RED COWPEAS GRAVY(KARAMANI KUZHAMBU/ALASANDE KAALU SAARU)

Red Cowpeas/Karamani/Alasande kaalu are loaded with various types of nutrients. It is rich in fibre, iron, potassium, low in fat or calories. The health benefits of cow peas are, it prevents cancer, prevents anemia, supports a healthy metabolism, helps maintain strong bones etc. I have learnt this recipe from my mother-in-law.

Ingredients for grinding:
4-5 small or sambar onions
6-7 garlic cloves
1 tomato
2-3 tbsp coconut

Remaining Ingredients:

1 cup red cowpeas(soaked in water for 4-6 hours)

1/4 onion
1 tomato
2-3 brinjals or 1 potato(optional)
gooseberry size tamarind(soaked in 1/4 cup of water)
1/2 tbsp sambar powder
1 tbsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
few curry leaves
1-2 red chillies
pinch of hing

Method:
1. Grind all the ingredients mentioned under grinding with little water to a smooth paste. Keep it aside.

2. In a cooker add 2 tbsp of oil, onions and fry until onions turns light brown. Add tomatoes and fry until it is cooked and then add chopped brinjals, sambar powder and coriander powder and fry for 2 mins.
3. Now add soaked red cowpeas and mix well. Add the grinded mixture, tamarind extract, salt and cook closing the lid. Do sauting in between until the oil starts to separate. 
4. Once the oil separates add 1 cup of water, required salt and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
5. In a pan add 1 tbsp of oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chillies. Once the mustard seeds splutters add hing. And finally add the seasoning to the gravy/kuzhambu/saaru.

Enjoy with hot rice!!!