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THERME THOPPU’ – THE VANISHING COORG DISH by Dr Seetha Poovaiah

Seetha says ‘Therme Thoppu’* is a rare variety of edible fern found near river beds in Coorg. She recalls with fondness her mother-in- law preparing this dish many decades ago.

 Therme Thoppu

Using your hands, break the therme thoppu into small pieces. Wash, then marinate with a little salt, and pounded green chillies, small onions, a little kachampuli (vinegar), and a pinch of turmeric.

• Set aside for 10 mins.
• Next, prepare a tempering with onions, garlic, and green chillies. Add the therme thoppu and stir to mix.
• Cover, and cook on a low flame stirring occasionally.
• When nearly done, add grated coconut, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
• Should be done in 30 mins.
• Scrambling a few eggs into the thereme thoppu at the end of cooking is a delicious addition.
• Goes well with akki otti.

 * There are several varieties of fern, not all are edible. Use caution and be sure to identify them correctly.

Dr Seetha Poovaiah (in picture), is an educationist who lives at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.