Vanpayar Mezhukkupuratti / Red Gram Stir-fry

Ingredients

1. Vanpayar / Red cow peas / Red gram / Red chori  -1 cup
2. Pearl onions - 6 - 7, crushed or chopped (Optional)
3. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
4. Red chilly powder  or crushed dry red chillies - 3 /4 tsp
5. Coriander powder - 3/4 tsp  (Optional)
6. Pepper powder or crushed whole pepper - 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
8. Dry red chilly - 1
9. Curry leaves - 1 sprig
10. Salt - To taste
11. Coconut oil - 2 - 3 tsp

Method

1) Cook vanpayar in enough water (at least 3 - 3.5  cups or as required) and salt for 5 whistles or until it is soft and fully cooked. When the pressure releases or after 15 minutes, drain the water completely and set aside. If you want a slightly mashed up mezhukkupuratti, you can overcook the vanpayar.

2) Heat oil in a pan at medium heat. Splutter 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and fry the dry red chilly. Now add a few curry leaves and pearl onions. Fry until the pearl onions turn light brown. Now add the spice powders except pepper powder. Stir for 1 - 2 seconds and add the cooked vanpayar. Check for salt. Season with pepper powder. Stir fry for a few minutes and switch off. Serve with rice / kanji.

 

 

Tips:

1) You can substitute vanpayar with cherrupayar / green gram.