South Indian Carrot Poriyal Recipe
Description:
Carrot Poriyal is a vibrant and nutritious South Indian dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the aromatic flavors of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of coconut. This easy-to-make recipe is commonly served as a side dish with rice or Indian breads. It is a healthy vegetarian option packed with flavor and is a staple in Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots (cut into small pieces) | 4 medium-sized |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| White urad dal (split) | 1/2 tsp |
| Dry red chili | 1 |
| Curry leaves (broken) | 4 sprigs |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 tsp |
| Grated coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Steam the Carrots:
Start by steaming the chopped carrots in a pressure cooker with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover the carrots. Cook for about 2 whistles, then release the pressure and set the softened carrots aside. -
Tempering:
Heat oil in a frying pan (kadai). Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, broken curry leaves, urad dal, and dry red chili. Let it cook for 10-15 seconds until the mustard seeds begin to splutter and the urad dal turns golden. -
Adding Spices:
Once the tempering is ready, add the hing (asafoetida) and turmeric powder. Stir briefly to combine the spices. -
Combine Carrots:
Add the steamed carrots to the pan along with salt. Stir well to coat the carrots with the seasoning. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. -
Finishing Touch:
Finally, garnish with freshly grated coconut and give it a gentle stir. Remove from heat. -
Serve:
Your delicious South Indian Carrot Poriyal is now ready to serve. Enjoy it as a side dish with rice or chapati!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Pro Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer dry red chilies based on your taste.
- For an added crunch, you can top the poriyal with roasted peanuts or cashews.
- Carrot Poriyal can be served alongside sambar rice or curd rice for a complete meal.
This simple yet flavorful dish brings the taste of South India to your table, and with its nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for a wholesome meal!
