#27 : Thotakura Pulusu ~ Amaranth Greens Stew

It has been a while since I blogged. I have In-Laws visiting in a few months and I am very excited to learn newer recipes. I am more than half done with my target of 50 recipes for this year and I can take things slow now. As mentioned in my previous post a lot of recent cooking has revolved around ayurveda. After understanding the importance and prominence of each spice used, my outlook to cooking has changed drastically. It is a feeling I cant express and there is a wonderful joy in putting together a meal good for the body and soul. As I still linger in this happiness, below is a simple wholesome stew made from Amaranth Greens. It has a wonderful delicate taste that is well balanced with warming and soothing spices. Rich in Vitamin A /C and Iron, this yummy dish is sure to please your tummy....

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Amaranth Greens- Leaves chopped and stem removed
• 4-5 small Green Chillies
• 2 Tbs Gramflour/Besan/Senagapindi 
• Lime sized Tamarind made to juice-extract
• 3 Tbs Cilantro (chopped)
• Salt

      For Tempering :

• 1 tsp Oil 
• 1/2 tsp - Mustard seeds
• 2 Dried Red Chillis
• 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
• 1/8 tsp - Asafoetida
• 1/8 tsp - Fenugreek Powder
• 5-6 Curry Leaves 

Method:

1. Wash the Amarnath greens, remove the leaves and discard the stem
2. Add 1 cup water to the chopped leaves, add the green chillies and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles 
3. Once the steam escapes the the cooker , remove the lid add tamarind juice and bring to boil. Add in the salt as required
4. Add 1/4C water to the gramflour/ besan and make a thin paste
5. Thicken the amarnath greens-water with the gramflour/ besan mixture. The ultimate consistency should be semi-liquid. Add it the cilantro leave and simmer for 5 mins
6. For Tempering - Heat oil , add mustard seeds . Once they begin to splutter add the red chilies ,curry leaves, asafoetida,fenugreek powder and red chilli powder and fry for a minute . Add the tempering to the boiling amarnath greens stew
7. Serve with hot rice . Also tastes great as a soup