Andhra Style Chilakada Dumpa Pulusu (Sweet Potato in Tangy, Sweet & Spicy Curry)
This delightful dish from the heart of Andhra Pradesh brings together the unique flavors of sweet potatoes with a tangy, sweet, and spicy curry. The rich combination of tamarind, jaggery, and aromatic spices creates a tantalizing experience that’s perfect with steamed rice or chapathi. Known for its balance of flavors and health benefits, this Andhra-style curry is diabetic-friendly, making it an ideal option for those seeking a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 2 cups (peeled and chopped) |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (finely minced) |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons (grated) |
| Tomatoes | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilli | 1 (slit lengthwise) |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for cooking) | As required |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 2 sprigs (finely chopped, for garnish) |
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Andhra (South Indian)
Course:
- Main Course
Diet:
- Diabetic-Friendly
Instructions:
-
Heat the Pressure Cooker:
Begin by heating oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add a sprig of curry leaves and let them crackle, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil. -
-
Sauté the Onions and Chilies:
Add the finely chopped pearl onions (sambar onions) and slit green chili to the cooker. Sauté them for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Toss in the chopped tomatoes, letting them cook down. Use the back of your spoon to mash the tomatoes as they soften. Stir occasionally and cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes become a paste. Add the jaggery, sambar powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well, allowing the spices to blend into the tomato mixture and cook down for a couple of minutes. -
Add Sweet Potatoes:
Once the tomato paste is ready, add the chopped sweet potatoes to the mixture. Toss them gently so that they are coated with the flavorful spice paste. This step helps infuse the sweet potatoes with the curry’s flavors. -
Pour in Tamarind Water:
Pour in the tamarind water, ensuring that the sweet potatoes are well submerged. Stir to combine and check the seasoning, adding more salt or jaggery as needed to balance the tangy and sweet flavors. -
Pressure Cook the Curry:
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the curry for 4 whistles on medium heat. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid. -
Prepare the Tempering:
In a small skillet, heat some oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter. Add another sprig of curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the skillet. Stir briefly to release the flavors, then pour this tempering over the cooked sweet potato curry. -
Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the curry for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this tangy, sweet, and spicy Andhra-style Chilakada Dumpa Pulusu with steaming hot rice or chapathi for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or soft chapathi, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The sweet potatoes absorb the rich, tangy curry, creating a comforting yet flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Health Benefits:
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The tamarind adds a tangy touch, while the jaggery provides natural sweetness, making this curry diabetic-friendly and light on the palate.
Tips:
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of jaggery in the curry. You can also replace jaggery with a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier curry, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add more green chilies during cooking.
- Alternative Vegetables: While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can experiment with other root vegetables like yam or regular potatoes for variation.
Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful Andhra-style Chilakada Dumpa Pulusu with your favorite rice or bread for a wholesome, satisfying meal!
