The other day, I happened to see a meme about Olives and adulthood. How your relationship with Olives changes from childhood to adulthood.

Well, my relationship with Achinga (string beans) is somewhat similar. Achinga and me didnt get along for a long time! It took me sometime, to get used to the taste of this vegetable.
I remember having it sometime during my childhood and at that time, it felt pokey and chewy. After that, I never even tried it for a long time. Then somewhere along, I tried cooking it just for a change and I kinda liked it.
Well, I'm yet to reach the stage of “literally inhaling” Achinga, but am somewhere between I dont mind them and yay, it's achinga ;)
I've posted an Achinga Mezhukkupuratti recipe earlier, this is somewhat similar but we are adding another vegetable here. I liked this combo preparation and it was something different for me.
This Achinga Kaya Mezhukkupuratti is a typical everyday Kerala cooking recipe using only basic ingredients but high on flavor. Do, give it a try and see for yourself.
Here is the recipe…
Achinga Kaya Mezhukkupuratti
Ingredients
- 250 – 300 gms Achinga (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 2 medium – big Kaya (raw banana) (cubed)
- 1/3 cup Thengakothu (coconut bits)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 10-15 Small / pearl onion
- 1 tsp Chopped garlic
- 2-3 Dried red chilli
- 1/4 tsp Whole black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp Pepper powder
- Salt
- Coconut Oil
- Curry leaves
Instructions
- Combine diced achinga, kaya, coconut bits, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, salt and 1.25 cups of water. Bring it to boil. Reduce flame to lowest and cook till achinga and kaya is done and water is dried completely.
- Crush together small onion, chopped garlic, dried red chilli and whole black pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add curry leaves and crushed masala. Cook for 3-4 mins, until the raw smell goes and onion turns brown.
- Add 1/2 tsp each turmeric, chilli and pepper powder. Fry for 1-2 mins. Add 1 tbsp hot water to bring everything together.
- Add cooked achinga and kaya. Mix well. Cook for 2-3 mins and remove from heat. Serve with rice.