5 Must-Try Alasandalatho Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to Andhra cuisine, Alasandalu or black-eyed peas, also known as cow peas, take a prominent place. These beans are not only rich in protein and fiber but also incredibly versatile in culinary uses. In this post, we'll dive into some delectable Andhra recipes using Alasandalu that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and offer a perfect blend of traditional taste with modern culinary techniques. Here are five must-try Alasandalu recipes you'll love:

1. Alasandalu Sundal

Our journey through Andhra cuisine starts with Alasandalu Sundal, a dish that is both simple and incredibly flavorful.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut (optional)
  • A sprig of curry leaves
  • Few sprigs of fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
  • Oil or ghee for tempering
  • Salt to taste
• Preparation:
  • Pressure cook the soaked peas with just enough water to cover them for about 3-4 whistles, until they are tender but not mushy.
  • In a pan, heat oil or ghee, add mustard and cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add the chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves.
  • Add the cooked peas, season with salt, and sauté for a few minutes.
  • Add grated coconut if you’re using it, mix well, and turn off the heat.
  • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot or warm.

2. Alasandalu Chaaru

Alasandalu Chaaru is a comforting soup-like curry that’s perfect with hot rice or even as a light meal on its own.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Alasandalu, soaked overnight
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tbsp rasam powder (or a blend of coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • Water as needed
  • Salt to taste
• Preparation:
  • Pressure cook the soaked peas with water for about 3-4 whistles, until tender.
  • Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Once they start to pop, add onions and chilies.
  • After the onions turn translucent, add tomatoes, cook until they are mushy, then add tamarind paste and spices.
  • Add the cooked Alasandalu with its water, adjust consistency with more water if necessary.
  • Simmer for about 10 minutes, add salt, and serve hot with rice or as a light soup.

🌟 Note: For an extra kick, you can add a tadka (tempering) with red chili and garlic in ghee at the end.

3. Alasandalu Pulusu

Alasandalu Pulusu is a tangy and spicy curry, which is an Andhra staple often enjoyed with hot steamed rice.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Alasandalu, soaked overnight
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 tomatoes, pureed
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tbsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • A sprig of curry leaves
  • Salt to taste
• Preparation:
  • Pressure cook the soaked peas until soft. Drain and keep aside.
  • In a pan, heat oil, temper with mustard, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
  • Add sliced onions and green chilies, sauté until onions are golden brown.
  • Add tomato puree, followed by tamarind paste and all the dry spices.
  • Add the cooked Alasandalu, mix well, and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve hot with rice, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

4. Alasandalu Fry

For those who prefer a dry curry, Alasandalu Fry is a perfect fit, offering a blend of spices with a crunchy texture.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Alasandalu, soaked overnight
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
• Preparation:
  • Pressure cook the peas until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves for tempering.
  • Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions are nicely browned.
  • Stir in the spices, add the cooked peas, and fry until they are well coated and slightly crisp.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander and serve as a side dish.

5. Alasandalu Biryani

The final dish, Alasandalu Biryani, brings a unique twist to the traditional Andhra Biryani by incorporating black-eyed peas, offering a distinct texture and flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Alasandalu, soaked overnight
  • 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 3-4 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Whole garam masala (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise)
  • 1 tsp each of coriander powder, cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • 4 cups water or stock
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil or ghee for cooking
• Preparation:
  • Cook the soaked Alasandalu in a pressure cooker with salt until soft.
  • In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil or ghee, add whole spices and onions, and sauté until the onions are golden.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and chilies, cook until tomatoes are soft.
  • Add the cooked Alasandalu, all powdered spices, and mix well.
  • Drain the soaked rice, add it to the pot, add water or stock, adjust salt, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is done. Fluff with a fork and serve with raita or a curry of your choice.

🌟 Note: For an enhanced flavor, you can layer the biryani like you would with traditional biryani, creating dum by sealing the pot with dough and cooking on low heat for the flavors to meld together.

In this culinary journey through Andhra’s use of Alasandalu, we’ve explored how these humble beans can transform into dishes that are both comforting and complex. From the simplicity of Sundal to the rich taste of Biryani, Alasandalu recipes showcase the diversity of Andhra cuisine, making these beans a staple in every household. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress and provide a delicious insight into the culinary heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

Are Alasandalu beans healthy?

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Yes, Alasandalu or black-eyed peas are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, folate, potassium, iron, and vitamin A, promoting heart health, digestive health, and even aiding in weight management.

Can these dishes be made vegan?

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Absolutely! Most of these recipes are naturally vegan or can be easily modified by using vegetable stock or skipping animal-based products. Make sure to check for any ingredient that might not be vegan-friendly by default.

What are some good substitutions for green chilies if they are too spicy for me?

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If green chilies are too spicy for your taste, you can substitute with mild red bell peppers for flavor, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a controlled amount of heat, or simply omit them altogether if necessary.