Friday, October 4, 2013

Rajasthani thali


Tonight's Menu

Mint lemonade (पुदीना शिकंजी)
Yogurt (मसाला दही)
Besan ke gattey (गट्टे की सब्जी)
Panchmel dal (पंचमेल दाल)
Besan wali arbi (बेसन वाली अर्बी)
Patori besani mirch (पटोरी बेसनी मिर्च)
Garlic chutney (लहसुन की चटनी )
Papad (पापड़)
Bikaneri bhujiya (बीकानेरी भुजिया)
Millet roti (बाजरे की रोटी)
Rice (चावल)
Moong dal halwa (मूंग दाल का हल्वा)

Rajasthani Thali

Located at the northwest side of India, Rajasthan, with its rich cultural heritage, is a land of vibrant colors, attractive palaces, breath-taking architecture and scrumptious cuisine. Primarily vegetarian, the food and cooking style is hugely influenced by the dry climatic conditions of this desert land and the traditional warrior lifestyle of its inhabitants. 
Water and fresh green vegetables are at a premium. Most dishes are cooked in minimum amounts of water. Butter, ghee and buttermilk are used liberally. Spice levels are high and red chili both dry and fresh is used in large quantities. They say heat (मिर्ची) beats the heat (गर्मी). Gram flour (बेसन) is one of the key ingredient used in a number of dishes such as gattey (गट्टे की सब्जी), kadhi (कढ़ी), Mirch pakoda(मिर्ची के पकोड़े). Legumes and pulses are used in a variety of ways such as panchmel dal, mangori (मंगोड़ी). Popular veggies are ker sangri (केर सांगरी) and guar phali (गार की फली). Sweet dishes form a significant part of Rajasthani delicacies. In fact when the meal is served, sweets arrive first. Ghevar(घेवर) of Jaipur, mava kachori(मावा कचोरी) of Jodhpur, malpua(मालपुआ) of Pushkar, sohan halwa(सोहन हलवा) of Ajmer are the most well known. Spicy and tangy accompaniments to enhance your taste buds include garlic chutney(लहसुन की चटनी), tomato chutney (टमाटर लौंजी), mint chutney (पोदीने की चटनी), mango chutney (आम की लौंजी). 

Besan ke gattey
Panchmel dal
Panchmel dal
Ingredients: (serves 6)
1/4 cup chana dal (Split Bengal gram)
1/4 cup sabut moong dal (Whole green grams)
1/4 cup dhuli urad dal (Split black gram skinless)
1/4 cup toor/arhar dal (
Split pigeon pea
1/4 cup masoor dal (Whole red lentils)
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

1 tsp coriander powder 
1 tsp green chilli-ginger paste
1 tbsp Oil

2 tsp ghee
Pinch hing (Asafoetida)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds Cumin seeds
4-5 whole cloves
2 dried red chilies broken
Red chili powder to taste
2 medium tomatoes chopped
1/4 tsp garam masala powder
Fresh coriander leaves chopped

  • Soak dals in 4 cups of water for minimum two hours. 
  • Take soaked dals with the water in a pressure cooker and add turmeric, salt, oil,  coriander powder and chili ginger paste. Pressure cook till done (simmer for 15 minutes after the whistle).
  • Heat ghee in a pan. Add asafoetida, cumin seeds, cloves and dry red chilies  When cumin seeds start to change color, add tomatoes and saute till oil leaves the side of the pan. 
  • Add red chili powder and the cooked dals, and water if required. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring well. Add garam masala powder and serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.

Besan wali Arbi (बेसन वाली अर्बी)
Ingredients: (serves 4-6)
1 lb Arbi (Colocasia - Taro Root)
2 tbsp gram flour(बेसन)
salt to taste
1/2 tsp dry mango powder(अमचूर)
red chili powder to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Oil for frying
Lime juice to taste
fresh coriander chopped to serve
For baghaar (तड़का)
1 tsp oil
3/4 tsp carom seeds (अज्वैन)
1/2 inch ginger julienne 
fresh green chili (optional)
  • Thoroughly wash arbi and place in a pressure cooker with some water to boil. Turn off the heat after 1 whistle and let the steam escape on its own before opening the cooker.
  • Let the boiled arbi cool enough to handle comfortably.
  • Meanwhile in a shallow dish mix together gram flour, salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and dry mango powder.
  • Peel boiled arbi and slice them into thin rounds. Dunk each slice in the prepared spice mixture and keep aside.
  • Shallow fry these slices on both sides till crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  • At this stage you can serve these as a crisp snack. OR
  • Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan. Add carom seeds, roast for 2-3 seconds, add ginger and green chili followed by fried arbi slices. 
  • Turn off the heat and sprinkle lime juice. Mix well. Serve garnished with fresh chopped coriander.
Patori besani mirch
Bajre ki roti (pearl millet)
Bajre ki roti
Ingredients: (makes 8 large)
1 1/2 cups bajra flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
salt to taste
Extra dry flour to roll the dough
Butter or ghee to serve
  • Take the two flours in a deep bowl and add salt.
  • Use water as needed to make a smooth and pliable dough. Knead for 2-3 minutes and let it rest covered in a damp paper towel for 5 minutes. 
  • Divide the dough in to 8 equal portions and roll them in in your palm into a smooth ball, flatten.
  • Press the dough in dry flour and using a rolling pin roll them into thick 6" diameter circles.
  • Cook these on a hot tava (griddle) till both sides turn golden brown. Press lightly with a spatula to help even heat distribution. 
  • Serve with a dollop of white butter and lehsun ki chutney (see below).
Lehsun ki chutney (chillie garlic chutney)
Lehsun ki chutney (chillie garlic chutney)
Ingredients
5 fresh red chillies
4-5 cloves garlic
1 tsp olive oil
Blend all the ingredients to make a fine paste.  If required use very little water. Enjoy with bajra roti (above).

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