Oora Mirapakayalu is a popular sun-dried chili pickle that holds a special place in South Indian cuisine. Known for its intense flavor and fiery spice, this delicacy is a must-have in many households, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In this blog, we will explore what Oora Mirapakayalu is, its health benefits, nutritional value, how it is made, and what it is called in different languages.
What is Oora Mirapakayalu?
Oora Mirapakayalu (ఊర మిరపకాయలు) translates to sun-dried salted chilies in Telugu. It is made by soaking fresh green chilies in buttermilk and salt, then sun-drying them for several days until they become crispy and light. Once dried, they are fried until golden brown and served as a side dish with hot rice and ghee or curd rice.
This spicy and tangy condiment adds a unique crunch and heat to meals and is a favorite among those who love traditional Andhra flavors.
Benefits of Oora Mirapakayalu
Beyond its delicious taste, Oora Mirapakayalu offers several health benefits:
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Aids Digestion: The fermentation process in buttermilk enhances gut-friendly bacteria, which supports digestion.
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Rich in Antioxidants: Chilies contain capsaicin, which helps reduce inflammation and boost metabolism.
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Enhances Appetite: The spicy and tangy taste stimulates the taste buds and increases appetite.
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Long Shelf Life: Since they are sun-dried, Oora Mirapakayalu can be stored for months without preservatives.
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A Perfect Side Dish: A small amount can enhance the taste of simple meals like dal, curd rice, or rasam rice.
Nutritional Value of Oora Mirapakayalu
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 100g of Oora Mirapakayalu:
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 3g
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Fiber: 5g
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Vitamin C: 35mg
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Iron: 2mg
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Calcium: 50mg
Since this is a spicy and salty dish, it should be consumed in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
Recipe for Oora Mirapakayalu
Making Oora Mirapakayalu at home is simple but requires patience. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Ingredients:
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Fresh Green Chilies – 500g
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Thick Buttermilk – 2 cups
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Salt – 3 tbsp
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Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
Preparation:
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Slit the Chilies: Wash and dry the green chilies. Slit them lengthwise but do not cut them fully.
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Soak in Buttermilk Mixture: Mix buttermilk, salt, and turmeric powder in a bowl. Soak the slit chilies in this mixture for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally.
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Sun-Dry the Chilies: Spread the soaked chilies on a clean cotton cloth or plate and dry them under the sun for 3-5 days, until they become completely dry and crispy.
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Store: Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
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Fry Before Serving: Deep-fry the dried chilies in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. Serve with hot rice and ghee.
Oora Mirapakayalu in Different Languages
Oora Mirapakayalu is known by different names in various Indian languages:
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Telugu: ఊర మిరపకాయలు (Oora Mirapakayalu)
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Tamil: ஊறல் மிளகாய் (Ooral Milagai)
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Kannada: ಊರಿನ ಮೆಣಸಿನಕಾಯಿ (Uurina Menasinakayi)
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Malayalam: ഉരുകിയ മുളക് (Urukiya Mulak)
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Hindi: अचार मिर्च (Achar Mirch)
Conclusion
Oora Mirapakayalu is a traditional and flavorful South Indian condiment that enhances even the simplest meals. Whether you make it at home or buy it from trusted sources like Meenakshi Recipe, its crunchy texture and spicy kick will leave you craving more.
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