Description
Motta porrichu translates to “fried egg” in Malayalam, the language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala. I would bring this spicy omelette with red onions, fresh curry leaves, and coconut cream to school for lunch growing up. It is the ultimate comfort food for South Indian families and holds such an important place in the cuisine of Kerala—it’s made both daily and on special occasions.
Motta porrichu is traditionally served for lunch or dinner as a main or side dish accompanied with matta rice and spicy Indian pickles on the side. Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice, it is cultivated on the black soil of Kerala and Karnatica. The soil yields a uniquely flavored and earthy rice.
Coconut Cream for Richness
Coconut cream adds richness to this omelette. You can either buy canned coconut cream or simply use the coconut cream that congeals on top of a can of full-fat coconut milk. To get the coconut cream, do not shake the can so the cream and water stay separated. Open the can and scoop out the cream.
Once the eggs are whisked—the yolks and whites should be fully incorporated—add the coconut cream and make sure to break it up as you mix it in. It is important that the eggs and coconut cream are evenly combined before you cook them.
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1/3 cup coconut cream (see Recipe Note)
1 small red onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh curry leaves
1 green bird’s eye chili, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons pink salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
Matta rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Whisk the eggs and coconut cream:
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the coconut cream and whisk until most of the clumps are gone.
Add the remaining ingredients:
Add the onions, ginger, curry leaves, chili pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
Cook the omelette:
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Tilt the pan to coat it evenly with the oil. Add the batter and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, uncovered. Then, cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Use the spatula to lift the side of the omelette—the bottom should be golden brown.
Use the edge of the spatula to cut the omelette into quarters and flip each over. Cover the pan again and cook until the bottoms are golden brown and you don’t see any more liquid around the pan, about 2 minutes.
Serve:
Enjoy with matta rice on the side, if you’d like.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in a lidded container for up to 1 day. Microwave for 30 seconds or reheat in pan over low heat, covered, until warmed through.
Notes
N/A
- Prep Time: 12 mins
- Cook Time: 13 mins