Amma’s Avarakka Upperi | Traditional Kerala Broad Beans Stir-Fry
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Kerala-style Broad Beans Stir-Fry recipe |
Amma's Special Avarakka Upperi Recipe – Traditional Kerala Stir-Fry
Avarakka Upperi | Broad Beans Stir-Fry, Kerala Style
Avarakka (Broad Beans/Flat Beans) is not a commonly available vegetable in the local market. Whenever we find Avarakka, we make sure to grab some! Though we were not huge fans of it earlier, its rarity has made us appreciate it more, and now we love incorporating it into our meals. I usually make stir-fries, simple Poriyals, Kerala-style Thoran, Mezhukkupuratti, or add it to Sambar or Puli Kuzhambu.
A Nostalgic Cooking Tip from Amma
As usual, during a chat with my mom, I mentioned that we got some fresh Avarakka. Our conversation drifted to different recipes when I recalled a unique Upperi she makes with Long Beans. That’s when I realised I had never tried making it with Avarakka! My mom's cooking style is still something I am learning—except for Amma's Varutharacha Sambar & Achan's Erachi Curry, which have become staples in my kitchen.
What is Upperi? | Thoran vs Upperi vs Mezhukkupuratti
Upperi is a common term used in Kerala for a simple stir-fry, much like Thoran or Mezhukkupuratti. These are different styles of vegetable stir-fries with slight variations.
- Thoran: Stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut, often with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Upperi: Similar to Thoran but with coarsely ground coconut and minimal spices.
- Mezhukkupuratti: A dry stir-fry cooked with oil and spices, without coconut.
Upperi, Thoran, or Mezhukkupuratti? Ever wondered what makes these Kerala stir-fries unique? Dive into the flavours of God's Own Country and master the art of these simple yet delicious dishes! Click here for the full scoop!
Amma’s Avarakka Upperi – A Nostalgic Delight!
This Avarakka Upperi is a simple yet delicious stir-fry loaded with coconut, giving it a texture and taste similar to Peera Pattichathu. You can prepare this Upperi with Avarakka (Broad Beans), Achinga Payar (Long Beans), Bitter Gourd, French Beans, or any vegetable of your choice.
With initial tempering of Mustard Seeds & Curry Leaves in Coconut Oil we have to add thinly sliced or chopped Avarakka/Long Beans or any other vegetable of your choice, along with Turmeric Powder, Salt & a pinch of sugar into it. Then, we have to add coarsely ground mixture of Coconut, Garlic Cloves, Dry Red Chillies & Cumin Seeds into it and cook the vegetable with a little bit of water. Once cooked, switch off the flame & finish off the Upperi with a drizzle of Coconut Oil.
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Avarakka - Fresh Broad Beans |
Health Benefits of Avarakka (Broad Beans/Flat Beans)
Avarakkai or the Indian Broad Beans are a type of vegetable which belongs to Beans family. It is also called as Flat Beans. It is a good source of Protein, Fibre, Potassium, Iron, Vitamin A, B, C & K. Avarakkai is a Bean like vegetable, green coloured, tender with small seeds. Avarakka is not just tasty but also highly nutritious. Here’s why you should add it to your diet:
- Aids in weight loss (low in calories!)
- Strengthens bones and hair
- Supports heart health
- Helps reduce blood cholesterol
- Improves digestion and relieves constipation
- Boosts immunity
- Provides relief from osteoarthritis
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes
For More Delicious Recipes from God’s Own Country - Kerala, Click Here and Taste the Tradition!
Avarakka Upperi Recipe Details:
- Cuisine - Kerala (South India)
- Course - Side Dish
- Spice Level - Moderate
- Difficulty - Easy
- Serves - 3-4
- Author - SM
Time Estimate:
- Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
- Cooking Time - 15-20 Minutes
How to Make Avarakka Upperi | Kerala-Style Broad Beans Stir-Fry with Coconut
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| Amma’s Avarakka Upperi – A Traditional Kerala-style stir-fry! |
Ingredients
For Avarakka Upperi:
- 2 Cups Avarakka (Broad Beans)
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 Sprig Curry Leaves
- 1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of Sugar (optional)
To Grind:
- 1/4 Cup Grated Coconut
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Dry Red Chillies
- A pinch of Cumin Seeds
To Drizzle:
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
Method - Step-by-step Guide on How to make Avarakka Upperi:
Grinding
- Start by preparing the coconut spice mix. Coarsely grind the grated coconut, garlic cloves, dry red chillies, and cumin seeds until well combined.
Cooking Upperi
- Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan. Once hot, splutter mustard seeds and curry leaves to create an aromatic tempering.
Adding Avarakka(Broad Beans)
- Add the chopped Avarakka (Broad Beans) to the pan along with turmeric powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Stir well to coat the beans with the spices.
Incorporating Coconut Mix
- Add the coarsely ground coconut mixture to the pan and mix it thoroughly with the beans.
Simmering
- Pour a little water into the pan, cover, and cook on low heat until the Avarakka becomes tender and absorbs all the flavours. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Finishing Touches
- Once the vegetable is fully cooked, switch off the flame. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of coconut oil on top for an authentic Kerala touch.
Infusing Flavours
- Cover the pan for a few minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Serve hot with rice and curry!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Avarakka Upperi as a side dish with Kerala Matta Rice and Sambar.
- Perfect for Kerala Sadhya or Virundhu spreads.
- Pairs beautifully with Kanji (Rice Gruel) for a comforting meal.
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Avarakka - Borad Beans/Flat Beans |
Pro Tips & Notes for the Best Avarakka Upperi
- You can use Long Beans, French Beans, or Bitter Gourd instead of Avarakka.
- Finely chopping the vegetables enhances the texture, but you can adjust the size based on preference.
- Using coconut oil is highly recommended for an authentic Kerala flavour.
- A pinch of sugar helps retain the bright green colour of the beans but is optional.
More Recipes from Amma & Achan's Repertoire!
- Varutharacha Sambar – Amma’s Signature Recipe
- Achante Erachi Curry – A Family Classic
- Paal Kanji - Amma's Comfort Food
- Aravana Payasam - A Divine Dessert
Have you tried Avarakka Upperi before? Let me know your favourite way to cook Broad Beans!
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