Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji...the name itself is soo tempting and mouth watering. I normally don't make this preparation as its a spicy dish though wholesome. I had all the ingredients to make a perfect pav bhaji wihtout a pav bhaji masala :-) Thought of trying to make one without the masala.... used the subzi masala I had and some garam masala for some extra spice and some grounded fennel seeds and carrom seeds. And the taste was very close to a perfect pav bhaji. Though it did aggravate my stomach as I am not supposed to eat such spicy oily foods.. But its ok to indulge occassionally.... :-) doesn't apply to me actually.....

Vegetable - 2 small potatoes, 1 1/2 cup cauliflower, 1 carrot, 1 cup peas boiled or steamed with some salt

Onion - 1 big chopped finely

Capsicum / Bell Pepper - 1 chopped

Tomato - Puree - 4-5 boiled , peel and pureed

Pav Bhaji Masala - 2 -3 tbsp (I substituted some subzi masala , garam masala and 1 tsp ground fennel and pinch carom seeds )

Garlic Paste / crushed - 6-7 cloves

Coriander - garnish

Red Chilli Powder - 1 tbsp

Oil / Butter / Ghee - 2 tbsp butter preferrably :-)

Heat oil in a pan, splutter some cumin seeds, add red chilli powder and 3/4th of the garlic paste. Stir well for few minutes. Add onions and bell peppers and cook till transperant. Now add the tomato puree and cook till the raw smell goes. Now add the mixed veggies preferably add after mashing well and the rest of the leftover garlic paste. Add salt, black pepper powder and pav bhaji masala. Cook for few minutes till done. Garnish with coriander leaves and dollops of butter :-) Enjoy with bread, pav or chapati... But I somehow still prefer Tava Pulav to pav bhaji :-)

Todays menu is going to be Beetroot rice and onion capsicum rice. This is the first time I am goign to try this recipe. Will make a note of that if it turns out to be good and different... But my favorite is always curd rice :-)

Sarso ka Saag (Mustard Greens)

Mustard Greens have a little bitter strong flavor. Have tried this recipe two three times jsut got it right this time. Truly had a very similar taste to palak panner :-) inspite of the strong flavor these leaves have...

Mustard Greens - 1/2 bunch

Moong Dal - 2 tsp

Garam Masala - 2 tsp

Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp

Cloves / lavang - 2

ginger garlic - minced 2 tbsp

salt - to taste

turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Onion - 1 medium grated

potato cubes - handful baked - optional

I Pressure cook mustard greens with ginger garlic, cloves, moong dal and little garam masala. Once cool blend it to a smooth paste.

In a kadhai add oil / ghee splutter cumin seed and add onions. Fry till light brown add chilli powder, turmeric and garam masala, little coriander powder can also be added. mix well for 2-3 min and then add the greens. stir well and close it with a lid and simmer for 10-15 min till done.

Served with Makki ki roti. Didnt turn well it tasted very similar to a rice dosa preparation called varum arasi dosai.. tastes better with chapati or rice...

Have some more greens left would just make a stir fry veg with it....