Hiruva masala shaak / Green masala curry - POTLUCK PARTY, CYBER STYLE Dec 10

   It's party-time!!! :D  yes, back to potluck party, cyber style hosted by Jagruti mam where several bloggers meet with their party dishes online and share treat virtually  :D.  They, also pair up and prepare the other partner's dish and cherish them as well.  Isn't it interesting??   But, travelling frequently for past two months, I was not able to make up.  This time, I do proudly present the authentic curry preparation, made by my Mother-in-law - Hiruva masala shaak or Green masala curry.

 

As the name suggests, green masala curry is  very hot (Caution to spice-tolerant guys!), they differ from Nilgiri/green coloured curry because it is not the  (green) colour that matters here.  Hiruva masala shaak has many green chillies (8-10), sauted and pureed, this masala is added to regular curry-base, unlike other curries where  pureeing mint/coriander leaves is done to attain characteristic green colour.   

Beans usili

Paruppu usili is an common side-dish had with rice & curry in South-Indian cuisine.

 

'Usili' means disaggregated pieces, here dal/lentils are blend, formed as large dumplings, steamed and finally disaggregated, hence the name.  Beans usili is the most common type, they are had with kolambu saadham ie curry rice. 

Bisibela baath

   Bisibela baath, a two-word recitation and that dates back to my school days where my mother used to prepare on every saturdays.  Served hot with ghee, these would literally melt in my mouth. This meal, as such is heavy on ur stomach and will mesmerize your mind wanting for more!!!!!!!   Back at home, found best time to prepare, that is on sunday when my hubby (who always requested to make some) was there to support   :P  :P

     Bisibela baath, orginating from Karnataka cuisine lets out meaning like "Hot Lentil Rice" .  Here,  an array of vegetables (Brinjal, snakegourd, pumpkin, carrot, beans, drumstick etc) are cooked in dal tempered like sambhar style.  Cooked rice is mashed, added to the dal and masala comes at the end.  The much interesting part of cooking bisibela baath is its spice mix.  Since I luved my mom's, called her and got her ratios.  Tweaking a bit, I proceeded and yes !!!!!  Bisibela baath was very awesome, it got over by end of the meal!!  :)  

Avial

      Hi guys, hope you all had an amazing weekend!!  Here I have my parent-in-laws (finally got releived from babysitting for sometime) for an vacation visit.  Had an awesome time with them :) So, as I had told you in my previous posts, am an active member of Jagruti mam's Cyber partystyle cooking (You can view more details here) For this month's challenge I had prepared handvo, and as we have party over here, I prepared Sini's Avial.  Sini had prepared excellant avial and gave handy tips to acheive great taste too!!  I really appreciate her doing this, and that gave me very ease to prepare the same.
 

   


    I  prepared avial along with hot rice and vathakulambu.  Avial was excellant with such an combo.  Avial, itself can be had with hot rice.  It was very tasty and the aroma filled my entire home :)  And yes, Sini's preparation technique and methodology was simple to acheive great product.  Finally, my husband luved it and appreciated me for making lunch much healthier.  After all this,  I did felt bad, 'why didn't I prepare this before?? What took me so longggg? '   So,  guys, this avial is gonna top my regular food timetable  :)

So, let us move to avial making

Kadaai vegetables - Hyderabadi styled

Ingredients required

• 4 tsp oil
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 2 green chillies broken
• 4 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
• 1/2 cup pureed onions (which are boiled in hot water)
• 1 cup  tomato puree
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp dhanya powder
• Salt, as per taste
• 1/2 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/4 cup each of chopped beans, potato, capsicum, carrot
• 100ml of fresh cream

Mili-juli subzi

Mili-juli subzi is an combination of seasonal vegetables & Paneer cooked on milk, creamy onion-tomato gravy

Ingredients required

• One cup of quartered onions
• 2-inch ginger piece
• 6 pods of garlic
• 11/2 cup tomato puree (made from three tomatos)
• 2 tsp dry kasoori methi 
• 2 cups of mixed chopped vegetables like carrot, green peas, capsicum, Beans, baby corn, cauliflower
• 1/2 cup of boiled, de-skinned potatos, quartered
• 1/2 cup of paneer, cut into thick slices
• 1/4 cup milk/ cream
• 4 tsp butter

Vegetable taka tak

What is taka tak??  Taka tak is the name derived from the Lahorean dish 'mutton taka tak'  This entire dish was made from large tawas and using metal spatulas, which on cooking made the sound familiar to 'taka tak' and hence the name.  Here i substituted Mutton mince with vegetable mince(pressure cooked set of vegetables and mashed to form mince-like structure) and regular spices and dish came out quite well... So friends,,, are u ready for a taka-tak?? ;)  ;)

Ingredients required

• 4 tsp finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 green chilly, finely chopped
• 2 tsp of mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped, deskinned tomatos (Boil tomatos in hot water for five minutes and remove skin)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables like potato, carrot, beans, cauliflower etc
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chilly powder
• 1 tsp dhanya powder
• 2 tsp hung yoghurt
• 1/2 tsp haldi/turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 4-5 tsp of butter
• Few onion rings, to garnish

Method

In a large tawa, place onions, green peas, green chilly and mint leaves.  Cook for sometime.

Then add tomato pieces, ginger-garlic paste and salt

After ten minutes on simmer flame, add pressure cooked vegetable mince and using two metal spoons crush them to integrate with pre-added ingredients.. so there goes takaaaaaaatak

Furthur add remaining spices like garam masala, chilly powder, yoghurt, dhanya powder and coriander leaves.  

Finally add butter and close lid... cook on a simmer flame

Garnish with onion rings and serve hot with paranthas/roti

Spicy and creamy too!!!

Soya Aur Tarkari Ki Masala | Soya Chunks & Mixed Vegetable Gravy

Soya Aur Tarkari Ki Masala is a delicious and wholesome Indian vegetarian curry made with soft soya balls and a colourful combination of mixed vegetables. The soya and vegetables are simmered in a rich onion-tomato gravy flavoured with ginger, garlic, mint, garam masala and Kitchen King masala. The addition of khoya and milk gives the gravy a wonderfully creamy and mildly rich texture. It is an easy yet satisfying dish that makes a lovely addition to an everyday Indian meal or a special vegetarian spread.

                                   

Ingredients required

For gravy base

• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped tomatos
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp finely chopped green chillies
• Handful of mint leaves
• 2 tsp khoya
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Pinch of haldi/turmeric
• 1 tsp Everest Kitchen King masala
• 1/2 tsp salt

Other

• 1/4 cup soya balls cooked with one cup of water and half tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup mixed boiled vegetables like cauliflower, potato, carrot and beans

Method

• Prepare the gravy base: Heat a little oil in a kadai. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies and mint leaves. Add khoya, garam masala, turmeric, Kitchen King masala and salt.
• Sauté everything over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and tomatoes become soft and the mixture is well cooked.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste.
• Meanwhile, cook the soya balls in 1 cup water with ½ tsp salt. Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water.
• Heat oil in another kadai and shallow-fry the cooked soya balls until lightly golden. Add the boiled mixed vegetables—cauliflower, potato, carrot and beans—and sauté for a few minutes.
• Add the prepared onion-tomato gravy and ¼ cup milk. Mix well and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend.   

Serving suggestions

You can serve Soya masala with 

• Roti or chapati
• Butter naan or garlic naan
• Paratha
• Jeera rice
• Steamed basmati rice
• Vegetable pulao.  For a complete meal, serve it with roti, cucumber-onion salad, papad and a bowl of plain yogurt or raita.

Hyderabadi Vegetable Sandwich Recipe | Spicy Indian Vegetable Cheese Sandwich

Hyderabadi Vegetable Sandwich is a delicious Indian-style sandwich prepared with a spicy and flavorful mixed vegetable filling, aromatic spices, tomato puree and cheese. The vegetable mixture is cooked until completely dry and then layered between toasted bread slices for a crispy, satisfying snack. This easy vegetarian sandwich is perfect for breakfast, evening tea, school lunch boxes or a quick snack.

Ingredients

For Tempering

• 3 teaspoons oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped green chillies

For the Vegetable Filling

• 4 teaspoons finely chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons curd
• A pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon salt, or according to taste
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder (jeera powder)
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
• ½ cup tomato puree
• 1 cup boiled mixed vegetables, such as cauliflower, potato, carrot and beans
• 3 teaspoons grated cheese
• 4 slices milk bread

Method

Prepare the Vegetable Filling

1. Heat oil in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add the finely chopped green chillies and sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and slightly translucent.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add turmeric powder, salt, garam masala, cumin powder and coriander powder. Mix well.
6. Add the curd and stir continuously so that it blends well with the spices.
7. Pour in the tomato puree and mix everything together.
8. Add the boiled mixed vegetables and gently combine with the masala.
9. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are well coated with the spices and the excess moisture has completely evaporated.

Important tip: The vegetable filling should be thick and completely dry. If the filling is watery, continue cooking until all excess moisture evaporates. A wet filling can make the bread soggy and affect the texture and appearance of the sandwich.

Assemble the Sandwich

10. Heat a tawa or flat pan and lightly toast the bread slices on both sides.
11. Spread an even layer of the prepared vegetable filling over one toasted bread slice.
12. Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the vegetable filling.
13. Cover with another bread slice and gently press the sandwich together.
14. Toast the sandwich on the tawa until both sides are golden brown and crisp and the cheese has melted.
15. Remove from the pan, cut into halves or slices and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Hyderabadi Vegetable Sandwich hot with tomato ketchup, green chutney or your favorite sandwich dip. You can also serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delicious evening snack.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure the boiled vegetables are well drained before adding them to the filling.
• Cook the vegetable mixture until it becomes dry to prevent soggy sandwiches.
• You can adjust the green chillies according to your preferred spice level.
• For a richer sandwich, add extra grated cheese before toasting.
• Brown or whole-wheat bread can be used instead of milk bread.
• The filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for quick sandwich preparation.

Authentic Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe | Healthy Spinach and Lentil Curry

Sai Bhaji is one of the most beloved dishes from Sindhi cuisine. The word "Sai" means green and "Bhaji" means vegetables. This wholesome one-pot meal combines fresh leafy greens, lentils, and a variety of vegetables into a nutritious and delicious dish.

Ever since I started making this Sai Bhaji at home, it has become a family favorite. Even my husband, who is usually a picky eater, asks for it almost every week! Packed with the goodness of spinach, lentils, and vegetables, this recipe is proof that healthy food can be incredibly tasty.

The best part is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have in your refrigerator, making it an excellent recipe for using up leftover vegetables. Traditionally, Sai Bhaji is served with steamed rice, but it also tastes wonderful with roti, paratha, dosa, or even plain bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich in protein and fiber
✔ Loaded with vitamins and minerals
✔ One-pot healthy meal
✔ Kid-friendly and family-friendly
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Naturally vegetarian and nutritious

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Serves

4

Ingredients

To Be Pressure Cooked

• 2 cups finely chopped spinach (palak)
• ¾ cup chana dal, soaked for 2 hours
• 4 tsp finely chopped onions
• ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• ½ cup finely chopped beans
• ¾ cup cauliflower florets
• ½ cup finely chopped radish
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup water

For Tempering

• 3 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 6–7 curry leaves
• 2–3 dried red chillies, broken
• 4–5 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients listed under "To Be Pressure Cooked" in a pressure cooker.
2. Add water and cook for 2 whistles.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Lightly mash the cooked mixture to achieve a thick consistency.
5. Heat oil in a small pan.
6. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
7. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, red chillies, and crushed garlic.
8. Sauté until fragrant.
9. Pour the tempering over the cooked Sai Bhaji and mix well.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, paratha, or dosa.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice
• Phulka or chapati
• Paratha
• Dosa
• Multigrain roti

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Sindhi goodness with your family!  

Rice Bhakri Recipe | Leftover Rice Flatbread

Bhakri (भाकरी), also known as Dhebra, is a traditional unleavened flatbread popular in the cuisines of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Northern Karnataka, and Goa. It is slightly coarser and heartier than chapati, making it a wholesome accompaniment to chutneys, curries, and dals.

This version of Rice Bhakri is a wonderful way to use up leftover rice. Combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, it turns into a nutritious and delicious meal.

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Ingredients Required

• ½ cup grated carrot
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped methi (fenugreek) leaves
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped beans
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped cauliflower
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania powder)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 cup leftover cooked rice
• 2 cups rice flour
• 8 teaspoons oil

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Method

1. Blend the leftover rice into a smooth paste without adding any water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrot, methi leaves, chopped beans, cauliflower, salt, chilli powder, coriander powder, ginger-garlic paste, and garam masala.
3. Add the blended rice paste and mix well.
4. Gradually add the rice flour and knead into a soft dough. The consistency should be similar to chapati dough.
5. Grease your hands with a little oil and flatten portions of the dough onto a greased plastic sheet or parchment paper.
6. Carefully transfer the bhakri onto a hot tawa.
7. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook on both sides until golden spots appear and the bhakri is cooked through.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Serve hot with chutney, sambar, curd, or your favourite curry.

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