Palakura Ullikaram Recipe (Andhra Style Spinach Curry)

Palakura Ullikaram is a traditional Andhra-style spinach stir-fry made with a bold and coarse onion–chili masala called ullikaram. Unlike regular palakura fry, this dish uses roasted lentils, coriander seeds, garlic tempering, and slow cooking to create deep, earthy flavors.This is a no-water spinach curry where roasted spices and onions give a rustic texture and strong aroma.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Spinach (Palakura) – 4 bunches, washed and chopped
• Onions – 3 medium, sliced

The Spice Blend (Ullikaram)

• Chana dal – 1 tbsp
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp
• Coriander seeds – 2 tbsp
• Dried red chilies – 4 to 5
• Red chili powder – 2 tbsp
• Tamarind – small piece
• Salt – to taste

For Tempering (Popu)

• Oil – 2 to 3 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
• Garlic – 1 tbsp, crushed
• Curry leaves – few
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.
2. Add chana dal, urad dal, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. Fry until fragrant and golden.
3. Add dried red chilies, fry for 30 seconds, then remove the mixture and allow it to cool.
4. In the same pan, add sliced onions and fry until golden and translucent.
5. Add a little salt and tamarind. Switch off the flame and let it cool.

Step 2: Grinding the Ullikaram

6. First grind the roasted lentils and spices into a powder.
7. Add fried onions, 2 tbsp red chili powder, required salt, and tamarind.
8. Grind into a coarse paste. Do not make it smooth.

Step 3: Saute the Spinach

9. Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a wide pan.
10. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
11. Add crushed garlic, curry leaves, and turmeric powder.
12. Add chopped spinach and sauté on medium-high flame until the water evaporates and the spinach reduces completely.

Step 4: Final Cooking

13. Add the prepared onion ullikaram to the cooked spinach.
14. Mix thoroughly so the spinach is evenly coated.
15. Cover and cook on low flame for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
16. Switch off the flame and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Health Benefits

• Spinach is rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants
• Helps improve hemoglobin levels
• Garlic boosts immunity and supports heart health
• Onions provide anti-inflammatory benefits
• High-fiber, nutrient-dense, and naturally vegan

Tips

• Always grind the masala coarsely for authentic ullikaram texture
• Do not add water at any stage
• Use fresh spinach for best taste and color
• Since both dried red chilies and chili powder are used, reduce chili powder to 1 tbsp for mild heat
• Best served hot with steamed rice and a spoon of ghee

Serving Suggestion

Serve Palakura Ullikaram with hot rice, ghee, and plain dal or curd for a complete Andhra-style meal.