Vellarikka Manga Curry Recipe – Cucumber Mango Pulissery
Description:
Vellarikka Manga Curry, or Cucumber Mango Pulissery, is a quintessential Kerala dish that brings together the refreshing flavors of cucumber and the tangy zest of raw mango. The curry is made in a coconut-based gravy that adds richness and texture, making it a perfect side dish to pair with steamed rice. The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilies adds a tantalizing aroma and flavor, giving this dish a special touch. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or as part of a festive meal, this Kerala-style curry is sure to leave you wanting more.
Cuisine:
Kerala Recipes
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber (peeled and diced) | 1 |
| Mango (Raw, peeled and diced) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Coconut Paste:
Start by grinding the grated fresh coconut along with cumin seeds and one of the green chillies. Add a little water to help the grinding process and blend everything into a smooth paste. Set the paste aside for later use. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Heat a pan and add the diced cucumber, raw mango, slit green chillies, turmeric powder, salt, and 1 cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the vegetables are tender yet retain their firmness. Alternatively, you can cook the vegetables in a pressure cooker for 1 whistle, which will speed up the process. -
Combine with Coconut Paste:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the freshly ground coconut mixture to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure that the vegetables are well-coated with the coconut paste. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes on low heat and then turn off the flame. -
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
In a small frying pan (tadka pan), heat some oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and white urad dal to the hot oil. Allow the mustard seeds to crackle and the urad dal to turn a light golden brown. Then, add the dry red chilli and curry leaves to the pan. The spices will splutter and release a wonderful aroma. -
Finish the Curry:
Pour the hot tempering over the cooked cucumber and mango curry. The sizzling oil and spices will infuse the dish with an additional layer of flavor. -
Serve:
Serve the Vellarikka Manga Curry (Cucumber Mango Pulissery) hot with steamed rice and a side dish like Idichakka Thoran (Young Jackfruit with Spiced Coconut) for a complete Kerala meal. This curry is light yet flavorful, making it an ideal accompaniment to rice-based dishes.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the number of green chillies or omit them altogether. The combination of raw mango and green chillies can make the dish slightly spicy, but it also adds a lovely contrast with the creamy coconut gravy.
- Consistency: If you like a thinner curry, you can add a little more water to the vegetables while cooking. For a thicker consistency, you can reduce the water slightly or add less.
- Vegetable Variations: If you don’t have raw mango or cucumber, you can experiment with other vegetables like pumpkin or bottle gourd (lauki) for a similar taste profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~100 |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
| Calcium | ~20mg |
| Iron | ~1mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
The Vellarikka Manga Curry (Cucumber Mango Pulissery) is a classic example of how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create a deliciously aromatic dish. With the perfect balance of tangy mango, fresh cucumber, and coconut, it delivers a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to explore the vibrant flavors of Kerala cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Pair it with steamed rice and a spicy vegetable stir-fry to create a wholesome meal that is both nourishing and full of traditional goodness.
