Local and Seasonal food

Stuffed Prawns, Extra Colossal Stuffed Prawns


Shrimp have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of mercury. As with other seafood, shrimp is high in calcium, iodine and protein but low in food energy. A shrimp-based meal is also a significant source of cholesterol, from 122 mg to 251 mg per 100 g of shrimp, depending on the method of preparation.  Shrimp consumption, however, is considered healthy for the circulatory system because the lack of significant levels of saturated fat in shrimp means that the high cholesterol content in shrimp actually improves the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides

Many shrimp species are small as the term shrimp suggests, about 2 cm (0.79 in) long, but some shrimp exceed 25 cm (9.8 in). Larger shrimp are more likely to be targeted commercially and are often referred to as prawns.

When buying prawns there are several considerations. Firstly, see that they have all of their legs, feelers and eyes in tact and that the tail has a firm spring when curled. It should feel firm in texture and when you taste the meat it should be immediately sweet, with a long clean finish, no strong after taste.

Prawn sizing is based not only on form (HOSO or PDTO) but also on the actual number of prawns per pound or kilogram. The charts below will give you a quick and easy guide on sizing of the two forms. 

HOSO Head on Tail On

PDTO Peeled Deviened Tail On

Stuffed Prawns, Extra Colossal Stuffed Prawns

This recipe may be used for any large sized prawns

Ingredients

4 Nos. Extra Colossal Prawns

4 red chillies

4 cloves

1” cinnamon

8 peppercorns

½ tsp. turmeric powder

1 tsp. ginger garlic paste

1 small onion, chopped

1 tbsp. garlic

½ tsp. cumin seeds

1 tbsp.vinegar

½ tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt or to taste

1 egg and rava for coating

Oil for shallow frying

Method

Clean prawns by chopping off the tip of the head and then slitting the back including the shell to devein, but not cutting through. Wash well and apply salt, turmeric and ginger garlic paste.  Set aside to marinate.

Grind together the chillis, cloves, peppercorns, cumin seeds, garlic, onion, vinegar, salt and sugar, with a little water to a smooth paste.

Heat ½ tsp. oil in a pan and fry the ground masala on low heat till the raw smell disappears, about 1 or 2 minutes. Take off heat and cool.

Stuff the prawns with the masala paste.  Then tie with thread, roll in beaten egg and rava and shallow fry 3 to 5 minutes on each side. 

Remove the thread if you wish and serve immediately with lemon wedges and sliced onion.

Aam Panna


Aam panna or Aam Jhora is an Indian drink renowned for its cooling properties. It is made from unripe mangoes and is yellow to light green in color, and is consumed to fight against the intense Indian summer heat. Mint leaves are often added to the drink, enhancing its green color. Raw mango is a rich source of pectin, which gradually diminishes after the formation of the stone. Unripe mango is sour in taste because of the presence of oxalic, citric and malic acids. Aam panna or Aam Jhora, which is prepared using raw mangoes, cumin, and an assortment of other spices, quenches thirst and prevents the excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during summer due to excessive sweating. The drink is considered beneficial in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. It is also a good source of vitamin B1 and B2, niacin, and vitamin C. In Indian culture, it is regarded as a tonic believed to increase resistance against tuberculosis, anemia, cholera and dysentery.

Recipe: Aam Panna

Ingredients 2 green Mangoes

Sugar or Jaggery equal proportion to mango pulp

1 tsp cardamom powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp. Pepper powder

1 tsp. Salt

Mix well and store the concentrate in the refrigerator in a glass bottle. Method Wash the mangoes. Boil (with the peel). When cooked, and cool enough to handle, peel and deseed the mangoes and extract the pulp. Measure the pulp and add equal quantity of sugar or jaggery. Place in a blender and add the cardamom, cumin, pepper and salt. Blend till smooth. Transfer to a glass jar or bottle. To prepare Aam Panna Take 2 tbsp. Aam panna concentrate and add to a glass or goblet and top with chilled water. Stir to mix well, garnish with mint leaves and enjoy chilled.

Raw Jackfruit Vegetable


Raw Jackfruit Vegetable

Raw Jackfruit blooming time is from December until February, March and the fruit matures during the rainy season in India i.e. from July to August.  Raw Jackfruit is fibre rich and excellent for gut health in addition to containing moderate levels of Vitamin C and Potassium.  For optimum health benefits, it is always advisable to consume local and seasonal produce.

Ingredients

1 Small Raw Jackfruit

½ cup fresh coconut

2 tbsp. Tamarind pulp

2 tsp. Jaggery or to taste

Salt to taste

2 tbsp. oil

Roast, each separately and grind coarsely with the coconut

1 tbsp. coriander seeds

2 to 3 red chillis

½ tsp. cumin seeds

½ tsp. mustard seeds

½ tsp. peppercorns

½ tsp. fenugreek seeds (methi)

Tempering

1 medium onion

4 to 5 garlic crushed

1 sprig curry leaves

½ tsp. mustard seeds.

Method

Cut the Jackfruit and peel it.  Cutting the jackfruit is the difficult part as skin is very hard and the sap is sticky and will also make the knife sticky.  This can be controlled by oiling your fingers and palm and the knife.  Alternately, the sticky sap can be washed off later by first rubbing some oil all over your hands and the knife.

Cut the jackfruit into wedges and discard the pith.  Then cut into small slices and immediately immerse in plenty of water.  Once cut, wash well and place in a vessel, add some water and bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes.  Add a tsp. of salt.

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Stuffed Brinjals with green masala


The simple brinjal turned into an exotic dish with a fragrant green masala stuffing. From Mai’s Recipes!

Stuffed Brinjals

Aubergine, Eggplant, Bathinjan, Baigan

Ingredients

6 to 8 Brinjals, small round variety

2 tbsp.oil

1 large onion

Grind to a paste

1 Onion

4 green chillis

5 to 6 flakes garlic

1 bunch coriander leaves

½ tsp. black pepper

½ to 1 tsp. cumin seeds

¼ tsp. turmeric

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Salt to taste

1 tbsp. sugar or to taste (optional)

Method

Remove the stem and slit each brinjal into four taking care to leave the stem side intact.  Immerse in water till required. Chop the onion.  Heat oil in a pan, add the chopped onion and fry till soft.  Add the ground paste and fry well till oil separates.  Stuff this masala paste, when cool, into each brinjal and arrange the brinjals in a pan in a single layer,  sprinkle some water and cook on medium low flame till water evaporates and brinjals are tender.

Taikulo ani Bikna Cassia Tora and Jackfruit Seeds Vegetable


Taikulo ani Bikna (Casia Tora & Jackfruit seeds Vegetable)

The early monsoon brings an array of wild foods that are super healthy and delicious. The rain makes wild vegetables grow in abundance alongside roads and in the hilly regions. Taikulo is one of these seasonal, local, monsoon vegetables, available for free, with all of its healthy goodness.  I, however, purchased this lot from the ladies at Mapusa market for Rs.30/-.  The vegetable looks a bit faded as I could not cook it the same day.

Taikulo also called Senna tora or Casia tora (Botanical name) is a wild leafy vegetable that grows along all the roadside and can be plucked straight from the plant and cooked into a simple and nutritious vegetable.  Only the tender leaves are used in cooking. Although the whole plant and roots and seeds are widely used in traditional Indian and South Asian medicine. It is said to have numerous health benefits. From an Ayurvedic stand-point the leaves and seeds of this plant are said to contain acrid, laxative, anthelmintic, ophthalmic, liver tonic, cardio tonic and expectorant properties. Adapted from : Vayuvision

Ingredients

4 to 6 cups Taikulo leaves

3 red chillies

6 flakes garlic

1 medium onion

½ tsp. Turmeric powder

½ cup coconut

10 to 12 jackfruit seeds (pre-boiled)

2 tbsp. oil

½ tsp. salt or to taste

Remove the tender leaves from the stems and discard the thick stems. Wash the taikulo leaves well, add some salt and soak in salted water for 15 minutes.  Drain and chop finely.  Slice the onion, crush the garlic and break the chillies into bits.  Heat the oil, add the red chillies, garlic and onion.  When onion is translucent, add 1/2 tsp. turmeric and mix.  Avoided excessive spices to get optimum benefit from the vegetable. Then add taikulo leaves, salt, some water and cook for 15 to 20 minutes till tender.  Add the boiled jackfruit seeds, cut in half and the coconut, mix and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve as an accompaniment with any main meal.

N.B.: When jackfruit is in season, collect the seeds and dry they for a day or two which makes the skin a bit loose and becomes easier to peel. Then, wash and boil jackfruit seeds, cool and store in zip lock bags in the freezer. 

Spiny Gourd Kantola


Spiny Gourd, Kantola

Spiny Gourd (Phagil) is a spiky green vegetable. It is also known as kantola, kakora, kakrol, spine gourd, teasle gourd etc. Available during the monsoon season this vegetable is not only super tasty but also provides a whole lot of health benefits. The appearance (and name) of the vegetable is quite misleading.  Looks spiny but when cooked is so tender, it rather took me by surprise.  Turned out to be delicious!

Seasonal vegetables are great if you are looking for regular intake of nutrition and still go easy on your pocket. The best part of including seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet is their inherent ability to fight seasonal illnesses and flu.

Ingredients

½ Kg. Spiny Gourd

1 tsp. chilli powder or to taste

½ tsp. turmeric

1 lemon, juice (optional)

1 tsp.salt or to taste

2 tbsp. oil

Wash the kantola and chop the ends and slice.  Hard seeds, if any may be removed or can be discarded while eating.  Sprinkle the chilli and turmeric powders and salt and lemon juice and mix well.  Set aside for 15 minutes.  Fry the slices and stir fry, till cooked.  The appearance (and name) of the vegetable is quite misleading.  Looks spiny but when cooked is so tender, it rather took me by surprise.  Turned out to be delicious!

How to cean and cook Terem Leaves Alun Leaves and Alsande curry


How to clean and cook Terem leaves

Also called Taro, Alu, Colocassia, Pathra leaves are high in nutrition and Iron rich.  Available in plenty in the monsoon, they grow abundantly in and around gardens and fields and along the roadside where there is plenty of greenery.  However it is only the leaves that have red/purple stems that are edible and those that have green stems cannot be consumed.

Terem/Taro/Alu leaves and Alssone Curry

Ingredients

15 Terem leaves and 3 to 4 stems

1 cup Alsande/Alsone beans (or 15 jackfruit seeds or 1 cup Black eyed beans)

1 cup fresh grated coconut

1 tsp. cumin seeds

1 tsp. mustard seeds

1 tsp. turmeric powder

1” pc cinnamon stick

2 cloves

2 red chillies

5 flakes garlic

1 medium onion

2 medium tomatoes

8 Kokum petals

1 tsp. Salt or to taste

2 tbps. Coconut oil

Wash the leaves well and wash and peel the stems.  Chop finely.  Apply some oil on your hands or wear gloves to avoid the itchy feeling on your hands post cleaning.  Slice the onion and tomatoes and keep aside. Wash and boil the alsone beans till tender.  Add salt and then add the chopped terem leaves and stem and cook 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, dry roast the fresh coconut and grind with the cumin, mustard, chillies, garlic, turmeric cinnamon and cloves to a smooth paste.  Take another vessel and when hot, add the oil and fry the sliced onion till light brown.  Then add the tomatoes and when soft add the ground masala paste and sautee for 3 minutes.  Add the kokum petals. Then add the boiled alsone and terem leaves to the gravy alongwith water from the rinsed masala jar and additional water if thinner gravy is required.  Adjust seasoning and cook 15 minutes till oil surfaces.  Remove to a serving dish and serve hot with rice or poee or any bread for a sumptuous and healthy local and seasonal meal, protein and iron rich!!

Water Chestnuts How to consume tender water chestnuts


Water Chestnuts – how to consume them

NUTRITION Evidence Based 5 Surprising Benefits of Water Chestnuts (Plus How to Use Them) Written by Ryan Raman, MS, RD on April 20, 2018

Despite being called chestnuts, water chestnuts are not nuts at all. They are aquatic tuber vegetables that grow in marshes, ponds, paddy fields and shallow lakes. Water chestnuts are native to Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, Australia, Africa and many islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. They are harvested when the corm, or bulb, turns a dark brown color. They have a crisp, white flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are a common addition to Asian dishes such as stir-fries, chop suey, curries and salads Water chestnuts are very nutritious and contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6 and riboflavin. Most of their calories come from carbs. Water chestnuts are a great source of the antioxidants ferulic acid, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and catechin gallate. These antioxidants can help the body combat oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases. Also known as Water Caltrop, Paniphal, Singhara

Eaten raw

Wash, peel and eat raw. Delicious, crunchy.

Boiled

Wash, cut off the stems and boil 15 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and eat as a delightful healthy nutritious snack

Sauteed Water chestnuts

1 medium onion, chopped ½ tsp. chilli powder 4 flakes garlic, chopped, 1” pc ginger, copped 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped ½ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. lemon juice Optional: 1 tbsp. green chutney sauce, 1 tbsp. sweet chutney sauce or Schezwan sauce or combination of soy sauce and tomato ketchup 1 tbsp. each. Etc.

Wash and peel the water chestnuts and immerse in water till required. Add 1 tbsp. oil to a pan and stir fry for 10 minutes. Drain and remove. Add 1 tbsp. oil to the pan and sautee the chopped ginger garlic for a minute, then add the chopped onion and sautee till saoft. Add the chilli powder, green chutney and sweet chutney and salt and 2 t 3 tbsp. water and add the chestnuts and cook till the moisture dries and the sauce thickens. Sqyeeze over the lemon and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve as an accompaniment with any main meal or as a starter! Absolutely delicious!!

Drumstick Moringa Fruit Pods How to clean, cook and eat them in a simple yet delicious vegetable


Drumstick Vegetable, Sangho Tel Piyav

The healthy, nutritious drumstick (moringa) (sangho) fruit pods

Drumstick pods and leaves are a storehouse of essential nutrients, whereas the leaves are the most nutrient part of the plant and one of the finest sources of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and magnesium.  Fresh pods and seeds are a great source of oleic acid, a healthy fatty acid which is known to promote heart health. Moringa leaves is unique among all the greens as it is heaped with a good amount of protein about 9.8 gram of protein per 100 grams. Dry powdered leaves are an amazing source of good quality essential amino acids.

The rich culinary tradition of our country has helped us to relish and taste several types of vegetables and fruits thereby derive out the umpteen health benefits. One such amazing vegetable that is greatly valued and earns our interest is drumstick or moringa oleifera.

Moringa obtains its name from the Tamil word, murungai, denotes twisted pod. This humble vegetable is used extensively in Indian culinary dishes for more than a hundred years. Be it delectable sambhar or avail, or any meat curry, soups, pickles etc., drumstick renders its unique flavour to the dishes.

Source: Netmeds.com

Ingredients

  • 6 Drumsticks
  • 5 flakes garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tbs. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 tbsp. fresh coconut

Method

Cut the head and tail of the drumstick and cut into 2 to 4” segments, removing the skin as far as possible keeping the segment intact ensue it does not disintegrate. Discard the head, tail and the skin.  Wash and drain the cleaned drumstick pieces.  Slice the onion and peel and crush the garlic. Heat a pan, add 2 tbsp. coconut oil, when hot add 1 tsp. mustard seed and allow to pop, then add crushed garlic flakes. Saute for a minute and add the sliced onion and fry thill soft and translucent.  Add the drumsticks and toss to cost with oil.  Add a cup of water, ½ tsp. salt or to taste and bring to a boil.  Mix, cover and cook 10 minutes.  Stir in between.  When done, add the coconut, mix well and simmer 5 minutes.  Take off flame and serve hot as a side with any main meal.  To eat, hold the drumstick piece firmly with your teeth and pull with your fingers while extracting and consuming the pulp and the seeds inside the pod.  Chew the skin, if you wish, and discard.  Simply delicious!  The skin should not be ingested, only the pulp and tender seeds inside the pod.

Moringa Leaves Drumstick Leaves Stir Fry Vegetable


The new superfood – Moringa leaves, healthy, nutritious, excellent for gut health and for diabetics.  My mother never had to buy these leaves, they were always available in the home garden or the neighbourhood.  Thankfully these are now available worldwide at Asian stores, albeit at a price!

Ingredients

  • 2 Bunches Drumstick Leaves
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Roast and grind to a coarse paste

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 flakes garlic
  • ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 4 dry red chilies
  • ½ cup fresh or dessicaed coconut
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 to 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Method

Separate the leaves from the stems of the drumsticks and remove as much of the stems as possible although the small tender stems may be retained.  Soak in plenty of water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly changing the water atleast twice so that any dust etc. can come off.  Drain and set aside.

Drumstick Leaves Moringa Leaves Stir Fry vegetable

The new superfood – Moringa leaves, healthy, nutritious, excellent for gut health and for diabetics.  My mother never had to buy these leaves, they were always available in the home garden or the neighbourhood.  Thankfully these are now available worldwide at Asian stores, albeit at a price!

Ingredients

2 Bunches Drumstick Leaves

1 medium onion

1 tsp. mustard seeds

2 tbsp. coconut oil

Roast and grind to a coarse paste

1 medium onion chopped

2 flakes garlic

¼ tsp. turmeric powder

4 dry red chilies

½ cup fresh or dessicaed coconut

Salt to taste

1 to 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Method

Separate the leaves from the stems of the drumsticks and remove as much of the stems as possible although the small tender stems may be retained.  Soak in plenty of water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly changing the water atleast twice so that any dust etc. can come off.  Drain and set aside.

Heat a pan and add oil.  When hot add the red chilies, garlic and onion.  When light brown add the coconut, turmeric powder and salt and saute for 2 minutes till light brown and you get a nice roasted aroma.  Set aside to cool. Then grind to a coarse paste.

Slice the remaining onion.  Heat a pan and add oil, when hot add the mustard seeds, when they pop add the sliced onion and fry till translucent and soft.  Add the ground masala and saute 2 to 3 minutes adding the rinsed water from the jar. Add the drained drumstick leaves, mix and stir fry for 10 minutes.  Remove to a serving dish and serve hot.  The vegetable will have a slight crunch to it and a slight bitter taste so is very healthy and excellent for diabetics, is very nutritious and good for gut health due to it’s fibre content.  Some may want the leaves to be more tender, in this case add ¼ cup water and cook further 5 minutes.  Serve hot. 

Breadfruit Fry


Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical regions. Most breadfruit varieties produce fruit throughout the year. Both ripe and unripe fruit have culinary uses; unripe breadfruit is cooked before consumption. Before being eaten, the fruit are roasted, baked, fried or boiled. When cooked, the taste of moderately ripe breadfruit is described as potato-like, or similar to freshly baked bread.  Breadfruit is exceptionally high in fibre and excellent for gut health!!

This recipe is similar to the Raw Banana Fry (Cooking with raw Bananas) that I

posted, but the method is different.  Here the breadfruit is marinated in the spices

and vinegar and then dipped in the batter prepared with the remaining marinade and

addition of flours.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Breadfruit
  • 1 tsp. ginger garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp. Vinegar or Lemon juice, or to taste
  • ½ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp. chilli powder or to taste
  • 1 cup water, approx.
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup rice flour
  • ¼ cup corn flour
  • ¼ tsp. soda bicarb (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Method

Cut the end of the breadfruit and peel.  Cut into half, then fours.  Remove the pith and cut into 1/4 slices lengthwise or horizontally if its a large fruit.  Immerse in plenty of salted water, to prevent oxidation. 

In a separate bowl, mix the ginger garlic paste, chilli & turmeric powder, salt with the vinegar/lemon juice and water.  Add the breadfruit slices to this marinade and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove the breadfruit and set aside.  To the marinade add all purpose flour, rice flour, corn flour, soda bicarb and make a thick smooth paste.  If it’s too watery add some more of the flours.  Batter should coat the slices. Test salt and add if necessary.

Heat oil in a kadai or wide frying pan.  Dip the breadfruit in the batter to cover well. Deep fry in batches till crisp and golden on medium flame.  Drain on kitchen towel.    Serve as a side with a main meal or with tomato ketchup as a snack or appetizer.

P.S.: The same batter can be used to fry arbi, egg plant, zucchini, cauliflower, raw banana, potatoes, yam, mushrooms, etc.

Traditional way to make fried breadfruit is to just add some chilli powder, turmeric, salt and lemon juice or tamarind pulp to the slices and then shallow fry till cooked and lightly browned on both sides.

Radish Vegetable Mooli ki Sabji Rajasthani Style


Radish Vegetable Mooli Ki sabji

Radishes are a good source of antioxidants like catechin, pyrogallol, vanillic acid, and other phenolic compounds. These root vegetables also have a good amount of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells from damage. Some health benefits of radishes include: Reduced Risk for Diabetes, Enhanced Liver Function, Cardiovascular Improvement. Their nutrition Calcium, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium, Iron, Manganese – Source: Wedmed

Ingredients

  • 2 medium white radish, with the leaves
  • ½ tsp. cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp. ajwain seeds (carom seeds)
  • 1 tsp. green chillie paste
  • 1 tsp. Ginger paste
  • ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp. coriander powder
  • 1 tsp. amchur powder
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • Salt to taste

Method

Clean the radish, immerse the leaves in salted water.  Use  only tender leaves. Chop the leaves fine.  Grate the radish or chop into thin slices.  Heat oil in a pan, add the cumin, ajwain, ginger & green chilli paste and saute for few seconds.

Add the chopped radish, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, amchur and salt.  Mix well and cook for 10 minutes, adding a little water if necessary, till vegetable is tenderand moisture is almost absorbed.  Serve hot Serve hot with rotis for breakfast or dinner or as an accompaniment to any meal.

Zavla with Brinjal


Zavla (Dried Baby Shrimp) with Brinjal

Dried shrimp are shrimp that have been sun-dried and shrunk to a thumbnail size. They are used in many East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian cuisines, imparting a unique umami taste. A handful of shrimp is generally used for dishes. The flavors of this ingredient are released when allowed to simmer. javla: made from a tiny species of shrimp called karandi, which is typically dried head and shell on and consumed whole. (Wikipedia).

Dired shrimp is a unique way to add flavor to a array of dishes.  Baby shrimp are extremely tiny shrimps that appear translucent when dried.  They are tender and delicate but have a strong seafood taste.  Dried shrimp can be stored for prolonged periods compared to fresh shrimp and are widely stored and used during monsoon season in India and Asia.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium purple brinjals
  • 1 cup dried zavla (baby shrimp)
  • 3 spring onion with greens
  • ½ cup coriander leaves
  • 6 flakes garlic
  • 1” pc. Ginger
  • 4 green chillies
  • 2 tbps. Mixed masala (East Indian/Sunday Masala/Bafat powder available at grocers)
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • 1 tsp. Salt or to taste
  • 4 top 5 petals kokum (dried mangosteen)
  • 1 tbsp. tamarind pulp (use 2 tbsp. if kokum is not available)

Soak the dried zavla in plenty water for few minutes.  Wash well and squeeze out the water.  Set aside.  Wash the brinjals, cut off the stem and chop into cubes.  Chop the green onions, garlic and green chillies.  Heat oil in a vessel, add onion, ginger, garlic, chilies and kokum and saute for a minute.  When onion is translucent, add the masala powder, mix well and add the zavla and brinjal, add ½ cup water and bring to a boil.  Reduce flame and cook 10 minutes till brinjals are tender.  Add the chopped coriander leaves (save some for garnish) and salt.  Simmer 3 minutes.  Add the tamarind pulp and cook till oil surfaces.  Adjust seasoning.  Serve hot with chapatis or any bread of your choice or as side to any main mail.

Methi Mattar (Fenugreek green with Green Peas)


Green leafy vegetables – Methi leaves (fenugreek greens) have many health benefits.  They are full of fibre and nutrients, vitamin C & K in particular.

Always pick bunches that are fresh and bright green, avoid those that are yellow and wilted.  Avoid leaves that appear slimy, it is an indication of decay.  Methi is of two varieties, small leaves with tender white stems which is also called methi or menthya, venthiya, keerai and classified as micro-greens.  These are commonly used in the south of India and the Methi with Prawns is cooked as a delicacy and relished!  The Methi with larger leaves used here is an annual plant which is found in plenty in winter.  The leaves are pungent and bitter and the bitterness can be reduced by adding salt and squeezing out the water and rinsing before cooking.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches methi (fenugreek greens) leaves
  • 1 cup green peas, shelled
  • ½ cup yogurt, beaten
  • ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp. red chilli powder
  • 2 medium onions, chopped finely or grated
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • 1 tsp. ginger paste
  • 1 tsp. garlic paste (or 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste)
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • ¼ to ½ cup fresh cream
  • 1 tsp. salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp. oil

Remove methi leaves and tender stems from the stalks.  Clean and wash the leave and soak in water for 10 minutes.  Remove from the water and wash again till the the sand and dirt is removed.  Squeeze out the water and add 1 tsp. Salt and set aside for 15 minutes.  Squeeze out the water and rinse in clean water again.  This process removes the bitterness from the leaves.  If using fresh peas, clean, wash and boil in water.  Drain and keep aside.  Frozen peas can be used directly. 

Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds.  When they crackle add the chopped onions and cook till light brown, stirring.  Add ginger garlic paste and saute 2 minutes.  Add the chopped methi leaves and green chillis and cook till moisture dries up.  Add the turmeric and chilli powder, mix.  Add the beaten yogurt and cook till oil surfaces.  Then add the green peas and one cup water, salt.  Bring to a boil, reduce flame and cook 10 minutes.  Stir in the fresh cream and mix well.  Simmer five minutes and serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

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