Vegetables cooked in bellam (teeya) pulusu aka stew absorb the flavors of spices beautifully and literally melt in the mouth. The mukkalu aka cut vegetables have a savory-sweet-tangy flavor from the spices, jaggery and tamarind which are the main flavor enhancers. A typical Andhra preparation and a popular one in our parts. The recipe I’m blogging today is a one of the many variations of Mukkalu pulusu.
In a heavy bottomed vessel, add the mixed vegetables, shallots, tomatoes, green chillis and turmeric powder. Add 2 1/2 litres of water and bring to a boil, reduce heat and let the vegetables half cook.
Once vegetables are half cooked, add the tamarind extract, salt and jaggery and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 13-15 mts, till the rawness of the tamarind disappears.
Add the ground spice pwd and combine well. Let it cook for another 7-8 mts.
Heat oil a separate pan, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the cumin seeds, urad dal, fenugreek, hing, red chillis and fry for half a minute till they turn brown. Don’t burn them. Lastly add curry leaves and immediately add to the vegetable mixture.
Simmer for a minute or two and turn off heat. Garnish with fresh coriander and keep covered for 10 mts before serving.
Serve with hot steamed rice and vadiyaalu and appadam (papad)
