Authentic Konkani Style Upkari Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of finely chopped vegetables (common options include beans, carrot, potato, pumpkin)
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons urad dal (split black lentils)
  • 10-12 curry leaves
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash and finely chop the vegetables of your choice. Set them aside.
  2. In a pan, heat the oil over medium flame.
  3. Add the mustard seeds in the hot oil and wait for them to splutter.
  4. Then add the urad dal and fry until they turn a golden brown color.
  5. Add the curry leaves and slit green chilies to the pan and sauté for a few seconds.
  6. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt over the vegetables. Mix well.
  7. Reduce the flame to low, cover the pan, and let the vegetables cook until they are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
  8. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the grated coconut and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Turn off the heat. Your Upkari is ready to be served. Enjoy it with hot rotis or rice.

Tools for making

  • Chopping board - A flat surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting and chopping vegetables.
  • Pan - A cooking pan to sauté and cook the vegetables.
  • Spatula - A utensil used for stirring and mixing the vegetables.
  • Grater - A tool for grating fresh coconut.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils used to measure the quantities of spices accurately.
  • Stove - A heat source for cooking the Upkari.
  • Cover/Lid - A cover or lid to cover the pan while the vegetables cook.

Recipe variations

  • Use different combinations of vegetables, such as bell peppers, cauliflower, peas, or cabbage.
  • Add roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.
  • Include a tablespoon of jaggery or sugar to add a hint of sweetness.
  • Replace the grated coconut with coconut milk for a creamier texture.
  • Add a teaspoon of tamarind pulp or lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the quantity of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
  • Include finely chopped ginger and garlic for an additional flavor boost.
  • Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with mustard seeds for a unique aroma.
  • To make it vegan, replace the urad dal with chana dal or skip it altogether.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, or curry powder to customize the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Upkari is a traditional vegetable stir-fry dish from the Konkan region of India. This simple yet flavorful dish primarily incorporates any variety of vegetables along with grated coconut, green chilies, and a few everyday spices. With this recipe, you can prepare Upkari at home, quickly and easily. It's a versatile side dish that can be paired with rotis or rice, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The recipe involves sautéing the vegetables with spices, then adding grated coconut for an extra layer of flavor. Expect a balance of heat, sweetness, and a slight crunch from the urad dal in every bite of this delightful stir-fry.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any vegetables for Upkari? Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables for Upkari. Common options include beans, carrot, potato, and pumpkin.
  2. How finely should the vegetables be chopped? The vegetables should be finely chopped for this recipe.
  3. Can I adjust the amount of spices? Yes, you can adjust the amount of turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt according to your taste preferences.
  4. Can I use frozen grated coconut? Fresh grated coconut is recommended for better taste, but you can use frozen grated coconut if fresh is not available.
  5. What can I serve Upkari with? Upkari can be served with hot rotis or rice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Knife - For chopping the vegetables into fine pieces.
  • Pan - To cook the vegetables and spices.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the vegetables while cooking.
  • Grater - To grate fresh coconut for adding to the Upkari.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the spices for the recipe.
  • Cover/Lid - To cover the pan while the vegetables are cooking.

Origin stories

Upkari is a humble, yet flavorful dish that hails from the Konkan region of India, particularly popular in Konkani households in the states of Karnataka and Goa. This dish truly exemplifies the simplicity of Konkani cuisine, where fresh, local ingredients are transformed into wholesome, comforting meals. The use of coconut is a distinctive trait of this cuisine, influenced by the region's coastal geography which is abundantly blessed with coconut trees. What's interesting in the preparation of Upkari is the use of a variety of vegetables. This makes each preparation unique, as the choice of vegetables often depends upon the season, the occasion, and the cook's personal preference. Whether it's a festive feast or a simple weekday meal, Upkari finds its place in Konkani homes, reminding us that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.