12 Must Have Andhra Dishes You Just Cannot Miss

After having lived in Andhra Pradesh I learnt two things – never to underestimate the people there (they can kick some serious ass) and that there’s a lot more to their food than just idli, dosa and sambhar as we’ve believed till now.

Here are 12 dishes from the state of Andhra Pradesh that you just cannot miss:

1. Gongura Pachadi

This pachadi (pickle)  made from gongura (pitwa in Hindi and Kenaf Leaves in English), is the must have in all homes in Andhra. Considering it’s so delicious, it would be a crime not to actually have it. Check the recipe here.

 

2. Pesarattu

The pesarattu, or as I remember the green dosa (courtesy my roommate) is made completely from green gram (moong daal) batter a regular breakfast item for the Telugu speaking people.  Click here to make your own pesarattu.

 

3. Kanda Bachali Kura

Who knew you could make something so delicious from Kanda (yam) and Bachali (Malabar Spinach)? Well, someone from Andhra did know.

 

4. Hyderabadi Biryani

The first thought that comes to your mind about Biryani is eating it. And then you remember that it is not only an offspring of the cultural diversity in Andhra but also a favourite dish of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Makes you feel royal, right? Want to go make it right now?  Here’s how.

 

5. Pulihora

Personally, I call this the more filling version of pani puri; and why shouldn’t I, considering it has the tanginess of tamarind and  the staple food of India – rice – as its main ingredients. Try it here.

 

6. Gongura Pappu

The daal with a twist. For all you people who have avoided your proteins till now, here’s how you can make this recipe.

 

7. Natu Kodi Kura

Natu kodi translated to English literally means village chicken. It’s not a chicken from a village, but even if it was, this chicken recipe made from country chicken, coconut and chili mix will render you speechless. Try the recipe here.

 

8. Royyalla Vepudu

The Andhra style of making fried prawns will make you a prawn addict, because. It has the perfect crisp and mixed flavours of the curry leaves and chili and can be made in only 20 minutes!! Check the recipe here.

 

9. Punugulu

Dosa batter left out? No worries. Go make this crisp snack pakodas that are just the perfect balance between light, crispy and delicious.

 

10. Boorelu

It is quite common to get this confused with the punugulu but not after you’ve tasted it once. These rice flour balls filled with split black gram and jaggery mixture is made especially during Ugadi and other festivals in Andhra. You can learn how to make these here.

 

11. Pootarekulu

This paper thin sweet made from rice batter, sugar and ghee will remind you of eating paper. Literally. You can learn the recipe here.

 

12. Chandrakaanthalu

Chandrakaanthalu or Chandrakanthi is a famous deep fried sweet from the Andhra-Odisha region that is all crisp outside and soft, creamy inside. *drools* Check out the recipe here.

Time to visit your friend from Andhra! 🙂

Cover image source