VanPayar Ularthiyathu (Red Cow Peas)
VanPayar Ularthiyathu is a slightly modified version of the classic Kerala style Vanpayar Ularthiyathu. It is a popular dish in Kerala served with rice and Kanji, and a favourite item in my home. We are all great fans of these legumes, be it VanPayar or CheruPayar and enjoy all preparations like Sprouts Thoran, Olan, Churakka Vanpayar Erissery, Vanpayar Kaya Puzhukku, Vazhakka Cherupayar thoran, Vazhakoombu Cherupayar thoran, Cherupayar Ularthiyathu, Vanpayar Thoran, Vanpayar Ularthiyathu, Olan, Erissery etc.
It is quite simple to prepare and tastes wonderful. This is a slightly modified version and you will love the flavors! My mom used to crush the small onions, garlic and red chilies with a pestle and roasted VanPayar in that ground mix. But Mummy (my mil) provided some twist to the recipe by adding coconut strips and Garam Masala. It transformed the whole dish; you will agree with me after tasting! This is our favourite dish during lent season, and helps us to balance our protein consumption.
You might also like my Kaya ularthiyathu, Vendakka Mezhukkupuratti, Chena Mezhukkupuratti, Achinga Kaya Mezhukkupuratti, Koorkka Mezhukkupuratti, Papaya Pulissery, Kumbalanga Moru curry, Manga Pulissery and my mixed thorans. All these are good combinations with Vanpayar. Red Cow peas/ Van Payar has amazing health benefits too. If you would like to know more about the health benefits of Van Payar, check my Vanpayar Thoran. Enjoy this tasty Vanpayar Ularthiyathu with rice and some simple kachimoru for lunch!
Ingredients:
| VanPayar/ Red Cow Peas | : 1 ½ cup |
| Water | : as required |
| Mustard | : little |
| Red chili | : 1 no. |
| Onion | : 1 no. (medium) |
| Garlic | : 3 cloves |
| Curry Leaves | : few |
| Red Chili Powder | : ½ tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | : ½ tsp |
| Pepper Powder | : ½ tsp |
| Crushed red Chili | : ½ tsp |
| Garam Masala | : ¼ tsp |
Method:
Wash and soak VanPayar/ Red Cow Peas in water for around 5 hours. Cook in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover the peas. Keep aside. Heat coconut oil in a pan and put mustard. When it pops, add curry leaves and red chili. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté till limp.
Now, add turmeric, Pepper, crushed chili powder, Garam Masala and chili powder. Fry for few seconds and add the cooked Van Payar. Sprinkle little salt and fry for some time.
Cover and cook for another minute on low flame. Serve and enjoy with rice.
Tips:
- Coconut oil should be used for great flavors.
- The garlic adds more flavors and reduces bloating.
- You may also substitute small onions/ Shallots instead of Onion.
- Soaking helps to make the Van Payar soft.
- Please don’t add salt while cooking. Add salt only towards the end.
- Check how to make Homemade Garam Masala link.
- You may add/ fry Coconut strips before adding onions to provide more zest!
Hope you liked this tasty VanPayar Ularthiyathu. Please put in your comments and share with your friends using the share buttons on the side; that would encourage me to post more home tested recipes. God Bless!!
Why shouldn’t be salt added while cooking vanpayar?
If you add salt while cooking, Vanpayar/ Cow peas would become slightly hard. If you add salt later, it stays softer and fuller. Taste won’t be affected.