Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna Recipe (Field Beans Tossed With Lemon Rice)
Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna is a vibrant and flavorful South Indian breakfast dish, perfect for those who crave a nutritious start to their day. This recipe combines the richness of boiled rice with the goodness of avarekalu (field beans), which are tossed in a fragrant, spiced tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other aromatic ingredients. The dish is then finished with a tangy hint of lemon juice and the freshness of coriander, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Here’s how to make this beloved Karnataka-style lemon rice with field beans.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avarekalu (Field Beans) | 1 cup |
| Rice (boiled) | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 5 |
| Curry leaves | 5 sprigs |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 lemon |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | 3 sprigs |
| Onion (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Ghee or oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~7g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fat | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Vitamin C | ~30mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Karnataka (South Indian)
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
To start the Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna, first, cook the rice in a pressure cooker. Use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Once the rice is done, release the pressure naturally. After that, add a little oil to the rice, mix well, and set it aside to cool slightly. This will prevent the rice from clumping together when mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Avarekalu (Field Beans)
Next, cook the avarekalu (field beans) in a saucepan with enough water to cover them. Let the beans cook until they are soft but still retain their shape. Once cooked, strain the water and keep the beans aside.
Step 3: Temper the Spices
Heat a kadai (wok) or a wide pan on medium heat. Add some oil or ghee to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add the urad dal, followed by a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and the curry leaves. Allow these ingredients to fry for a few seconds, releasing their fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Green Chilies
Add the chopped onions and slit green chilies to the tempered spices. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn golden brown and soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step is essential to infuse the dish with rich flavors.
Step 5: Add Avarekalu and Rice
Add the boiled avarekalu (field beans) to the sautéed onion mixture. Stir-fry them together for a minute, allowing the beans to absorb the tempering’s flavors. Then, gently mix in the boiled rice, ensuring that the rice gets evenly coated with the spices and beans.
Step 6: Final Touches
Switch off the heat, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rice and beans mixture. Add the chopped coriander leaves and give everything a final gentle stir to combine. Taste the dish and adjust the salt to your liking.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your delicious Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna (Field Beans Tossed With Lemon Rice) hot, paired with a side of tangy mango pickle for an extra burst of flavor. This dish makes for an ideal breakfast, offering a satisfying, protein-packed meal that is light yet filling.
Tips for the Perfect Avarekalu Chitranna
- Rice Tip: Ensure that the rice is not overcooked, as it may become mushy when mixed with the beans. Slightly cooled rice works best, as it helps prevent clumping.
- Bean Tip: Avarekalu can be a bit hard to cook, so soak them for a few hours before cooking to ensure they become soft more easily.
- Ghee or Oil: Ghee adds a rich flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a lighter option, feel free to use vegetable oil instead.
- Lemon Juice: Adjust the amount of lemon juice depending on your preference for tanginess. More lemon juice will give the dish a sharper, fresher taste.
- Spices: You can customize the spice levels by adding more green chilies or even a pinch of red chili powder for heat.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna is not only easy to prepare but also a hearty dish packed with nutrients. It combines avarekalu (field beans), which are rich in protein and fiber, with rice to create a satisfying meal. The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies brings a classic South Indian aroma to the dish, while the lemon juice adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the savory flavors.
This dish is a wonderful addition to your breakfast repertoire, offering a taste of Karnataka’s culinary heritage. With its vegetarian appeal, it’s also suitable for various dietary preferences, making it a versatile and delicious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome start to their day.
Enjoy your Karnataka Style Avarekalu Chitranna with a hot cup of filter coffee or a refreshing buttermilk, and you’ll have a truly authentic South Indian breakfast experience!
