Karnataka Style Avarekalu Kosambari Recipe
Karnataka-style Avarekalu Kosambari is a vibrant and nutritious salad made with a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, legumes, and traditional tempering. This refreshing dish is perfect as a side for any meal, especially when paired with the tangy Chitranna, crispy Cabbage Onion Vada, and a sweet Paal Payasam to make a wholesome and satisfying spread.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avarekalu (Lilva Beans) | 1 cup (pressure cooked) |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1 (grated) |
| Sweet corn | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup (soaked in water for 30 minutes) |
| Green Chilli | 1 (chopped) |
| Lemon | 1/2 (juiced) |
| Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 tablespoon (finely chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Moong Dal:
Begin by soaking the yellow moong dal in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it softens the dal, allowing it to blend well with the other ingredients. -
Cook the Avarekalu (Lilva Beans):
In a pressure cooker, add the avarekalu (lilva beans) with 1/2 cup of water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook it for 1 whistle on medium heat. After the pressure releases naturally, drain any excess water from the beans. Set them aside to cool. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the grated carrot, the boiled and cooled avarekalu beans, sweet corn, grated fresh coconut, finely chopped coriander leaves, salt, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix everything gently until well combined. -
Prepare the Tempering:
Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a small tadka pan or frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil. Once the seeds crackle, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves. Allow the curry leaves to crisp up in the hot oil, releasing their fragrance. -
Combine the Tempering with Kosambari:
Immediately pour the hot tempering mixture over the prepared kosambari (salad). Toss everything together gently to ensure the tempering is evenly distributed. -
Serve:
Your Karnataka Style Avarekalu Kosambari is now ready to serve! This dish can be served alongside a variety of other Karnataka delicacies. For a complete meal, pair it with Chitranna (Lemon Rice), Cabbage Onion Vada, and a refreshing bowl of Paal Payasam (Sweet Milk Pudding).
Serving Suggestions
Avarekalu Kosambari is a light and healthy dish, perfect for a summer meal or as a refreshing side during festive occasions. The crunchy vegetables and beans provide a satisfying texture, while the tangy lemon and aromatic tempering make every bite flavorful. It pairs exceptionally well with rice dishes like Chitranna or even as a complement to roti or chapati.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrients per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 15% of DV |
| Calcium | 6% of DV |
| Iron | 8% of DV |
Conclusion
Karnataka Style Avarekalu Kosambari is a simple yet flavorful salad that embodies the essence of Karnataka cuisine. It’s a healthy and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive meal or a light, nutritious snack, this kosambari will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
