Erissery is one of the common, ineluctable traditional kerala (Southern state of India) dishes. It is a vital part of Onam Sadhya. Erissery is very easy to prepare, can be made with tapioca, most of the vegetables and combination of some vegetables and pulses, like Mathanga (Pumpkin) and Van Payaru (Red beans), Padavalanga (Snake Gourd) and Parippu (Lentils), Chena (Yam) and Vazhakka (Raw Plantain), Chena (Yam) and VanPayaru (Red beans), Kaplanga (Papaya) etc.
This is Mathanga (Pumpkin) and Van Payaru (Red beans) Erissery recipe.
INGREDINETS:
- Red Beans /VanPayar/Cow peas /Thatta Payir / Karamani / Perum Payir – 1/2 Cup
- Pumpkin (peeled and cubed into medium pieces) – 3 cups
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as required
For Grinding
- Grated Coconut – 1/2 cup
- Turmeric Powder – A pinch
- Garlic Cloves – 2
- Jeera (Cumin) – 1/4 tsp
- Green Chillies – 5 or 6
- Pepper Powder – 1/4 tsp
For Tampering
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Mustard Seeds – 1/4 tsp
- Dry Red Chillies – 3 or 4 nos
- Curry Leaves – A sprig
- Grated Coconut – 2 Tbsp (optional)
- Finely chopped Shallots (Kunjulli) – 6 nos.
METHOD:
- Wash and soak the red beans in water overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Drain the water and pressure cook the Red Beans /VanPayaru by adding water (add water so as to cover the beans) with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder for 3 whistles on medium heat. It should be half cooked and not mushy.
- Grind all the ingredients under For Grinding to get a smooth paste and keep aside.
- Add the cubed pumpkin pieces and salt and continue to pressure cook on medium flame for 3 more whistles.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Switch off the flame and let the pressure go all by itself.
- Now open the lid and mash the pumpkin and Bed beans with a potato masher or spatula. You can leave a few chunky pieces if you like.
- Add the ground coconut paste and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Check for the salt.
- Transfer the Pumpkin-red beans-coconut mixture into a big pan.
- Heat oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds in it. Sauté shallots, dry red chillies and curry leaves.
- Reduce heat, add 2 tbsp of grated coconut and roast for 2 minutes till brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour the seasoning over the Mathanga (Pumpkin) and Van Payaru (Red beans) Erissery and gently mix everything.
- Serve hot with Rice.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin:
- Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.
- Pumpkin is a source of Vitamin C, helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. It also offers protection against various forms of cancer.
- Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.
- In various cultures especially China, pumpkins are used to treat infections caused by tapeworms and other parasites.
These is so many health benefits in pumpkin , I collected few information from the site http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/pumpkin-health-benefits/
Health Benefits of Bed Beans:
- Beans are a healthy source of protein.
- Red beans are also a good source of iron.
- Beans are famous for their fiber content.
- There is lots of Antioxidants in Red Beans.
