Karnataka Style Avarekalu Pulao Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Avarekalu Pulao, also known as Hyacinth Beans Pulao, is a popular dish from the vibrant state of Karnataka, India. This flavorful rice dish, infused with aromatic spices, has a unique addition of avarekalu (lilva beans), which gives it both a rich texture and a pleasant earthy flavor. The dish is often prepared as a quick and wholesome meal, especially during festivals or weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with yogurt-based sides like raita.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice (soaked for 10 minutes) | 1 ½ cups |
| Avarekalu (Lilva beans) | ¾ cup |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick | 2 pieces |
| Green chilies (slit) | 2 |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mint leaves (for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) | 1 pod |
| Garlic cloves | 8 |
| Ginger (2-inch piece) | 1 |
| Fresh mint leaves | ½ cup |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | ¼ cup |
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly under running water. Soak it in enough water for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the rice grains remain fluffy after cooking. Drain the soaked rice before cooking.
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Grind the Masala Paste: For the flavorful masala paste, combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, garlic, ginger, green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves in a mixer grinder. Add a little water and grind everything into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a pressure cooker or deep pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the bay leaf and cinnamon sticks. Let them sizzle and infuse the ghee with their aroma.
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Sauté Onions and Tomatoes: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Then, add the slit green chilies and finely chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend with the onions.
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Cook the Masala Paste: Add the ground masala paste to the sautéed onions and tomatoes. Stir it well and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the raw smell of the spices fades away.
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Add the Dry Spices: Sprinkle in the coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir to combine and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the ghee begins to separate from the masala.
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Add the Avarekalu (Lilva Beans): Add the fresh avarekalu (lilva beans) into the pan and sauté for 2 minutes, letting them absorb the flavors of the spices.
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Cook the Rice: Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to mix the rice with the masala. Pour in 3 cups of water, and season with salt to taste. Bring it to a rolling boil.
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Pressure Cook: Once the mixture starts boiling, cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for one whistle. After the whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy.
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Fluff and Garnish: Once the pressure has released, open the lid. Add the freshly chopped mint leaves and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This step ensures that the pulao stays light and fluffy.
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Serve: Serve the Karnataka Style Avarekalu Pulao hot, garnished with additional mint leaves. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, a Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad, and a crispy roasted papad.
Tips for a Perfect Avarekalu Pulao
- Rice Soaking: Soaking the rice for about 10 minutes is essential for fluffy grains. Avoid soaking it for too long, as it can become too soft.
- Ghee for Flavor: Using ghee instead of oil enhances the flavor and aroma of the pulao. However, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute it with vegetable oil.
- Beans Substitute: If fresh avarekalu is unavailable, you can use frozen or canned lilva beans. Just ensure they are properly cooked before adding to the pulao.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice preference.
This Karnataka-style Avarekalu Pulao is a hearty, flavorful dish that is easy to prepare yet packed with traditional tastes. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or packing it for a lunch box, it’s sure to delight with its aromatic spices and deliciously earthy beans.
