Monday, December 03, 2012

Mangai Thokku / Grated Mango Pickle




It is not a mango season. But when I saw fresh mangoes in market a week before, I felt like tasting it. So I bought a few mangoes. Then I decided to make mango thokku out of one. The one which I posted here is the recipe from my grandma. My mother-in-law used to prepare same kind of thokku for mixing it with rice and her version is different. I will be posting her recipe in summer during the mango season.



My grandma makes this recipe often during mango season and most of the time it lasts only for a week or two. When it is prepared at home, we use it not only with curd rice, but also with paratha, roti, hot steamed rice, idly, dosa, sandwich and sometimes we use it as a condiment for papad too. This thokku is very addictive than pickle. You can also prepare it instantly.



Basic Information:

Preparation Time: <10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 1 cup



Ingredients:



Raw mango - 1 no, Large size

Gingerly Oil - 3 tablespoons

Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoons

Asafoetida - a big pinch

Red chilli powder - 2 teaspoons (see notes)

Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon

Salt - to taste

Jaggery - 1 teaspoon (Optional)

Roasted fenugreek powder - 1/4 teaspoon (Optional)



Method:



1) Peel the skin of the raw mango and grate it nicely.

2) Heat a non-stick pan/ kadai. Heat oil in it.

3) Add mustard seeds when the oil is hot and not smoking. Let it splutter.

4) Immediately add Asafoetida. Make sure not to burn it.



5) Add grated mango and give a quick stir.

6) Cover and cook for 5 minutes in low flame.

7) After 5 minutes, the grated mango reduces to half. Now add salt as per the mango quantity, turmeric powder and red chilli powder.



8) Saute it till the raw smell of red chilli powder goes off.

9) Add jaggery and roasted fenugreek powder if you are using(I didn't add both). Cover again and cook till the oil separates from the mango. It will again take 4-5 minutes. Make sure to keep it in low flame.

10) Switch it off and cool to room temperature. Store in dry, air tight container. It stays good for a month if stored in refrigerator.

11) Goes well with hot steamed rice, Curd rice, Idly, Dosa and any type of parathas.



Note:

1) I used home made red chilli powder and hence I used more to get correct spicy level. If you use store bought red chilli powder, use less or more according to its spicy level.

2) Taste a pinch of grated mango before preparing the thokku and check whether it is sour or not. If it is sour, add jaggery or you can skip it.

3) If you like, use roasted fenugreek powder to it.

Go with the Flow

To maximize the functionality of your kitchen, Braam's truly believes in the importance of good placement.  Your major appliances, sink and workspaces should be organized in a way to minimize cross-traffic and create a seamless flow for cooking, baking or entertaining.  

Houzz has written an insightful article on this topic.  Check it out here.

Saturday, December 01, 2012

MICROWAVE CARROT HALWA


Usually I prefer carrots most for fresh salads! Sometimes I add carrots to Sambar to enhance its taste. But making Halwa with Carrot in a grand feast is a fine idea to attract the guests at your side! Unlike the manual version, this microwave Carrot Halwa needs only a few minutes to cook and serve! Adding milk powder instead of milk is the secret for its delicious taste!! I have learnt this from my close friend years back and am following only this procedure to make a quick carrot halwa since then!!
 
 

காரட் அல்வா [ மைக்ரோவேவ் முறையில்]

Ingredients:

Shredded carrot- 2 cups

Ghee= 1 tbsp

Full cream milk powder- 3 tbsp

Sugar- 5 tbsp

Cardamom powder- ½ tsp

Procedure:

Pour the ghee in a microwave bowl and add the carrot.

Mix well and cook in HIGH for 2 minutes.

Mix well and again cook in HIGH for 2 minutes.

Then add all the ingredients and mix well.

Cook again for 2 minutes mixing in intervals.

The delicious Microwave Carrot Halwa is ready to serve within 6 minutes!!!