skip the onions and ginger-garlic paste. The dish will still be flavorful due to the other spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Elephant foot yam is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Energy
The complex carbohydrates in suran provide sustained energy, making this dish a filling and satisfying meal that keeps you energized for longer.
Aids Digestion
Spices like cumin, asafoetida, and ginger are well-known for their digestive properties. They help reduce bloating and improve overall digestive function.
Packed with Minerals
This vegetable is a good source of essential minerals like potassium and manganese, which are important for maintaining heart health and bone density.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Surna Kandya is quite healthy. Elephant foot yam is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and complex carbohydrates. The spices used, like turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It is a wholesome, plant-based dish.