Delicious and creamy Bagara Baingan served in a traditional Hyderabadi style.

Bagara Baingan - A Royal Hyderabadi Delicacy

    Today, let's take a delicious journey into the rich culinary heritage of Hyderabad with a dish that's bound to make your taste buds dance - Bagara Baingan. If you're a fan of brinjals a.k.a eggplants/aubergines, this one's going to be your new favourite. And if you're not, well, prepare to be converted!

Iftar & Eid Menu: Breaking Fast with Dates and Tea

"Feasting on Faith: An Iftar & Eid al-Fitr Culinary Journey from Tamil Muslim Cuisine"

Tamil Muslim Cuisine: A Legacy of Trade, Culture & Flavours

    Tamil Muslims, also known as Tamil Nadu Muslims or Tamil-speaking Muslims, have a deep-rooted culinary heritage shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and cultural fusion. Their cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of South Indian traditions interwoven with Persian, Arab, and Mughlai influences—resulting in an exquisite blend of aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, and indulgent sweets that define Tamil Muslim feasts.

RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

    At the onset of Ramadan, the Holy Month, I always get reminded of two things, one is Biryani and the other one is Nombu Kanji.  Nombu Kanji is simply the spirit of Ramadan served in a bowl.  Every year, our neighbour used to share us their special Iftar dishes and this Nombu Kanji was one default dish along with their famous Mutton Biriyani, Brinjal curry, Chicken Curry, Egg Gravy, Raitha and Firni. The routine comes up quite often during Ramadan month until the day of Eid.  I am a big fan of all these recipes.  I learnt this Nombu Kanji recipe from our neighbour's grandmother. This is a foolproof and an easy recipe which can be incorporated within minutes.

    My love for Biriyani is incomparable, and this Nombu Kanji simply fits into the genre.  The only difference is that it is a bit of gruel like with all good properties & flavour of Biriyani.  Those days I never thought much about the dish rather than just gobbling it up.  But years of thought process has made me read about the dishes, its origin, history and significance. 

    Well, when we all think about Ramadan, we all know the most obvious feature is the abstinence from food and drink from Sunrise to Sunset. The idea being to create an intimate experience of thirst and hunger for 30 days in a row. But this Muslim holy month is also a time to emphasize the spirit of giving and sharing, to practice as much charity as possible.  We can see quite a number of Zakat counters during this Holy Month.  So we can see most of the mosques in Tamil Nadu and Kerala catering Nombu Kanji during the holy month with the sole intention of offering help to the needy – ensuring nourishment for those who might not have enough to fill their stomach after a long day's fast.  

RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

    Nombu Kanji is synonymous with the Iftar meal, marking the completion of the day’s fast during Ramadan. Iftar is the meal, families eat together at sunset to break the fast.  When Muslims break their day-long fast, the first thing they do is have water and dates. The Prophet Mohammed is believed to have opened his fast with dates, and Muslims try to follow the same practice when possible.  Even at some households in Tamil Nadu and some parts of Kerala, they follow it up with a few bowls of Nombu Kanji before praying.  This rice porridge keeps the stomach light, and it is also easily digestible for bodies that have been fasting.  

For more PORRIDGE/KANJI RECIPES, Click here...

Cuisine - South India
Recipe Type - Porridge
Difficulty - Low
Serves - 4-6
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15 - 30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

INGREDIENTS:

For Nombu Kanji:

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE COCONUT MILK, Click here…

RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

PREPARATION:

• Wash the Jeeraga Samba/Basmati rice & Moong Dhal until the water runs clear.
• Soak the rice & dhal for about 20 minutes.
• Boil the water and keep it aside.
• Wash and drain the Minced Meat & keep it aside.
  

METHOD:

• Heat Ghee in a pressure cooker, fry the ingredients mentioned under 'Spices' on a very low flame until aromatic.
• Add finely chopped Onions and Green Chillies, slit into two, to the above and sauté until onions turn translucent.
• Add the Ginger Garlic Paste and sauté until the raw flavour goes, and it turns fragrant.
• Then add finely chopped Tomatoes and sauté until tomatoes turn soft & oil separates from the mix.
  
• Now add in the minced meat and give a quick stir.
• Drain the soaked Rice & Dhal and add it to the above.
• Fry this for about 2–3 minutes on a very low flame.
• Add shredded coconut and give a quick stir.
  
• Pour in the Coconut Milk, boiled Water, Salt and mix well.
• Allow it to boil.
• Add finely chopped Mint & Coriander Leaves.
• Cover the pressure and place the vent cap.
• Cook on a high flame for a whistle, then reduce the flame and cook for another 3–4 whistles.
• Switch off the flame and allow the pressure to release. 
• Once the pressure is released, open the lid and mix Nombu Kanji with a ladle until well combined.
• Can add a handful of Coriander Leaves and Mint as garnish.
• Can garnish Nombu Kanji with Dried Onions/Birista.
  
• Serve Nombu Kanji hot with your choice of side dish.
• Paruppu Vadai, Masal Vadai, Uzhundhu Vadai, Kari Vadai, Meat Balls, Cutlets goes hand in hand with warm Nombu Kanji.

RAMADAN NOMBU KANJI

NOTES:

• I have used Jeeraka Samba Rice in this recipe.  Can use Basmati Rice / Chinigura Rice/Raw Rice for this dish.
• Some recipes call for using Rice grits alias Kurunai Arisi, which makes the cooking process quick, and also these rice grits are suitable for making Porridges (Kanji).
• If you do not have Rice grits, simply give a quick pulse in a dry jar before cooking.
  
• Can substitute half the amount of Ghee with Oil.
• Adding Cardamom and Bay Leaves are purely optional.
• Adjust the number of Green Chillies to suit your spice preference.
• I have added Minced Meat (Beef) in this recipe.  Can add your choice of meat as minced or small pieces.
  
• Adjust the consistency of Nombu Kanji to suit your preference.

 

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

     Arisi Upma Kozhukattai is one tiffin item I frequent at home.  All these days, I had thought my husband wouldn't prefer eating it as Arisi Upma.  I couldn't say why, I had assumed it so.  To my dismay, I found that he liked the dish when we dined at Mangalambika Coffee House at Kumbakonam during our recent trip to India.  We went to Kumbakonam with the sole intention of trying out their popular Kumbakonam Degree Coffee, and we were amazed by the Coffee and the tiffin items.  From the long list of dishes we ordered, and we all took turns sharing and eating all the dishes, so that we wouldn't miss out the taste of any.  It was a whole family trip and all loved this Arisi Upma along with Kumbakonam Degree Coffee. 

    So, for the recent reminiscence, Arisi Upma - which is from my long forgotten collection of recipes from my college days.  Just what I needed was to adjust the Rice : Water Ratio as perfect as for Arisi Upma.    Rice/Arisi Upma is one of the popular tiffin items in a Brahmin household. This is a simple recipe made with coarsely ground rice which is called as NOI or KURUNAI ARISI. The only work in terms of this tiffin item is soaking the raw rice, and then drying it indoor for a few hours until all the moist is gone, then pulsing it in a dry mixer grinder jar into a coarse rice powder a.k.a kurunai like texture.  Once you have the rice kurunai(small tit bits), then the job gets easier.

    For Arisi Upma, add a bit of Peppercorns, Cumin and Tuvar dhal before grinding it coarsely.  This gives out a wonderful flavour to the dish.  Then the Rice mixture is cooked along with seasoning until 1/2 cooked and then again it is cooked for about 3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker.  This is the main trick which results in a perfectly textured soft Arisi Upma.

     Arisi Upma, is an easy and tasty breakfast/dinner dish popular in a Tamil Brahmin household.  Some prepare the same adding a bit of extra Dhal(Tuvar/Moong Dhal) to it. As such each household has a unique recipe of their own and this is how I make.  Arisi Upma goes well with tangy curries like Puli Kos, Brinjal Gothsu, Puli Kuzhambu or simply serve it with your choice of Chutney or Sambar.  

For more TIFFIN ITEMS, Click here... 


Cuisine : South Indian
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Serves : 3-4
Yields : 15 Nos.
Author : SM

For more SOUTH INDIAN BREAKFAST RECIPES, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE RICE / ARISI UPMA

 

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

INGREDIENTS:

For Grinding:

For Arisi Upma:

To make Noi Arisi:

• Soak the raw rice for 15 mins in water. 
• After 15 mins, drain the water and spread the rice in a clean kitchen towel and allow it to dry completely. 
• Can dry the Rice indoor under a fan.
• Once the rice is dry, add Cumin Seeds, 3/4 Teaspoon Peppercorns & Tuvar Dhal along with the rice & then grind it into a coarse powder in a dry mixer grinder jar.  
• Just pulse it once or twice. It should not be ground into a fine powder.
• Noi Arisi seasoned with spices is ready for making Arisi Upma.

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

BRINJAL/EGGPLANT PICKLE

    If there's a pickle that never goes a long way in my pantry, then it is this Portuguese Style Brinjal Pickle. When I say this Pickle never goes a long way, the reason is that, most of the time when my MIL makes this recipe, it gets over the same day.  This Brinjal Pickle is a traditional recipe of the Catholic community of Goa.  I would surely add Cochin into the list too.  This dish is very common in Catholic community of Cochin too.  So, with a Portuguese lineage, living in Fort Cochin, my MIL's family and the most coveted "Clementina Joseph"(Clemmi Thathi), her mother, had traces of Portuguese culture in their lifestyle & cooking. And this Pickle is one from our family repertoire.

    This Brinjal/Egg plant Pickle is cooked mostly with the long variety Eggplants which do not have many seeds inside.  Soft and meaty Eggplants cooked into a pickle with a combination of western and local cuisine.  The use of Vinegar in Pickles is something which takes inspiration from Portuguese - Goan - Fort Cochin kitchens.  They make a wide range of Sweet & Sour Pickles with a tinge of Vinegar in it. Needless to mention, the sweet & Sour Lime Pickle most commonly made for banquets at this point.  And the use of Mustard Powder(coarsely ground Yellow Mustard) in pickles has a distinct Anglo-Indian root.

    Brinjal/Eggplant Pickle is a simple, quick pickle and doesn't require to be kept in brine or sun dried.  And mainly as any other common pickling ingredients like Mangoes, Lime, Gooseberries, Brinjal/Eggplant doesn't have the natural tanginess in it. So the addition of Vinegar balances the taste notes and also facilitates storing this pickle.  But importantly, this Brinjal pickles as it is, doesn't have the required acidity which makes it not safe to store it at room temperature.  I usually store this Eggplant Pickle in the refrigerator, and mostly I make only a small batch of it at a time.

    This Portuguese influenced Brinjal Pickle is a cornucopia of taste loaded in it.  A bit of sweetness is what you get with the first bite, then it gives you the note of sourness, slightly hitting the spiciness as you savour it around.  The star of the show is of course the meaty Eggplant/Brinjal, which gives a wonderful texture to this pickle.  Though this pickle is mostly served along with Rice, I love to eat it with Paratha/Chapatis.  The combination of flavours and tastes makes it a perfect combination with both Roti & Rice.

Cuisine - Portuguese(Goan; Cochin)
Course - Pickle/Condiment
Spice Level - High
Difficulty - Medium
 Yields - 11/2 - 2  Cups
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 15 - 20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30 - 45 Minutes

For more PICKLE Recipes, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE GOAN/COCHIN STYLE BRINJAL PICKLE - PORTUGUESE STYLE EGGPLANT PICKLE

BRINJAL/EGGPLANT PICKLE

INGREDIENTS:

For Brinjal/Eggplant Pickle:

For Pickle Paste(To Grind):

METHOD: 

• Rinse the Eggplant in water.  Pat dry the eggplant and make sure there is no moisture in it.
• Now cut the long Eggplant into four and then cut it into 2 inches long pieces.
• Soak the Eggplant in salted water for a few minutes, or until use.  This prevents them from turning brown.
• Finely chop the Green Chillies and Ginger.  Peel and cut the garlic into thin slices.
  
• Meanwhile, dry roast the Yellow Mustard seeds on a very low flame for a few minutes.
• Coarsely grind or Crush the Yellow Mustard Seeds and keep it aside.
• Grind all the ingredients mentioned under,"For the Pickle Paste"adding Vinegar into a fine paste & keep it aside.
• Now, heat oil in a wok.  Let the flame be at high and allow the oil to smoke off.
• Then, reduce the flame to low and wait for a few minutes for the oil to slightly cool down.
• Now add, Eggplant pieces and fry this on a low flame for a few minutes.   
• The idea is just to remove the moisture from the vegetable.  Do not overcook this at this stage.
• Remove the Eggplants from the oil and keep them aside.
  
• In the remaining oil,  add finely chopped Green Chillies, Ginger, Garlic & Curry leaves.  
• Sauté it on a low flame for a few minutes until the ingredients turn fragrant.
  
• Then add the Pickle Paste and give a quick stir.
• Add in the crushed Yellow Mustard Seeds, Salt & Sugar.  
• Mix well and cook this on a low flame until the raw flavour goes & oil separates from the mix.
• Now add in the Eggplant pieces and gently mix until the Eggplants are well coated with the Pickle mix.
• Adjust the amount of salt & sugar and add in some Vinegar if needed.
• Cook this on a low flame for a few minutes.
• Switch off the flame and allow the pickle to cool down before storing.
• This Pickle can be had immediately, not need of maturing time.
• Store the Pickle in a clean and dry Glass/Ceramic Jar in a refrigerator.
• Brinjal Pickle is served along with Rice & curry.  Goes well with Moru Curry/Moru Kachiyathu.
  
• Brinjal/Eggplant Pickle tastes great with Parathas, Chapatis, Roti, etc.,  
• Can pair it up with Curd Rice too.
  

BRINJAL/EGGPLANT PICKLE

NOTES:

• The Eggplants should be absolutely dry & moist free before cutting them for the Pickle.
• I have used the long purple variety of Eggplant.  These varieties(Purple/Green) suits well for this pickle.  As it has no/fewer seeds and also has a meaty texture.
  
• Adjust the amount of Red Chilli Powder to suit your spice level.
• Pour ample of Gingelly Oil to the pickle.  This will prolong the shelf life of the pickle.
• If you feel that extra oil should be added, once the pickle is made, Heat the Sesame Oil, cool it and then pour it over the pickle.
• Avoid using steel/aluminium/copper container for preserving the mangoes, as they tend to react with the acidic nature of salt and vinegar.
• A suitable method is to store them in a clean and dry, sterilized Glass/Ceramic/Porcelain Jars.
• Always use clean & dry spoons while handling this Brinjal Pickle. 
• Wet jars/spoon can spoil the pickle as the moisture in them helps in the growth of Fungus and that would spoil the pickle. 
• I personally suggest storing this Brinjal Pickle in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.   
  

PACHA THENGA ARACHA SAMBAR

    
      This is a simple Dhal Curry prepared with any local vegetables like Drumstick, any Gourd variety, Eggplant/Brinjal, Okra, Potatoes or mixture of the above Vegetables.  This curry is called as Pacha Sambar at home or colloquially Pacha Thenga Aracha Sambar because this Curry is prepared with freshly ground Coconut paste.  Whereas a traditional Kerala Sambar is prepared with roasted coconuts.    

     Just cook the Dhal, add any preferred vegetable to it(and that too is optional).  Season it with Onions, Green Chillies. Tomatoes and a clove of  Garlic. Then boil the curry with coconut paste and finally temper the curry in Coconut Oil for a Nadan touch.  Usually Varutharacha Sambar or Sadhya Sambar would be the first preference when it comes to a Sadhya.  But when it comes to Onam, you can give a try with different versions of Sambar for each day of Onam.

      Pacha Thenga Aracha Sambar is one  quick & easy Curry perfect to be served along with hot steaming Rice.  It serves best for a weekday Lunch Menu & also is suitable to be served in a Sadhya.  Serve it along with a hearty drizzle of Ghee for an utter treat. It can also be served along with Dosa, Idli, Uthappam etc., 

 

For more Recipes with Dhal/Pulses, Click here...    


Cuisine - Kerala, South India
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Soaking Time - 15 -30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 25-30 Minutes


For more SAMBAR RECIPES, Click here...

HOW TO COOK PACHA THENGA ARACHA SAMBAR - KERALA STYLE

PACHA THENGA ARACHA SAMBAR

INGREDIENTS:

To Cook Dhal:

METHOD:

For Pacha Thenga Aracha Sambar:

• Clean, Peel and wash the Ash Gourd and Bottle Gourd, cut into Cubes and leave it aside.
• Can use vegetables like Potatoes, Eggplant(Brinjal), Okra, Radish,  Drumstick, Spinach or any preferred Gourd varieties.
  
• Grind the Grated Coconut along with Garlic Cloves and Cumin Seeds adding little water into a fine paste and keep it aside.
• Clean, Wash and Soak Tuvar Dhal in ample of water for about 20-30 Minutes.
• Discard the water used for soaking the Dhal.
• Add  11/2 Cups of water, Turmeric Powder and half a teaspoon of Ghee and cook the Tuvar Dhal in a Pressure Cooker.
• Cook on a high flame for 2 Whistles, lower the flame and cook for another 2-3 whistles.
• Allow the  pressure to release.
• Once the Tuvar Dhal is cooked, add diced Ash Gourd & Bottle Gourd into it along with finely chopped Tomatoes & Green Chillies slit into two.
• Add Red Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder and a dash of Salt to the cooked Dhal and give a quick stir.
• Cook until the vegetables turn soft and cooked. Alternatively, can cook in a pressure cooker for a whistle.
• Once both the Dhal and vegetables are cooked, add ground Coconut Paste and mix well.
• Cook this on a low flame until raw flavour goes, and you get the desired consistency.
• Pour in the tamarind extract and boil it for a few more minutes.
  
• Add water if necessary at this stage.
• Heat Oil in a separate pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Dry Red Chillies and Curry Leaves on a very low flame.
• Pour in the cooked Pacha Thenga Aracha Sambar into the tempering and cook on a low flame for a few minutes.
• Serve Pacha Thenga Aracha Sambar hot with a drizzle of Ghee along with steaming hot rice & any preferred Poriyal/Thoran.

 NOTES:

• Can substitute Yellow Moong Dhal instead of Tuvar Dhal in this recipe.
• Soaking Tuvar Dhal makes cooking faster. 
• Adding butter or ghee while cooking dhal will speed up the process and also adds a nice flavour to the dhal.
• Do not add salt while cooking dhal, once the dhal is cooked add salt and mix well before tempering.
• Can substitute Red Chilli Powder with Dry Red Chilli Flakes.
• Do not temper the ingredients on a high flame, this will burn them and will give a bitter taste to the dish.

GUJARATI AAM CHUNDA - RAW MANGO  SWEET PICKLE

    I got a liking for this Aam Chunda during my college days.  We had a few Gujarati friends in our class, and we often shared our lunch boxes.  They loved our Idli, Dosa, Sambar Saadham, Thayir Sadham & I fell for their Dokla, Thepla and least to mention Aam Chunda, Methia Keri Athanu, Katta Meeta Nimbu ka Achar etc., They would always have Rotis, Subzi and a Pickle and me being a Pickle lover use to fall head over heels for Roti & Subzi and especially for the Pickles.  I feel quite nostalgic when I think about this scenario now.

    Since then, I always make a batch of Aam Chunda, and it is one default pickle in my refrigerator.  The moment we serve Lunch, the first thing I put into my plate would be a Pickle and my daughter would always come up with a dialogue... You have pickle for Rice, Pongal, Upma, Sevai... special pickles for Chapatis too?!!! I make a separate batch of Green Chilli Pickle, Brinjal/Eggplant Pickle and this Aam Chunda especially to go along with Chapatis, Rotis/Parathas in a typical North Indian Style.  And most of the other Pickles would be in South Indian Style.

    Aam ka Chunda or simply Raw Mango Sweet Pickle is a very popular pickle from Gujarat. Aam Chunda is a classic Gujarati Mango pickle prepared with Raw Mangoes.  Traditionally grated Raw Mangoes, seasonings & Sugar/Jaggery are mixed and then left under the sun. The heat of the Sun melts down the Sugar and slowly turns it into a syrupy consistency.  Gradually, the grated Mangoes turns translucent and cooked under the heat of the Sun. We can say that it is sun-dried or literally sun-cooked. Usually traditional methods tastes authentic, but it is rather time-consuming. 

    But this is an instant version, a quick fix pickle which could be made within minutes. In this instant version, grated mangoes are slow cooked in Sugar until it reaches one string consistency. Perfect string consistency and slow cooking is the secret behind perfectly textured Aam ka Chunda. The Sugar should be melted into one string consistency on a very low flame, which yields you with a perfectly textured translucent mango strands and also it helps you to store this pickle for a long time. With no preservatives and additives it is the sheer perfect cooking method which makes this pickle last for a long time.  I store it for upto a Year, it lasts longer if stored in the refrigerator.

    Gujarati Aam Chunda /Khummar/ Khaman can be served as a pickle/chutney/relish or as a side dish. It goes very well with Chapatis, Roti, Methi Theplas, Mooli Roti, Aloo Paratha, Pudina Parathas, Spring Onion Paratha, Beetroot Chapati, Moong Dal Parathas, Gobi Paratha, Paneer Paratha, Matar Paratha etc.,

For more PICKLE Recipes, Click here...


Cuisine - Gujarati (North Indian)
Recipe Type - Pickle
Spice Level  - Low
Difficulty - Easy
Yields - 1- 11/ 2 Cups
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15 - 30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15-20 Minutes
Maturing Time - Instant

For NORTH INDIAN STYLE PARATHA RECIPES, Click here... 

HOW TO MAKE GUJARATI AAM CHUNDA - RAW MANGO  SWEET PICKLE

GUJARATI AAM CHUNDA - RAW MANGO  SWEET PICKLE

INGREDIENTS:

• Wash and wipe the raw mangoes.  I have used 2 big size raw mangoes in this recipe which was about 11/2 Cups.
• Peel the mango skin and then grate them.
• In a wide heavy bottomed or non-stick pan, combine the grated Mangoes along with Salt, Turmeric and Sugar. 
• Mix well and cook this on a medium- low flame for about 2-3 Minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Once the Mango-Sugar mixture starts to bubble, reduce the flame to low.
• Mix well and cook this on a very low flame, stirring it occasionally, until it reaches one-string consistency and the grated mangoes have turned translucent.
• Switch off the flame.
• Now, add in the Red Chilli Powder and Cumin Powder and give a quick stir.
• Allow Gujarati Aam Chunda to cool down completely before storing it.
• Store Gujarati Aam Chunda in clean & dry airtight bottles.

Zafrani Phirni/Kesar Badam Phirni – Indulge in the richness of saffron and almonds

Celebrate Ramadan with the Rich and Decadent Zafrani Phirni

 Celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with a Mughal delicacy – the rich, fragrant, and utterly delicious Zafrani Phirni.

   Ramadan is a time for reflection, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in time-honoured festive treats! And what better way to celebrate than with a bowl of rich, aromatic, and utterly decadent Zafrani Phirni? This saffron-infused rice pudding is a Mughal-inspired delicacy, blending the creamy goodness of milk with the luxurious touch of almonds and saffron. A dessert fit for royalty!

THATTA PAYIRU KATHIRIKKAI KUZHAMBU

    Yet another recipe from my hometown, Coimbatore. A unique Kongu style Kuzhambu, which I learnt from my house help - Hamsa Akka. She would term it as "Aatti Vacha Thattam Payiru Kulambu". Well, Thatta Payiru & Kathirkkai Kuzhambu is nothing but a Curry made with a combination of Black-eyed Peas and Eggplant(Brinjal). Cow Peas/Black-eyed Peas, colloquially called Thatta Payiru is one common gram variety used in Kongu Cuisine along with Green Grams(Pachai Payiru) & Horse Grams(Kollu Paruppu). The variety of Thatta Payiru we get in Coimbatore is slightly brown in colour and smaller in size. As I couldn't get hold of this variety locally, I have used the Vellai Payiru(which belongs to the same family) alias the Cow Peas or the Black-eyed Peas.

This Thatta Payiru Kuzhambu has two distinct specialities of its own.  

• A portion of soaked & cooked Thatta Payiru is ground and added into the Kuzhambu(Curry) & 
• Mainly they add a bit of Castor Oil(Velakkennai) while cooking Thatta Payiru. 

    The laxative nature of Castor Oil aids in digestion & also keeps gastrointestinal problems at bay. Most of the Beans, Lentils & Pulses(Except Green Gram & Moong Dhal) contains, Raffinose & Oligosaccharide, which is a complex sugar that the body can not break down fully, which causes trouble in digesting & also cause gas. A drop of Castor oil while cooking Thatta Payiru solves this issue.

    Hamsa Akka grinds the grated coconut & spices for this curry in an Aattangkal and not Ammikkal. She says, "Appathaan Kulambu Nalla Irukkum" only then the curry would taste well. Aattangkal is the traditional type of mortar & pestle specifically used for grinding Idli Dosa Batter. Whereas Ammikkal is a kind of flat lay mortar & pestle used for grinding masalas, spices, chutneys etc.,

And she insists upon 

• Grinding the coconut, spices & thatta payiru in Aattaangkal(Mortar & pestle). 
• Then using Shallots and not Onions &
• To temper the curry in Gingelly Oil(Nallennai).  

    I still remember the way she peels the shallots & garlic, all using her nails, no knife whatsoever. Overall enthusiasm which gets into her when we ask her to cook, is something I can never forget. The instructions would be given out like a commentary as if she is running a cooking show flows throughout the process. It's what I still remember with these recipes. Ironically I hadn't jotted it down in my recipe books then. And finally, she would add, Suda Suda Kolamba Sappatula Oothi, Konjoondu Nei vittu Sappidu!!! (Pour hot Curry to the Rice and eat with a dollop of Ghee).Thanks, Hamsa Akka!!!

    But my unproclaimed skill with an Ammikkal & Aattangkal, I have always ground the masala paste in a Mixer. And you can even substitute whole Coriander Seeds and Dry Red Chillies with Coriander Powder & Red Chilli Powder. But the above form of the ingredients yields an authentic taste to this Kongu style curry.

For more Recipes from KONGU CUISINE, Click here...


Cuisine - Kongu Cuisine(South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM


Soaking Time - 6-8 Hours/Overnight
Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 25 - 30 Minutes
 

HOW TO COOK KONGU STYLE THATTA PAYIRU KATHIRIKKAI KUZHAMBU

THATTA PAYIRU KATHIRIKKAI KUZHAMBU

 

INGREDIENTS:

For Thatta Payiru Kathirkkai Kuzhambu:

For the Masala Paste:

METHOD:

To Soak & Cook the Thatta Payiru Cow Peas(Black-eyed Peas):

• Clean, Wash & Soak the Thatta Payiru(Cow Peas) in ample of water overnight or at least for about 6-8 hours.
• Alternatively can soak in hot water for about 3-4 hours.
• Once soaked, discard the water used for soaking the bean.
• Pour 3 Cups of Water along with 2 drops of Castor Oil(Optional) to the soaked Thatta Payiru(Cow Peas).
• Pressure cook the Thatta Payiru(Cow Peas) for 2 Whistles on a high flame.
• Lower the flame and cook for another 3-4 Whistles.
• The Thatta Payiru(Cow Peas) shouldn't be overcooked or turn mushy.

For a detailed explanation on HOW TO COOK BEANS, LENTILS & PULSES, Click here...

For the Masala Paste:

• Grind the ingredients mentioned under "For the Masala Paste" into a smooth paste.
• Then add 2 Teaspoons of cooked Thatta Payiru(Cow Peas) to the above and grind it into a smooth paste.
• Keep it aside.

For Thatta Payiru Kathirkkai Kuzhambu:

• Cut Eggplants/Brinjal into four and soak it in mildly salted water until use. 
• Soak Tamarind in lukewarm water for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Extract Tamarind juice out of it and keep it aside.
• Heat Gingelly Oil in a pan, let it smoke off. The oil tends to froth too.
• Splutter Mustard Seeds, Dry Red Chillies & Curry Leaves in it.
• Add thinly sliced Shallots, Garlic slit into halves(small garlic cloves can be used, as such) & saute it until Shallots turn translucent.
• Then add roughly chopped Tomatoes(Nattu Thakkali works better). 
• Cook Tomatoes until soft.
• Add Turmeric Powder and give a quick stir. 
• Then add Brinjal to the above and saute this for a while until the colour of the Brinjal changes.
• Now, pour in the ground Masala Paste along with 3/4 cup of water and mix well. 
• Let it cook on a low flame until the raw flavour goes.
• Then, pour in the Tamarind Extract.
• Cook this on a low flame for about 10 minutes or until the curry reaches the desired consistency.
• This is a slightly thick Kuzhambu, adjust the consistency of the Curry accordingly.
• Serve Thatta Payiru Kathirkkai Kuzhambu hot with Rice or Ragi Kali.
  

NOTES:

• Adding Castor Oil while cooking the Cow Peas aids in digestion, and also facilitates easy cooking of the Bean. Adding it is purely optional.
• I have used White Cow Peas(Black Eyed Peas) in this recipe.
• The same curry can be prepared with Bottle Gourd instead of Eggplant/Brinjals. 
• Can substitute Coriander Seeds & Dry Red Chillies with Coriander Powder & Red Chilli Powder.
• I have used Gingelly Oil in this recipe which gives out an authentic taste to the curry.
• Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil which suits your availability & taste.
• Traditionally Nattu Thakkali or Country Tomatoes are used while making this curry.
• I do not get Nattu Thakkali here, so have used normal Tomatoes and have balanced the needed tanginess with an extra bit of Tamarind.

___________________________________________________________________________________

TRIVIA: A SIMPLE NOTE

• Sesame Oil has a high smoke point & can be used for deep frying.
• Gingelly Oil has a low smoke point & can be used for stir-frying. Perfect for using it at the final stage of cooking to bring out the flavour and aroma. (Tamarind Rice/Puli Sadham, Vatha Kuzhambu, Karuvattu Kuzhambu, Puli Kuzhambu, Thatta Payiru Kathirikkai Kuzhambu, Karamani Puli Kuzhambu, Podi Idli, to mix Idli Podi with copious amount of Gingelly oil or drizzle it over Dosa etc.,) It is also used while making PICKLES in South India.
• Dark Sesame Oil has a very low smoke point & is used mostly as a flavour enhancer and is used in the final stage of cooking(final drizzle in Kuey Teow, Chicken Porridge, Soups etc.,)