Andhra Pulusu is a comforting, homestyle dish from the southeastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This vegan curry celebrates seasonal produce like drumsticks, brinjal (eggplant), and ash gourd simmered in a bold tamarind broth. With its warm spices and tart kick, pulusu satisfies those cravings for something hearty yet refreshing.
About the Recipe
If you love the bright, tangy notes of tamarind along with a melange of veggies and spices, this Andhra specialty is a must-try. A master of balancing flavors, pulusu combines tart tamarind with earthy cumin and mustard seeds, a touch of sweetness from jaggery, and heat from green chilies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie-forward curry lets simple seasonal produce shine while the tamarind broth adds incredible depth of flavor. It’s a complete meal-in-a-bowl that’s nourishing yet light. Plus, the blend of spices and sweet-sour notes keeps each bite exciting. Even better, it’s a one-pot dish requiring minimal prep for maximum payoff.
Andhra Pulusu
Cooking Tips
For best results, use fresh tamarind pulp or seedless tamarind concentrate. If using packaged puree, add a dash of lime juice for extra tang. Also, don’t skip the tempering. Those aromatic spices bloomed in hot oil infuse the entire dish with their fragrance and flavor.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serve piping hot pulusu over steamed rice or with crisp dosas or idlis on the side. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of water to thin out the gravy when reheating. Serves 4. Total time: 45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Gongura Pappu (Andhra-style Sorrel Leaves Curry)
- Pachi Pulusu (Andhra-style Tamarind and Greens Curry)
- Vankaya Batani Kura (Andhra-style Eggplant Curry)
- Sambar (South Indian Lentil-Vegetable Stew)
Nutrient Benefits
Tamarind is an excellent source of vitamins B and C, while the veggies provide fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. The spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits too. Overall, this nutrient-dense curry provides a wholesome dose of plant-based goodness.
Andhra Pulusu
Ingredients
- 1 Tamarind (medium sized ball)
- 1 Drumstick (cut into 3 inch pieces)
- 2 Brinjal (medium and quartered)
- 1 Sweet Potato (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1/2 Ash Gourd (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
- 2 Green Chillies (slit)
- 1/2 inch Ginger (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Jaggery (powdered)
- Salt as per taste
- 1 tbsp Besan Flour
For Tempering:
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seed Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Asafoetida Powder
- 2 Dry Red Chillies (halved)
- 1 tsp Urad Dal
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
Instructions
- Soak tamarind in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.
- Extract juice and discard pulp.
- Heat oil for tempering in a pan over moderate heat.
- Add the tempering ingredients fry till mustard seeds start spluttering.
- Add tamarind extract, vegetables, green chillies, ginger, turmeric, jaggery and salt.
- Mix well.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or till vegetables are tender and tamarind pulp is reduced to half.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to gram flour.
- Whisk well and pour into the pulusu.
- Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes till well blended.
- Serve hot with plain rice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is pulusu?
Pulusu is a popular vegetable stew from the Andhra region of India. It’s characterized by its tangy tamarind base and assortment of seasonal veggies, making it a nutritious and flavorful one-pot meal.
Can I substitute the vegetables?
Surely. One of the best things about pulusu is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, like potatoes, carrots, or even leafy greens. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is tamarind difficult to work with?
Not at all. just soak the tamarind in warm water for a few minutes until softened, then extract the tart juice by squeezing or pressing the pulp. Discard any fibrous strands or seeds.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, pulusu is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and deepen even further after a day or two in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What can I serve with pulusu?
Steamed rice or fresh, hot rotis make the perfect accompaniment to this hearty stew. You can also add a simple raita (yogurt dip) or papad (crispy lentil wafers) on the side for extra flavor and texture.
