Andhra Style Palakaru Vepadu Recipe – Spinach Stir Fry
Andhra Style Palakaru Vepadu is a vibrant and nutritious spinach stir fry, enriched with bold Indian spices like red chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin. A traditional Andhra dish, “Vepadu” refers to anything stir-fried, and in this case, it’s fresh, tender spinach leaves. Packed with iron and essential nutrients, spinach is a great addition to your regular diet, making this dish both delicious and health-conscious. This simple yet flavorful stir-fry is quick to prepare and can be served alongside a variety of dishes for a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (washed and chopped) | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Tempering | |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic (sliced) | 2 cloves |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Instructions
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Heat Oil and Tempering:
- Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and a sprig of curry leaves. Allow the seeds to splutter, releasing their aromatic flavor.
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Sauté Garlic and Onions:
- Add the sliced garlic to the pan and sauté it for a few seconds until fragrant. Follow with the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Cook Spinach and Ginger:
- Add the chopped ginger and spinach to the pan, stirring well to combine. Let the spinach cook down until it wilts and becomes soft. This should take around 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat level and spinach quantity.
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Spices and Final Cooking:
- Once the spinach is cooked, add the spice powders: red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the spinach.
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Finish and Serve:
- After the spices are well mixed in and the dish has cooked for the final few minutes, turn off the heat. The Andhra Style Palakaru Vepadu is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Andhra Style Palakaru Vepadu alongside Steamed Rice, Dosakaya Pappu, and Elai Vadam for a well-rounded, nutritious lunch. This stir-fry can also complement any South Indian meal or even be enjoyed as a quick snack.
Nutritional Benefits:
Spinach is a powerhouse of iron, essential vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health. The addition of spices not only enhances the flavor but also provides digestive benefits. This dish is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, making it a perfect option for a light yet fulfilling lunch.
With its simplicity and flavor-packed profile, Andhra Style Palakaru Vepadu is a great way to incorporate greens into your diet while savoring the bold flavors of Andhra cuisine.
