Sweet Corn & Avarekalu Sundal Recipe
Description:
Sweet Corn & Avarekalu Sundal is a delightful, easy, and healthy snack, perfect for any time of day. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet corn and the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of avarekalu (also known as lilva beans), tossed together with fresh grated coconut and flavored with aromatic spices. It’s lightly tempered to elevate the flavors, making it a savory and satisfying treat. Originating from Tamil Nadu, this dish is often enjoyed during festivals like Gollu (Navratri), but it can also make a great addition to your everyday menu. It’s vegetarian, nutrient-dense, and quick to prepare, perfect as a light appetizer or a tea-time snack.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Corn | 1 cup |
| Avarekalu (Lilva Beans) | 1 cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 4 or 5 (roughly torn) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For tempering |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fat | ~4g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~250mg |
Instructions
-
Cook the Avarekalu Beans:
Begin by pressure cooking the avarekalu (lilva beans). Add the beans to the pressure cooker along with enough water to cover them, around 1 inch above the beans. Add a pinch of salt to the water and cook for 1 whistle on medium heat. After the first whistle, switch off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, drain any excess water from the cooked beans and set them aside. -
Tempering:
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. This step helps release the aromatic oils from the mustard seeds. -
Flavoring the Tempering:
Add the curry leaves, dry red chillies, and asafoetida (hing) to the pan. Allow the curry leaves to crisp up and release their fragrance, which will infuse the oil with a wonderful aroma. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Once the tempering is ready, add the cooked avarekalu beans and sweet corn to the pan. Toss them well in the tempering for about 10 minutes, allowing them to mix thoroughly and absorb the flavors. -
Add Coconut and Spices:
Sprinkle in the grated fresh coconut and cumin powder. Add salt to taste and toss everything together to combine. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, ensuring that the coconut evenly coats the beans and corn mixture. -
Serve:
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve the Sweet Corn & Avarekalu Sundal hot as a healthy tea-time snack, or enjoy it as part of a festive meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Corn & Avarekalu Sundal can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:
- As a Snack: It pairs beautifully with a cup of Masala Chai for a wholesome snack experience.
- During Festivals: Ideal for special occasions like Gollu (Navratri), where sundals are often made as offerings during the festive season.
- With Rice and Sambar: For a complete meal, serve this sundal alongside steamed rice and mixed vegetable sambar for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Sundal offers the perfect balance of flavors—earthy and sweet, savory and aromatic. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural goodness of legumes and vegetables, all while keeping things light and fresh. Plus, the fresh coconut adds a lovely texture and flavor that ties the dish together beautifully. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a snack or appetizer that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Enjoy this nutritious and tasty treat, perfect for any time of the day, and especially when you’re craving something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor!
Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can sprinkle a dash of black pepper or lemon juice right before serving to elevate the dish with a zesty kick.
