Perugu Charu | MAJJIGA PULUSU – Andhra-Style Spiced Buttermilk Stew

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Rajani (@thegourmetschoice)

This comforting Andhra Perugu Charu is a tangy, spiced buttermilk stew made with curd, ginger, green chilies, and traditional tempering. Light, soothing, and full of flavor — it's the perfect summer dish to pair with hot rice and a dollop of ghee.

Perugu Charu | MAJJIGA PULUSU  – Andhra-Style Spiced Buttermilk Stew recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
10min
Total Time
25min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Mixture

  • Curd
    Curd
    1/2L
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Water
    Water

Spice Paste

  • Ginger
    Ginger
    1/2in
  • Green chilies
    Green chilies
    2
  • Carom seeds
    Carom seeds
    1/4tsp

Tempering

  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp
  • Mustard seeds
    Mustard seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Chana dal
    Chana dal
    1tsp
  • Urad dal
    Urad dal
    1tbsp
  • Hing
    Hing
    1pinch
  • Dry red chilies
    Dry red chilies
    2
  • Garlic
    Garlic
    2clove
  • Onion
    Onion
    1
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/4tsp
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    1sprigs
  • Coriander leaves
    Coriander leaves
    1tbsp

How to make Perugu Charu | MAJJIGA PULUSU – Andhra-Style Spiced Buttermilk Stew

Prepare the Curd Mixture

  1. Step 1

    Whisk the curd in a bowl with salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Blend the Spice Paste

  1. Step 1

    Grind chopped ginger, green chilies, and carom seeds into a smooth paste using a small mixer jar. Add a little water if needed.

  2. Step 2

    Mix this paste into the whisked curd. Set aside.

Tempering (Tadka)

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

  2. Step 2

    Add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and a pinch of hing. Sauté until dals turn golden.

Add Aromatics

  1. Step 1

    Add dry red chilies and crushed garlic. Sauté briefly.

  2. Step 2

    Add sliced onions and turmeric powder. Cook on low flame until onions are just soft yet slightly crunchy.

    Step 4.1: Add sliced onions and turmeric powder
  3. Step 3

    Add curry leaves and let them sizzle.

Mix Everything

  1. Step 1

    Turn off the heat to avoid curdling.

  2. Step 2

    Pour the spiced curd mixture into the tempering.

  3. Step 3

    Stir well and add water to reach desired consistency.

    Step 5.1: Stir well and add water to reach desired consistency
  4. Step 4

    Taste and adjust salt.

  5. Step 5

    Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

    Step 5.1: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves
    Step 5.2: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

80.0kcal (4%)

Protein

2.1g (4.26%)

Carbs

3.8g (1.36%)

Sugars

1.8g (3.5%)

Healthy Fat

6.0g

Unhealthy Fat

1.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Slightly sour curd gives the best flavor.

  2. Always turn off the stove before adding curd to avoid splitting.

  3. You can skip onions if you want a no-onion version.

FAQS

  1. What is Perugu Charu?

    Perugu Charu is a traditional Andhra-style spiced buttermilk stew made with curd and aromatic spices.

  2. Can I make Perugu Charu without onions?

    Yes, you can skip onions if you prefer a no-onion version.

  3. What can I serve with Perugu Charu?

    Serve it hot over steamed rice with a spoon of ghee. It pairs well with Andhra-style aloo fry, crispy okra fry, papad, or pickle.

  4. How do I prevent curd from splitting?

    Always turn off the stove before adding curd to prevent it from splitting.

  5. What variations can I try with Perugu Charu?

    You can add vegetables like bottle gourd or ash gourd for extra texture.

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thegourmetschoice's profile picture

Rajani

(@thegourmetschoice)

Hi I like cooking and serving others. I have 15 Years of experience in cooking. When ever I get free time I will prepare delicious...

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