Ondelaga /Gotu Kola / leaves Chutney

We South Indians like chutneys. Chutney goes well with all the main dishes.

It is one of the healthy habit to eat chutney with lunch /breakfast or snacks. Chutney is prepared using coconut/dals, vegetables etc. Here is a healthy chutney prepared using Ondelaga.

Ondelaga /Gotukola is also known as Brahmi leaves.

Ondelaga is called in different names in different language.

Botanical name for Ondelaga is Centella Asiatica and other names are Indian Pennywort and Asiatic Pennywort. In Kannada these leaves are called as Ondelaga/ Uraga / Brahmi leaves.

In Telugu it is known as Saraswathi Akku, Tamil: Vallari Kirai, in Marati it is called as Karivan / Karivana. In Gujarathi is Khanda Brahmi , In Bengali it is known as Tulkudi adn in Hindi it is known as Bensag Brahmi.
Ondelaga leaves and benefits :
Ondelaga leaf is one of the medicinal herb which is also used in cooking. It is used as a memory enhancer. It contain antioxidants and regulates the blood sugar levels in diabetic people. Ondelaga has cooking property and it helps to keep the mind calm and free from anxiety. It also helps to sleep well. It is normally said that eating Ondelaga helps to improve our memory and good for children. The shape of the leaf is just like our cerebellum and it helps in controlling concentration and memory. Ondelaga leaf helps in rebuilding brain tissues by influencing the brain cells. It helps in building strong immunity in our body.
These Ondelaga Leaves are used in hair oil and is good for strong healthy hair.
Please note  do not consume these leaves in big quantity, it might cause headache, giddiness.
Let us see the recipe now :
Do not fry these leaves much in oil. So that the medicinal value in the leaf will retain its properties in them.
Ondelaga/Gotukola  leaves chutney goes well with all the main dish. Yummy taste with hot rice and a teaspoon of ghee, goes well with dosas and idli also.
It is simple and healthy and anyone can try this chutney. You do get these Ondelaga Leaves in most of the market.
Tip : Handful of Ondelaga leaves are more than enough to use for 1 time. Do not eat regularly.  Once in a week or twice a week will be ok.
These Ondelaga Leaves are from Our home. We have planted them in a small pot. They grow plenty within no time.
Lets see the recipe now :

Things Needed :

Ondelaga /Gotukola Leaves : 1 Handful
Urid dal : 1 Tablespoon
Red chilly : 4 to 5
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6
Ingh /Asafoetida : A little
Tamarind  : Small marble size
Fresh grated coconut : 1 Cup ( 1/2 of one small coconut)
Salt : As required
To Season/temper
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A little
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6

Method :

1. Wash and keep aside Ondelaga leaves and curry leaves.

2. Grate coconut and keep it aside.
 3. Keep a small pan on the fire and heat. Add oil. Let it get heated.
4. Add urid dal and fry till they turn golden brown. Remove fried urid dal to a plate.
5. Add red chilly and fry nicely. Let it get crunchy. Add ingh and curry leaves. Put off the fire.
6. Add grated coconut, ondelaga leaves and mix it well. Let it cool.

7. Now grind all the ingredients required salt, tamarind and required water til it turns your desired consistency.
8. Remove from the mixi jar and put it in a serving bowl. Add tempered mustard and curry leaves.

9. Serve with the main dish of your choice.

10.We had Ondelaga /Gotukola Leaves chutney with Hot plain rice with ghee. NO need to say it was Yummmmmmmy..

Note:

There are two varieties of Ondelaga Leaves.
Type 1 : The leaf is small and thin. You can use the stem also in this type of leaf.

Type : 2 : The leaf is thick, darker than the local variety. It is hybrid leaf. Remove the stem and then use it. The stem is bit hard and it does not grind into paste. I have used these Ondelaga leaves from our garden

Ondelaga leaves are also known as brahmi leaves. It is always better not to cook this leaves. You can also use these leaves like coriander leaves, putting it on the top. Cut into very thin pieces. I have seen in Cambodia ppl use this leaves even on the top of Pizza. ( As they are one or two whole leaves kept on the top of Pizza while serving). Use of more chilly is optional. Use of byadagi chilli is optional.You can use guntoor chilly also. ( The one who likes it very spicy). .
Time : 15 Minutes 

Serves : 2 to 3. 

Musk Melon & Nendra Bale Fruit Juice/Milkshake

The hot summer is here and we need to take care of our health from the heat. The weather is so hot that you feel like drinking more and more water. Though the water is the best way to quench our thirst, it is always better to have some thing which helps to keep you cool. Fruits and vegetables are the best friends in summer. They not only keeps you full, they do helps to keep your mind and body cool.

Fruits, fresh juices and salads, smoothies and many varieties of drinks can be prepared at home. Home prepared drinks are most healthiest and the best.

I have used Musk Melon, Nendra bale ( Nendra banana/A type of banana variety, jaggery and milk.
Eating Nendra Bale in our diet and its benefits. 

Nendra bale / a type of  banana is mostly used in Dakshina Kannada and Kerala. This banana can be eaten when it is fully ripe, prepare so many dishes like curry, fried fritters, dosas, jamoons, etc etc. 

Nendra Bananas are having good amount of fiber and anti oxidants. It helps to digest the food easily.
Banana is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate, Vitamin B 6 and Vitamin C. It is filled with carbohydrates. It is very good for people who are dieting, it keeps you full for a long time and filled with minerals and vitamins. It is very good for kids who wants to gain weight. It is good for pregnant women.

It is an easy and superb drink any time of the day. It provides not only energy it also helps to take care of your body because the fruits contain full of vitamins and minerals.

Things needed :

Nendra Bale/Nendra Banana : 2
Musk Melon : 1 Small size
Jaggery : 2 Teaspoons
Milk : Boiled and colled : 1 Glass
Water : 1 Glass

Method :

1. Wash and cut Musk Melon and remove the outer hard layer and the pulp. Cut the fruit into small pieces.

2. Remove the outer layer of Nendra bale and cut them into small circle shape.
3. Now Put Nendra bale, Musk Melon pieces, milk and jaggery to liquidizer.

4. Churn them in to fine juice. Add a glass of water and churn for a minute. Let all the ingredients mix it well.

5. Put this Musk Melon - Nendra Bale Fruit Juice to a bowl. Mix it well.
6. Pour it to serving glasses and serve.

7. You can chill it fridge and then serve.

8. Add ice cubes and then serve.

Note :

Adding more milk instead of water, is optional. It turns as smoothie and you can have them by eating.
It fills your stomach so that you can skip your meal. Adding honey instead of jaggery is optional.  Use of more /less jaggery is optional.
Time : 15 Minutes 
Serves : 2 to 3 .

Spicy Brinjal Sasive.

Whenever  we travel to Udupi I make sure to buy some Mattu Gulla (Special type of brnjal of from a place called Mattu near Udupi). Mattu gulla taste different, tasty and soft. It does not take much time to cook either.

Sasive /Sasme..is a Kannada word, Sasive is  one of the side dish,
There are varieties of Sasive preparations one can do easily.  Preparing sasive is easy. We can cook vegetables and mix with mustard coconut mixture or you can cook vegetables and then add the ground spice (containing mustard seeds, coconut and little chilly).

Here is a recipe of " Brinjal Sasive ".  It is  done in just mixing the coconut - mustard seeds ground mixture to cooked brinjal.
This is one of the traditional dish of South Canara. My doddamma used to prepare this Brinjal Sasive very nicely. She used to cook brinjal on charcoal. Those days there were no gas stoves or gas supply to house. People had to cook with the help of wood which they get in their surroundings. We had lots of coconut , jack fruit trees, mango trees around our house. Doddamma used to use the dry sticks from the trees and coconut shells and other  things. It is a nice memory that I have.
 I have mentioned the speciality of this brinjal in my earlier post. Mattu Gulla is very famous and especially its grown in particular place called Mattu. The seeds of this Gulla is given to people by Yati. Vadhirajaru.
Any type of brinjal can be used. (Optional).
Sasive is one of the traditional dish of South Canara, Malenadu and Coastal areas.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

Brinjal/Badanekai/Gulla : 1 (Big one).
Green chilly : 2
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Salt : As required
Coriander leaves
Curd /Yogurt : 1 Cup
For Seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Ingh/ Asafoetida : A little

Method :

1. Wash and cut brinjal and soak in water for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Remove from the water wash it again and cook with little water till it is soft.
3. Grate coconut and grind it with mustard seeds, green chilly.

4. Remove the ground paste and put it in a big bowl.
5. Now put cooked brinjal in a big bowl and smash it nicely.

6. Put  ground coconut mixture, required salt and mix it well.
7. Add a cup of thick curd and mix it. Shift the ready Brinjal Sasive to a serving dish.
8. Keep a small pan on the fire and heat. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and urid dal.

9. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add ingh and curry leaves. Put off the fire. Put this seasoning to Sasive.
 10. Add cut coriander leaves and serve ready sasive with rice/chapati etc.
Note :
Brinjal should be cooked well. You can cook brinjal on gas burner  (Optional). Adding more /less chilly is optional. Use of coconut oil is optional. You can also prepare varieties of Sasive using different vegetables.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.

Pigeon Peas & Cluster Beans Dry Curry

Its the time to get Pigeon peas. Pigeon Peas is winter's crop and it is tender, filled with loads of vitamins and minerals and more than that it is fresh. I have used this pigeon pea, cluster beans and prepared simple dry curry.

One should make use  and eat the seasonal vegetables and pulses during their seasons.

It does provide good effect on our body since they do contain loads of minerals and vitamins. 

Dry curry is one of the side dish and we can prepare with many vegetables and is good to eat with little ghee and hot rice/chapatis/rotis etc.

I have used pigeon peas, cluster beans, coconut and some simple spices.

Let us see some benefits of eating pigeon peas in our diet.

Pigeon peas helps to stimulate growth. They helps to prevent anemia and boost heart health. They also helps to improve digestion and strengthen our immune system. They boost energy and eleminate inflammation. They have good source of potassium and helps in regulating blood pressure in our body. They are filled with proteins and good for people who are suffering from anemia. Pigeon pea is loaded with nutrients and they have some amount of calories and very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. It is filled with dietary fiber. They have Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Carbohydrates. Dietary fibers in them helps to balance cholesterol level in our body. It also magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese in it.

Let us see the recipe Now :

No Onion or No Garlic is used in this recipe and it is very simple and easy to prepare. 

Things Needed :

To Cook :

Pigeon Peas : 1 Cup 

Cluster Beans : 1 Cup ( 150 gr).

To Add :

Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Green chilly : 1 to 3

Ginger : 1 Teaspoon

Methi seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon

Salt : As required

Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons

To Season : 

Coconut oil : 1 Tablespoon

Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Urid dal: 1/2 Teaspoon

Jeera / Cumin seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Curry Leaves : 6 to 8

Method :

1. Remove pods and wash it. Wash and cut the edges of cluster beans and cut into small.

2. Grate coconut, wash and cut green chilly, coriander leaves and curry leaves.

3. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and wash it again. Grate it and keep it aside.

4. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil, mustard seeds and urid dal.

5. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add jeera, slit chilly and curry leaves.

6. Add pigeon peas and mix it well. Add cut cluster beans and mix it again. 

7. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, methi seeds and 1/2 cup of water. Let it cook on medium flame.    

I have used pressure cooker to cook pigeon peas and cluster beans.

8. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes and put off the gas. Let it cool.

9. Keep a pan on the fire and put cooked pigeon peas & cluster beans. 

10. Add salt, grated ginger and mix it nicely. Let all the moisture disappear.

11. Add grated coconut and cut coriander leaves. Mix it well and shift the ready curry to a serving dish. 

12. Pigeon Peas & Cluster Beans Dry Curry is ready to serve. We had it with lunch as one of the side dish.

Note:

It is better to use pressure cooker to cook pigeon peas. Or it takes longer time to cook and the pea pod turns a bit hard. Use of red chilly powder is optional. Use of garlic or onion is optional. Use of roasted methi seeds powder is optional. ( Dry roast methi seeds and powder it. Keep this powder in a air tight bottle/box. Use it for curries and any type of chitranna or masala rice.

Time : 15 Minutes.

Serves : 2  to 3.

Methi - Palak & Capsicum Dry Curry

Methi Palak Capsicum dry curry is one of the side dish that goes well with almost all the main dishes.   I have prepared Udupi special dry curry using Palak and methi /fenugrik leaves.

Adding leaves in our diet is one of the healthiest choice. You can prepare lots of dishes using varieties of leaves which is available around the year.
I have used methi leaves, palak/spinach leaves, coconut and some spices.
Let us see some benefits of having mustard seeds in our diet. 
Mustard seeds are loaded with medicinal values. They are good remedy for detoxification of the body. It helps to get relief from pains. They are good for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also good for women during menopause. Mustard seeds are rich source of minerals and vitamins. They are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. They are good source of dietary fiber.They do contain vitamin A and vitamin K and vitamin C. They help in managing diabetes and cholesterol level in our body. They are good source of anti bacterial properties and helps in treating ringworm. (skin disease).
Let us see the recipe Now :
It is an Udupi Special - Traditional Recipe. No Onion or Garlic is used in this recipe. 

Things Needed : 

To Cook :
Methi /Fenugrik leaves : 1 Bundle
Palak/spinach leaves : 1 Bundle
To Season :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Coconut Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
To Dry grind :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Red chilly powder/Red chilly :1 Teaspoon/ 3 to 4
Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
To Add :
Coriander leaves : 1 Teaspoon
Lemon extract/Tamarind pulp : 1 Teaspoon
Jaggery : 1 Teaspoon

 Method :

1. Wash and cut palak and methi leaves into very small. Keep it aside. Wash and cut capsicum into small pieces.

2. Grate coconut and dry grind it with red chilly powder and mustard seeds. Keep it aside.

3. Wash and cut coriander leaves and soak very little tamarind in hot water and squeeze out the pulp.
4. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil and mustard seeds, urid dal.
5. Let it splutter. Add washed curry leaves and ingh. Add cut leaves and capsicum. Fry it on low flame for 2 minutes.

6. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and mix it well. Add 1/4 cup of water and cool on low flame.

7. Let all the moisture disappear. Add salt, jaggery and tamarind pulp. Let it cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add dry ground coconut - mustard mixture and stir slowly. So that it mixes well.

9. Let it cook on low flame for a minute. Shift the ready curry to a serving bowl.

10. Add cut coriander leaves to Ready Methi - Palak & Capsicum Dry Curry and serve.

Note :

Adding more chilly powder is optional. I have used tamarind pulp and lemon extract/juice can be used instead of tamarind pulp. Adding jaggery is optional. Do not cook dry curry for a long time after adding coconut. Adding onions or garlic is optional.
Time 15 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.