Mukkala Pulusu

Its a shame to say that I dont cook enough of Andhra food though I am Telugu. At times, I have this desire to make something I crave for, something I would want my mom to cook for me and end up cooking it up myself. Mukkala Pulusu (Vegetable Stew with tamarind and Jaggery) is one such recipe I have loved so much from my childhood. I had tried it for the first time and I am just satisfied with my results. This pulusu recipe has to be served with Mudha pappu (cooked toor dal) and rice.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• Choice of vegetables - Pumpkin, Bottle Gourd, Drumstick, Sweet Potato, Ridge Gourd, Lady's Finger, Brinjal - 2 cups
• Tamarind paste - 2 tbsp
• Jaggery - 4 tbsp
• Red Chili Powder - 2 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
• Salt - as req.
• Water - as req.
• Oil - 2 tsp
• Mustard - 1 tsp
• Asafoetida - 1 tsp
• Jeera - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - a few
• Fine Ride Powder - 3 tsp

Preparation:

1. Bring all the vegetables to boil with required quantity of water and turmeric powder.
2. Once all the vegetables are cooked, Add the tamarind paste and mix well.
3. Add salt, chili powder and Jaggery, mix well and check for the taste.
4. The Pulusu has to be watery with right amount of sweetness and sourness
5. Mix the rice powder in some water to make it runny and add it to the Pulusu. Stir well.
6. The Pulusu would be turn thick now and should be ready to be brought down from fire.
7. Take a tadka pan and add some oil. Put in the mustard seeds, jeera and asafoetida. Turn off the heat and add curry leaves.
8. Put in the tadka to the Pulusu.
9. Serve it with mudha pappu (cooked toor dal with salt) and rice.