Vadakari (SouthIndian curry made with steamed dal dumplings)

    Vadakari is my all-time-favourite.  My mother used to prepare this dish atleast once a month and we used to rejoice it with idly, dosa and  pongal too!  I made it for first time and served it with mini-dosa (to come sooner) and my kid enjoyed it.  Here, Chana dal, which was first soaked, is later blended with selective spices, steamed and mixed with regular onion-tomato gravy base.  The spices usually added are red chilly and dhanya powder, here I added  chana masala which blended  soo well and gave an much richer aroma.  Do try guys and let me know.

Ingredients required

For dumplings

• 1/2 cup chana dal
• 1/2 tsp dry ginger powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp jeera powder
• 1/2 tsp haldi/turmeric powder
• 4 tsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
• Pinch of hing/asoeftida

Masala tea

Masala tea is an refreshing tea on windy evenings... Prepared by adding exotic dash of indian spices,(with cardamon and ginger as predominant factor)  it also shares medicinal use as they are known to have better cure for cold.

Ingredients required

To make masala

• 7-8 green cardamon pods
• 1/2 tsp dry ginger powder(optional)
• 1-inch cinnamon piece
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds/sombu
• 1/2 tsp star anise

other

• 1 tsp tea masala (i used regular 3 roses)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sugar

Method

Dry roast all ingredients under masala, and crush them to coarse powder
Alternatively heat half cup milk and half cup water in tea pan
Add finely chopped ginger to tea pan and simmer the flame
Throw in crushed masalas and sugar
Lastly add tea masala also and simmer for two minutes for tea masala to infuse with already added spices and milk
Then strain the liquid and serve hot!!

Enjoy!!!!