Badanekai Ennegai (Spicy Coconut Stuffed Aubergine)

What is Ennegai?


Ingredients
Putta Badanekai (Baby Aubergine): 1 kg
Enne (Oil): 3-4 tbsp


for Roasting & Grinding
Thenginakai (Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Ona Menasu (Dried Red Chillies): 3-4
Kothambari Beeja (Coriander Seeds): 1 tsp
Jeerige (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp
Menthe (Fenugreek Seeds): 1/2 tsp
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Bella (Jaggary): a small piece
Uppu (Salt): to taste
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp



Method
Make 2 slits on the Aubergines such that it has 4 sections with its stalk still holding it intact. In a wide  pan/wok, roast in oil the ingredients in set 2. Grind them and Fill them into the slits made in the Aubergines. Heat oil again in the wide pan/wok and place the aubergines in it. Shallow fry them in a low flame until they are cooked inside and the outer layer has turned a bit crispy. Serve hot with chapati, rotti or rice.

Variation 

• If baby aubergines are not readily available, use the bigger one, chopped. Saute them in oil and add the ground paste at the end. Saute further 5 mins.
• This recipe can be made with Bendekai (Okra), Green Beans, DoNNE Menasu (Capsicum), etc.
• For Hagalkai (Bitter Gourd) version, boil chopped pieces in water, jaggary and tamarind until all the water has evaporated. This removes the bitterness. Grind rest of the ingredients and follow the same recipe.

Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice)

What is Puliyogare?

Ingredients
Anna (cooked Rice):  2 cups
HuLi (Tamarind): a tennis ball sized piece
Bella (Jaggary): a lemon sized piece
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 5-6
Kadalekai (Ground Nut): 1 handful
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Yellu (Sesame Seeds): 1 tsp
Uddina BeLe (Black Gram Lentil): 1 tsp 
Neeru (Water): 1 cup
Enne (Oil): 1/2 cup
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Roasting and Powdering
Yellu (Sesame Seeds): 4 tsp
Jeerige (Cumin Seeds): 2 tsp
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 2 tsp
Kothambari Beeja (Coriander Seeds): 2 tsp
Ona Menasu (Dried Red Chillies):  3-4
Kobbari (Dried Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Uddina BeLe (Black Gram Lentil): 1 tsp
Kadale BeLe (Bengal Gram Lentil): 1 tsp


Method
Roast (one by one) and powder (together) the ingredients in set 2. In a saucepan/wok, heat oil and add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, lentil, curry leaves, groundnut, and saute till they are golden. Add water, tamarind, jaggary, salt and boil. When dissolved, add the powder and boil till it reduces to a paste. This paste can be stored in a air-tight container for a long time. 

When required, mix some of the paste with the rice and serve hot or cold.

Variation: for an exotic version, add roasted cashewnuts!

Bendhi (Greens in Onion and Coconut Gravy)

Bendhi is Greens stewed in Onion and Coconut gravy. Bendhi is very similar to Bol Saaru, difference is, add a pinch of menthe (Fenugreek Seeds) when cooking greens with salt, tamarind. Add bellulli (garlic) to oggarane. It can be made with almost any soppu (greens) or with beetroot.

Kolambu (Vegetables in Pepper and Coconut Gravy)

Kolumbu is very similar to Sambar, difference is that fry the coconut before grinding. Also, use less chillies/sambar powder and add 1 tsp of pepper while grinding. It can be made with different vegetables (either individually or a combination of few together), popular ones are: Green Beans, Bendekai (Okra), Potato + Tomato, Marrow, Pumpkin, Aubergine, Carrot, Moolangi (Radish), Nuggekai + Bedanekai (Drumsticks + Aubergine), BaLekai (unripe Plantain), etc.

MeNaskai (Fruits in Sweet and Sour Coconut Gravy)

MeNaskai is a coconut based gravy that is sweet and sour. The recipe is very similar to Koddel, the only variation is 2 tsp Ellu (Sesame Seeds) is added while roasting the masala paste. The sweetness in the gravy is mainly due to using fruits like ripe mango or pineapple, hagalkai (bitter gourd) chunks or Kudane/Kustikai (mini Aubergines) can be used in place of fruits. 

Sambar (Vegetables in Spicy Coconut Gravy)

what is sambar?

This is a different version of Sambar made with Coconut instead of Lentils. It can be made with different vegetables (either individually or a combination of few together), popular ones are: Green Beans, Okra, Potato + Tomato, Marrow, Pumpkin, Aubergine, Carrot, Radish, Kudane/Kustikai (mini Aubergines), etc.

Ingredients
Tharakari (Vegetable): whichever you fancy (chopped into large chunks)
Neerulli (Onion): 1 (sliced length-wise)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Neeru (Water): 1 cup
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Grinding
Thenginakai (Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Sambar Pudi (Sambar powder): 2 tsp


for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Karibevu (Curry Leaves):4-5
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the above ingredients in a saucepan for 10 mins. Grind the coconut and Sambar Pudi to a smooth paste and add it to the Sambar. Heat 1 tsp oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the Sambar just before serving.

Paji Koddel (Vegetables in Spicy Garlic and Coconut Gravy)

Paji Koddel is Vegetables in Sweet, Sour and Spicy Coconut Gravy. It differs from Koddel because there is no roasting of ingredients before grinding (Paji means raw (not roasted) in Tulu Language). Paji Koddel can be made with different vegetables, popular ones are: Carrot, Cabbage, Marrow, Mangalore Southekai, etc. Exotic version is Paji Koddel of Gujje (unripened Jackfruit), Jackfruit seeds, ! 

Ingredients

Tharakari (Vegetable): 1 cup (chopped)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Water: 1 cup
Salt: to taste

for Grinding
Tenginakai (Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Ona Menasu (Dried Red Chillies): 3-4
Kothambari Beeja (Coriander Seeds): 1 tsp
Jeerige (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp
Akki (uncooked Rice): 1 tsp
Aarashina (Turmeric Powder): 1/2 tsp
Bellulli (Garlic): 2 cloves

for Oggarane/Tempering
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the vegetable pieces, tamarind and salt in a saucepan of water for 10 minutes. Grind the ingredients in set 2 and add it to the Paji Koddel and simmer for 10 mins. Heat oil in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the Paji Koddel just before serving.

Koddel (Vegetables in Sweet, Sour and Spicy Coconut Gravy)

Koddel is Vegetables in Sweet, Sour and Spicy Coconut Gravy. Koddel can be made with different vegetables, popular ones are: Kumblakai (Pumpkin), Hagalkai (Bitter Gourd), BaLekai (unripe Plantain), Green Beans, Badanekai (Aubergines), Bendekai (Okra), Mangalore Southekai, Kudane/Kustikai (mini Aubergines), etc. 

Ingredients
Tharakari (Vegetable): 1 cup (chopped)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Bella (Jaggary): a small piece
Water: 1 cup
Salt: to taste

for Roasting & Grinding
Tenginakai (Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Ona Menasu (Dried Red Chillies): 3-4
Kothambari Beeja (Coriander Seeds): 1 tsp
Jeerige (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp
Uddina BeLe (Black Lentils): 1 tsp
Menthe (Fenugreek Seeds): 1/2 tsp
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the vegetable pieces jaggary, tamarind and salt in a saucepan of water till the water dries up. In a  small pan, roast in oil the ingredients in set 2. Grind them and add it to the Koddel adding more water to desired consistency and simmer for 10 mins. Heat oil again in the small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the Koddel just before serving.

Gasi (Veg/Legumes in Spicy Coconut Gravy)

Gasi is Vegetables or Legumes in Spicy Coconut Gravy. Gasi can be made with different vegetables, popular ones are: Green Peas, Black Chick Peas or any other legumes, Green Beans, Cabbage, Potatoes, Mangalore Southekai, Thondekai (Ivy Gourd), Budu Kumbalakai (Ash Gourd), etc. 

Ingredients
Tharakari (Vegetable) (chopped) or KaaLu (Legumes) (soaked overnight or canned): 1 cup
Neerulli (Onion): 1 (chopped)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Neeru (Water): 1 cup
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Roasting & Grinding
Thenginakai (Coconut): 1 cup (grated)
Ona Menasu (Dried Red Chillies): 2
Kothambari Beeja (Coriander Seeds): 1 tsp
Arashina (Turmeric Powder): 1 tsp
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the vegetable pieces or soaked legumes, tamarind and salt in a saucepan of water for 10 mins. In a  small pan, roast in oil the red chillies, coriander seeds & turmeric powder (add in that order). Grind them with coconut, add it to the Gasi and simmer for 5 mins. Heat oil again in the small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the Gasi just before serving.

Sambar (Vegetable in Lentil Gravy)

what is sambar?

Sambar can be made with different vegetables (either individually or a combination of few together), popular ones are: Green Beans, Bendekai (Okra), Potato + Tomato, Marrow, Pumpkin, Drumsticks + Aubergine, Carrot, Radish, Cabbage, Baby Onion,  BaLekai (unripe Plantain), Mangalore Southekai, Thondekai (Ivy Gourd), Mixed Veg, etc.

Ingredients
Togari BeLe (Yellow Lentil): 1 handful
Tharakari (Vegetable): whichever you fancy (chopped into large chunks)
Neerulli (Onion): 1 (sliced length-wise)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Sambar Pudi (Sambar Powder): 2 tsp
Neeru (Water): 1 cup
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Karibevu (Curry Leaves):4-5
Enne (Oil): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the above ingredients in a pressure cooker (3 whistles) or simmer in a saucepan for 30 mins. Heat 1 tsp oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the Sambar just before serving.

Tharakari Bol Saaru (Vegetable Clear Soup)

What is Saaru?

Bol Saaru is vegetables in a clear soup. Popular ones are: Boodu Kumblakai (Ash Gourd), Bendekai (Ladies Finger/Okra), Beetroot, Kombasure (any other Gourd), etc.


Ingredients
Tharakari (Vegetables): 1 cup (chopped)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble sized piece
Menasina Pudi (Chilli powder): 1 tsp
Arashina (Turmeric powder): 1 tsp
Kothambari Soppu (Coriander leaves): few strands (chopped)
Neeru (Water): 2 cups
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Hingu (Asafoetida): 2 pinches
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Bellulli (Garlic): 2 cloves
Enne/Thuppa (Oil/Ghee): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the above ingredients in a saucepan for 15 mins. Heat the oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the saaru just before serving.

Kadale Saaru (Black Chick Peas Soup)

What is Saaru?


Ingredients
Kadale (Black Chick Peas): 1 cup (or can)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble sized piece
Menasina Pudi (Chilli powder): 1 tsp
Arashina (Turmeric powder): 1 tsp
Kothambari Soppu (Coriander leaves): few strands (chopped)
Neeru (Water): 2 cups
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Hingu (Asafoetida): 2 pinches
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Bellulli (Garlic): 2 cloves
Enne/Thuppa (Oil/Ghee): 1 tsp

Method
Boil the above ingredients in a saucepan for 30 mins (10 mins if using canned beans). Heat the oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the saaru just before serving.

Variations: This recipe can be used to make Saaru of any KaaLu (Legumes). 

Huli Saaru (Tamarind Soup)

What is Saaru?

Ingredients
Huli (Tamarind): a marble sized piece
Hasi Menasu (Green Chilli): 2 (sliced)
Kothambari Soppu (Coriander leaves): few strands (chopped)
Neeru (Water): 2 cups
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Hingu (Asafoetida): 2 pinches
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Enne/Thuppa (Oil/Ghee): 1 tsp


 Method
Boil the above ingredients in a saucepan for 10 mins. Heat the oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the saaru just before serving.

Tomato BeLe Saaru (Spicy Tomato and Lentil soup)

What is Saaru?

Ingredients
Tomato: 2 (chopped)
Togari BeLe (Yellow Lentil): 1 handful
Saarina Pudi (Saaru Powder): 1 tsp
Bella (Jaggary): a small piece or Sugar: 1tsp

Kothambari Soppu (Coriander leaves): few strands (chopped)
Huli (Tamarind): a marble-sized piece
Neeru (Water): 2 cups
Uppu (Salt): to taste

for Oggarane/Tempering
Saasive (Mustard Seeds): 1 tsp
Jeerige (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp
Hingu (Asafoetida): 1 pinch
Karibevu (Curry Leaves): 4-5
Enne/Thuppa (Oil/Ghee): 1tsp


 Method
Boil the above ingredients in a pressure cooker (3 whistles) or simmer in a saucepan for 30 mins. Heat oil/ghee in a small pan and add oggarane ingredients to it. Pour this over the saaru just before serving.