Dappalam Recipe – Andhra Vegetable Stew
Description
Dappalam, a quintessential Andhra dish, is a wholesome, nutritious, and tangy vegetable stew that makes for a comforting meal, especially when paired with rice. The combination of vegetables like bottle gourd, carrots, sweet potatoes, and drumsticks creates a vibrant, earthy base. The tamarind and jaggery give it a perfect balance of sourness and sweetness, while the aromatic tempering elevates the flavors. If you’re craving a warm, filling dish that brings joy in every bite, this Dappalam recipe is a must-try!
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) | 1 cup, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, chopped into 1/2 inch dices |
| Sweet Potato | 2, chopped into 1/2 inch dices |
| Drumstick | 2, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Green Chilli | 4, slit |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Rice flour | 2 teaspoons |
For the tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Yellow Fenugreek Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 19 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by prepping all the vegetables. Peel and chop the bottle gourd, carrots, sweet potatoes, and drumsticks into the specified sizes. Slit the green chilies and keep them aside. Prepare the tamarind water if you haven’t already, and set it aside as well. -
-
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chopped vegetables and green chilies into a pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water, salt to taste, and turmeric powder. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and release the pressure by either lifting the pressure valve or running cold water over the cooker to speed up the process. -
Prepare the Tamarind Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine tamarind water with rice flour, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well to form a smooth mixture without lumps. -
Tempering the Dappalam:
Heat oil in a large wok or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and yellow fenugreek seeds. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their fragrance. Next, stir in the asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves, letting them sizzle and infuse the oil with their flavors. -
Combine and Simmer:
To the tempering, add the prepared tamarind mixture. Stir well and let it cook for a minute. Then, add the cooked vegetables to the pot, along with the jaggery. Mix everything thoroughly and simmer for 5–6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as needed. -
Serve:
Once the Dappalam has simmered and the flavors have combined, turn off the heat. Transfer the stew to a serving bowl and serve it hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Dappalam is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wholesome Andhra meal. Pair it with Andhra Style Pappu Charu (lentil stew) and Zucchini Thogayal (spicy zucchini chutney) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Sugars | 12 g |
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: You can add or substitute other vegetables like pumpkin, peas, or even green beans for a more colorful and diverse stew.
- Tamarind Substitute: If tamarind is unavailable, you can use lemon juice or raw mango for a tangy touch.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and remove the seeds from the green chilies.
This Dappalam recipe is a wonderful example of Andhra’s vibrant, diverse cuisine, offering a balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more. It’s a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a burst of nutrition to your table – the perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy!
