Paneer Manchurian

I have been intending on making Paneer Manchurian - My version, for a long time, but sheer laziness & i have been putting it off & landing in good old Mutter paneer,Palak panner & paneer parathas.. Finally the D-day dawned & guess sun rose from the west - that i decided to make the Paneer Manchurian...It came out well & my family enjoyed it, specially the kiddos who ate minus grumbling & had a clean plate at the end of meal, minus screams & warning of "Finish off the Veggis!!"

Ingredients:

Paneer - 1 pac

Onions - 2

Capcicum - 1

Cabbage - a small piece

Soy sauce - 2 tsps

Chillie sauce - acc to your spice level

Tomato sauce - 2 tsps

Thai Sweet Chillie sauce - 2 tsps

Salt - to taste

Oil

Method:

1. Cut the paneer into small cubes & shallow fry them.

2. In a pan, add oil & fry the onions for few mts. Then add the cabbage & capcicum & cook few mts, let the crunchiness of veggis remain. Now add the sauces & salt & mix well.

3. Add the paneer & mix all well together.

Your jhatpat Paneer manchurian is ready to be served either as an appetizer or with your main course!

Janmashtami Special

Wishing You all a very Happy Janmashtami / Gokulashtami.

Today being a special day for Dear Lord Krishna, I made a few of his favourite preparations at home, to be enjoyed by the Lord & us too :-)

Pal Payasam :
This recipe i have posted already & here is the link - Pal Payasam . This is how i normally made my Payasam & its a favourite at home too...

Goddu Phovu (Sweet Aval)



Phovu (Konkani), Aval (Tamil) and Beaten Rice (English) is used in many preparations - From Aval payasama, to Batata Phova to dosas.. its used widely. I used this to make Goddu Phovu. This is a Konkani Preparation made by us for all good occassions. Its easy & tasty to eat too...


Ingredients:
Phovu ( Thick Aval)- 2 cups
Jaggery - 1 cup ( or more acc to your taste)
Coconut - 1 cup
Channa Dhal - 1/4 cup
Til - 2 tsps ( optional)


Method:

1. Mix the Phovu & coconut by hand in a wide mouthed bowl for 10 mts till it becomes little soft.


2. Put the jaggery in a pan & add 1/4 cup water & dissolve it. Then bring it to a boil & 1 string consistency. Let it cool down completely.


3. Dry roast the Channa dhal on a medium flame till it becomes golden brown.. it takes a few minutes. (If you do on a high flame chances of burning the channa dhal are high, so be carefull!!) Powder it coarsely & set aside.


4. If using Till dry roast it for a minute or two.


5. Now add the jaggery syrup to the Phovu & coconut mixture & mix everything well with your hands.


6. Now add the roasted & powder channa dhal & til & mix well...


Godu Phovu is ready to be served!

Back after a long gap & silence!

Dear Friends,

Firstly sincere apologies for dissapearing off the blog world unannounced! I did not mean to take such a long leave of absence without informing, but things just got way out of hand & i think i am finally settled down to get back to bussiness & blogging.

I have been following all blogs as often as i could, ofcourse never left comments anywhere...Now since i am back, will get back to routine again.

Thanks & looking forward to catch up on all your blogs!

Vatha Kolumbu

Vatha Kolumbu is a typical sounth Indian dish. Vathal – stands for sun dried stuff like dried Bhendi, Cluster beans or Marathakali. These sundried products are widely available in all leading grocery stores today. These have a long shelf life & adding these to these Kolumbus makes it really yummy & gives a different flavour.

I love Vatha kolumbu as its simple yet tasty! Just rice, vatha kolumbu & any simple vegetable on side & papad.. Ahh!! What a satisfying meal. They say Vatha kolumbu & Parruppu usali is the best combo & yes, I like it too, but its tastes great with just potato curry too…

So here my version of Vatha kolumbu for u!

Ingredients:

Tamarind – a lime size ball
Onion – 1
Gingelly Oil – 2 tbspns
Channa dhal – 1 tbspn
Mustard seeds - ½ tsp
Curry leaves – few
Maratha kali Vathal – a handful (store bought)
Sambhar powder – 2 tsps
Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Soak tamarind in water & set aside.

2. In a pan add little oil & fry the vathal for few minutes, till they turn slightly brown & puff up a bit. Transfer to a vessel & set aside.

3.In the same pan add remaining oil & mustard seeds, channa dhal & curry leaves.

4.Then add finely chopped onions & fry well till they turn slightly brown.

5.Now add the tamrind water & bring to a boil.

6.Then add the sambhar powder, salt & bring to a good boil, till the raw smell of tamarind goes off & you will see oil coming on top. By now it will have a good thick consistency too.

7.Finally add the fried Vathal & mix well.

Serve with hot rice & some vegetable & papad on the side.

Surna Adigai (Yam Pickle)

Surna Adgai means Suran or yam pickle. This is a konkani instant pickle, quite easy to make and simply delicious!

I had this after long at the “CHUDI” pooja we had here at Konkani Sabha. Chudi or Tulsi Pooja is a festival we have in Shravan month( usually falls in Aug) & we do this every Friday & Sunday through out the month. You basically make a small bouquets of Dirbankur ( Arugampul / Grass that u keep for Ganesh Ji) & 4 other flowers all ties together. Actually there r typical flowers but I make do with what is available! You basically give this to other ladies & if older seek their blessings, if they r younger u get to bless them :-)

So this long forgotten Adgai was there & hence I made it & posting it for my dear blogger friends!

I am also sending this to , as my second entry to RCI - Konkani,hosted by Deepa of Recipes n More.

Ingredients:

Suran / Yam – a small piece
Red Chillies – 5
Tamarind – a small ball
Coconut – 3 tsps (if desired)
Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Take a small piece of suren & cut it into thin strips, about 1/2" long. Apply salt & let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then squeeze these & deep fry them till nice & crispy.

2. In the same oil deep fry the chillies till they turn slightly brown.

3. Now put the chillies & tamarind in a mixer & grind to a fine paste. Add water as required. Use as less water as possible.

4. At this stage you can add the coconut & grind in too or leave it. It does not matter. Adding coconut means you have to finish of this pickle in a weeks time. Minus the coconut it stays longer. Coconut just brings in a thickness to the pickle. I added some to the one I made.

5. Now transfer the ground paste to a bowl, add required salt & fried suran.If u want u can season with oil & mustard seeds.

Let it stay for a day before u can eat it, as all the chillies & salt will blend well & the suran wil get to soak well in this spicy mixture.

You can have this with idlis & dosas.. Yes, its spicy, add a drop of coconut oil on top & its heavenly!! Or just simply enjoy it with curd rice.. its delicious!!!!!!!!

Soy Bhajili Ghassi

Soy Bhajili Ghassi means literally fried coconut curry. This is a typical dish made more by Konkani speaking people in Kerela & very tasty. This is not very familiarly present in the Mangalore side, though now people are more aware & try different stuff!

So heres my First Entry to RCI - Konkani hosted by Deepa of Recipes n More.

Ingredients:
Black Channa – ½ cup
Raw Banana – 1
Drum stick – 1
Potato – 1
Toor Dhal – ½ cup
Salt - To taste

For Masol or Gravy:

Coconut – 1 cup
Red Chillies – 5
Dhania – 2 tsps
Udad Dhal – 1 tsp
Haldi – ¼ tsp
Tamarind – a small piece

Method:
1. Soak channa over night and pressure cook well.

2. Wash the toor dhal & pressure cook & set it aside.

3. Cut the banana & potato into big cubes & drumstick into 2 inch pieces. Cook these vegetables in a pan with enough water. Add just a little salt.

4. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the pressure cooked channa to it.

5. MASOL : Fry the coconut in a pan till it turns brown. This will take a good 10-15 minutes. Do it on a medium flame as otherwise it will get burnt out. Fry the other ingredients too & grind all these to a fine paste adding very little water. The masol is ready.

6. Add the masol to the veggie & channa & bring to a good boil. Then add the cooked dhal & salt & bring everything to a good boil.

Authentic & delicious Soy Bhajjili Ghjassi is ready.Enjoy it with rice & a simple upkari – Vegetable & pappad on the side!

Sakkarai Pongal

Sakkarai Pongal is a traditional sweet dish of South India. It’s a very delicious sweet & easy to make too. Uses just a few ingredients & you have a yummy dessert ready.Today being India’s Independence day, Tulsi Puja & Varalakshmi Pooja too, I decided to make a sweet dish & ended up making Sakkarai Pongal.

Happy Independence Day dear Friends!

Ingredients:

Raw rice – ¾ cup
Moongh Dhal – ½ cup
Jaggery – 1 cup
Cashews & Raisins – few
Ghee – 3 tbspns

Method:

1. Dry fry the moongh dhal a little. Then add it to the rice & add 4 cups water & pressure cook well.

2. In a Kadai add the jaggery & little water & make it into a syrup & bring to a good boil. Strain it .

3. Now add the syrup & cooked rice & dhal mixture & mix everything well. Keep cooking on a medium high flame. It will all come together . Add ghee little by little & keep on mixing.

4. Roast nuts & raisins in ghee & add to the mixture.

Delicious Sakkarai Pongal is all ready to be enjoyed!

Sprouted Moogh & Meethi Sukke

This is a typical Mangalorean dish, made by sprouting Green Moongh & Meethi seeds. It has a different taste, but a very healthy dish & easy to make. You can make the same dish also by just using Meethi & adding small diced potatoes along with it.

Ingredients:

Moongh - 1 cup

Meethi seeds- 1/4 cup

Oil - 2 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - few

Coconut - 2 tbspn

Haldi Powder - 1/4 tsp

Chillie powder - 3/4 tsp

Salt to taste.

Method:

Day 1: Soak Meethi seeds for 6-8 hours. Then tie in a muslin cloth & set it out in sunlight to sprout. Meethi takes longer to sprout & hence we do this a day in advance.

Day 2: Soak Moongh for 6-8 hours & tie in a muslin cloth & set out in sunlight to sprout.

Day 3: Let sprouting continue for a day more.

Day4: In a pan add oil & season with mustard seeds & curry leaves. Then add the sprouted moogh & meethi together & mix everything well. Add required salt & water & cover & cook till it cooks well. The moogh & meethi must not get mushy, so add water as required for cooking.

In a bowl mix well together coconut, haldi & chillie powder & add to the pan & mix well. Cover & cook for 5-7 minutes.

A delicious & healthy sprouted dish is ready!!!

UPDATE: Lot of friends had asked me name of the bean i had used in the below posting called - Kidney bean curry. The Bean is called Double Beans. I picked it up from Nilgiris in Chennai.

Kidney Bean Curry

Kidney Bean, is a big flat creamish coloured bean. Its very tasty & has a creamy texture to it. In India, you get these in 2 sizes.. a medium one & a giant big one. I usually buy the big ones as we like those.

UPDATE: These are called Double beans in the store. I picked up the packed from Nilgiris in Chennai.

This curry is my Mom's recipe & comes out great. Its easy & delicious too!

So this curry is off to Srivalli of Cooking 4 all seasons, whos hosting the "Curry Mela". Thanks Sri for hosting a great event!

Ingredients:

Kidney Bean - 1 cup

Coconut - 1/4 cup

G.Chillies - 3

Ginger - 1" piece

Garlic - 1 pod

Tomato -1

Onion - 1

Jeera - Dhania powder - 1 tsp

Salt -to taste

Oil - 2 tsp

Method:

1. Soak the kidney bean over night. Pressure cook for just 1 whistle next day. The bean has to retain its shape & not get mushy.

2. Grind together - Coconut, G.Chillies, Ginger & Garlic to a fine paste.

3. In a pan add oil & saute finely chopped onions till slightly brown. Then add the ground masala & fry for 3-4 mts.

4. Now add chopped tomato, salt, jeera-dhania powder & mix well. Add required water & bring to a good boil, till raw smell off masala is gone.

5. Finally add the cooked bean & boil again.

Garnish with corriander leaves & serve hot with fluffy phulkas or fried rice! A perfect meal is ready....

Capcicum-Potato Stir Fry

This is simple yet tasty side dish, that goes well with chappathis or even dal & rice. Its very easy to make & can be ready in a jiffy!! A perfect dish, to make for that unexpected extra guest! If u have no capcicum on hand, just make it out of potato or mix & match other veggies of your choice.

Ingredients:

Capcicum – 2
Potato – 1
Onion – 1
Sambhar Powder – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste
Oil – 2 tsps

Method:

1. Chop the capcicum, potato & onions into small cubes.
2. In a pan add oil & fry the onions for 2-3 mts.
3. Then add the capcicum & potato & mix everythoing well.
4. Add sambhar powder, salt & mix it & sprinkle water & cook.

A yummy vegetable will be ready in 10-15 mts! Serve hot & enjoy!!

Rava Dosa & Coconut-Corriander Chutney

Rava Dosa is one yummy dosa & to get it nice & golden & crisp with those numerous holes is a hard thing. My initial trial at these were a big flop…. Tried all the zillion mixes we get in stores only to land up in a gooey dosa! What a disaster I thought & totally gave up until now.

I was all again geared up to try it out again, especially since this is my definet order for BF at any restaurant. My Dad told me he had it at his friend’s place & it was so great. He got the proportion & inspired me to try. I did & it turned out fantastic! We just loved it .

Ingredients:

Rava – 1 cup
Maida – 1 cup
Rice Flour – 1 cup
Curd – 1 tbspn
Water – 6 cups
Salt – 3 tsps
Jeera – 1 tsp
Pepper – few
G.chillies – 2 (finely chopped)
Curry leaves – few (finely chopped)
Corriander Leaves – few (finely chopped)

Method:

1. Measure & put all the Ingredients in a large bowl & mix well. Make sure there are no lumps.

2. Keep aside for 45mts to an hour. It wil be a watery batter, do not worry.

3. Heat a dosa pan to a high temp & pour with a ladle slowly. Put oil on side & cover & cook. Takes 3-4 mts…then turn & cook other side too.

Serve with chutney or sambhar .I served them with coconut-coriander chutney.

Yummy Rava dosas are ready… with a cup of filter coffee…a delicious BF is ready & what a way to start the day !!

COCONUT - CORRIANDER CHUTNEY:

Ingredients:

Coconut – 3 tbspns
Corriander Leaves – a hand full
G.Chillies – 3
Ginger – 1” piece
Salt – to taste.

Method:

1.Grind all the Ingredients to a smooth paste using little water.

2.Season with oil, mustard seeds, udad dhal & curry leaves.

A delicious chutney is ready to be served!

Ambya Thiksani Humman ( Spicy Mango Curry)

Well, wondering whats this dish with a long name????? Well, its Raw Mango & Bikkand - Thats jackfruit seed, all put together in one yummy curry. In the photo you'll see the jackfruit seeds too.

This is a spicy dish & goes extremely well with dosas & idlis, or even plain curd rice. This is all my all time favourite dish & i make it often when the jackfruit season is on.. eat the fruit & save the seed for a yummy curry... so practically no waste of anything!! Hows that?

I know in US we dont find the jackfruit seed. This curry can be made minus the Bikkand too & tastes great.Thats how i made all these years......

Ingredients:

Raw Mango - 1

Bikkand(Jackfruit Seed) - 8-10 no

Coconut - 1/2 cup

Red Chillies - 4

Bedgayi Chillies - 2 (this is only for colour)

Tamarind- a tiny piece

Oil - 2 tbspns

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Meethi Seeds - 3/4th tsp

Salt - to taste.

Method:

1. Chop the mango into big cubes.

2. Pressure cook the Jackfruit seed & then peel the outer skin(thats non-edible). Then cut it into 2 pieces.

3. Roast in a little oil - red chillies till slightly brown. No need to roast bedgayi chillies.

4. Now grind together - coconut, redchillies, bedgayi chillies, tamarind to a fine paste.

5. In a pan add oil, then season with mustard seeds & meethi seeds. Then add the ground masala & mango & jackfruit seed & mix everything well. Add required salt & water & bring to a good boil.

6. Make sure mango is cooked & gravy thickens....

Serve with hot dosas & idlis. Its a perfect accompainment!This can be stored for 3-4 days too.

AWARDS:

Well, another award from a Dear Friend Easy crafts of Simple Indian Cooking.
Thank you EC for the Friendship & Yum Yum Blog awards & thinking of me. It feels special & great getting both these from you. Thank you dear!

I would like to pass this on too,

1. Kalai of Samaithu Paarkalaam

2.Laavanya of Cookery Corner

3.Divya of Divyas Cook Book

4. Vanamala of Nalapaka

5.Pravs of Simply Spicy

Congrats friends on your awards!!

Sheera & an Award.

Sheera / Kesari / Sooji Halwa - many names but one delicious dessert! Its an all time favourite & easy to make too. Though its made during festivals, its also the easiest & quickest back up dessert incase of sudden guests!

We also love having Sheera after eating a plate of Bajjis!!! Yum Yum!! It sounds wierd, but a hot glass of Filter coffee, bajjis & sheera on a cold / rainy day.....Wouldnt that be great? Try it out & you'll know what a great combo this is.

Ingredients:

Rava - 1 cup
Sugar 1& 1/4 cup
Kesari Colour - little
Elaichi powder - 1/2 tsp
Cashew & Raisins - a handfull
Ghee - 3-4 tbspns
Water - 2 & 1/2 cups

Method:

1. In little ghee fry the nuts & set aside.

2. Now in the same pan, add little ghee & fry the Rava till slightly golden brown.

3. Boil water in a pan & set aside

4. Add the sugar to the sooji & mix well. Then add the boiling water & keep on stirring. Make sure no lumps are there.

5. Add little colour, elaichi powder & mix everything well & cook till its done. Takes about 5 - 8 mts.

6. You can add in the fried nuts & mix everything well.

For Serving - You can serve in a bowl or you can grease a bowl with little ghee, put in some fried nuts & raisins on the bottom of the bowl, then fill it up with the Sheera & place the katori on a dessert plate upsidedown & empty it & you'll get a great presentation.

AWARD:

Divya of Divyas cook book has passed on the blogging with a purpose award . Thanks Divya for this award & thinking of me! It feels great to get another award... :-)

I would like to pass it on too...
1.RC of Red Chillies.
2.Uma of Essence of Andhra.
3.Happy Cook of My Kitchen Treasures.
4.Raaga of Chef at work.

Congrats to you all dear friends!

Podale Cutlets (Snake Gourd Cutlets)

Podale is a Konkani term for Snake gourd, also know as Podalankai in Tamil. It comes either as a long gourd – just like a snake or even a small short one. We make upkari or vegetable out of it. Tamilians make a yum yum kootu too, which I like.

On my visit to my In-laws place my Mil said "Today, we’ll make Podale Cutlets". I said what cutlets??? I never knew Podale was used to make cutlets I said. So she said ok, I’ll teach u. With my camera in one hand & curiosity on the other I entered the kitchen ( which I rarely enter when I am at my in-laws!! ) I took step by step pictures too! She made cutlets out of Podale & they were super delicious!! With so many of us at home, it was over in a second :-)

Ingredients:

Podale – 1 ( small)
Green chillies – 4
Potato – 2
Hing – 1/4 tsp
Onion – 1 finely chopped
Fine Rava – little (for dipping)
Oil – for frying.
Salt- to taste

Method:

1.Pressure cook the potatos & mash them well.

2. Cut the podale into rounds (about ½” thick) & with a spoon on fingers take out the inside seeds & get it ready.

3.In a mixer or Ragado (traditional stone grinder) make a smooth paste of Green chillies & hing. Transfer to a bowl & add in the mashed potatoes & salt & mix well. Now add very finely chopped onions & mix & make into equal size balls.

4. Now take this potato balls & stuff inside the Podale & evenly press it so that it covers the entire circle of podale.

5. Now dip it in rave & place on a pan & shallow fry. Add oil as required. Cover & cook.

It takes a little while to cook, but worth the time & effort, as once these are ready they wont last long !! Serve it as it is or with ketchup.

Yum Yum Award!!

Yummy blog award is the award given to the blog with most yummy recipes/photos". This award has been started by Roopa of My Kitchen treats and has been passed on to me by Divya of Divyas cook book. Thanks Divya for a nice & sweet award you passed on to me! It feels great to get it from you.

Four Dessets I have made & like are:

1. Kichidi

2. Churmundo

3 .7 Cups Burfi

4. Sweet Appo

Four Friend whom i would like to pass on The Award & Congratulate are...

1. Laavanya of Cookery Corner

2. Asha of Aroma

3. Pravs of Simply Spicy

4. Meera of Enjoy Indian food

Food Rules for Yummy blog receivers: The person who receives the award should display the "Yummy Blog !" logo on their blog and also the meaning of the award which is "Yummy blog award is the award given to the blog with most yummy recipes/photos".The receiver should also quote their favorite yummy-licious :) dessert(s) that they have ever prepared/eaten. Don’t restrict yourself to any dessert, chocolate bars also welcome.Also the receiver should pass on the award to four other bloggers whose blog they find "yummy" and let them know about the rules.

Pesarattu

Pesarattu is nothing but dosa made out of Moong (Whole). This is a typical Andhra preparation & very famous. Its also called MLA pesarattu is some places - No idea why??? Its traditionally served with some upma inside the dosa. I made it minus upma as thats how my family likes it!

Ingredients:

Moong(Whole) - 2 cups

G.Chillies - 7 no

Ginger - 2"piece

Rice flour - 2 cups

Salt - to taste

Oil - little

Method:

1. Soak moong for 5-6 hours & gringd to a fine paste along with G.chillies & Ginger.

2. Transfer to a vessel & add riceflour & salt & mix well. Theres no need to ferment this. You can make dosas rightaway.

3. Spread like regular dosas & smear oil & cook both sides. You can make it plain or add onions, like in Onion uthappam.

Serve with coconut chutney or even simple pickle.. goes well with anything! You can add onions inside dosa & make too.

Oops! I was lost....

Dear Friends,
Sorry for disappearing suddenly off blogosphere !!
Have been travelling & then sick since last 2 weeks. To top it our container arrived & i have been busy going to port off & on to get it released & clear customs etc.. finally done with everything.. Phew!!!! What a relief.

Will be back to blogging next week...... I Promise!
See u all soon.....

Charmurya Upkari (Snack out of puffed rice)

Puffed rice or "Charmuro" as called in Konkani is a anytime munchy crunchy snack. With kids having summer hols & asking for snacks or "something to eat" as they often put it, this works out great. A healthy snack with less oil & easy to make too.

Ingredients:

Puffed rice - 6-7 cups

Dalia (Pottu Kadalai)- 1/2 cup

Peanuts - 1/2 cup

Oil - 2 tbsps

Mustard seeds - 1tsp

Jeera - 1 tsp

Red chillies - 10 no

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - few

Salt - to taste

Method:

1. In a pan add oil & fry the Dalia till it slightly changes colour. Drain & set aside. Then fry the Peanuts till golden brown & set aside.

2. Now in ramaining oil, add mustard seds & once it splutters add jeera, red chillies, curry leaves & turmeric powder. Mix all well.Turn off the gas.

3. Now add the puffed rice, dalia, peanuts & required salt & mix everything well.

If you want you can add sev too & all dry fruits too, but traditionally its made very simple & uses only everyday ingredients that you have in your kitchen.

Serve anytime, a delicious, healthy & jhatpat tasty snack to munch on is ready!!

Mixed Vegetable Khola Nonche (Pickle)

Khola Nonche - A konkani term for pickle with gravy & that too made without any oil. My Mom used to make great Cauliflower pickles - the most amazing ones i've ever had & many of her friends & our Relatives still say mom's was THE BEST!! I tried my hands on it, my very first attempt & not bad, it turned out good, but not as Good as Mom's!

Ingredients:

Cauliflower - a small piece ( i used 3-4 florets)

Carrots - 1

Tindora - 6-7 no

Raw Mango - small piece

Lemon - 1

Mustard seeds - 2 tbspns

Red Chillies - 25 no ( Acc to your spice level)

Salt

Method:

Day 1: Boil 8 cups of water with 4 tbspns of salt & set aside. Cover & bring it to room temp. Leave it overnight preferrably.

Day 2 : Wash, dry & then cut all the veg into small pieces (bite size) . Then add them to the salt water mixture & leave it to soak over night.

Day 3: Using a clean strainer remove veg from the salted water & put in a clean & dry vessel. DO NOT THOW AWAY THE SALTED WATER.

Now take the red chillies & mustard seeds & powder to a coarse paste in a blender. Then add little of the salted water & grind to a smooth paste. Do not make the Gravy very thin, use as less water as poosible. Now transfer the ground Paste or "Kholu" as we call in Konkani onto the veg & mix well. Taste & see & add salt only if you want. Remember you used salted wated so salt will be there already, plus veg soaked in it so they will be slightly salty too.

Mix well & store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator & let all the veg soak for 3-4 days before you start eating it... Once the lemon & mango leaves its sourness & veg soak in the spicy Kholu, spicy & delicious pickle is ready!

Thali Jovan - 2

Hi Friends,

I am back after a break....Relocatted & settled down quite well. Will visit all your blogs soon!! Thanks for all your wishes during our move.

Well today's Konkani Jovan is - Rice, Alsanda Bea (Blackeyed bean) Koddel, Dudhi upkari & Karatha(Bitter Gourd) Chips.

Alsanda Bea (Black Eyed Bean) Koddel:

Ingredients:

Black eyed bean - 1 cup
Coconut - 1/2 cup
Red Chillies - 3
Bedgayi Chillies - 2
Tamarind - a small piece
Oil - 2 tsps
Garlic - 2 pods
Salt to taste.

Method:

1. Soak the bean over night & pressure cook till soft .

2. Roast the red chillies in a little oil & grind it together with coconut & tamarind to a fine paste. Add water as required while grinding. This is called Masol.

3. Now add the Masol to the cooked Bean & add salt & bring to a good boil.

4. Season with oil & sliced garlic fried till slightly brown.

This seasoning is absolutely aromatic & brings out a different flavour & taste to this curry. Any coconut based curry with garlic seasoning is called a Koddel in Konkani Cuisine.

Dudhi Upkari:

Ingredients:

Dudhi(Orange Pumpkin) - 1 medium slice
G.Chillies - 4
Salt - to taste
Oil - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Udad Dhal - 1/4 tsp

Method:

1. Cut the dudhi into length wise pieces along with the skin.

2. In a pan add oil & season with mustard seeds, Udad dhal & Green chillies. Then add the Dudhi pieces & salt & mix everything well

3. Add little water & bring cook till done.

This is a simple upkari but has a great taste & goes really well with the spicy koddel. It will have a slightly sweet taste as the Dudhi has its own sweetness.. if you like it, you will surely like this upkari.

Karathe( Bitter gord chjips) was store bought. Its great & goes well with simple dhal chawal or curd rice too!! Hope you liked my todays jovan!