Vaal beans/ Anapakayalu (in Telugu) are commonly seen in plenty in Rayalaseema areas of Andhra Pradesh. Differant types of masala curries are prepared with it. These are protein rich beans and curry is very popular in those areas. Surprisingly only the beans / ginjalu are used, discarding the outer coat. Usually the tender beans are directly used for curries. If the beans are large, they are soaked for some time in water and inner dal is pressed out ( called pithiki pappu in Telugu) and used for masala curries. These beans can, not only be used to prepare curries but also snacks like fried vaal dal. . Here is a quick method to prepare this curry in cooker.
Ingredients:
Vaal beans – 300 gms, (after removing from pods),
Onion – 2,medium,
Green chilli -2,slit vertically into two,
Red chilli powder – 1 Tsp,
Haldi – 1/8Tsp,
Salt,
Oil – 3 Tablesp,
Tomato – 1, medium,
Garam masala – 1/4 Tsp,
Ginger garlic paste – 3/4 Tsp,
Dhania powder – 1Tablesp,
Cloves – 3,Cinnamon – 1/4″pieces – 2,Cardamom – 1,
Bay leaf – Small one ( optional),
Paste of 1tsp of poppy seeds, 1tablesp of desiccated(or fresh) coconut, 5 cashews,
Chopped coriander leaves – 1Tablesp,
Method:
1).As a first step I microwaved onions, tomato (cut into two ) for 3 minutes under micro high. This is made into paste and kept aside. /or you can make paste of raw onion and tomato and proceed as usual. But microwaving will shorten the frying time of onion paste.
2).Heat oil in pressure cooker, add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf and fry for a second. Add chilli, onion tomato paste ,fry till raw smell goes.Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 2 minutes.
3).Add dhania powder, haldi,chilli powder, mix well and cook for a minute. Now add vaal beans,salt and 400 ml of water.Close the cooker and pressure cook for 4 whistles.
4).when steam comes down, remove the lid and add the coconut paste along with garam masala to the curry. Check the quantity of liquid in curry. If is thick add another 100ml of (preferably) hot water. Mix well and let it simmer under low flame for 2 to 3 minutes.Sprinkle chopped coriander and remove.
5).Serve this delicious, protein rich kurma with roti preparatons/ rice preparations/ dosa etc.
Tip:
a). If vaal dal ( pithiki pappu ) is available you can limit the cooking time for two wishtles only.
b).There are some more interesting vaal beans recipes in my recipe list including tasty fried vaal dal.You can check them.
c). Best side dish for diabetics.