Kerala Pumpkin Black Eyed Beans Erissery Recipe
Introduction
Erissery is a traditional dish from the vibrant cuisine of Kerala, known for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This Kerala Pumpkin Black Eyed Beans Erissery combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the earthiness of black-eyed beans, creating a delightful vegetarian dish that is both wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for a festive sadhya or a simple lunch, this dish is infused with spices and coconut, embodying the essence of South Indian cooking.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 2 cups, chopped |
Black Eyed Beans (Lobia) | ½ cup |
Red Chilli Powder | ½ teaspoon |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Fresh Coconut | ½ cup, grated |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
Green Chilli | 1, slit |
Coconut Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Mustard Seeds | ½ teaspoon |
Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
Fresh Coconut (for tadka) | 1 tablespoon |
Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 4, sliced |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approximately 150 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Sodium | Variable (depending on salt added) |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Preparation of Black Eyed Beans:
Start by soaking the black-eyed beans in water for at least one hour. This step is essential to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Once soaked, transfer the beans to a pressure cooker, adding half a cup of water. Cook for about 3 to 5 whistles, allowing the pressure to release naturally once cooking is complete. -
Making the Coconut Masala:
While the beans are cooking, prepare the coconut masala. In a small mixing bowl, combine the grated coconut, cumin seeds, and slit green chilli. Add a little water and grind this mixture to a coarse paste. Set this masala aside, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Cooking the Pumpkin:
In a large wok or pan, add the chopped pumpkin along with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Sprinkle a little water to prevent sticking, then cover the wok and cook over medium heat until the pumpkin is nearly tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes. -
Combining Ingredients:
Once the pumpkin is nearly cooked, stir in the ground coconut masala and the cooked black-eyed beans. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the spices are well-distributed. Allow the mixture to cook on medium heat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fully tender and the flavors are well combined. Taste the dish and adjust the salt as necessary. -
Preparing the Tadka:
In a separate small pan (tadka pan), heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Next, toss in the curry leaves and dry red chillies, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the oil. Add the sliced pearl onions to the tadka, frying until they turn a golden brown. Finally, add the tablespoon of grated coconut and sauté until it turns golden as well, adding a rich texture and nutty flavor. -
Final Assembly:
Pour the prepared tadka over the pumpkin and black-eyed beans mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the tadka is evenly distributed throughout the dish. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Kerala Pumpkin Black Eyed Beans Erissery hot, ideally as a side dish in a traditional Kerala sadhya alongside dishes like Vellarikka Manga Curry, Kootu Curry, Matta Rice, and Ada Pradhaman. The combination of flavors will transport you to the heart of Kerala, making every meal a memorable celebration of culinary traditions.
Conclusion
This Kerala Pumpkin Black Eyed Beans Erissery is not just a dish; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and flavor. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, it encapsulates the essence of Kerala cuisine. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the delightful diversity of Indian vegetarian cooking. Enjoy the comforting embrace of this dish, steeped in the flavors of coconut and spices, and let it bring warmth to your table.