Mixed Vegetable Koora Recipe – A Delightful Andhra Specialty
Mixed Vegetable Koora, also known as Kalle Koora in Andhra, is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines various seasonal vegetables, roasted sesame seeds, fresh coconut, and jaggery, offering a delightful taste that is both hearty and wholesome. This vegetarian recipe is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice and makes a well-balanced meal when served with dal and other sides. A rich and aromatic preparation, Mixed Vegetable Koora is enjoyed across households in Andhra Pradesh, where the blend of flavors is simple yet exquisite. Whether you are looking for a new way to incorporate vegetables into your meals or seeking to explore traditional Indian cuisine, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato | 1, peeled and diced |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, peeled and diced |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, peeled and diced |
| Avarekai (Broad Beans) | 2 cups, chopped |
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 2 cups, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 8 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
5 servings
Cuisine:
Andhra Cuisine
Course:
Main Course
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Roast the Sesame Seeds:
Start by roasting the sesame seeds (til) in a dry pan over low heat. Stir frequently until the seeds turn golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool to room temperature. -
Grind the Sesame and Coconut Mixture:
Once cooled, transfer the sesame seeds into a grinder. Add the grated fresh coconut and jaggery. Grind them into a coarse powder and set aside for later use. -
Prepare the Green Chilli Paste:
In a mixer, blend the green chillies along with the turmeric powder to form a smooth paste. Set this aside. -
Pressure Cook the Vegetables:
In a pressure cooker, add the diced sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, and chopped avarekai (broad beans). Add 1/4 cup of water, close the lid, and cook for 3 to 4 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and release the pressure immediately. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let the mustard seeds crackle and the curry leaves release their aroma. -
Combine the Coconut-Sesame Mix and Green Chilli Paste:
Add the coconut, sesame, and jaggery mixture into the pan. Stir well, and then add the ground green chilli paste. Saute for a minute or two, allowing the raw flavor of the green chillies to cook off. -
Add the Cooked Vegetables:
Now, add the cooked vegetables to the pan with the spice and coconut mixture. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Let it cook for another couple of minutes, ensuring that any moisture released from the jaggery evaporates and the vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. -
Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices as needed. -
Serve:
Once done, turn off the heat. Transfer the Mixed Vegetable Koora to a serving bowl and serve it hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, Moong Dal Rasam, and Nuggekai Kharbyaali (North Karnataka Spiced Drumstick Sambar) for a fulfilling meal.
Tips for the Best Mixed Vegetable Koora:
- Vegetable Variety: You can experiment with different seasonal vegetables based on availability. Including vegetables like beans, peas, and pumpkin can add unique flavors and textures.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your heat preference. You can even remove the seeds from the chillies to reduce the spice if desired.
- Consistency: If the dish becomes too dry, you can add a little more water while cooking the vegetables or after adding the coconut mixture to achieve the desired consistency.
- Roasting the Sesame Seeds: Ensure that the sesame seeds are roasted on low heat to avoid burning them, as this will alter the flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Vitamin A | 4500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
Why You’ll Love Mixed Vegetable Koora:
- Flavorful: The combination of roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and fresh coconut imparts a subtle sweetness, while the green chillies and spices give it a satisfying kick.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the variety of vegetables used, this dish is not only tasty but also incredibly healthy.
- Versatile: Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish pairs well with various Indian breads or rice dishes.
Mixed Vegetable Koora is a timeless Andhra delicacy that showcases the beauty of seasonal vegetables and the aromatic spices of the region. Try making this dish today, and it will surely become a favorite in your household!
