Field Beans - Pigeon Peas Vegetable Saagu (Curry)

Field Beans/Avarekai (Kannada word) and pigeon peas are still available in the market. So hurry up and prepare as many dishes as you can by using Avarekai. It the best choice to use the seasonal legumes, vegetables and fruits.

I have prepared Vegetable Saagu (curry) with these Pigeon peas. (Togari Kalu) and Avarekai (Field Beans) and some vegetables.
Saagu is one of the best dish to have and it is always loaded with vegetables. Poori Saagu, Rava Idli -Saagu, Capati -Saagu and Set dosa - Saagu are the yummy combinations which go hand in hand.
Let us know some benefits of having "Ginger" in our diet.
Ginger is one of the healthiest spice. It is loaded with medicinal properties and powerful benefits for our body and brain. Ginger helps to decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases. Ginger is good for easy digestion. Ginger is good for common cold, gastrointestinal irritations and in cold season. It helps to keep the body warm. Ginger is good for inflammation and pain reduction during the menstrual time for ladies. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger may lower the bad cholesterol and helps to improve the good cholesterol levels. Ginger is good for treating infections in our respiratory system.
Let us see the recipe Now :
No Onions OR No Garlic is added in this "Field Beans -Pigeon Peas Vegetable Saagu. (Curry)".

Things Needed :

To Cook :
Field Beans : 1 Cup
Pigeon Peas : 1 Cup
Chayote  Squash /Chow Chow/ Seeme Badane Kai : 1
Carrots : 2
Spices to Grind :
Fresh Coconut : 2 Tablespoons
Roasted Chenna/Huri Kadale/Pottu Kadale : ! Tablespoon
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Pepper Pods : 3 to 4
Ginger : 1 Teaspoon . (Grated)
Coriander seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Green Chilly : 3 to 4
Tamarind Pulp : 1 Tablespoon
Coriander leaves : 1 handful (2 to 3 tablespoons).
To Add :
Cumin/jeera seasoning ( 1/2 Teaspoon jeera).
Ground spice mixture
Kasoori Methi (Raw Dried Fenugrik Leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Butter : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : As Required
Turmeric Powder : A pinch

Method :

1. Remove the pods from Avarekai and Pigeon Peas and wash the pods.
2. Wash and remove chayote squash, carrots and remove the outer layer and cut it in to small pieces.
3. Cook Avarekai, pigeon peas and the vegetables til they turn soft.
    ( Pressure cook for 3 to 4 minutes).

4. Wash green chilly, coriander leaves and grate coconut. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and wash it again. Grate it and keep it aside.
5. Soak a small marble size tamarind in hot water and squeeze out the pulp after 5 minutes.

6. Grind grated coconut, jeera, coriander seeds, green chilly, roasted chenna, pepper pods, grated ginger, tamarind pulp and coriander leaves with little water.

7. Keep a big pan on the fire and put oil and jeera. Let jeera turn slightly brown.
    Add cooked  vegetables, salt and turmeric powder.

8. Mix it well and let it cook for 2 minutes. Add ground coconut - spice mixture.

9. Add water if required and boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
10.Add dried methi/fenugrik leaves. (Kasoori methi).

11. Shift the curry to a serving dish. Add  a tablespoon of butter and mix it well and serve.

12. Serve with chapatis or any other main dish you have prepared. We had " Field Beans - Pigeon Pes Vegetable Saagu " with Chapatis.

Note :

Do not over cook the veggies. Do not add much spices. Adding roasted chenna helps the curry to be thick and adds to the taste. Adding red chilly is optional. Adding onions and garlic to the curry is optional. Adding more/less chilly is optional. You can use fresh Peas/Whole Green Grams or any other legumes instead of Pigeon peas
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 4 to 5.

Rajamudi Rice Bisibele Baat

Rajmudi Rice/Red Rice (Raw) bisibele baat is a wonderful yummy dish, which contain rice, dal, vegetables and spices.
Rajmudi Rice is considered as one of the healthy rice and previously used only by Mysore Kings.
I bought this Rajamudi  rice from Savayava Sante which is held in the first week of every month at Rastrothana building in Chamarajapet,  namma Bengaluru.

Let us know about Rajmudi Rice.
Rajamudi rice is a variety of red rice which is mostly grown in Mysore and Hassan districts of Karnataka. This rice was exclusively grown for Wodeyars, the Maharajas of Mysore.This rice is one of the good variety of rice and rich source of dietary fiber, anti oxidants and iron.
Let us see the recipe now :
I have used Rajamudi Rice, toor dal and vegetables with some freshly roasted spices which are always available in the kitchen.
Rajamudi Rice is bit hard and it takes more time while cooking. It is better to cook in the pressure cooker.
No Onion or No Garlic is used in this recipe, you can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner. It also can be prepared for one dish party, ladies kitty party and outings.

Things Needed :

To Cook :

Rajamudi Rice :  1 to 1 1/2 Cup (One and Half Cup).
Toor/Moong dal : 1/2 Cup
Carrot : 1
Beans : 6 to 8
Chapparada Avarekai/Flat beans/Papdi : One handful (8 to 10 )
Peas : 1/2 Cup

Spices to Roast/Fry

Methi/fenugrik seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon
Cloves : 3 to 4
Cinnamon piece : A small piece
Cardamom : 1
Methi/Fenugrik seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon
Urid Dal : 1 Teaspoon
Channa dal : 1 Teaspoon
Coriander seeds : 2 Tablespoons
Red chilly : 5 to 6
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 1 Handful

For Seasoning :

Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid Dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Cashew Nuts : 1 Tablespoon (Pieces)
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Ingh/Asafoetida :  A pinch

 To Grind :

Coconut : 2 Tablespoons .(Used dry coconut)
Roasted spices

To Add : 

Tamarind Pulp : 1 Tablespoon
Ground spice mixture.
Salt : As required
Mustard -Cashew Seasoning.
Ghee : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1.Wash and cut all the vegetables. Wash fresh beans and cook all the vegetables till they turn soft.

2. Wash and cook Rajamudi rice and toor dal separately. Let it cool.
3. Grate /Cut coconut into small pieces. Soak tamarind ( a small marble size) in hot water and squeeze out the pulp.
4. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Put a teaspoon of oil. Add 1/4 of methi seeds. Fry till it turns slightly brown.
5. Add cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. Fry them for 10 seconds.
6. Add urid dal and chann dal. Fry them till they turn golden brown. (On low flame).

7. Add coriander seeds and red chilly. Fry them nicely and put off the fire.
8. Add jeera, curry leaves, ingh and cut coconut pieces. Mix it well and let it cool.

9. Grind this fried spice with coconut and tamarind pulp. Use required water and grind.

10. Keep a big pan on the fire and heat. Put cooked dal and Rajamudi Rice.
11. Add cooked vegetables and mix it well. Let it boil for a minute. Add salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.

12. Add ground coconut -spice mixture and mix it nicely. (slowly). Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

13. Keep a small pan and prepare seasoning with oil, mustard seeds, cashews and curry leaves.
14. Add this seasoning to the cooking bisibele baat. Put the ready Rajamudi Rice Bisibele baat to a serving dish. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and mix it well.

15. Serve with any type of pachadi/chips/papad/boondi or Sev.

Note :

Rajamudi Rice should be cooked well. Use of moong dal instead of toor dal is optional. Use of ready bisibele powder instead of fresh spice powder is optional. (Fresh spice powder taste better). Use of vegetables are optional. Adding more red chilly is optional. (for more spicy taste). You can use only the spice powder if you are not in favour of coconut. Dry roast/fry the spices as said and leave it for cooling. Dry grind all the fried ingredients and add it to the boiling rice and dal content. Add tamarind pulp. Cook together for 3 to 4 minutes.(Optional).
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 4 to 5.

Avarekalu (Field Beans) Jeera Curry

Avarekalu (Field beans) already in the market. So that means every dish goes with Avarekai here in Karnataka. Until the crop gets over  (till end of February), its the Avare Kai Season. Avarekai rotti, Avarekai Dose, Avarekai Idli, Avarekai Vada, Avarekai bisibel bath, Avarekai Vanghi bath, Avarekai saaru/Sambar/saagu/ Kootu, Avarekai kodubale, fried crispy avarekai etc etc etc. Every thing is Avaremaya means all things are with Avarekai.
I have prepared Avarekai Saagu/Kootu/ Jeera Huli.

Lets see some benefits of eating Avarekai/Flat beans in our diet.
Field beans/Avarekai contain Vitamin A, B and C. They are highly nutritious and supply vital nutrients to our body. Field Beans do contain high fiber and regulates cholesterol level in our body. They do help the digestive system function well. They are rich source of iron and it is very important in building good blood cells. (Hemoglobin).
Lets see the recipe now: No Onions OR No Garlic is used in this Avarekai Jeera Curry 

Ingredients : 

To Cook :
Avarekai/Field beans : 2 Cups
Methi/Fenugrik seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Moong Dal : 2 Tablespoons
To Grind :
Jeera/ Cumin Seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Coconut : 1/2 Cup
Green chilly : 2
Ginger : Half inch
Tamarind : Small marble size
Add :
Bajji Chilly Pakoda chilly : 2 to 3
Green/Red Tomatoes : 2 to 3 ( Very small ones).
Turmeric Powder : 1/4 Teaspoon
Mustard seasoning :
Ground coconut mixture
Cinnamon : very small piece
Cloves : 1 to 2
Coriander Leaves : 2 Tablespoons (Optional)

Method :

1. Remove the seeds from Fresh Field beans and wash it.

2. Wash green tomatoes, bajji chilly (Pakoda chilly, green chilly and and cut it in to small. Remove the seeds from pakoda chilly before cutting into small.

3.Wash moong dal and keep it aside.
4. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add a teaspoon of oil. Add cinnamon and clove.
5. Add Avarekai/Field beans, moong dal, turmeric powder and methi seeds. Mix it well.
6.. Cook with required water. ( I have used pressure cooker to cook).

7. Grate or cut coconut into small pieces and grind with jeera, green chilly, ginger and tamarind. (Use required water).
8. Remove the ground mixture from the mixi jar and keep it aside.

9. Now keep a pan on the fire and put cooked field beans and vegetables.
10. Add Pakoda/Bajji Chill, cut tomatoes and mix it well.

11. Add salt and ground mixture and mix it well. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

12. Shift the ready curry to a serving bowl and add mustard seasoning.

Note :

Do not add much cinnamon and clove.
Let the aroma be mild. Removing the seeds from Pakoda chilly reduce the spice (hot) of the chilly. Adding more spice and green chilly is optional.
Adding onions and garlic is optional.
Adding cinnamon and clove is optional. You can use any choice of your choice. Eg : garam masala powder or any other spices.
Time : 30 Minutes
Servings : 4 to 5  

Khadi Pakoda

Khadi Pakoda is a special dish of Punjab, Gujarath and Rajastan. Here I have tried this Yummy curry with my style.

Khadi means curry made of butter milk and besan and pakodas are with simply besan and coriander leaves and spices. Onion Pakodas are also dipped in Khadi and enjoyed it thoroughly with Hot Rice, Palau or Rotis. 

I have seen one of our friend from Delhi who is an expert cook and ideal home maker. Mrs. Gupta done most of the dishes with yummy taste and with out onions. They belong to Baniyas group and have loads of customs and traditions. We knew them from Nigeria and they too shifted to Dubai like us. Mr. Gupta was a Maths lecturer and Mrs. Gupta a beautiful home maker. I have eaten Khadi Pakoda many times in their house. I was just watching her making Khadi Pakoda. I was not that interested because I never liked curd or butter milk those days.

I just thought of that now and tried this recipe. Luckily I had some butter milk which I got from the process of making butter. 

Not much of spices added here and it is very mild. First prepare the Khadi and then prepare pakodas and dip them in the khadi for at least 10 minutes and then serve with the main dish of your choice.

Lets see the recipe Now: Always make it simple when you cook. It helps you to enjoy your cooking.

No Garlic or No Onion is added in this Khadi Pakoda. 

1. Khadi Preparation :

Things Needed :

Butter Milk : 1 Bowl (At least 2 to 3 cups of butter milk)

Besan/Kadale Hittu/Channa flour : 1 teaspoon full

Salt : As required 

Red chilly : 2

Green chilly : 2 

Jeera /Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Ingh/Asafoetida : a pinch

Turmeric powder : a little

Ginger : An inch 

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and wash it again. Great it and keep it aside.

2. Wash coriander leaves, curry leaves, green chilly and slit green chilly. 

3. Take a bowl and add a spoon of besan. Add 1/4 cup of water and mix it well. Keep it aside.

4. Keep a big pan on the fire and heat. Put oil, jeera and let it fry for 10 seconds.

5. Add red chilly and slit green chilly. Fry a little and add curry leaves and ingh.

6. Add buttermilk/majjige and mix it nicely. Add required salt. Add ginger. 

7. Add the besan (which is already mixed and kept) and mix it nicely. 

8. Keep stirring so that it does not get burnt at the bottom. Let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes.

9. Let it be on low flame for 2 more minutes. Stir in between.

10. Shift the ready Khadi to a serving bowl. 

Pakodas :

Things Needed :

Bottle Gourd : 1/2 of  1 Bottel Gourd 

Bean/Channa flour : 3 to 4 Tablespoons 

Chilly Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon

Jeera/ Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon

Salt : As required 

Oil to Fry : 1 Small Cup

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer layer of bottle gourd/sorekai and grate it.

2. Put bottle gourd gratings in a big bowl.

3. Add besan, chilly powder, jeera, salt and cut coriander leaves.

4. Mix it nicely and prepare the dough. Do not add any water. Bottle gourd helps the flour to bind nicely.

5. Keep a frying pan on the fire and heat. Add oil. Let it be hot. (Medium flame).

6. Now take a small portion of dough and leave the dough little by little in oil. 

7. Let it fry on both sides. ( Turn the other side and cook till they turn golden brown).

8. Remove the pakodas and put them on a kitchen tissue. 

9. Repeat the same and prepare all pakodas. 

10. Put the fried pakodas in ready khadi and leave it for 10 minutes and then serve. Add little coriander leaves before serving. 

Note : 

Adding any spice is optional. (Even for Khadi). You can add a clove and cinnamon piece. Adding onions or garlic is optional. (I have not added). Do not add water to pakoda dough. The batter turns loose and absorb more oil. You can use onions instead of bottle gourd gratings. (Optional). You can add more/less chilly according to your taste. You can dilute curd and make butter milk if you do not have butter milk. (Add 1 to 1 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of curd and churn in the mixi for 2 minutes. Your butter milk is ready to use. Adding garam masala/chat masala to the curry and pakoda is optional. (I have not added).

Time : 40 Minutes 

Serves : 4 to 5