Delicious and Authentic Tumpa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of plain rice
  • 1 cup of pigeon peas
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
  • 2 green chilies, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups of water
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the rice and pigeon peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add the cumin seeds to the oil and fry for a few seconds until they start to pop.
  4. Add the finely chopped onions to the saucepan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add the minced garlic and sliced green chilies to the saucepan and sauté for another minute.
  6. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
  7. Add the soaked and drained rice and pigeon peas to the saucepan and stir well to ensure they're fully coated with the spices.
  8. Add the water and salt to the saucepan, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Once the mixture has started to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and pigeon peas are fully cooked.
  10. Once the Tumpa is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - A large saucepan will be needed to cook the Tumpa.
  • Knife - A sharp knife will be required for chopping the onions and slicing the green chilies.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will provide a surface for chopping the vegetables.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups will be necessary to accurately measure the rice, pigeon peas, and water.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to measure the spices and oil.
  • Spatula - A spatula will help in stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Lid - A lid for the saucepan will be used to cover and simmer the Tumpa.
  • Serving Bowl - A serving bowl will be needed to serve the prepared Tumpa.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Omit the pigeon peas and add a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower florets to make a vegetable Tumpa.
  • Non-Vegetarian Variation: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or lamb to the Tumpa for a protein-packed version.
  • Spicier Version: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add dried red chili flakes to make the Tumpa spicier.
  • Milder Version: Reduce or omit the green chilies and red chili powder for a milder flavor profile.
  • Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like mint leaves or curry leaves to enhance the aroma and flavor of the Tumpa.
  • Coconut Tumpa: Substitute half of the water with coconut milk for a rich and creamy coconut-flavored Tumpa.
  • Garlic Lover's Tumpa: Increase the amount of minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Customized Spice Blend: Experiment with your own spice blend by adding cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves to create unique flavor combinations.

Recipe overview

This recipe page will guide you through the steps of creating Tumpa, a savory dish of spiced rice and pigeon peas that's a staple in many South Asian cuisines. This hearty meal is packed with flavors from spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The process involves soaking the rice and peas, sautéing onions and spices, then simmering everything together until perfectly cooked. Garnished with fresh coriander, this dish is not just pleasing to the palate, but also a visual delight. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe provides a straightforward method to bring a taste of South Asian cuisine to your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of rice instead of plain rice? Yes, you can use other types of rice such as basmati rice or jasmine rice, but the cooking time and water amount may vary.
  2. Can I use canned pigeon peas instead of dried ones? Yes, you can use canned pigeon peas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe.
  3. Is it possible to make this recipe without onions and garlic? Yes, you can omit onions and garlic if you prefer. However, they add flavor to the dish, so the taste may be slightly different.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your preferred level of spiciness.
  5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan? This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure that the vegetable oil you use is vegan-friendly.
  6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe by doubling all the ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  7. Can I refrigerate the leftovers? Yes, you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
  8. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tumpa is a heartwarming dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the North Eastern regions where a variety of pulses and rice form the culinary backbone. The dish is named "Tumpa" to denote the earthy and humble ingredients it is made from and the simplicity of its cooking process. What's interesting is that Tumpa is most often prepared during monsoon season, when the fields are abundant with fresh pigeon peas. The dish is not only beloved for its taste, but also for its cultural significance, as it is traditionally cooked in large quantities during community gatherings and festivities, embodying the spirit of sharing and togetherness that is deeply ingrained in the region's culture.

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.