Kollu rasam

   One of my aunty at chennai used to prepare this kollu rasam, in fact she used to prepare or inculcate a lot of herbal spices in her daily routine cooking which I admire.  That is why I couldn't resist myself buying horse gram when found in a super-market shelf (though it was an kilo pack!)  I asked her for the recipe, and prepared it my way.  The rasam came out super-delecious and I could still smell the flavours of it.  

Kollu/Horse gram was generally regarded as an cattle feed, but here in South India kollu has found extensive culinery use.  Kollu rasam, chutney, idly/dosa, poriyal are common form of its existence.  This horse gram is proven beneficial in numerous ways.  Since they form a major source of fibre, they can also aid in weight-reducing.  They are also found as an preventive for winter chill , as they have tendency to heat up the body.  Researchers have also found that unprocessed horse gram seed coats produce excellant antioxidants for diabetic patients.  So, why wait guys?  Do grab your pack in nearby markets.....

Rai Ki Doodhi Recipe | Oriya Style Bottle Gourd in Mustard Gravy

An authentic Oriya-style curry, Rai Ki Doodhi brings a unique twist by using mustard seeds (rai) as the base of the gravy instead of just for tempering. This simple yet flavourful dish has a mildly pungent aroma with a creamy, spicy texture that pairs beautifully with chapathi or steamed rice. A comforting traditional recipe introduced to me by my neighbour — and definitely worth trying!

Ingredients Required

• 2 cups bottle gourd, chopped and deseeded
• 6–7 garlic cloves
• 2–3 dry red chillies
• 4 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• 3 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (rai) for tempering
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• A few curry leaves
• 2–3 tsp chopped onions
• A pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Grind mustard seeds, garlic, and dry red chillies into a smooth paste using little water.
2. Combine the mustard paste with chopped bottle gourd, turmeric powder, and salt. Pressure cook for 1 whistle.
3. Heat oil in a pan and prepare the tempering with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn light golden.
4. Add the tempering to the cooked bottle gourd mixture and mix gently.
5. Serve hot with chapathi or steamed rice.