VAZHAKKAI CURRY NAGERKOIL STYLE

 

 

If you observe the cuisine of regions like Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, and Tirunelveli, you can notice the predominance of coconut oil, much like in Kerala cuisine. It lends an appetizing flavour to this dish. This particular curry is often prepared during weddings in these regions. I stumbled upon this recipe in one of the posts. Though the recipe remains the same, I have slightly altered the cooking method.

 

 

 

 INGREDIENTS TO GRIND COARSELY

 

CUMIN SEEDS- 1 TSP

PEPPERCORNS- 3/4 TSP

CURRY LEAVES- 1 SPRIG

RED CHILLIES- 4-5 NOS

GARLIC CLOVES- 6

COCONUT GRATINGS- 1/2 CUP

 

FOR SEASONING

 

COCONUT OIL- 5 TSP

ONION CHOPPED- 2 NOS

MUSTARD- 3/4 TSP

URAD DAL- 3/4 TSP

CURRY LEAVES-1 SPRIG

ASAFOETIDA- 1/4 TSP

 

OTHER INGREDIENTS :

 

RAW BANANA- 2 

SALT TO TASTE

TURMERIC POWDER- 1/4 TSP 

 

PROCEDURE ;

 

1. Wash,wipe,peel the skin of raw banana and chopit into cubes or little bigger chunks.

 

2.Boil the pieces in water along with salt and turmeric powder.After boiling,drain excess water if any.

 

3. In a pan heat coconut oil and splutter mustard,urad dal,curry leaves,asafoetida,add chopped onions,salt and fry till translucent.

 

4.Transfer the boiled veggie pieces over this and mix well.

 

5.At last add the coarse ground mixture cited above and mix well.Adjust salt,Add a teaspoon of coconut oil and simmer in mild heat for a minute and switch off.

PUMPKIN RAITA

 

During sweltering heat, natural foods like curd are much healthier for the body. I had stashed away a kilogram of pumpkin. After using a portion of it for sambar, I utilized the remaining to prepare raita. It turned out to be a simple yet delicious dish, and serves as a perfect accompaniment to rice, pulao, or even rotis

 

 

 

 

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 INGREDIENTS

 

PUMPKIN- 300 GRAMS

WHISKED CURD- 2 CUPS

SALT TO TASTE

CORIANDER FOR GARNISHING

 

FOR SEASONING

COCONUT OIL/ GHEE- 3 TSP

MUSTARD-1/4 TSP

URAD DAL/ BLACK GRAM DAL- 1/4 TSP

CUMIN SEEDS-1/4 TSP 

CURRY LEAVES-1 SPRIG

CHOPPED GREEN CHILLIES- 2

CHILLI POWDER-1/4 TSP

ASAFOETIDA- 1/4 TSP

 

PROCEDURE 

 

1. Peel,wash and chop pumpkin roughly to pieces and boil till it turns mushy.Add salt while boiling.

 

2. Allow it to cool and drain excess water if any. Mash it using a masher and keep it aside.

 

3.Pour the whisked curd over this and mix well.Adjust salt if required.

 

4. Prepare the seasoning and add to it. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve. 

SANDESH / SHONDESH

 

Turned a kitchen accident into a cultural treat!  After my milk accidentally curdled, I learned that this fresh cheese is actually the base for Sandesh, an iconic Bengali delicacy. This soft, cardamom-infused sweet is officially my new favorite way to fix a mistake.In case you are running out of curdled milk,then follow the procedure for curdling cited below

 

 

 

 

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 Ingredients

• Milk: 1 litre (full fat)
• Lemon Juice/Vinegar: 2 tbsp (diluted with water)
• Powdered Sugar: 1/4 cup
• Cardamom Powder: 1/2 tsp
• Garnish: Pistachios & Saffron strands/ Almonds

1. Make Fresh Chenna (Paneer)

• Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.
• Turn off heat. Add diluted lemon juice slowly.
• Stir until milk curdles completely.
• Strain using a muslin cloth.
• Rinse with cold water to remove sourness.
• Squeeze well. Hang for 30 minutes to drain.

2. Knead to Smoothness

• Place the fresh chenna on a flat plate.
• Rub with your palm for 5–7 minutes.
• Stop when it becomes smooth and non-sticky.
• Mix in powdered sugar and cardamom powder.

3. Cook the Mix (Crucial Step!)

• Transfer the mix to a non-stick pan.
• Cook on low heat for 4–5 minutes only.
• Stir continuously so it does not dry out.
• Remove when it gathers together into a soft dough.
• Add saffron strands soaked in milk mixture to the dough. 

4. Shape & Serve

• Let it cool slightly until warm.
• Divide into equal portions.
• Roll into balls and flatten slightly (or use molds).
• Press a pistachio/ almond or saffron strand into the center.
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving!