Hithikavare Saaru is a curry, which is very popular in South Karnataka. The outer skin of the winter beans is peeled off and they are cooked in spices.
Time Required: 1 Hour
Ingredients:
1 Cup Avarekalu / Winter Beans
1tbsp Saarina Pudi / Rasam Powder
1tsp Grated Jaggery
Salt to taste
For the masala paste:
1” Ginger
1 Onion
3 – 4 pods Garlic
3 – 4 sprigs Coriander leaves
1 Lemon sized Tamarind ball soaked in water
½ Cup grated fresh Coconut
For the seasoning:
1tbsp Oil
Few Curry leaves
½ tsp Mustard seeds
½ tsp Jeera / Cumin Seeds
½ tsp Turmeric powder
Method:
Soak Avarekalu in water for half an hour. Take each bean and hold it in-between the thumb and the forefinger. Slide the thumb firmly over the bean. The skin will come off. Repeat for all the kalu / beans.
Boil Avarekalu in water until soft. Sieve, preserve the water. Grind the ingredients for the masala to a paste. Add this to the Avarekalu, Jaggery, Saarina Pudi, Salt, and one or two cups of the preserved water. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
Heat Oil, add Mustard seeds and when they splutter, add Jeera, Turmeric Powder, and Curry leaves. Add this seasoning to the Saaru / Curry. Serve hot with Rice or Ragi Mudde / Ragi Balls.
