When Avarekai appears in the local markets of Karnataka, it always means that plenty of healthy food is waiting ahead. This is a variety of beans that tastes sweet and has an earthy flavour with a little bit of crunch when cooked. The beans are very easy to cook. Put them in a gravy, mix them into rice or throw them into a breakfast dish and they somehow fit right in.
There is also a nice seasonal feeling around them. People buy a bag, sit down to shell the beans and then start thinking about what to cook. There is rarely just one answer.
A Proper Bowl Of Avarekalu Saaru
Avarekalu saaru is the type of dish which can make a simple rice meal anything but boring. This dish consists of beans cooked in spiced gravy with the addition of coconut and some other vegetables.
Recipes vary between households, sometimes quite a lot. One family might make it fiery, while another keeps things gentler. Some add more coconut, some less. That is the thing about recipes passed down at home. They tend to change a little without losing what makes them familiar.
Pour the saaru over rice and add ghee if needed. A simple vegetable on the side is plenty.
A Pulao That Can Handle A Busy Day
Pulao is useful when cooking an elaborate meal is simply not happening. Rice, vegetables, herbs, and beans may all be cooked together in the pot.
The beans contribute to the flavour with its natural sweetness, whereas mint, coriander, and whole spices add fragrance to the rice. There is no need to make several accompaniments either. Plain curd or raita is more than enough.
It is also the sort of dish that works well in a lunch box. Make enough for dinner and tomorrow’s lunch is already halfway sorted.
Give Upma A Seasonal Makeover
The simplest way to change the taste of the ordinary upma is by using some fresh beans. First, the semolina is toasted, and then there is the traditional preparation of the tempering consisting of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli.
The texture is probably the best part. Soft semolina meets the slightly firmer beans, so every few bites have something different going on. Add lemon at the end and serve it hot.
Nothing complicated. Just good breakfast food.
Try A Simple Usli
In case you have any beans left over from the preparation of the main course, usli may be the simplest way of using them. You just need to cook the beans, toss in some mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilli, and grated coconut.
It is meant to serve as a side dish, but nothing prevents you from having it alone. Beans can also be added to vegetable curries, stir fries and dosa mixtures when there is a little experimenting happening in the kitchen.
Getting Everything For The Kitchen
Most of the other ingredients that are used in the preparation of the dishes above are regular household items. These include rice, semolina, lentils, coconut, chillies and spices which will prove useful when preparing other meals.
An online kirana store near me can be handy when something has run out and another trip to the shops feels unnecessary. It also makes stocking up easier when there are several recipes planned for the week.
Conclusion
Preparation of food doesn’t have to be complex to leave an impression. The versatility of avarekai to prepare several meals in so many different ways is what makes it stand the test of time in Karnataka kitchens. A soothing saaru, delicious pulao, a helping of upma or even an usli can all be prepared using these beans. With an online kirana store near me taking care of the remaining ingredients, these meals can easily make their way to the dining table.
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