Channa Dal Payasa / Kheer

Shravana the month of festival is here. It is a festival of nature. Naagapanchami , Nagara chowthi, Raksha bhandhan, Shri Krishna Janmastami, so and so many festivals in this month. It looks like almost all the days in this month people are busy with poojas, naivedya and pooja functions.

So every day you need to prepare some or the other sweet dishes for Neivedya to God/Goddess.
Here is one such sweet dish which is prepared for festivals, feast and other happy functions.
Channa dal/kadale bele payasa is one of the easiest dish which we can prepare and serve as neivedya.
I have used channa dal, avalakki/flattened rice, jaggery, cardamom and coconut
This Channa Dal Payasa is done during poojas, festivals and feast. It is cooked and then mixed with jaggery, coconut milk, cardamom, and avalakki./flattened rice. Some use cooked rice instead of avalakki.
This Channa Dal Payasa is one of the Traditional Dish from South Canara /Karnataka and we can prepare them for festivals, feast and parties.

Let us see the recipe now :

Ingredients :

Channa Dal : 1 Cup
Avalakki /Aval/Poha : 1 small cup./2 handful.
Jaggery : 3/4 Cup
Cardamom : 5 to 6 Pods
Coconut : 1 Cup
Salt : A pinch.

Method :

1. Wash channa dal and pressure cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Let it cool.

2. Grate coconut and grind it with cardamom pods. Grind it nicely. Remove coconut mixture  in a bowl. Wash avalakki/flattened rice and keep it aside.

3. Keep a pan on the fire and put jaggery. Add a cup of water and mix it. Let jaggery melt and it turns as liquid. Sieve it with a siever and keep it aside.
. Let it get cool. Strain it keep cleaned jaggery aside.

4.Keep cooked dal on the fire and put cleaned jaggery water to it. Add washed avalakki and boil.
Let it boil nicely. Add a pinch of salt.

5. Now add ground coconut mixture and mix it well. Let it boil for at least 5 minutes.

6. Shift Channa Dal Payasa /Kheer to a serving bowl.
7. Keep a small pan on the fire and heat. Put a tablespoon of ghee and fry cashews and raisins till raisins get fluffy.

8. Add this ghee fried nuts to Payasa/kheer.
9. Serve ready payasa after a lunch/dinner as desert.

Note :
Channa Dal should be cooked softly to get the best payasa. Adding coconut milk instead of ground coconut is optional.
Use of fresh coconut milk is a must to get good taste. Use of more/less ghee is optional.
Using coconut milk adds to the taste. You can use cooked rice instead of avalakki. (Optional). You can also use little raw rice grains while grinding coconut. It adds to the thickness of payasa.
Adding boiled and cooled fresh milk to Payasa , just before serving is optional. It adds to the taste. Do not add hot milk. Payasa might get curdled.
Time : 30 Minutes 
Serves : 4 to 5 
Purely : South Canara Sweet Dish.

Huri Hittu - Jaggery Unde /Laadu / Laddu

Huri Hittu is a preparation of Ragi/ Roasted finger millet's powder.
These Huri Hittu laddus are yummy, healthy and it is easy to prepare.

I have used Ragi Huri Hittu which was given by my son Ravi, he buys the organic flours and other day today groceries straight from farmers. This Huri hittu pack was bought from one of the organic former's shop.
I have not cooked or roasted anything on fire. It is just a mixture of all the ingredients, like finger millet ragi flour, jaggery, cardamom and almonds. I have used Joni Bella/ Organic jaggery. This Joni bella/ jaggery is is bit watery, it is done in that way. We normally use this jaggery, while drinking water. ( In hot summer, you put some little quantity of jaggery in mouth and drinking water. As the jaggey is already in your mouth, the water tastes sweet.
My memory goes down the lane for this Huri Hittu. ( Huri/ Roasted and Hittu flour). In our school days we used to see the kids eating this Huri hittu in the evenings as snack. It was simple and heavenly food. I too have tasted and it was hundred percent Yummy. They used to ( some of our friends mothers' used to wash and dry the ragi/finger millet in shade. ( In side the home). Then slowly they dry roast the ragi and it used to turn as slightly fluffy. Then when it is cooled they powdered in the mill. Store this flour in airtight boxes or tins or good container. Whenever they wanted to prepare the huri hittu, they remove the flour from the box, grated coconut, powder jaggery and mix all the ingredients nicely after adding ghee. Turn them as small lemon size balls or give the ragi coconut-jaggery ghee mixture as it is. Some has to pour milk and give. It was superb snack for the kids in the evenings during those days.
Here is a Huri Hittu laddu which is not at all needed to cook. This Ragi Huri hittu pack is available in the super market / organic shops and some people do prepare at home and sell the flour. But make sure you get the good quality of flour and enjoy eating this laddu.
I have used Alemane Bella/ fresh organic jaggery that is called Jone bella / fresh jaggery/ liquid jaggery which is available in Jaggery preparing place/Organic shops and markets.
Huri Hittu Unde/laddu can be packed for kids snack time. You can take them when you are travelling. It is one of the best snack in the evening.  It fits into all age group category.
Let us see the recipe now;

Ingredients :

Huri Hittu : 2 Cups
Almonds : 1 Cup
Jaggery/Joni bella : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Cardamom : 5 to 6
Coconut : Dry copra/ Kobbari : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Raisins : 2 Tablespoons.

Method :

1. Dry grind almonds into powder form./Rava consistency. Keep it aside.
2. Grate  cocomut/kobbari and dry grind it. Let it be powder form.

2. Take a big bowl and put huri hittu, jaggery, cardamom powder, powdered almonds, dry coconut
 and Ragi Huri hittu.

3.Mix all the ingredients nicely by adding ghee.

4. Mix it nicely and take a small portion of the mixture and prepare

6.Prepare rest of the laddu in the same way and arrange them in a plate.

7. Serve them whenever you want to. Store them in a airtight bottle or box.  Shelf time One OR two days.

Note :

Huri hittu can be prepared at home with little care. Adding more/less jaggery is optional. Adding ghee should be little or more. You can use fresh coconut instead of dry copra/ kobbari. Dry roast coconut gratings and then dry grind once it is cooled.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves  15 to 20 Laddu/Laadu/Unde .
Shelf Time : 1 or 2 Days
Purely South Indian Dish.

Wheat flour Aloo Naan / Indian Bread

Naan, a type of Indian bread which is very famous and goes well with delicious curries is well known. I saw some one preparing Naan in the T. V. channal. Wanted to try some thing similar to it, but in a healthy way. So Here it comes Wheat flour Aloo Naan.

Norrmally Naan is prepared in Maida. / All purpose flour which is not a healthy to use it. So I replaced Maida with wheat flour, added boiled potatoes stuff and prepared yummy Aloo stuffed Naan.
 Wheat Flour Naan and it is cooked on tava.. ( Not on gas burner, which is bad for our health).
Potato stuff should be prepared first, so that you need not to wait to roll the naan.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

For the dough :
Wheat flour : 2 Cups
Millet flour : 1/2 Cup
Baking Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Baking Soda : 1/4 Teaspoon
Curd /Yogurt : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Salt : A little /As required
Oil : 2 Tablespoons + 2 Tablespoons
Black Sesame Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon ( Optional/To sprinkle on the top).
For Stuffing :
Potatoes : 3 ( Medium sized )
Garam Masala powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Jeera/Cumin seeds/1/2 Teaspoon
Salt : As required : 1/2 Teaspoon

Method :

Aloo/Potato Stuffing
1. Wash and pressure cook 2 to 3 potatoes for 5 minutes and let it cool.
2. Peel off the outer layer and put them in a bowl.
3.Add required salt, garam masala powder, little jeera powder.
4. Wash and cut coriander leaves and cut into thin pieces. (Remove the leaves from its stick).
5. Smash them nicely and take a small portion and make like bonda (round ) shape.
6. Keep them aside.

Dough Preparation :

1. Take a big bowl and add 2 cups of wheat flour, 1/2 cup of millet/jola/jowar/Sorghum flour.
2. Add a teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda/cooking soda to the flour.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of curd/yogurt and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Mix all the ingredients.

4. Prepare the chapati/naan dough. Add water only if required. The dough should be soft.
5. Allow the dough to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Now kneed the dough nicely and divide them into small portion.
7. Take a small portion of the dough and stuff aloo mixture and cover it from all sides.

8. Roll them on dry flour and roll it as chapati. It should done slowly without putting weight on it.
9. Keep a chapati tava/pan on the fire and heat. Wet your hand and press is it slightly on the rolled naan.
10. Take out the rolled naan slowly and place the wet side on the tava. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds
and coriander leaves on the top and press it slightly. So that it sticks to the Naan.
on the top.

11. Cook on both sides with low and medium flame.

 12.Wheat flour Aloo Naan is ready to serve..
13. Apply butter on the top and serve with a cup of curd pickle or any curry of your choice.

 14. Repeat the same and prepare the rest of naans.
Note :
The dough should be very soft. Adding millet flour makes the dough soft. Do not add more millet flour. You may not be able to roll them. Adding oil on the top of naan while cooking is optional. I have not added. I added butter on the top of Naan while serving. Cook on low and medium flame.
So that it does not get burnt. No need to rest the dough for a long time. Baking powder and baking soda turns the dough very soft.
You can cook this naan on the gas just after heating the naan on the tava you need to pace it on gas burner and cook. These days it is said cooking food on the gas burner is not a healthy option. So I decided to cook this Wheat flour Aloo Naan on the tava. (Both the sides).
Time : 40 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.
Indian Rotis.

Alasande/southekai Kootu /Jeera Curry

Alasande /Cow Peas and Southekai /Mangalore Cucumber Kootu /Curry is one of the Udupi style dish and it goes well with all most all the main dishes. 

I have used fresh Alasande/ cow peas, carrots, Southekai/Mangalore cucumber and coconut.
No Onion or No garlic is used in this Kootu Curry. This type of curry is done during festivals, feast and some grand functions.
Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed : 

To Cook :
Alasane /Cow Peas : 1 Cup
Southekai /Mangalore Cucumber : 1
Carrots :  2 ( Small Ones).
To Grind : 
Coconut : 1 Cup
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Coriander seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Green chilly : 2 to 3
Tamarind : Tamarind seed size. (Very small)
To Add :
Ground coconut mixture
Salt : As required
Seasoning :
Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6

Method :

1. Wash and  pressure cook  cow peas and vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes. Let it cool.

2. Grate coconut and grind it with coriander seeds, jeera, green chilly and tamarind.

3. Keep a big pan on the fire and put cooked vegetables in it. Add salt, turmeric. Let it boil.

4. Add ground coconut mixture and mix it well. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Shift the curry to a serving dish. Add seasoning and serve with your choice of main dish.

Note :

Do not over cook the vegetables. You can cook them separately. Adding more /less green chilly is optional. Use of coconut oil for seasoning is optional. No need to roast /fry any spice. Do not add much tamarind to this curry. Use of curd instead of tamarind is optional.
Time : 20 Minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4 . 
Purely South Indian Dish. 

Baragu /Proso Millet Cripsy Masala Dosa

Use of millet is one of the healthy way to stay fit. It is said that in olden days people used to have millet as their staple food. Now people know the secret of taking care of their health. Here is a recipe of Proso Millet/baragu Millet Masala Dosa. Try and enjoy.

Millet helps to reduce the weight, take care of blood sugar level and they are free of gluten. They are best for diabetic people to control their sugar. They are fiber rich, filled with vitamins and minerals. They are digested slowly and one will not feel hungry for a long time.

Here I have used Baragu/Prosso Millet, Urid dal and a tablespoon of toor dal with little methi seeds. I have used mixi jar this time to grind the ingredients. The batter has to be well fermented to get good dosa.

Let us see the recipe Now :

Baragu Dosa :

Ingredients "

Baragu /Proso Millet : 2 Cups 

Urdi dal : 1/2 Cup 

Toor Dal : 1 Tablespoon full

Methi seeds : 1 Teaspoon

Avalakki /Poha : ( Any type ) : 2 Handful 

Salt : As required

Method :

1. Wash and soak Baragu Millet separately for 3 hours.

2. Wash and soak urid dal, methi seeds together for 3 hours.

3. Wash and soak avalakki separately.

4. Grind all the ingredients and put it in a big bowl to ferment. (Over night or 6 to 8 hours).

5. Prepare Palya /Dry curry of only onions and potato. Keep it aside.

6. Grate fresh coconut and prepare coconut chutney with 2 green chilly, very small quantity of tamarind and required salt. Keep it aside.

7. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Sprinkle little oil on the pan and clean it out with a kitchen tissue.

8. Mix well and take a ladle of dosa batter and spread it on the tava in circle shape. ( Let the flame be low).
9. Sprinkle a teaspoon of oil on the top. Let dosa cook on low flame till it turns slightly golden brown.

10. Add a tablespoon or little more of palya/dry curry in the middle of dosa and roll the dosa and remove it from the pan.

11. Baragu /Proso Millet dosa is ready to serve. Serve with  coconut chutney and little ghee /butter on the top.

12. Repeat the same with remaining batter and prepare dosas.

Note :

Do not add more water while grinding. Let dosa batter ferment well so that dosa turns best.
Do not add oil before pouring dosa batter. Sprinkle little water and clean the top of the pan each time you prepare dosa. Adding toor dal helps dosa to turn crispy and tasty. Do it on the low flame.
Serves : 4 to 5
Time  : Soaking the ingredients 3 hours + Grinding 5 Minutes + Fermentation : 6 to 7 Hours.
Aloo Dry curry :
Aloo Payla
Ingredients :
Potatoes : 2
Onions : 2 to 3
Green chilly : 2 to 3
Ginger : 1 Teaspoon ( Grated)
Curry leaves :  5 to 6
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons
Salt : As required
Turmeric powder : 1/4 Teaspoon

Method :

1. Wash and pressure cook potatoes. Remove its outer layer once it is cooled. Smash potatoes and keep it aside.
2. Wash and cut green chilly, curry leaves and coriander leaves. Cut them into small. Remove the outer layer of ginger and wash again. Grate it and keep it aside.
3. Keep a pan on the fire, add oil and heat. Add little mustard seeds and urid dal. Add green chilly once the mustard seeds splutter. Let it fry nicely. Add cut curry leaves and cut onions.
4. Fry nicely till the onion turns slightly brown. Add smashed potatoes and mix it well.
5.Add required salt and mix it well. Add cut coriander leaves and put off the fire.

Coconut Chutney :

Grate coconut, and grind it with 2 green chilly and little tamarind. Add salt and mix it well. Add mustard and curry leaves seasoning to chutney and serve.