Fried Squid Masala/Peratal

This is a traditional kerala style squid perattal. I have changed it slightly to suit my taste.




1 kg squid
5 cloves
2 in cinnamon stick
2 large onion (chopped finely)
5 shallots (chopped finely)
3 garlic(pounded)
2 green chillies (cut diagonally )
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp tamarind paste(without seed)/kodam puli
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
4 sprigs curry leaves
1 ½ tsp coconut oil
Sugar(optional)

Clean the squids and cut round .Drain extra water from the squids by placing it on a paper towel.
Heat a pan ,add in the squids and fry so that any extra water are drained from the squids. No oil at this stage unless the squids stick on the pan.Once the water had evaporate,push the squids at one side.Add in the tamarind paste,chilli powder,garlic,cloves,cinnamon stick,green chillies,salt in the center. Stir fry well with the squids on high heat.Cook until well done.Add onions and sauté further. Separately roast chilli flakes and shallots. Add in the roasted ingredients into the squids.Finally add in curry leaves and coconut oil onto it and cook until sauce thickens.