Kanda Bachali Kura
A classic Andhra recipe featuring earthy elephant foot yam and tender Malabar spinach simmered in a tangy tamarind gravy. This unique combination of textures and flavors is a comforting and nutritious side dish, best enjoyed with hot rice.
For 4 servings
Preparation
- Apply a little oil to your hands to prevent itching. Peel the elephant foot yam and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze well to extract the pulp, then strain the liquid and discard the solids. Set the tamarind extract aside.
Cook the Yam
- In a medium pot, combine the yam cubes, 2 cups of water, 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the yam is tender when pierced with a fork but still holds its shape.
- Drain the water completely and set the cooked yam aside.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which takes about 30 seconds.
- Add cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and broken dry red chillies. Sauté for about 1 minute until the dals turn a light golden brown.
- Add the curry leaves and sauté for another 15-20 seconds until they become crisp and fragrant.
Build the Curry Base
- Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chillies to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp red chilli powder. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Combine and Simmer
- Add the chopped Malabar spinach to the pan. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes until it wilts completely.
- Gently add the cooked yam cubes to the pan.
- Pour in the tamarind extract, add the jaggery, and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir gently to combine everything.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the yam to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Uncover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired semi-dry consistency.
Serve
- Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve Kanda Bachali Kura hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always apply oil or wear gloves when cutting elephant foot yam to prevent skin irritation.
- 2Do not overcook the yam, as it will become mushy and lose its texture in the curry.
- 3The balance of tamarind (tangy), jaggery (sweet), and chilli (spicy) is key to this dish. Adjust these to your preference.
- 4Malabar spinach has a slightly slimy texture when cooked, which is characteristic of this dish and helps thicken the gravy.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Addition
You can add drumsticks (murungakkai) along with the yam for extra flavor and texture. Add them to the boiling water with the yam.
Greens SubstitutionGreens Substitution
If Malabar spinach is unavailable, you can use regular spinach (palak), but note that the texture will be different and less slimy.
Jain/No Onion GarlicJain/No Onion-Garlic
To make a version without onion and garlic, simply skip the onion and ginger-garlic paste. You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Both elephant foot yam and Malabar spinach are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, aids in regular bowel movements, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Boosts Immunity
Malabar spinach is loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. The addition of turmeric and ginger further enhances the dish's immunity-boosting properties.
Good for Bone Health
This curry provides essential minerals like calcium and manganese from its key ingredients, which are vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. Elephant foot yam is rich in fiber, potassium, and manganese, which aids digestion and bone health. Malabar spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. The use of traditional spices also adds anti-inflammatory benefits.