Methi Aloo Curry

Methi Allo curry is a gravy dish and it is nice to have with chapatis, roti, rotti, dosa, idli, poori and even plain rice.

I have used methi/fenugrik leaves, tomatoes, potatoes and simple spices like garam masala and rasam powder.
Lets see some benefits of Methi/Fenugrik in our diet. (Leaves and seeds).
Fenugrik/methi helps reduce the cholesterol level and protect our heart. It helps to boost our immune system. It is good for people who suffer from anemia, dandruff, stomach disorder, mouth ulcer, diabetes and inflammations. It is also good for ladies (post pregnancy) for lactating and helps to improve the digestion. It is loaded with good minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese and copper and Vitamin B6, protein and dietary fiber.
No Onion or No Garlic added in this curry. Methi Aloo Curry is a simple dish that any one can try and get good result.
Lets see the recipe now :

Things needed :

Methi leaves : 1 bunch
Potato : 1
Tomato : 2
Green chilly : 1
Ginger : a little
Garam Masala : 1/2 Teaspoon
Rasam or Sambaar powder :  1 Teaspoon
Turmeric powder : a pinch
Salt : to taste.
Water : 1 cup ( Small cup )
Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 6 to 8

Method :

1. Wash methi leaves and cut. ( You can cut off 3/4 of the stem if it is not tender ).
2. Wash and remove the outer part of ginger and cut into small.
3. Wash and cut tomatoes (remove the seeds), green chilly and

4. Wash and boil potato and keep it aside.
5. Keep a pan on the fire. Put cut methi leaves, tomatoes, cut ginger and cook with required water.

6. Remove the outer layer of potato and cut into small pieces. (or you can smash).
7. Let methi leaves cook till they turn soft. Add turmeric powder, salt. Cut potato pieces.

8. Add garam masala powder and rasam powder. Mix it well and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

9. Keep a small pan on the fire and heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Add mustard and jeera.
10. Let mustard seeds splutter, add cut green chilly and curry leaves. Fry nicely for 10 seconds.

11. Put this mustard seeds seasonings to the cooked curry. Mix it well and cook for 2 minutes.
12. Shift Methi - Aloo curry to a serving dish and serve with the main dish.

Note. : 

 You can add coriander powder and red chilly powder instead of rasam powder. Use of spices is optional. Adding garlic and onion is optional. Adding cream or butter (1 Tablespoon) turns the gravy more tasty. (Optional).
Time : 20 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.

Raw Banana Dry Curry ( Palya )

Raw Banana/ Balekai is used as vegetable. So many dishes can be prepared with Raw Banana. Here is a simple and quick dish that is " Raw Banana Dry Curry ". Dry Curry can be eaten with plain rice, chapati, roti, poori. This curry is very easy to prepare and quick too. Having this curry with hot plain rice and a spoon of ghee makes you more hungry than ever. Try it out..and you will surely agree with my words.

I have used raw banana and very little spices.
Lets see the benefits of having "Banana" in our diet. 
Plantains/Bananas are nutritious fruit. They consist of fiber and energy source. They are good energy boosters. Good for people who suffer from constipation since it contain good amount of dietary fiber. bananas contain potassium and it helps to prevent high blood pressure. Raw bananas are good to treat ulcers. They help in decreasing acidity and reducing irritation.
As I said earlier, Raw banana dry curry is easy, simple and quick to prepare.
I have not used any onions or garlic here. (Optional).

Things Needed :Ingredients :

Raw Banana : 2
coconut ( grated ) : 1 Table spoon
Mustard : 1/2 Tea spoon
Urd Daal : 1/2 Tea spoon
Jeera :1/2 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 5 to 6 leaves or more.
coriander leaves : 4 to 5 sticks
Oil.: 1 Table spoon
Salt : to taste.
Turmeric Powder : a pinch
Chilli powder : 1/2 Tea spoon
Water : 1/4 Cup

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer thick layer of outside of raw banana.

2. Cut the banana into small pieces and put it in a bowl of water, so that it does not turn black.

3. Wash and cut coriander and curry leaves.
4. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add a tablespoon of oil.
5. Add mustard seeds, urid dal and let the mustard splutter. Add jeera and curry leaves.

6. Add banana pieces (drain all the water) and fry for a minute.

7. Add 1/4 cup (or little less) water and turmeric powder. Cook on medium flame.
8. Let all the moisture disappear. Add chilly powder and salt. Stir it slowly.
9. Add cut coriander leaves.
10. Serve Raw banana dry curry with the main dish you have prepared.

Note : 

You can dry grind coconut , red chilly powder and mustard and add instead of chilly powder. it gives better taste. Or you can deep fry cut bananas and add chilly powder and salt. If it over cooks it loses its taste.( So while adding water be careful). Add little water and then cook on low flame. Stir in between). Adding any other spice is optional. Adding onions and garlic is also optional. Adding fresh coconut is optional. ( I have not added ).
Time : 15 minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.