Thotakura Vepudu Recipe – Andhra Style Amaranth Greens Stir Fry
Introduction:
Thotakura Vepudu, also known as Amaranth Greens Stir Fry, is a beloved Andhra-style dish that celebrates the rich flavor and nutritional benefits of amaranth greens. Known as “thotakura” in Telugu, amaranth is considered one of the most nutritious superfoods. It is loaded with proteins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, balanced meal. Regular inclusion of these greens in your diet helps maintain insulin levels and supports overall well-being. In this recipe, fresh amaranth leaves are stir-fried with aromatic spices to create a delectable dish that pairs perfectly with phulka, steamed rice, or other traditional Andhra accompaniments.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Amaranth Leaves | 4 cups (tightly packed) |
| Garlic | 10 cloves |
| Green Chillies | 4 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tablespoon (dry roasted and powdered) |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Amaranth Greens:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and washing the green amaranth leaves. Once clean, roughly chop them into manageable pieces and set them aside. -
Dry Roast Sesame Seeds:
Heat a pan on medium heat and dry roast the sesame seeds until they turn slightly golden. Once roasted, transfer them to a mixer grinder and powder them coarsely. Set the powdered sesame aside for later use. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and urad dal to the hot oil. Allow the seeds to crackle and the dal to turn a light golden brown. -
Add Aromatics and Spices:
Next, add the dry red chillies and curry leaves to the pan, letting them splutter and infuse the oil with their fragrance. Roughly pound the garlic cloves and green chillies using a pestle and mortar until lightly crushed, and then add them to the pan. Sauté the garlic-chilli mixture for about a minute until the garlic turns light brown and releases its aroma. -
Add the Amaranth Greens:
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, followed by the chopped amaranth leaves. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the turmeric coats the greens evenly. Allow the greens to cook and wilt, stirring occasionally. -
Cook the Greens:
Season with salt to taste, and continue to stir the mixture until the amaranth greens release their moisture and cook down, about 5 minutes. You’ll know the greens are done when they have dried out and reduced in volume. -
Finish the Dish:
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the roasted sesame powder on top of the stir-fry. Give the mixture one final stir to evenly distribute the sesame flavor throughout the greens. -
Serving:
Serve the Thotakura Vepudu warm alongside phulka, steamed rice, and traditional Andhra-style side dishes like Palak Pappu (spinach dal) and Avakaya Pickle. This simple yet flavorful dish makes for an ideal addition to a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer green chillies based on your preference.
- If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can substitute them with ground peanuts or skip them entirely, though they do add a unique flavor and texture.
- Amaranth greens cook down significantly, so be sure to use a generous amount when preparing the dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
Amaranth greens are packed with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. The dish is naturally rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. The sesame seeds add a healthy dose of fats, further enriching the nutritional profile of this dish.
Conclusion:
Thotakura Vepudu is not just a delicious Andhra-style stir fry, but it is also a powerhouse of health benefits. With its unique blend of spices and the subtle bitterness of amaranth greens, it is a dish that perfectly complements the flavors of other traditional Andhra dishes. Whether you’re looking for a nutrient-packed meal or simply craving a taste of Andhra cuisine, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
