Happy Gowri Festival Celebration Dishes

Happy Gowri Festival to You All. Try and Enjoy these special festival dishes.

Gowri /Parvathi /Girije is mother of Lord Ganesha. She is also known as Adhi Shakti.
The beautiful story is like this according to Purana . Gowri created Ganapa, gave him life and asked him to guard the house. She went to bathe. Lord Shiva/Eshwara comes to visit her and Ganapa will not let him go inside. Shiva gets angry and cuts off his head. Gowri comes to know this and cries. Lord Shiva asks his people to search Ganapa's head. They were not able to find Ganapa's head. So Lord Shiva tells his people and orders them to get the head of anyone who laid his head on north direction. They could find only an elephant which laid its head on north direction. They cut the head of elephant and brings it to Lord Shiva. He puts the elephant head on Ganesha and gives life to him. He also gives power to Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is the lord that we should pray first before starting anything. Lord Ganesha is known as Vighna Vinashaka, Prathama Pooja is done for Lord Ganesha.
Gowri, Ganesha festival is on This thursday and friday.
Gowri comes to her parents house first and then son Lord Ganesha comes on next day. It might be like the married girl comes to her parents house. Simple food is done on first day and then Ganesha festival is celebrated in grand manner. On Gowri Pooja the ladies do pooja and give " Arashina kumkum" to the married women. It is called Bhageena. One should be happy and involve in doing pooja and blessed by God. Our traditions and culture is just beautiful and it gives life to dullness and  by doing poojas the positive energy flows in to your mind and body.
On the first day as I said it is a simple dishes with payasam or pooran poli. (Your choice of dishes).

No Onion or No Garlic is used on Festival Celebrations. 

I have prepared

1. Methi Leaves/capsicum dry curry ( Udupi special Palya).

2. Ginger/ Green Tamarind Tokku  Chithranna

3.Mango fruit chutney.

4. Ridge Gourd Huli (Curry).

5. Channa Dal Payasam/Kheer.

Let us see the preparation  One by One and enjoy eating these healthy, delicious dishes.

1. Methi leaves Dry curry

Things Needed :
To Cook
Methi/Fenugrik Leaves : 1 Bundle
Capsicum : 1
Salt : As required
Turmeric Powder : A little
To Grind :
Coconut : 1/2 Cup
Red Chilly : 2 to 3
Tamarind : Very little (Half o f one small marble)
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
To Season :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh : A little
Coconut Oil : 2 Tablespoos

Method :

1  Wash and cut methi leaves into small. Wash and cut capsicum into small pieces.
2. Grate coconut and dry grind it with red chilly (byadagi), mustard seeds and tamarind.
3. Keep a pan on the fire and put 1 tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds, urid dal and ingh. Let mustard seeds splutter.
4. Add curry leaves and cut capsicum and methi leaves. Mix it well and let it cook on medium flame and low flame.
5. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and mix it well.
6. Let methi leaves cook on low flame or add half cup of water, cover and cook.
7. Let all the moisture disappear completely. Add salt and stir.
8. Add ground mustard seeds and coconut mixture and mix it nicely. Let it cook on low flame for 2 minutes. Shift the ready Methi leaves dry curry to a serving bowl.

Note :

You can use any brand of oil of your choice. Adding more spice is optional. You can fry this methi leaves on low flame. It taste better. Njoy this palya with hot rice and a spoon of fresh ghee.
Type : South Canara /Udupi Style.
Time : 15 to 20 Minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3  .

2 : Green Tamarind  Tokku Chitranna .

Things needed :
Cooked Rice : 1 Cup

To Add :
Tamarind Tokku : 1 Teaspoon
Dry Ginger Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Turmeric Powder : A little
Salt : To taste
Coriander leaves
Grated coconut (fresh) : 1/2 Cup

Seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1 Teaspoon
Green chilly : 1
Curry leaves : 6 to 8

Method :

Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add a tablespoon of Coconut oil.
Add mustard seeds, urid dal and let urid dal splutter.
Add washed and slit green chilly and curry leaves.
Add tamarind tokku and fry it nicely.
Add cooked and cooled rice. Add turmeric powder.
Add ginger powder and required salt.
Mix all the ingredients nicely. Let it be on low flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add a tablespoon of ghee and mix it well. Put off the fire.
Add grated coconut, washed and cut coriander leaves. Mix it well once again.
Green tamarind tokku chitranna is ready to serve.
Note :
To get green tamarind tokku, just remove the tender green tamarind outer hard layer.
Grind it with salt and green chilly. This Green tamarind tokku is hot and spicy.
You can use tamarind pulp instead of green tamarind tokku. Soak a small ball size of tamarind in hot water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp and boil to make it thick content. Add green chilly paste and salt while tamarind pulp is boiling. Tamarind turns as thick paste. Use according to your requirement.
Time : Chitranna preparation : 10 minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4

3. Mango Fruit Chutney:

Things Needed :
Ripe Mango : 1
Red chilly : 2
Ingh : A pinch
Fresh grated coconut : 1 Cup
Salt : As required
Seasoning :
Coconut oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh : A pinch
Curry leaves : 5 to 6

Method :

Wash and squeeze out the pulp from ripen mango.
Grate coconut and keep it aside.
Fry red chilly in a drop of coconut oil for 1 minute.
Now grind all the above ingredients with a pinch of ingh/asafoetida. Use water if required.
Remove from the mixi jar and put it in a serving dish.
Add mustard seeds, ingh, curry leaves seasoning with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Time : 10 minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3

4. Ridge Gourd Toor Dal Curry :

Things needed :

To Cook :
Ridge gourd : 1
Toor dal : 2 Handful

To Grind :
Fresh grated coconut : 3 to 4 Tablespoons
Tamarind pulp : 1 Tablespoon
Rasam powder : 2 Tablespoons
Jeera /Cumin seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Coconut oil : 1 Teaspoon

To Add :
Green Chilly : 1
Required Salt
Mustard seasoning
Washed and cut coriander leaves.

Method :

Wash and peel off the outer layer (hard skin) of ridge gourd and cut into desired size.
Wash and cook toor dal in a pressure cooker for  8 to 10 minutes and let it cool.
Wash curry leaves, coriander leaves and cut into small.
Keep a pan and put cut ridge gourd and cook with 1 cup of water till it turns soft.
Grind coconut, tamarind, jeera/cumin seeds, rasam powder with little water. Remove it from mixi jar.
Add cooked dal to ridge gourd pieces. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, salt and required water.
Mix it well and let it boil for 2 minutes. Add ground coconut mixture and mix it well.
Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Shift Ridge gourd curry to a serving dish.
Add mustard seasoning and cut coriander leaves. Ridge gourd curry is ready to serve.
Note :
Do not over cook ridge gourd pieces. Adding any brand of rasam powder is optional. I used home prepared rasam powder.  ( Use of MTR, Mayya;s Rasam powder gives good aroma).  Adding any cooking oil is optional. Adding a teaspoon of ghee just before serving is optional.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4

5. Channa Dal Payasa/Kheer

Things Needed :
Channa Dal 1/2 Cup
Thick Avalakki /Poha/Flattened rice : 1/2 Cup
Jaggery : 3/4 Cup
Cardamom : 4 to 5 Pods
Dry fruits : Cashews and Raisins : 1 Tablespoon or little more
Coconut Milk : 1/2 Coconut (1 Cup)

Method :

Wash and pressure cook channa dal for 18 to 10 minutes and let it cool.
Powder jaggery. Keep a big pan on the fire and put jaggery and little water. Let it melt completely. ( 1 or 3 boils).
Sieve with a strainer and keep the jaggery aside.
Grate coconut (1/2 coconut) and grind it with cardamom pods. Add l/2 cup of water and grind.
Take the ground coconut and sieve and separate coconut milk. (1 st time coconut milk).
Grind coconut again with little water and sieve with a strainer. (2nd time coconut milk).
Keep a big pan on the fire and put jaggery water. Add cooked channa dal,
Wash and add Avalakki/Poha /Flattened rice to boiling jaggery mixture.
Add 2 time's coconut milk. Let it boil nicely. Add the first time's coconut milk.
See that it is just about to boil. Put off the fire and shift the Channa dal kheer to a serving dish.
Keep a small pan on the fire. Add a spoon of ghee. Add cashew nuts and fry.
Add raisins and fry till it fluffs. Add this nuts fry to payasam and serve.

Note :

Adding more coconut milk is optional. Add a cup of boiled fresh milk is optional. (Just before serving). Adding more /less jaggery is optional. Adding Avalakki helps to thicken the payasam.
You can grind coconut with  a teaspoon of rice till paste and adding instead of coconut milk is optional. Adding ghee fried cashew and raisins adds to the taste.
Time : 30 Minutes.
Serves : 4 to 5 .

Methi - Tomato - Brinjal Curry

Methi/Fenugrik leaves - tomato and Brinjal curry is a gravy dish and you can have them with plain rice. chapati or any type of rotis. It goes well with idli and dosa also.

I have used Methi leaves, brinjal, tomatoes and toor dal. Added some rasam powder from M.T.R. Rasam powder and the seasonings. It tasted yummy.
Let us see some benefits of using mustard seeds in our diet.
Mustard seeds are rich in minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. They do contain high calories. They are good dietary fiber. They are good source of B complex vitamins and they help in regulating body metabolism and lower the blood cholesterol levels.
It is better to cook all the veggies together and then add cooked dal to it. Use of lemon will be enough because tomatoes adds to the savoury taste. It is not necessary to use coconut and tamarind.

Lets see the recipe Now

Things Needed :

Methi/Fenugrik leaves : 1 Bundle
Tomatoes : 2 to 3 (Medium sized)
Brinjal (small) : 2 to 3
Toor Dal : 1/2 Cup (2 fistful)
M.T.R. Rasam Powder : 2 ti 3 Teaspoons
Seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera /Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : a pinch
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8 or more
Salt : As required
Lemon extract : 1 Teaspoon
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric powder : A pinch

Method :

1. Wash and cut methi leaves into small. Wash and cut tomatoes and remove the seeds from it.
2. Wash and cut brinjal into small pieces and put it in a big bowl of water for 10 minutes.
3. Wash and cook toor dal in a pressure cooker and keep it aside.

4. Now put cut methi leaves, tomatoes and brinjal pieces in a big pan and cook till they turn soft.

5. Keep a big pan and put cooked vegetables mixture and cooked dal.

6. Mix it well and add salt and turmeric powder. (a pinch).7. Add required water and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add M.T. R. Rasam powder and mix the curry nicely and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Add mustard - cumin seeds, curry leaves and ingh seasoning and add it to the curry.

10. Shift the curry to a serving dish and add cut coriander leaves.

11. Add lemon extract and mix the curry well.
12. Serve with the main dish you have prepared. Add a spoon of ghee adds to the taste.

Note :

Adding onions and garlic to the curry is optional. Adding any brand curry powder is optional.(Taste differ). Adding tamarind instead of lemon extract is optional. Adding jaggery to the curry is optional. (I did not add).
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4.

Methi Aloo Dry Curry

Methi Aloo curry is a simple dish that can be done in a few minutes. It is a side dish and goes well with almost all the main dishes like, plain rice, chapatis, rotis, dosas, poori etc.
I have used methi/fenugrik leaves, potatoes and some spices.

Let us see some benefits of eating " Jeera/Cumin Seeds" in our diet. 
We South Indians never used the jeera in every thing like North Indians. But it has become a habit that when you season you automatically put some jeera to the seasoning and feel happy. The fried jeera aroma spreads all the corner and refreshes you, makes you hungry. I think you all agree with me for the above words. Jeera /Cumin seed has an important role in Indian cooking. It helps to digest the food easily, adds aroma to the food and adds the taste too. Lets see some benefits of eating jeera in our diet.
Cumin seeds helps to easy digest, improve immunity and treats piles. It is good for asthma, common cold and anemia. It is good for lactation, helps the body to keep the body cool and boils. It helps to boost overall health. Cumin seeds helps to relief stomach aches. Cumin seeds contain dietary fiber and good for people who suffer from constipation. It contain magnesium, iron, calcium, copper and sodium. It has Vitamin E which is very good for skin care and helps to prevent premature aging symptoms. It also helps in keeping the skin young and glowing. It contain Vitamin A and Vitamin B6.
Lets see the recipe now :

Things Needed :

Potatoes : 2 (Medium size)
Methi/Fenugrik leaves : 1 Bundle
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Green chilly : 1
Rasam Powder/Sambar Powder : 1 Tablespoon
Garam Masala Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Salt : As required
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons
Oil :2 Tablespoon
Lemon : 1 Teaspoon (Optional).

Method : 

1. Wash and cut potatoes into small. Wash and slit green chilly.
2. Wash and cut methi leaves, curry leaves and coriander leaves into small
3. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add oil and put mustard seeds and let it splutter.
4. Add jeera, green chilly and fry for a second. Add curry leaves and cut potatoes. Add turmeric powder.

5. Fry nicely and let it cook on low flame for 2 minutes.(Stir in between).

6. Add methi leaves and mix it.
7. Add 1/2 cup of water and let it cook on low flame. It should be soft. Let all the moisture disappear.

8. Add salt, rasam powder and garam masala powder.
9. Mix it slowly and add remaining oil and mix it slowly. Shift the ready curry to a serving dish.

10. Add cut coriander leaves and serve.

Note : 

Removing the potato skin helps the potato to cook faster. (Cooking potato with skin is always healthy). Adding more oil is optional. It adds to the taste. Adding spice of your choice is optional. Adding more water is optional. (Taste differ). Garam masala, chat masala or any other masala powder can be used. I Have used MTR Garam masala powder and Rasam powder. 
Time : 20 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 .

Ginger-Methi Parata

Ginger -Methi Parata is prepared using Ginger Tambuli. Tambuli is very famous dish in South Canara and it is prepared using butter milk/curd.
Ginge r- Methi Parata is nice to have for breakfast, as snack or dinner. It is stomach filling dish.
I have used ginger tambuli, methi leaves, some spices and Wheat flour.

Let us see some benefits of using ginger in our diet.
Ginger is thought to have originated in the Himalayan foothills of Northern India. Ginger root is one of the popular root herb used in culinary and it is loaded with medicinal properties. Ginger is loaded with anti inflammatory, anti-flatulent, anti-oxidant and anti microbial properties. It is good for easy digestion, nausia and reducing the pain. (It is said to be a good pain killer). It is good for common cold.

NOnion - No Garlic  Dish . " Ginger - Methi Parata ".

Things Needed : 

Wheat Flour : 2 Cups
Methi Leaves : 1 Bundle  (Small bundle)
Ginger Tambuli : 1 Small Cup.
Salt : As required
Turmeric powder :  A little
Garam Masala Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Chilly Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Oil :  4 to 5 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Wash and cut methi leaves (only leaves) into thin pieces.
2.Take a big bowl and add wheat flour, cut methi leaves, garam masala, chilly powder, jeera, salt and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix it well.

3. Add Ginger Tambuli and mix it well. Add required water. Prepare parata dough.

4. Divide the dough into small portion. Keep some dry wheat flour in a small bowl.
5. Take a small portion of parata dough, kneed well and roll it as chapati.

6. Keep a tava/pan on the fire. Heat and add very little oil (1/4 teaspoon) on the tava.
7. Put rolled parata on the tava and cook on both sides. Sprinkle some oil on the parata on both sides.

8. Ginger-Methi Parata is ready to serve. Serve with a cup of curd and the side dish you have prepared.

9.Repeat the same with remaing dough.

Note : 

You can leave the dough for resting. (5 to 10 minutes will do). Adding more oil is optional. Adding more spice is optional. It is better to use only methi leaves, since the stick is not easy to roll while preparing (rolling) parata.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 

Tambuli Recipe :

http://nsomayaji.blogspot.in/2011/07/ginger-tambuli.html