Andhra Style Aratikaya Vepudu Recipe – Raw Banana Dry Sabzi
Delve into the vibrant culinary traditions of Andhra Pradesh with this delightful and aromatic Andhra Style Aratikaya Vepudu, a scrumptious dry sabzi made from raw bananas. This dish is not only a fantastic vegetarian option but also showcases the wonderful balance of spices typical of Andhra cuisine. Perfect as a side dish for lunch, it pairs beautifully with Mixed Vegetable Sambar and Steamed Rice, making it a wholesome meal full of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 3 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Rasam Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame Powder (Roasted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 3g |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
|---|
Course & Cuisine
| Course | Lunch |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Andhra |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
To embark on your culinary adventure with the Andhra Style Aratikaya Vepudu, begin by meticulously washing and peeling the raw bananas, then proceed to slice them into thin, even pieces. To prevent browning and maintain their vibrant color, place these sliced bananas in a bowl filled with water until you’re ready to use them. Once prepared, drain the water and move on to the next step.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained raw banana slices with salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and rasam powder. Toss the ingredients gently yet thoroughly, ensuring that each slice is well-coated with the spices, which will infuse the bananas with flavor as they cook.
Next, heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and urad dal to the pan; listen closely as the mustard seeds start to splutter—a delightful sound that indicates the spices are coming to life. Once they begin to pop, introduce the minced garlic and curry leaves into the mix. Sauté this aromatic mixture until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Once the garlic is cooked to perfection, add the coated raw banana slices to the pan. Gently toss them to combine with the tempering, ensuring that the spices cling to the bananas. Lower the heat and stir intermittently, allowing the bananas to cook evenly without becoming mushy. The goal here is to achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
As the raw bananas approach doneness, sprinkle the roasted sesame powder over them. Toss the mixture gently, allowing the sesame powder to coat the bananas in a delicious layer of nutty flavor. If necessary, add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of oil to help the bananas fry beautifully. Continue to cook on low flame until the raw banana pieces are golden and crisp.
Once the Andhra Style Aratikaya Vepudu is ready, turn off the heat and taste to check for seasonings, adjusting salt or spices to your preference. This dish is best enjoyed warm, served alongside a bowl of comforting Mixed Vegetable Sambar and fluffy Steamed Rice, with a side of Elai Vadam to add a delightful crunch.
This recipe not only showcases the unique flavors of Andhra cuisine but also embodies the warmth of home-cooked meals, bringing together family and friends around the dining table. Enjoy every bite of this savory delight that promises to be a favorite in your meal repertoire!
