How to Make Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti: A Flavorful Kerala-Style Stir-Fry

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Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that’s packed with protein and traditional Kerala flavors, Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti is a must-try! This dish features red cowpeas (lobia) cooked with aromatic spices and stir-fried to perfection. It’s a comforting and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or chapati. Let’s dive into the recipe!

What is Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti?

Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti is a classic Kerala dish made with red cowpeas (lobia) that are pressure-cooked and then stir-fried with a blend of spices, shallots, and garlic. The term “mezhukkupuratti” refers to a stir-frying technique commonly used in Kerala cuisine, where ingredients are cooked with minimal oil and spices to enhance their natural flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Ingredients (Serves 3-4)

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup red cowpeas (lobia)

  • 1 ½ cups water (for pressure cooking)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

  • ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder

  • 1 stem of curry leaves

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 6 shallots (peeled)

  • 10 cloves of garlic

  • ½ teaspoon peppercorns

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any cooking oil)

  • 1 stem of curry leaves

  • Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak and Cook the Cowpeas

  • Start by soaking 1 cup of red cowpeas (lobia) in water for 30 minutes. This helps reduce the cooking time.

  • Drain the soaked cowpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker.

  • Add 1 ½ cups of water, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder, and 1 stem of curry leaves.

  • Close the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 1 whistle.

  • Turn off the heat and let the pressure release completely before opening the cooker.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste

  • While the cowpeas are cooking, prepare the spice paste.

  • In a mixer jar, add 6 peeled shallots, 10 cloves of garlic, and ½ teaspoon peppercorns.

  • Grind into a coarse paste without adding water. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Cowpeas

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.

  • Add the ground spice paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears and the mixture turns aromatic.

  • Add 1 stem of curry leaves and stir for a few seconds.

  • Add the cooked cowpeas (without the excess water) to the pan.

  • Mix well and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the cowpeas to absorb the spices.

  • Adjust salt to taste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Transfer the Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti to a serving bowl.

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, or as a side dish with Kerala meals.

Tips for the Perfect Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti

  • Soak the Cowpeas: Soaking reduces cooking time and ensures even cooking.

  • Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder and peppercorns to suit your taste.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shallots, garlic, and curry leaves enhance the flavor of the dish.

  • Stir-Fry Well: Stir-frying the cowpeas with the spice paste ensures the flavors are well-absorbed.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti is a wholesome and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Kerala cuisine to your table. The combination of protein-rich cowpeas, aromatic spices, and the unique stir-frying technique makes it a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy simple yet flavorful meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to try a traditional Kerala dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, Van Payar Mezhukkupuratti is a great choice. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Until next time, keep exploring the magic of homemade meals and enjoy the flavors of Kerala. Cheers! 🎵

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