Broad Beans Fry | Chikkudikaya Vepudu | Bakala Fry

Broad Beans Fry, known as Chikkudikaya Vepudu in Telugu or Bakala Fry, is a flavorful and nutritious South Indian dish. This simple yet delicious fry is made by sautéing tender broad beans with aromatic spices and herbs. Broad beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein, making this dish both healthy and satisfying. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Serve this delightful fry with steamed rice, roti, chapati, or pulka to enjoy a wholesome and tasty meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Course: Main

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Prepare the Broad Beans
• Step 2: Boil the Broad Beans
• Step 3: Strain the Cooked Beans
• Step 4: Prepare the Tempering
• Step 5: Add Curry Leaves
• Step 6: Add Turmeric Powder and Salt
• Step 7: Sauté the Broad Beans
• Step 8: Add Red Chilli Powder
• Step 9: Serve the Broad Beans Fry
• Conclusion

Ingredients

Broad Beans (Chikkudikayalu, Bakala): 250 grams

For Tempering (Talimpu):

• Bengal Gram (Senaga Pappu): 1 tablespoon
• Urad Dal (Minapappu): 1/2 tablespoon
• Dry Red Chilli (Endu Mirapa): 1
• Mustard Seeds (Aavalu): 1/2 tablespoon
• Cumin Seeds (Jeelakarra): 1 tablespoon
• Garlic Pods (Vellulli Rebbalu): 2 or 3

Curry Leaves (Karivepaku): A few

Turmeric Powder (Pasupu): 1/2 tablespoon

Red Chilli Powder (Kaaram): 1 tablespoon

Salt (Uppu): As per taste

Water: 2 glasses (1 glass measurement 250 ml)

Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Broad Beans

Wash the broad beans thoroughly under running water and strain them. Split each bean into three equal pieces, checking carefully to ensure there are no worms or impurities. Soak the cut beans in a bowl of water with a pinch of salt added for at least 10 minutes. This helps to remove any residual pesticides and dirt, ensuring the beans are clean and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Boil the Broad Beans

In a medium-sized pot, add the soaked broad beans and 2 glasses of plain water. Set the flame to medium heat and let the beans boil uncovered for about 10 minutes. The beans should become half-cooked—tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking them, as they will be sautéed later. Note: It's recommended not to use a pressure cooker for this step, as it may overcook the beans. Also, avoid adding salt while boiling, as it can change the natural color of the broad beans.

Step 3: Strain the Cooked Beans

Once the beans are half-cooked, turn off the flame and strain the water using a colander. Allow the beans to drain completely and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Tempering

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium flame. Add the tempering spices one by one, stirring continuously with a one-second gap between each addition. Start by adding the Bengal gram and dry red chilli.

Then add the garlic pods, urad dal, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds sequentially. Continue stirring to prevent the spices from burning.

Step 5: Add Curry Leaves

When the mustard seeds begin to crackle, add the fresh curry leaves to the pan. Stir them in and sauté for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

Step 6: Add Turmeric Powder and Salt

Add 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder and salt to taste into the pan. Mix well to combine the spices evenly.

Step 7: Sauté the Broad Beans

Add the boiled broad beans to the pan with the tempered spices. Mix thoroughly to coat the beans with the spices. Sauté them for about 30 seconds over medium flame.

Step 8: Add Red Chilli Powder

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of red chilli powder over the beans. Mix well to ensure the chilli powder is evenly distributed. Sauté the mixture for another minute over medium flame, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Serve the Broad Beans Fry

Turn off the flame and transfer the Broad Beans Fry to a serving dish. Serve it hot with steamed rice, pulka, roti, or chapati. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious Chikkudikaya Vepudu with your meal!

Conclusion

Broad Beans Fry, or Chikkudikaya Vepudu, is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing together the simplicity of ingredients with rich flavors. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients from the broad beans and spices used. It's an easy-to-make recipe that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without compromising on health or taste. We hope you enjoy making this traditional South Indian fry and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!