Andhra Style Chama Dumpa Pulusu Recipe – Arbi with Sesame Tamarind Sauce
If youโre looking for a flavorful and aromatic dish that packs a punch, look no further than Andhra Style Chama Dumpa Pulusu (Arbi with Sesame Tamarind Sauce). This traditional recipe from the heart of Andhra Pradesh combines tender colocasia (arbi) root with a rich, tangy tamarind sauce and the nutty aroma of sesame seeds. Perfectly spiced with curry leaves, green chilies, and a hint of turmeric, this dish is ideal to serve as a main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with warm phulkas and a fresh kachumber salad for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Colocasia Root (Arbi) | 250 grams |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 4 |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | Few sprigs |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Few sprigs, chopped |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
| Number of Servings | 4 servings |
Cuisine
| Cuisine Type | Andhra |
Course
| Course | Main Course (Dinner) |
Diet
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Prepare the Arbi: Begin by peeling the arbi (colocasia root) and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Boil the cubed arbi in water until tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
-
Tamarind Extract: Soak the tamarind paste in a small amount of water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, extract the pulp by squeezing the tamarind and discarding any fibers or seeds. Set the tamarind extract aside.
-
Roast and Grind Sesame Seeds: Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Once roasted, remove from heat and allow the seeds to cool down. Once cooled, grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a grinder.
-
Prepare the Tempering: Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them pop for a few seconds.
-
Add Aromatics: Stir in the turmeric powder, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds to release the fragrant oils from the spices.
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Fry the Arbi: Add the boiled arbi cubes to the pan. Stir-fry the arbi for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the tempering.
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Add Tamarind and Simmer: Pour the tamarind extract into the pan, followed by the salt. Stir well to combine, and allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so the arbi soaks up the tangy tamarind sauce.
-
Finish with Sesame Powder: Add the ground sesame powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sesame to blend with the tamarind sauce, enriching the dish with its nutty flavor.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Arbi with Sesame Tamarind Sauce hot, ideally with phulkas and a side of fresh kachumber salad.
Serving Suggestions
Andhra Style Chama Dumpa Pulusu pairs wonderfully with Phulkas (Indian flatbreads) and a refreshing Kachumber Salad. This makes for a wholesome, balanced meal packed with flavors and textures. The sesame and tamarind combination provides a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and nutty flavors, while the crispy phulkas and fresh salad complete the meal with a delightful contrast.
Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your preference for spiciness. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chilies or remove the seeds before adding them to the pan.
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, so you can enjoy it as a plant-based meal without any modifications.
- Add More Vegetables: While arbi is the star of this dish, you can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to make the dish even heartier.
With its aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and nutty sesame, Andhra Style Chama Dumpa Pulusu is a comforting and flavorful dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. It offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy the essence of Andhra cuisine right at home with this easy-to-make recipe!
