Vanpayar/Red cow peas Mezhukkupuratti (Serves 4)

Mezhukkupuratti is an essential sidedish in a typical Kerala meal and can be easily made from almost all pulses under the sun. The one with Vanpayar/red cow peas is very popular and very nutritious. A simple recipe for the same follows....

Vanpayar (red cow peas) 1 cup
Shallots 3 nos
Whole black pepper ¼ tsp
Garlic 2 nos
Dry red chilly 2 nos
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
Mustard seeds ¼ tsp
Salt as needed
Oil 2 tsp

Preparation

Wash and soak Vanpayar/red cow peas atleast for 2 hours. Pressure cook this with approximately 2 ½ cups water for 3 whistles. Switch off the flame and leave it in the pressure cooker for another 30 more minutes.
Drain the water from peas and keep aside.

Meanwhile, using a motar and pestle crush the shallots, garlic, black pepper, red chilly and curry leaves.


Heat oil (preferably coconut oil) in a pan. Splutter mustard seeds and then add the crushed masala.Saute for 2-3 minutes or until raw smell is gone. Add turmeric powder and cook for 3 more minutes. Now add the vanpayar/red cow peas to this and salt. Mix all well to combine. Serve hot with rice or kanji, pickle and pappadam..

Tips

Instead of using a motar and pestle to crush, you can grind them in a blender
If you are in a hurry and no time for soaking, pressure cook on high for 5-6 whistles