Andhra Chama Dampa Pulusu Recipe – Arbi With Sesame Tamarind Sauce
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arbi (Colocasia/Elephant Yam) | 250 grams |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chilies | 4 (finely chopped) |
| Sesame Seeds (White) | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required |
| Mustard Seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Fresh Coriander (for garnish) | A little |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Arbi:
Begin by peeling and chopping the arbi (colocasia or elephant yam) into small chunks. In a saucepan, add enough water to submerge the arbi and bring it to a boil. Cook until the arbi is soft and tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and set the arbi aside. -
Extract Tamarind Pulp:
While the arbi is cooking, take the tamarind paste and soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, extract the pulp and set it aside for use in the sauce. -
Roast the Sesame Seeds:
In a small frying pan, dry roast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Once roasted, allow the sesame seeds to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or grinder. -
Temper the Spices:
In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for about 10 seconds.
Next, add turmeric powder, chopped green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté the spices for an additional 15 seconds to release their aroma. -
Cook the Arbi:
Add the boiled arbi to the pan with the tempered spices. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently to combine the flavors. -
Add Tamarind and Sesame Paste:
After the arbi has cooked for 2 minutes, add the tamarind pulp and salt to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring that the arbi is coated with the tamarind mixture. -
Final Touch:
Sprinkle the ground sesame powder into the mixture and stir it in. Let the dish cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Andhra Chama Dampa Pulusu with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serve this delicious dish with hot phulkas (Indian flatbreads) or as a side with beetroot pachadi (a traditional Andhra chutney) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of jaggery or sugar to balance the tanginess of the tamarind.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the number of green chilies or add red chili powder to taste.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, roti, or even dosas.
This dish is a perfect example of the bold and tangy flavors of Andhra cuisine, combining the earthy taste of arbi with the deep, nutty sesame flavor and the tanginess of tamarind. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, Andhra Chama Dampa Pulusu is sure to impress!
