Andhra Style Mukkala Pulusu (Mixed Vegetable Sambar)
This vibrant, flavorful dish hails from Andhra Pradesh and offers a delightful twist to the traditional sambar. A hearty combination of seasonal mixed vegetables, tangy tamarind, and the sweetness of jaggery, Mukkala Pulusu is a wonderful vegetarian option for your lunch or dinner. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Mangalorean cucumber, cut into small chunks
- 1 Carrot (Gajjar), chopped
- 50 grams Green beans (French Beans), chopped
- 1/4 cup Kaddu (Parangikai/ Pumpkin), cut into small chunks
- 1/4 cup Bottle gourd (lauki), cut into small chunks
- 1 Drumstick, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 10 Shallots
- 1 Tomato, diced
- 2 Green Chillies, slit
- A pinch Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- Tamarind, big lemon-sized (extract juice in 1 cup water)
- 1-1/2 tbsp Jaggery
- 1 tsp Sambar powder (adjustable)
- Fresh Coriander (Dhania) leaves, chopped (as required)
- Salt to taste
For tempering:
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
- 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- A pinch Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves)
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (hing)
- 4 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 Dry Red Chilli, broken
- 12 Curry leaves
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Heat Oil & Temper: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek. Sauté for about 10 seconds.
- Add Aromatics: Once they splutter, add asafoetida, dry red chilli, and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for another 15 seconds.
- Sauté Shallots & Garlic: Add shallots, green chillies, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the diced tomato and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
- Spices & Sambar Powder: Add turmeric powder and sambar powder. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Vegetables & Tamarind: Add all the mixed vegetables, tamarind pulp, jaggery, and 2 cups of water. Stir everything together.
- Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles. Once the pressure subsides, open the lid and give everything a good stir.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete Andhra-style meal.
Enjoy Mukkala Pulusu as part of a fulfilling meal, paired with a side of Beetroot Thoran and crispy Elai Vadam for an authentic Andhra experience.
