Vanpayar (Red gram/Red cowpeas) Upperi

A very common side dish for rice in Kerala

Take 1 Cup of Vanpayar and soak it in 2 cups of water for atleast 5 hrs or even overnight.

After 5 hrs it will be double the quantity.

Drain the water.Wash the Vanpayar nicely under running water and transfer the vanpayar in the pressure cooker and add 1 1/4 cup of water.Water should be just above the level of Vanpayar.

Add 1tsp of salt..

1/2 tsp of turmeric powder...

Close the lid and keep it in high flame .Once pressure starts releasing put the weight and cook in low flame till one whistle .Whistle will blow in 15 mins.If it didnt blow just increase the flame a little.After the first whistle,off the flame and keep it closed for 10 mins or till the whole pressure is gone automatically.By that time we can make the masala...

You will need a small chunk of ginger, 3 garlics, 6 shallots and 6 curry leaves.

Begin with slicing the shallots.Dont have shallots ?? Just use half of chopped onion.

Start crushing ginger and garlic together..

Again...

And again...

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a pan.

Add the shallots..

Saute for 2 mins..

Add the crushed ginger and garlic.

Saute for another 1 min.

Add the Masala...

Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder

2 tsp of red chilli flakes or 2 tsp of chilli powder.

Saute for 1 min.

Open the pressure cooker..

You can see water below it.

Transfer it in to the pan.

Add the curry leaves.

Mix well and dry it and off the flame...

Keep it covered for some time.

RECIPE

Servings : 4

Ingredients :

• Vanpayar - 1 Cup
• Turmeric powder -1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp

For the masala :

• Shallots - 6 or Half onion
• Garlic - 3
• Ginger - 1 small chunk
• Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
• Chilli flakes or red chilli powder - 2 tsp
• Curry leaves - 6
• Salt - if needed.

Directions :

• Soak Vanpayar for atleast 5 hrs
• Pressure cook it with salt,turmeric and water.
• Heat the oil in a pan and saute the shallots
• Crush the ginger and garlic and add it to the shallots.Saute for 1 min
• Add the turmeric powder and chilli flakes.
• Transfer cooked Vanpayar from pressure cooker to the pan
• Add the curry leaves.
• Mix well and make it dry.
• Add salt if needed.