Mixed Vegetable Koora Recipe – A Hearty Andhra Delight
The Mixed Vegetable Koora or Kalle Koora is a vibrant and aromatic dish typically prepared during the Sankranti festival in Andhra Pradesh, celebrating the arrival of freshly harvested winter vegetables. This wholesome vegetarian curry is packed with a colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, broad beans (avarekai), and fenugreek leaves. The combination of these vegetables, along with roasted sesame, fresh coconut, and jaggery, creates a perfectly balanced, mildly spicy dish. The earthy flavors of the vegetables are harmonized by the sweet and nutty elements, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. Ideal as a main course, this dish is often served with steamed rice and a variety of accompaniments, such as moong dal rasam and spiced drumstick sambar.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato (peeled and diced) | 1 medium |
| Potatoes (Aloo, peeled and diced) | 2 medium |
| Carrot (Gajjar, peeled and diced) | 1 large |
| Broad Beans (Avarekai, chopped) | 2 cups |
| Fenugreek Leaves (Methi, chopped) | 2 cups |
| Green Chillies | 8 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Roast the Sesame Seeds
Begin by lightly roasting the sesame seeds in a pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the seeds turn golden brown. Allow them to cool to room temperature before grinding them into a coarse powder. Combine the ground sesame seeds with the grated coconut and jaggery, and set this mixture aside for later use. -
Prepare the Green Chilli Paste
In a mixer, add the green chillies along with turmeric powder. Grind this into a smooth paste and set it aside as well. -
Cook the Vegetables
Pressure cook the sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, broad beans, and fenugreek leaves with 1/4 cup of water for about 3-4 whistles. Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and release the pressure immediately. -
Prepare the Tempering
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let them crackle and release their aromatic flavors. -
Saute the Mixture
Add the coconut-jaggery-sesame mixture and the green chilli-turmeric paste to the pan. Sauté this mixture for a minute or two, allowing the raw flavor of the green chillies to cook out. -
Combine and Cook
Gently add the cooked vegetables to the pan, stirring well to combine. Continue sautéing for another couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the moisture from the jaggery to evaporate. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. If necessary, add a little more jaggery or green chillies to balance the sweetness and heat. -
Serve
Transfer the Mixed Vegetable Koora to a serving dish. Serve it hot alongside steamed rice and moong dal rasam, or pair it with Nuggekai Kharbyaali (spiced drumstick sambar) for a complete and hearty meal.
Tips for a Perfect Mixed Vegetable Koora:
- Fresh Vegetables: Use a variety of freshly harvested winter vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and broad beans give the dish a great combination of sweetness and earthiness.
- Sesame and Coconut Mixture: Roasting the sesame seeds until golden before grinding them with coconut and jaggery enhances the flavor, giving the dish its signature richness and sweetness.
- Customizing the Heat: Adjust the number of green chillies according to your preferred spice level. If you like a milder dish, reduce the number of chillies.
- Add Protein: For a more filling dish, consider adding a protein source like cooked lentils or chickpeas to the curry.
Serving Suggestions:
Mixed Vegetable Koora is typically served as a part of a festive or traditional meal. It pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice and dal (lentil soups), making for a wholesome and satisfying vegetarian main course. You can also enjoy it with chapatis or parathas for a more substantial meal.
Enjoy this nutritious, comforting, and flavorful dish, which is not just perfect for festive occasions but also makes for an ideal lunch or dinner on any day. The harmonious blend of vegetables, sesame, coconut, and jaggery makes Mixed Vegetable Koora a special dish that brings warmth to your table.
