Molagu Kozhambu (Spicy Sambar)

Since I was making Poricha Kootu which is my abso fav thing in the world esp if made by my mom, I decided to make Molagu Kozhambu for D as he is not very into Kootus. Anyways it has come out so well today that I can't wait for my hubby to come and try it out. :)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Small red onions peeled by hand and sliced fine
1 tsp Tamarind paste
Oil for frying

Seasoning:

1 Tbsp oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
few Curry leaves

Ground paste:
Heat little oil in a small pan
Add 4 red chillies
1 tsp Tuar daal
1 tsp Urad daal
Add to mixer along with a a sprig of curry leaves
Grind to a coarse powder form.

Method:
Heat oil in a pan
Add the seasonings.Then the onions.
Fry till golden.
Add ground paste and fry for a couple of mins.
Add the tamarind paste and 2 cups water and salt to taste.
Boil till oil floats on top.
Serve on hot rice.

Poricha Kootu (Mixed Veg Coconut Curry)

This is one recipe I love love love !! My mom makes one version of it (adds different veggies but any veggies will usually do) and we loved eating it with hot rotis.I have tried making it to get the exact taste as my mom but have never come as close as I have this time.So am posting this recipe as an ode to her ! Thanks Amma.


I had plenty of leftover veggies in the fridge. You know the veggies that you use for a recipe and have some remaining which you keep for another day.You can use any veggie combination. I used

1 cup of white pumpkin chopped
1 green banana chopped
1 carrot chopped
1 zucchini chopped
1 long gourd chopped
Pressure cook the above for 3 whistles with 1/4 cup tuar daal(Pigeon pea).

Seasoning:
2 tsp oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds

Ground paste:
Fry in oil and grind with 1/4 cup coconut
6 red chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp urad daal (black gram daal)
I added 1/4 tsp black pepper pods but it is optional.
1 cup water .add little at a time while grinding.

Method:
In a deep pan add the pressure cooked veggies
Add the ground mixture, salt and boil.
Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds.
Season the veggies when mustard seeds crackle.
Mix well.
Garnish with curry leaves and enjoy with Rotis or rice.