Udupi Style Alsande Kayi Saaru Recipe (Long Beans Gravy Recipe)
Udupi cuisine, renowned for its distinctive and flavorful vegetarian dishes, offers a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients. One such dish is the Udupi Style Alsande Kayi Saaru, a fragrant and tangy gravy made with long string beans (also known as chavli or Alsande) paired with aromatic roasted spices and tamarind. This dish is a perfect choice for lunch, especially when paired with steamed rice, bringing a comforting, flavorful experience to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long String Bean (Chavli) – chopped | 1 cup |
| Tamarind Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Rice | 2 teaspoons |
| Dry Red Chilli | 4 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (Crushed) | 4 cloves |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chilli (for tempering) | 1 |
| Oil (for tempering) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 2.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 130mg |
| Potassium | 345mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: Udupi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Long Beans
To begin the preparation of the Udupi Style Alsande Kayi Saaru, we first need to cook the long string beans. Place the chopped beans in a pressure cooker along with 1/2 cup of water. Close the lid and cook for about 1 whistle on medium heat. Once done, release the pressure and set aside.
Step 2: Roasting the Spices
While the beans are cooking, we can prepare the ground masala. Heat a small pan on medium heat and dry roast the following ingredients until they release their aromatic flavors:
- Rice (2 teaspoons)
- Coriander seeds (2 tablespoons)
- Methi seeds (1 teaspoon)
- Dry red chillies (4)
Once roasted, transfer the ingredients to a plate and allow them to cool slightly. After cooling, grind them into a fine powder using a mixer or spice grinder.
Step 3: Adding the Masala and Tamarind
Once the pressure cooker has cooled down and all the pressure is released, open the lid and add the freshly ground masala to the cooked long beans. Also, add tamarind water (1/2 cup) and salt to taste. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer on low heat, letting the gravy thicken a little. This step helps all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Tempering the Curry
To elevate the flavor of the gravy, we need to make a tempering. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a kadai or small frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add:
- Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic cloves (crushed, 4 cloves)
- Curry leaves (1 sprig)
- Dry red chilli (1)
Allow the spices to crackle and release their aromas. Once the tempering is ready, pour it over the simmering gravy. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Udupi Style Alsande Kayi Saaru has thickened and the flavors are well-combined, your dish is ready to serve. This savory long beans gravy pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
For a complete meal, serve this dish alongside Yellow Pumpkin Dal, which complements the tangy and spicy notes of the gravy with its mild sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: The soft and fluffy rice serves as the perfect base for the tangy Alsande Kayi Saaru, allowing the flavors of the curry to soak in.
- Yellow Pumpkin Dal: This dal, with its sweet and savory profile, balances the bold flavors of the Saaru and provides a nutritious boost to the meal.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of dry red chillies used for roasting and tempering.
- Tamarind Substitute: If tamarind is not available, you can use lemon juice as a substitute to bring in the tangy flavor.
- Beans Variety: If long string beans are hard to find, you can substitute with regular green beans or any other firm bean variety.
This dish embodies the essence of Udupi cuisine – simple, flavorful, and satisfying, making it an ideal addition to your lunch menu. Try this recipe and savor the authentic taste of Karnataka in the comfort of your home!
