Ingredients

1. Vanpayar / Red cow peas / Red gram / Red chori  -1 cup
2. Pearl onions – 6 – 7, crushed or chopped (Optional)
3. Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
4. Red chilly powder  or crushed dry red chillies – 3 /4 tsp
5. Coriander powder – 3/4 tsp  (Optional)
6. Pepper powder or crushed whole pepper – 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
8. Dry red chilly – 1
9. Curry leaves – 1 sprig
10. Salt – To taste
11. Coconut oil – 2 – 3 tsp

Method

1) Cook vanpayar in enough water (at least 3 – 3.5  cups or as required) and salt for 5 whistles or until it is soft and fully cooked. When the pressure releases or after 15 minutes, drain the water completely and set aside. If you want a slightly mashed up mezhukkupuratti, you can overcook the vanpayar.

2) Heat oil in a pan at medium heat. Splutter 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and fry the dry red chilly. Now add a few curry leaves and pearl onions. Fry until the pearl onions turn light brown. Now add the spice powders except pepper powder. Stir for 1 – 2 seconds and add the cooked vanpayar. Check for salt. Season with pepper powder. Stir fry for a few minutes and switch off. Serve with rice / kanji.

 

 

Tips:

1) You can substitute vanpayar with cherrupayar / green gram.