Kothimbir Vadi

Kothmbir Vadi

Kothimbir Vadi is a starter / snack that are extremely popular among maharashtrians. When I was in Thane , I ate this many times at my maharashtrian friend’s home. It’s my favorite one. Simple and tasty. 

Ingredients

Coriander Leaves                               1 big bunch

Chick peas flour/besan                        1 cup

Peanut coarsely crushed                     2 tbsp.

Rice flour                                           1 Tbsp.

Ginger Paste                                       1 Tbsp.

Turmeric powder                                1/4 Tsp.

Green Chilies  paste                             1 tbsp

Asafetida                                           - A pinch

Sugar                                                     1Tsp.

Salt                                                     to taste
Baking soda (optional)                         1/8 Tsp.

Oil                                                     for Shallow fry 

For Seasonings:
Oil                                                     1 Tsp.
White Sesame seeds                          1 Tbsp.
Dry coconut                                       2 Tbsp.
Curry leaves                                      few 

Method:

• Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl with water except oil to get a thick batter without any lumps.
• For Steaming I have used steamer trays. You can also use Idli moulds.
• Grease the idli moulds/ Steamer trays with oil. Add batter to it and steam for 20 minutes.
• Let it cool then unmold .If you are using steamer trays then after unmolding cut into slices.
• Heat oil in a pan.  Now, shallow fry the Vadis till they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Heat oil, fry all seasonings and add to the wadis.
• Serve hot with any spicy chutney or sauce.

Note:

• Shallow fry or deep fry the Kothimbir Wadis as per your choice. 
• You can freeze these vadis and its stays up to 2 months.

Vangi Bath/ Brinjal Rice

The cuisine of Karnataka includes many vegetarian food items. Vangi Bath or Eggplant Rice is very popular in Karnataka. Vaangi baath - cooked rice mixed with vegetables cooked in oil and spice. Learn how to make/prepare Vangi Bath by following this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

Rice                                      1 ½ cup

Turmeric powder                    ¼Tsp. 

American Eggplants/ Brinjals   1 big size (OR) 6 Brinjals

Frozen Carrot and peas           ½ cup

Grated ginger                          1 Tsp.

Vangi Bath Powder

VangiBath Powder                  2 Tbsp.(See the link)

Curry leaves                           few

Lemon juice                            1 Tsp.

Oil/Ghee                                 2 Tsp.

Cashew Nuts                           few

Kismis                                     few

Sugar                                      ¼ Tsp.

Salt                                         to taste

For Seasoning:

Oil                                         1 Tsp.

Mustard seeds                        ¼ Tsp.

Bengal gram dhal                   ½ Tsp.

Urdh dhal                              1 Tsp.

Asafetida                               a bit

For Decoration

 Fried cashew nuts, Kismish, curry leaves and cilantros.

Method:

• Cook the rice and spread on a plate to cool.
• Cut the Brinjals into 1-inch pieces and immersed in a bowl of water to prevent discoloring.
• Heat an oil in a frying pan, crackle mustard seeds, add all above seasoning and  fry for a minute.
• Now add the curry leaves and ginger  and fry for a second, then add the chopped Brinjals and sugar .
• Sauté the Vangi or eggplant and veggies on medium heat, until it's cooked and sautéed well.
• Add the Vangi bath and fry for a couple of seconds .                 
• Add the cooked rice along with some salt and mix well. Add more masala if needed.
• Sauté the rice and eggplant for a few minutes until all flavors are combined.
• Now add the 1 Tsp of lemon juice, mix  it well.
• Decorate with fried Cashew Nuts .Kismish, curry leaves and coriander leaves. 
• Serve hot with Raitha and papads.

Vangi Bath Powder

Homemade Vangi Bath powder being fresh smells far better than store bought. You can store this powder for few months. One of my Karnataka friend Kokila Mami gave this recipe. Thanks Mami.

Learn how to make Vangi Bath powder at home. If you find this Vangi Bath powder recipe is useful then please share with your friends.

Ingredients:

Urad dal                        ¼ cup

Channa dal                      ¼ cup

Dry coconut                     ¾ cup

Byadige Red chillies         10 nos.       (Gives nice red color)

Red chilies                       8 no.

Cinnamon stick                1 no.

Cloves                             5 no.

Star anise                        1 no.

Coriander seeds              3 tbsp.

Tamarind                        a small key lemon size

Oil /ghee                         1 tsp.

Method:

• Roast the above items separately using a little ghee to golden brown finally when you turn off the stove.
• Just warm the coriander seeds and grated dry coconut for few minutes in the same pan.
• Fry the tamarind in a oil and keep aside.
• Grind all the roasted ingredients with a pinch of salt and tamarind to a coarse powder.
• This can be stored in a air-tight container for about 2-3 months. You can refrigerate for longer time. Use it in the recipe as required.

Suggested Veggies

• Eggplant, carrots. Peas. Potatoes  AND Bell pepper if you like colors choose different colors. 
• When mixing with rice use lime juice to your taste and depending on the amount some ghee to the final preparation. 

Bon appetite