Kumaoni Raita

Here is a simple and flavorful raita from the Uttarakhand region. This cool and refreshing side dish contains grated cucumber and ground mustard seeds which add a piquant flavor to it. However since the mustard seeds flavor is an acquired taste, add only as much as needed. Add a pinch of toasted and ground fenugreek seeds as well if preferred. The raita goes well with any stuffed parathas or any pulao kind of rice dishes. I served it along with stuffed horse gram parathas / gehat ke parathea

Ingredients:
1/2 to 1 tsp. mustard seeds
1 small sized cucumber
2 cups yogurt
Salt to taste
A pinch of turmeric powder
1 or 2 green chilis, finely minced

Directions:
* Lightly toast the mustard seeds and let cool. Grind them finely.
* Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out water from the cucumber and keep aside.
* Whisk yogurt, mustard powder, salt, turmeric and green chillies in a bowl. Add cucumber to the bowl and mix well. (Taste and add mustard powder as much as preferred. The mustard powder is an acquired taste and so use as needed, more or less.)
* Serve the raita with any spicy rice or stuffed parathas.

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Poricha Kuzhambu

I didn't realize until I started to plan recipes this week that I had picked back to back weeks of 'side dish' themes for the blogging marathon event. I had picked gravy curries theme last week and this week, it is going to be three different side dishes prepared using one ingredient. The word 'side dishes' did not register while picking the theme and I had assumed three different dishes using one ingredient. It was curries last week and so, I decided to go with legumes this time and 'pigeon peas / lentils' aka arhar dal or toor dal is going to be my star ingredient for this week's dishes. 

The first one in the series is going to be this gravy from the Tamil Brahmin kitchens called as poricha kuzhambu. The kuzhambu is a delicious gravy made with a combination of vegetables and dal, prepared using a spice and coconut paste. This is a no onion and no garlic recipe and quite a simple one to prepare. Moong dal can also be used to make poricha kuzhambu. Vegetales like brinjals, pumpkin, drumsticks. chayote, broad beans usually go into this kuzhambu recipe but I have used mixed vegetables here.

Ingredients: (Yield 2 to 3 servings)
1/2 cup toor dal / pigeon peas
2 cups mixed vegetables (I used beans, potato, chayote and carrots.)
1/8 tsp. turmeric powder
1 cup water + extra as needed
1 tsp. oil
1 tsp. skinned black gram / urad dal (optional)
1/2 tsp. black peppercorn
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
2 or 3 dried red chili
A fistful of grated, fresh coconut (Frozen, shredded coconut can be substituted.)
Salt to taste
Minced cilantro to garnish (optional)

Ingredients for tadka / tempering:
1 tsp. oil
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1 pinch of asafoetida powder
A sprig of curry leaves

Directions:
1. Wash toor dal in two exchanges of water and drain. Pressure cook toor dal along with vegetables for 3 whistles, adding a cup of water and turmeric, When the valve pressure is gone, mash the dal well with the back of the ladle and keep aside. 
(Soak the dal in water for a couple of hours before using if the dal takes longer than 3 whistles to cook. Or the vegetables can be cooked separately.)
2. Meanwhile, heat a tsp. of oil in a small pan and add black gram, pepper corn, cumin seeds, and red chilies. When the dal starts to turn reddish, add the coconut and turn off the stove. Saute the coconut for few seconds and let the mixture cool. Grind the mixture to a thick, fine paste adding water as needed.
3. Add the ground paste and salt to the cooked dal from step 1. Add about 1/2 cup or more of water as well keeping in mind that the gravy need to be on the thicker side. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for a couple of minutes more.
4. Heat oil in a small pan for tempering and add the mustard seeds. when they start to sputter, add curry leaves and asafoetida and turn of the stove. Add this to the cooked gravy and stir well.
5. Garnish with cilantro if needed and serve warm with rice.


This post is an entry for Blogging Marathon #101 under 'Cook 3 Side Dishes with One Ingredient' theme.

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Dum ki Bharwan Bhindi

Stuffing vegetables with spicy fillings is quite a popular concept in regional Indian cooking. The commonly used vegetables to stuff are eggplants, okras, bitter gourds, capsicums, ivy gourds and others. I tried this recipe from The Indian Vegetarian Cookbook, which is perfect for bhindi / okra lovers and also for those who enjoy spicy stuffed vegetables. The okra are slit and stuffed with a mixture of ground spices and cooked in dum style, where they are covered and cooked in steam on low heat. The stuffing is enough for the mentioned quantity of okra and if you have any left over spice powder, don't be tempted to sprinkle on the cooked okra. I used less okra and spice powder than the quantity mentioned in the recipe and ended up sprinkling the left over spice powder over okra which was too spicy for our taste.

A green colored looking okra dish is not welcome in my world. Give me some okra and I am sure to give you back a platter of browned and crisply done okra. This dish was like a challenge where I had to resist that temptation to fry but still ended up browning some of them anyway. You can cook the stuffed okras just until done, still green looking since browning them is not a required step here. 

Ingredients:
2 tsp. coriander powder
2 tsp. mild red chili powder
2 tsp. fennel powder
1 tsp. dry mango / amchur powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper powder
Salt to taste
3 tbsp. oil
9 oz / 250 gm. okra
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida

Method:
* Combine all the ingredients mentioned under stuffing, in a small bowl.
* Wash and pat dry okra. Remove the ends. Slit the okras lengthwise using a sharp knife to create hollow pockets, without cutting them into two.

* Stuff the okras with the mixture equally.

* Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. When they start to brown add asafoetida and stir. Next add the stuffed okra and sprinkle little salt over them. Cover and cook on lowest heat setting.

* Stir them gently from time to time and cook until the okra re cooked through. It is fine if some of the stuffing spills into the pan while cooking. (I like my okras crisp and browned, therefore browned them and there is no need to do so.)

* Serve them warm with rice.


This post is an entry for Blogging Marathon #100 under 'Stuffed Dishes' theme.

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Round up of A - Z Indian Biryani / Pulao / Khichdi Series

Off and on, I have been part of a blogging group, coordinated by my blogger friend, Srivalli for the past 98 months. Yes it has been that long. Each month, we publish 3 posts per week under set themes as a group and during April and September months, we do month long posting dubbed as mega-marathon. Each marathon, I have something old and traditional and something new to offer. The former category usually helps me record the family recipes while the latter are those I come across and try to explore from my contemporary, real and virtual worlds. This particular marathon has been unique in it's own way as it has been a part of my leaning curve. A regular visitor on my blog would have noticed the series of biryanis, pulaos and khichdis posted here for the past one month. 

I am not new to khichdis but honestly speaking, the mothers in my life never ventured into the biryani / pulao worlds. My grand mothers and my mother in law had started their families even before India got independence and it sounds ridiculous to even imagine them doling out biryanis / pulaos in their traditional south Indian vegetarian kitchens where even the usage of onion and garlic were taboo. I think the Andhra vegetarian cooking was never influenced by the Muslim culture and does not use the spices liberally. Andhra was a part of the Madras presidency before independence and not a part of the Nizam's Hyderabad whose kitchen is the torchbearer for the biryani revolution. My mother has kept up the tradition since my father doesn't eat onion / garlic and they don't even like the spice combination used in the garam masala. The funny thing is that they use all the spices in one form or another but not in that particular combination. I have seen many south Indians who don't prefer garam masala in their food,  surprising it may sound to North Indians whose main variety of rice dishes depend on them for the flavor quotient. 

I ended up with a husband who occasionally can enjoy a biryani / pulao but prefers south Indian style rice dishes over them any day. I used to make a simple vegetable or peas pulao at home now and then like most of my husband's family does though as a blogger, I come across the classic versions. With that kind of background, I was obviously oblivious to the varieties, the biryani and pulao world had to offer until I ventured into it, thanks to this mega marathon. Biryanis and pulaos, a craftsmanship evolved over centuries in the hands of khansamas of the Mughalai / Nawabi kitchens may or may not be replicated to perfection in today's world but along with them, there are plenty of modern varieties and also an equal number of vegetarian versions to suit the palates of vegetarians. For this marathon, I have tried to stick mostly to the versions that were vegetarian in origin except a handful of classic versions from the Nawabi kitchens that I wanted to try, converting them to vegetarian versions. It's like I have opened a pandora's box now and I have plenty of varieties to try later. 😋  Here is my humble effort to record my 'evolution' as one from being not able to differentiate between a pulao and biryani preparation to confidently pull off a decent preparation of a 'biryani / pulao' on my own. I chose to stick with Indian variety grain based dishes in an alphabetical order and here is the list for you to enjoy.

A for Ambur Biryani

Basanti Pulao / Misthi Pulao

Corn - Fenugreek Greens Pulao

Donne Biryani

Ek Toap na Dal 

F for Fada ni Khichadi 

G for Gutti Vankaya Biryani

H for Hyderabadi Vegetable Dum Biryani

I for Iyengar Puliyodhari

J for Jaipuri Mewa Pulao

K for Kashmiri Pulao

L for Lucknowi Biryani

M for Motiwale Pulao

N for Nei Choru

O - Oodhala Pulao

P - Pariba Khechudi

Q - Quinoa Panchkuti Dal Khichdi

R - Rajma Pulao

S - Sindhi Biryani

T - Tehri / Tahiri

U - Uttarakhandi Khichdi

V - Vaal Khichdi

W - Wadi - Subz Pulao

X - Xacuti Masala Veg Pulao

Y for Yakhni Pulao (Vegetarian Version)

Z - Zafrani Pulao

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A - Z Biryani / Khichdi / Pulao Series ~ Z for Zafrani Pulao

Sometimes the simplest dishes win over you and this was one such time. I wanted to finish my series with either 'Zarda Mutanjan', a delicacy from the Mughal era or "Zam Zam Biryani', a Mumbai biryani loaded with koftas and fries. I kept on dragging the preparation till the end only to notice that my initial excitement bubble has fizzled out. I wanted to opt for a simple yet palate pleasing dish and zeroed on this mildly favored zafrani pulao. It catches the eye even without requiring elaborate steps or too much investment of time. The dish is prepared using common ingredients found in most of the Indian households except the highly prized, exotic zaffron aka saffron. The mingling of aromatic and tantalizing flavors of saffron and the palate and eye pleasing garnish of nuts, fried onions and cilantro elevate this exotic one pot rice meal from being a simple dish. It makes an enjoyable meal paired with any spicy gravy of your choice. We had it with a mixed dal fry and it proved to be one of those dishes from this series both my husband and I enjoyed equally. And here is a sweet version Zafrani Pulao if someone is interested.

The rice is usually cooked in a pot on low flame and saffron milk is sprinkled over the top at the final stages of cooking which imparts  flavor and a vibrant yellow hue to some of the grains. The rice can also be cooked in a pressure cooker if not comfortable cooking in a pot and especially if cooking in large quantities. Divide the rice, water, salt and the toasted spices equally into two parts and add them to two different containers that fit into your cooker. Add the saffron milk to one portion. Pressure cook for three whistles and turn off the stove. When the valve pressure is gone, gently fluff and combine both the rices. 

Conventional cooking advises to soak rice for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking since it will yield fluffier rice and also gets cooked faster. I have used aged basmati rice during this marathon and cooked most of the dishes without soaking the rice. The purists may scoff at the idea but the rice cooks well yielding long and non sticky grains even without soaking, especially when using a pressure cooker. Cook for 3 whistles if using rice without soaking. I am guessing that one whistle would be enough for rice that has been soaked ahead. If soaked rice is cooked for three whistles, the rice tend to taste like overcooked one even if it looks ok. However I prefer to soak rice when cooking in a pot since it gets done quicker. 

Ingredients: (Yield 2 servings)
1 to 2 tbsp. ghee / oil
1 tbsp. each - almonds, cashews and raisins
1 tsp. cumin seeds / carom seeds
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 bay leaf
1/2 inch cinnamon piece
1/2 cup basmati rice
Salt to taste

3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. saffron + 1 tbsp. warm milk
Minced cilantro to garnish
Fried onion slices to garnish

Directions:
* Rinse and soak the rice in water for about 15 minutes.
* Soak saffron strands in warm milk / water in a small bowl and keep it aside.
* Heat ghee in a pot / pan, preferably a non stick one or a heavy bottomed one with a tight fitting lid. Toast almonds, cashews and raisins individually, remove them with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel lined plate. Keep them aside until needed.
* To the same ghee, add clove, cardamom, bay leaf and cinnamon and saute for few seconds.
* Next add drained rice and saute for a minute. Add water and salt and gently stir to combine.
* Cover and cook until 90% done on lowest heat setting. Pour the saffron milk over the top and finish cooking. 
* Turn off the stove and let it sit for few minutes.
* Gently fluff and garnish with toasted nuts, fried onions and minced cilantro.
* Serve with any spicy gravy. 

So far in my Biryani / Pulao / Khichdi series,

Ambur Biryani
Basanti Pulao / Misthi Pulao
Corn - Fenugreek Greens Pulao
Donne Biryani
Ek Toap na Dal Bhaat
Fada ni Khichdi

Gutti Vankaya Biryani
Hyderabadi Vegetable Dum Biryani
Iyengar Puliyogare
Jaipuri Mewa Pulao
Kashmiri Pulao
Lucknowi Biryani

Motiwale Pulao
Nei choru
Oodhala Pulao

Pariba Khechudi
Quinoa Panchkuti Dal Khichdi
Rajma Pulao

Sindhi Biryani
Tehri / Tahiri
Uttarakhandi Khichdi
Vaal Khichdi
Wadi - Subz Pulao
Xacuti Masala Veg Pulao
Yakhni Vegetable Pulao

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#99.

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Ginger Lemon Detox Drink

I was surprised to notice that a lot of food ingredients that are allowed in a detox diet are commonly used in Indian kitchens regularly, especially the spices that aid in digestion and kick start the metabolism. This detox drink for instance, consists of two powerful detoxing ingredients, ginger and lemon which are commonly found in most kitchens. 

I made this drink on my husband's request without realizing at that moment that it is detoxifying. Ginger is anti inflammatory and effective in relieving digestive problems.Whereas lemon water is believed to be a natural diuretic which helps in detoxifying the body. And besides the citrus fruit is high in vitamin C content. Start your day healthy with a glass of this ginger lemon drink or refrigerate and drink through out the day.
 
Ingredients:
2.5 to 3 cups of water
2 inch piece of ginger
1/2 lemon

Method:
* Peel the ginger and either grate it or cut into small pieces.
* Bring together ginger and water to a boil. Or water can be boiled and poured over the ginger and allowed to sit for few minutes.  
* Squeeze the lemon juice or add the lemon slices to the ginger water. Let it sit for a couple of minutes if slices were added.
* Filter out the ginger pieces and lemon slices. 
* Enjoy the drink warm or cold. (My husband loved it with a pinch of salt and black pepper addition.)


This is going to be a part of Blogging marathon #64 under 'detox recipes' and check here to find out what other marathoners are cooking today.

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Spicy Koki

Another new day and new month of blogging marathon starts and I am here with wheat based dishes this week. I had earlier tried Vaishali's basic version of Koki, a flat bread from Sindhi community. Today's one is a spicy version I happened to watch on Sanjeev Kapoor's show a while ago. These koki make an interesting and flavorful variation to regular rotis. They can be served with a side dish of your choice and the combo together makes a great meal. These koki may look a little rustic because of the not so smooth edges, courtesy of the minced onions and spices in the dough. However the kokis were on a softer side and I enjoyed them.

Ingredients:(Yield 6)
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp semolina
2 tsp. toasted chickpea flour /besan
1/2 tsp carom seeds / ajwain
2 tsp. kasuri methi / dried fenugreek green leaves
Salt to taste
1 tbsp. coriander seeds
1 tsp. cumin seeds
2 tbsp. finely minced onion
1 tbsp cilantro chopped
3 tbsp. melted ghee / oil
Ghee / Oil to make kokis

Method
* Toast cumin seeds and coriander seeds separately on low flame, until they start to turn a few shades darker. Remove the flame and slightly crush them using a mortar and pestle. There is no need powder them. 
* Lightly crush kasuri methi between your palms and keep it aside. 
* Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine. Add water in slow increments and make a soft, pliable dough. (I added about 6 to 7 tbsp. water.).
* Rest the dough for about 10 minutes. (I rested it for about an hour or more.)
 
* Divide the dough into 6 portions and roll them into smooth balls. Work one portion at a time and roll out the ball into a circle of about 4 - 5 inches diameter. Dust the work surface with wheat flour if needed or grease the dough ball, to facilitate easy rolling.
* Toast the rolled out circle on a heated griddle / flat pan, on medium flame. Drizzle 1/2 tsp. oil around the edges and cook until brown spots appear on both sides, flipping intermittently once or twice.
* Repeat the steps with the remaining dough balls.
* Serve them with your choice of side dish.


This is going to be a part of Blogging marathon #64 under the theme 'Wheat based Dishes' and check here to find out what other marathoners are cooking today.

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Chai Masala & Masala Chai

 Masala chai is tea brewed with chai masala. Though 'masala chai' and 'chai masala' contain the same words in them, they are not one and the same. The order in which those two words 'chai' and 'masala' are spelled makes all the difference. The word 'Chai' stands for brewed tea in Hindi and many other Indian languages, while 'Masala' refers to the spices/spiciness. 'Masala chai' refers to the spicy tea beverage while "Chai masala' indicates the melange of spices/herbs used to accentuate the flavor quotient in a tea preparation. Chai masala can be store-bought or custom made at home to suit one's taste buds. The quantity of spices/herbs used in a chai masala depends upon individual preference / one's favored spices. One can go with a basic version such as using only ginger and/or cardamom or go with a dozen other herbs and spices. My version is the one I had come up with after a few trials, to suit my husband's preferences. It can be taken as a guideline and the quantity of spices can be changed to suit your needs, as mentioned above. And also I add fresh ginger while preparing tea even though I add the chai masala since my husband prefers a strong ginger flavor.

Ingredients for chai masala:
2 tsp. cardamom pods / about 24 cardamom pods
2 tsp. dry ginger powder
10 cloves
10 pepper corns
1" cinnamon bark

Method:
* Add all ingredients to a spice grinder / blender and grind finely. It is not a big deal if you find the cardamom husks not properly ground. Store it in an airtight container and use as needed. 

Ingredients for masala chai: (1 serving)
3/4 cup water
1" peeled and crushed ginger root (optional) 
1.5 to 2 tsp. black tea granules / leaves
1/2 tsp. chai masala or as needed
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. full fat milk
Sugar to taste (or artificial sweetener)

Method:
* Add water and ginger to a sauce pan and bring it to a boil.
* Add tea leaves / granules and chai masala. Continue to boil for about 3 to 4 minutes more.
* Next add milk and sugar and continue boiling the mixture until it starts to boil over.
* Pass it through a sieve and serve immediately.
 
Check here to see what other marathoners are cooking for BM #61.

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