Padpe Uppukari Harive Soppu Palya: A Traditional Mangalorean Spinach Stir Fry
Recipe Overview
Padpe Uppukari Harive Soppu Palya is a quintessential South Indian dish, hailing from Mangalore, where it is celebrated for its simple yet well-balanced flavors. This vibrant spinach stir fry incorporates a lovely blend of ingredients, including fresh coconut, garlic, and dry red chilies, making it a delightful vegetarian side dish. The addition of mustard seeds and white urad dal gives the dish an aromatic depth, while the fresh coconut imparts a rich, creamy texture. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this dish also complements traditional Mangalorean curries like Dali Thoy (Karwar Style Toor Dal Curry) and other dry vegetable preparations.
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Mangalorean |
|---|---|
| Course | Side Dish |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (Harive Soppu), washed and finely chopped | 300 grams |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| SSP Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempering:
Begin by heating a kadai (wok) on medium flame and adding a small amount of oil. Once the oil is heated, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Follow by adding the white urad dal, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Allow the curry leaves to crackle, releasing their fragrance. -
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped garlic and onions to the kadai. Sauté them well until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing a lovely aroma. -
Cook the Spinach:
Next, add the chopped spinach (Harive Soppu) to the kadai. Sauté the spinach thoroughly, ensuring it wilts down as it cooks. This step should take about 5-7 minutes, allowing the spinach to shrink and become tender. -
Add Coconut and Seasonings:
Once the spinach is fully cooked, stir in the grated fresh coconut along with salt to taste. Mix everything well, allowing the coconut to combine with the spinach. This adds a creamy texture and balances out the flavors beautifully. -
Adjust Seasonings and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the salt and seasonings as necessary. Once satisfied, turn off the heat and transfer the Padpe Uppukari Harive Soppu Palya to a serving bowl. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this flavorful Mangalorean spinach stir fry warm, accompanied by steamed rice and traditional Mangalorean dishes like Dali Thoy (Karwar Style Toor Dal Curry) and Cabbage Palya for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Padpe Uppukari Harive Soppu Palya
- Freshness Matters: Fresh spinach is key to achieving the best texture and flavor in this dish. If possible, opt for organic or homegrown spinach for an added touch of natural sweetness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, feel free to increase the number of dry red chilies or add some chili powder along with the seasonings.
- Coconut Variation: For a more intense coconut flavor, you can use roasted coconut instead of fresh coconut.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | ~3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | ~3 grams |
| Fat | ~8 grams |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Padpe Uppukari Harive Soppu Palya is a staple in many Mangalorean homes, cherished for its simplicity and wholesome nature. The flavors come together harmoniously, offering a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and slightly spicy notes. The addition of fresh coconut adds richness without overwhelming the dish, making it a perfect complement to other Indian meals. It’s quick, easy, and packed with the goodness of leafy greens and aromatic spices. This side dish makes for a refreshing addition to your vegetarian meal repertoire.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Mangalorean spinach stir fry is sure to impress everyone with its delicious and vibrant flavors.
