Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Curry leaves (tightly packed) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Green chili | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Dry red chili | 1 |
Instructions
Prepare the Karuvepillai Pachadi Masala
- Grind the Masala: In a dry mixer jar, add the curry leaves, ginger, green chili, cumin seeds, and whole black peppercorns. Pulse them together without any water. The result should be a dry, coarse mixture with a fibrous texture.
- Set Aside: Transfer the ground masala to a bowl and set aside for later use.
Prepare the Karuvepillai Pachadi
- Mix Yogurt and Salt: In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt (curd) and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Masala: Add the freshly ground Karuvepillai Pachadi Masala to the yogurt mixture and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Set Aside: Transfer the prepared Karuvepillai Pachadi (Curry Leaf Raita) to a serving bowl and set aside.
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)
- Heat Oil: In a small tadka pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame.
- Tempering the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then, add the white urad dal and let it turn light brown.
- Add Curry Leaves and Red Chili: Add the fresh curry leaves and sauté them until they crackle. Add the dry red chili and immediately turn off the heat to prevent burning.
- Pour the Tadka: Pour the prepared tempering (tadka) over the Karuvepillai Pachadi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Karuvepillai Pachadi as a refreshing side dish alongside Avarekalu Pulao and Raw Mango Cucumber Salad with Roasted Peanuts for a complete South Indian meal. This raita pairs wonderfully with rice-based dishes or flatbreads, providing a cooling and flavorful complement to spicy meals.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Karuvepillai Pachadi as part of your next South Indian feast!