CLAMP/MARUVAI SUKKA

Here is a very popular sea-food dish from the coastal region, made from Clams.This is the Mangalorean style dish called "Marwai Sukka"  or "Clams sukka"If you are getting tired of eating oily fish each week to meet recommendations of Omega-3 fatty acids, add clams to your recipe rotation a few times a month. Clams contains more Omega-3 fatty acids compared to other seafood.Clams are surprisingly high in iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.

Clams qualify as a lean protein and have more than 20 grams of protein and less than two grams of fat in a three-ounce serving. 

Ingredients

• Clams - 1 kg                        
  
• Onion chopped - 1
• Garlic - 5 cloves
• Dry Red chilly - 5
• Coriander seeds - 2 tbsp
• Jeera or Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp
• Methi or fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp
• Peppercorns - 5
• Turmeric - 1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Grated/Desiccated coconut - 1/2 cup
• Tamarind pulp - 2 tbsp
• Oil - 1 tsp

Method:

Wash the clams well and put them in a pot or big vessel full of water along with some salt, and boil for 10 minutes or until the clams begin to open. Strain the water from clams and keep it aside.

Drain under running cold water. Now separate the clams into halves and keep the side which has the clam meat and discard the empty shell.

Take a pan, dry roast garlic, red chilly and the whole spices for about 5 minutes. Now allow to cool for sometime. 

Now grind the roasted ingredients along with the raw onion, turmeric and tamarind pulp to a smooth but thick paste. Use as little water as possible.

Now take a heavy bottomed pan, add oil, fry the ground paste for 5 minutes till the oil begins to separate. Add grated coconut and the clams and mix well.

Serve hot with rice.

Health & Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Clams 

• Clams make up for a heart-healthy choice, as they are low in fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• It serves as a good source of phosphorus for the body, the nutrient required for proper formation of bones and teeth. In addition, it also helps the body utilize vitamins.
• The protein level of clam is much higher than that of red meat, with very few calories. It helps in building lean body mass in athletes.
• It is a rich source of iron for the body. In fact, the iron content in clam is much higher than beef. It is a boon for individuals suffering from iron deficiency.
• The high amount of potassium present in clam assists the body in maintaining blood pressure and regulating heart function, along with other body processes.
• It is rich in vitamin A, which is required by the body to maintain healthy skin and also promotes vision, growth and bone development.
• Clam has a fair amount of cholesterol, which is required to maintain healthy blood cholesterol in the body