Goruchikkudu Vepudu
A classic Andhra-style stir-fry featuring tender cluster beans tossed in a fragrant, nutty spice powder. This simple yet flavorful side dish, known as Vepudu, pairs perfectly with rice and sambar for a comforting South Indian meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prep and Boil the Beans
- b.Wash the cluster beans, trim the ends, and chop them into 1-inch pieces.
- c.In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped beans and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- d.Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beans are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- e.Immediately drain the beans in a colander to stop the cooking process and set them aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Spice Powder (Podi)
- b.Heat a small, dry pan over low-medium heat.
- c.Add 1.5 tbsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, and the dried red chilies. Dry roast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the dals turn light golden and aromatic.
- d.Add the desiccated coconut and continue to roast for another minute until it is fragrant and lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn it.
- e.Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cool, grind it into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or small blender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Temper the Spices
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the cumin seeds, 1 tsp urad dal, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until the dal turns golden and the curry leaves are crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and slit green chilies to the pan.
- c.Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Stir-fry the Beans
- b.Add the boiled and drained cluster beans to the pan along with the turmeric powder and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- c.Mix everything well and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes on medium-high heat. This helps evaporate any remaining moisture and allows the beans to absorb the flavors.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the prepared spice powder over the beans.
- c.Gently toss until the beans are evenly coated with the powder.
- d.Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- e.Turn off the heat and serve the Goruchikkudu Vepudu hot as a side dish with steamed rice and sambar or rasam.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not over-boil the cluster beans; they should retain a slight bite to prevent a mushy texture.
- 2Ensure the beans are completely drained before stir-frying to achieve a perfectly dry 'vepudu'.
- 3Roast the dals and spices for the powder on low heat to prevent burning and to fully develop their nutty, aromatic flavors.
- 4The spice powder can be made in a larger batch and stored in an airtight container for a few weeks for quick use.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can use coconut oil or ghee for the tempering instead of vegetable oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Swap
Replace desiccated coconut with freshly grated coconut for a moister texture. Roast it lightly until fragrant before grinding.
Add inAdd-in
Add 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts to the spice powder for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Squeeze a teaspoon of lemon juice over the vepudu just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Cluster beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
The combination of cluster beans and lentils (chana dal, urad dal) provides a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is a good source of essential nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which support bone health, immunity, and energy production.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Goruchikkudu Vepudu (about 160g) contains approximately 150-180 calories. The exact count depends on the amount of oil and coconut used.