Vanpayar Mezhukkupuratti Recipe | Vanpayar Ularthiyathu | Vanpayar Upperi Recipe | Kerala Style Cow Peas Stir Fry with step by step photos.

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti is a simple Kerala-style side dish. Cow peas, chili, and shallots are used to make this side dish. It is usually served as a side dish for rice, kanji, puttu, uppuvamu etc. Let's talk about how to make the vanpayar mezhukkupuratti.

What is vanpayar mezhukkupuratti?

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti is a well-known Kerala side dish. It is a dry side dish that's usually served during lunch time. This delectable side dish is also sometimes served for breakfast.

In Malayalam, cow peas are known as vanpayar. Normally, red cow peas are used, however the one available nearby isn't much better. So I always choose white cow peas, which I feel tastier than the red one. Of course ,I'm well aware that taste is always a matter of personal preferences.

Mezhukkupuratti is the Malayalam word which means stir fry. Upperi, ulathiyathu / ularthiyathu are the other similar words used in Kerala to call this simple recipe. Each household of Kerala will have their own recipe for vanpayar mezhukkupuratti, there will be a slight change in the spice list, but the method is always same.

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti - Expert's tips

Both red and white cow peas can be used for making Kerala style vanpayar mezhukkupuratti.
Before preparing the cow peas, soak them overnight or for at least five to six hours. If you forget to soak, If forget to soak, then pour hot water over them and set aside. After thirty minutes, you can start cooking.
In addition to the spices listed in the ingredient list below, you can use some garlic cloves if you prefer. Use of garlic will aid in the elimination of stomach problems.

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti - Serving suggestions

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti with rice - It is a common combo. Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti is served at lunch with red or white Kerala rice.

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti with kanji - Super delicious combo, you can try kanji, vanpayar mezhukkupuratti, coconut chammanthi and pappadam.

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti with puttu - is popular among Kerala's middle class.

Vanpayar with Uppumavu - is an another strange combination which you should try.

How To Make South Indian Vanpayar Mezhukkupuratti At Home

Vanpayar mezhukkupuratti recipe | Vanpayar Upperi recipe | South Indian cow peas recipe

Stir fried cow peas

Preparation time : 35 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup red or white cow peas
4 cups of water
5 to 6 shallots, peeled
6 to 8 dried red chilies (or to your tolerance), stalk removed
1 spring fresh curry leaves
3 tbsp coconut oil
Salt to taste

Vanpayar Upperi Preparation With Step By Step Photos

Wash the cow peas in fresh water two to three times. Discard if any impurities present. Then soak in fresh water overnight or in piping hot water for thirty minutes.
Once the cow peas turn soft and you are able to break the peas with your hands, then transfer the cow peas into a pressure cooker.
Pressure cook at high flame for one whistle and for two whistles in simmer. Switch off the flame and set aside.
As soon as the pressure settles, open the lid and check the softness of the peas. Press one pea with your finger, if mashed easily, then it is done.
In a mixer jar, put five to six shallots and six to eight red chilies.
Crush coarsely.
In a wok, heat 3 tbsp of coconut oil. When the oil turns hot, put the crushed spices and one spring curry leaves.
Sauté till crisp.
Add the cooked cow peas (along with stock). Add salt and mix well.
Let it cook on high flame till it attain a dry consistency.
Serve with steamed rice, puttu or kanji.