Sweet pulusu (sweet and sour veg. stew)

Pulusu, containing mixed vegetables cooked in tamarind juice and other spices, is served along with cooked dal (lentils).  It is a popular dish in Andhra Pradesh, served in most of the ceremonial lunches etc.  I have introduced this recipe to my  non Andhra friends in north India and it is liked by many.  When it is made thicker, it becomes a veg stew which can be eaten with couscous etc. I have many American friends who were asking for this recipe.

Ingredients:
 

     ·        1 cup pumpkin, cut into pieces with skin

     ·        1 or 2 sweet potato, cut into cylindrical pieces along with skin
     ·        5 or 6 drumstick pieces ( 2 inch long)
     ·        2 carrots, cut into large pieces
     ·        3 medium onions, cut into large pieces
     ·        3 or 4 okra, cut into large pieces
     ·        3 or 4 green chilis
     ·        3 tbsp tamarind paste
     ·        3 tbsp jaggery (optional)
      ·        Salt to taste
      ·        2 to 3 tsp rice powder for thickening

For seasoning:

     ·        2 tsp oil
     ·        2 or 3 red chilis
     ·        1 tsp methi seeds
     ·        ½ tsp mustard seeds
     ·        ½ tsp jeera seeds
     ·        A pinch of hing
     ·        A few curry leaves
     ·        Cilantro for garnish

 Directions:


 

1.     In a deep pan, cook the pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots and onions with enough water to cover...

2.     When the vegetables are half cooked, add okra and drumstick pieces.

3.     When all the vegetables are tender, add the tamarind paste, salt, and jaggery.

4.     Let the mixture cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

5.     Mix the rice powder in a little cold water and gradually add to the stew.

6.     Keep stirring and let it come to boil.

7.     Add the curry leaves.

8.     Heat oil in a pan and add methi, mustard and jeera seeds to the  hot oil , followed by the hing. When the seeds start spluttering, add the seasoning to the pulusu. Let the stew cook for a few more minutes.

9.      Garnish with cilantro and serve.