Spicy Aloo

This is the recipe which my mother used to make for navratri fast along with Sabudana khichadi and ginger tea. As kids we never used to keep fast but used to love this dish. Loads of good memories attached to it. Though I can’t make exactly the same way my mother makes but I gave it a shot and it came out well. Here I have given the recipe, I hope you guys enjoy it.

Ingredients-
Serves 4

Boiled and cubes potatos – 3 cups
Lemon juice – 1tbsp
curry leaves – 4-5
Coriander seeds – 2tbsp
Red chilies – 2
Cumin seeds- 2tsp
Asafetida/Hing – a pinch(optional)
Turmeric powder – 1/2tsp (optional)
Mango Powder/Amchur- 1/2tsp
Garam Masala powder – ½ tsp(optional)
Green coriander for garnishing
Salt to taste

Note- You can add ½ cup of roasted and coarsely ground peanuts to it which gives it a good crunch. When making for fast avoid garam masala and turmeric.

Method-
Take all the whole spices(keep 1tsp of cumin seeds aside for tampering), roast them on slow heat till a nice aroma starts coming. Allow them to cool naturally and make powder of the spices. If you don’t want to do all this you can take all the spices in powder form.Mix them and microwave it for 10-20 sec. Microwave temperature varies so just make sure not to burn the spices since its in the dry form.

In pan take 2 tsp of oil. When its hot add 1tsp of cumin seeds.Ones it starts spluttering add curry leaves. Cook for 10 seconds and now add cubes boiled potatoes. Add salt and Turmeric.Cover it and cook it for 2-3 mins. Now add the powdered spices and salt. Mix well, cover the pan and cook it on medium flame for around 3-4 mins so that all the flavor of spices goes into the potatoes. Turn off the heat, add leamon juice, garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Zucchini/Carrot rice

This is the dish I saw the other day on You tube . Tried and loved it. It’s very nutritious since we are using zucchini/carrot. It’s really easy to make and tastes yummy. Eat it with any gravy or just like that. Here goes the recipe, I hope you everyone enjoy it.

Ingredients-
Serves 4

Rice- 1 cup
Grated Zucchini with the skin/Carrot – 1cup
Water- 2 cups (double the quantity of Rice)
chopped green chilies – 1 tbsp
Finely chopped ginger – 1tsp
cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Cinnamon stick- ½ inch
Green cardamom – 1(slightly crushed)
Black pepper – 6-8
cloves- 2-3
Bay Leaves – 1-2
salt to taste

Note- when cooking rice in pressure cooker I use equal proportion of rice and water and cook it for 2 whistles and open the cooker after 5 mins (if pressure is still there in the cooker and I am unable to open it. I keep it under running cold water which helps to cool down the cooker. while doing this please don't remove the whistle else water will go inside). Vegans avoid ghee/butter as it is made of milk.

Method-
In a cooker take 1tbsp of ghee or olive oil. When it’s hot add cumin seeds. Once it starts spluttering add all the whole spices, cook it about 1 min and add chopped green chilies and ginger. Cook it for another 1 min and now add grated carrot/zucchini. Cook for 30 seconds and add the soaked rice. Cook till rice is done (Here I have not given the cooking time or method for rice since it differs the way one makes it). Garnish with coriander and serve hot :)