Tingalavrya Bendi - White Beans Curry

 

Remember my post about the South Canara curries? Each curry has a distinct name and that name itself indicates which tempering to use, and thus each curry results in a unique flavor - although basic ground masala paste is coconut + tamarind + byadgi chilies. So those who are not very familiar with South Canara cusine may find each curry is orange colored but the name clearly tells not only the tempering, but also the consistency of the gravy, consistency of ground masala paste (coarse or fine), heat level (e.g. Ghasshi and Ambat are mild while koddel & Bendi/बेंदी are hot!)

When in Mumbai, I head straight to my most favorite Mahima Mangalore Stores at Hill Rd. They stock up some good Konkani delicacies. This is the place where you will get your Tingalavre and Fajjav - though they may not be on their display. Mostly, their display consists of usual snacks and other tidbits. But do ask the owner about those Konkani delicacies, and if they are in season, you may get them. So I was lucky that "Tingalavre" was in season. We make two curries with it. Bendi (Using Garlic tempering) and Tepla Randayi (Using Teppal/Tirphal).

Tingalavrya Bendi
White Beans Curry
Ingredients
 3/4 cup dry Tingalavre, soaked for 6 hours in adequate water
salt to taste

Grind
3/4 cups freshly scraped coconut
15 byadgi chilies, roasted quickly in few drops of coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp tamarind paste

Tempering
2 tsp coconut oil
5-7 cloves of garlic, peeled & smashed but still left whole

Method
1. Soak tingalavre in water for 6 hours. Drain and pressure cook using enough water. Set aside.

2. Heat a pan. Drizzle few drops of coconut oil. Roast byadgi chilies.
3. Grind fresh coconut, roasted chilies and tamarind to paste.
4. Pour cooked beans in a saucepan. Add ground masala paste. Add enough water per desired consistency.
5. Add salt to taste. Bring to boil. Switch gas to low. Let it simmer.
6. In a separate small saucepan, heat coconut oil. Add garlic cloves. Fry till brown.
7. Drizzle hot oil with garlic over the curry. Switch off the gas and cover the curry with a lid.
8. Serve with plain rice.

Note -
1. Traditionally, bendi (बेंदी ) is on thick side. Adjust water per your preference.
2. Bendi is also very hot. Adjust chilies per your preference.

Tingal Avre From Mahima Mangalore Stores, Bandra

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