Authentic Alasande Kalu Saru Recipe by Rekha Aduge
Craving for a hearty and flavorful South Indian dish? Look no further than the traditional Alasande Kalu Saru, a popular lentil curry from the Kannada cuisine. This delectable recipe is a must-try for those who love to explore the diverse flavors of Indian cooking. Follow along as I guide you through the ingredients and steps to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Alasande kalu (black-eyed peas)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
– 2-3 green chilies, slit
– 1-inch ginger, grated
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tbsp sambar powder (or a blend of red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder)
– 2-3 sprigs of curry leaves
– 2-3 tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves
– 1 tbsp tamarind juice
– Salt to taste
– 2-3 tbsp cooking oil
– Water as needed
Recipe:
Preparation
– Soak the Alasande kalu (black-eyed peas) in water for at least 4-5 hours or preferably overnight.
– Drain the soaked peas and rinse them before using.
– In a pressure cooker, cook the soaked peas with some water until they are soft and tender.
Cooking the Saru
– Heat oil in a deep pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start to splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
– Add chopped onions, green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Saute until the onions turn translucent.
– Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
– Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
– Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
– Pour in the tamarind juice and cooked Alasande kalu. Add water to adjust the consistency of the saru.
– Let the saru simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Enjoy this Alasande Kalu Saru with steamed rice or your favorite dosa for a satisfying meal. The unique blend of spices and the wholesome texture of black-eyed peas makes this dish a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Delight your taste buds with the aromatic and soulful Alasande Kalu Saru, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka through its traditional flavors. This recipe is a testament to the warm and inviting essence of Kannada cuisine that celebrates the joys of simple, yet wholesome cooking.