Alasandalu Kura or Fresh Black Eyed Beans Curry is an authentic Andhra Special gravy dish made with fresh black-eyed peas. This is made during the season in the Rayalaseema region.
I got around to making this gravy when I was out of ideas on what to make for dinner.
Even with one person on vacation, we feel we don't know what to cook. With Athamma on tour, I am out of ideas on what to make, she was the last person to give importance to her liking. It was always either kids or hubby's choice. Still, I find myself so confused about what to make.
This is why this recipe comes in handy. Not only is it a one-shot cooking gravy, where you need not worry about sautéing and looking over it, but it's also rather very simple in its method. Amma's sister, who takes care of a home, suggested this recipe after getting us a bag full of fresh alasandalu or black-eyed pea. These fresh ones are available in abundance during the season and it's another one of those classics that you shouldn't miss cooking.
Fresh Black Eyed Beans Curry
After making this Kura, Amma realized that this is the way my granny used to make it in our village. Imagine eating something and remembering your childhood, like in ratatouille! She was hit with nostalgia and was so excited to share this piece of info with me.
Since then, we have ended up cooking the peas in this method. Yes, such a simple recipe and you have a cartload of memories associated with it! Then when I was talking to my Aunt, she asked me if I tasted the alasandalu kura. I said yes and that I was cooking it again for clicking pictures. She was so excited that I wanted to share that simple, yet classic Andhra delicacy.
She was specifically mentioning the method of cooking in this dish. In villages, when they have huge families, they do need a lot of gravy as they serve this with rice. So to make more gravy, the onions and tomatoes are always ground into a paste. Imagine I always thought that it was the modern tread and I heard that for ages it's been cooked this way.
Coming to the recipe, it's such a simple and uncomplicated recipe that I am sure when you try this, you will love making it again and again!
Alasandalu Kura
Fresh Black Eyed Beans Curry | Alasandalu Kura
Ingredients Needed:
Fresh Black Eyed Peas, shelled - 2 cups
For the ground masala:
Onion - 1/2 of a big
Roasted Groundnuts / Peanut - 2 -3 tbsp
Tomato - 1 big
Garlic - 3 -4 cloves
Red chili powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Turmeric a pinch
For tempering
Onion - 1/2 of a big
Mustard seeds, Urad dal - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves few
Oil - 1 tsp
How to make the Kura
Shell the peas and wash. Take the peas with twice its amount of water and bring to boil. When the water starts boiling, simmer.
Meanwhile, make a paste of all the ingredients listed under masala to a smooth paste. Add this paste to the boiling peas, and continue cooking till the froth comes out on the top.
When the gravy reaches its consistency, simmer completely.
Heat a pan with oil, temper with mustard, saute the onions and curry leaves. Then pour this over the simmering peas.
Serve with rice or roti.
A Table in the Sun says
I'm so glad that you are sharing your Indian cooking skills with us. I love Indian food, but have never attempted it at home. I'm pleased to discover that I already have most of the ingredients.
Manidipa says
Very nice presentation.
Hamsamalini Chandrasekaran says
Delicious curry of black eye bean. Coconut paste can also be added to it.