Rawa (Semolina) idli

Another of my mother in laws wonderful creations!!

Makes: 16-18 idlis

Ingredients:

1. Rawa (Semolina) - 2.5 cups
2. Curd - 1 cup
3. Carrot (grated) - 2 tbsp
4. French beans (finely chopped) - 2 tbsp
5. Curry leaves - 7-8
6. Green chillies (finely chopped) - 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
8. Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
9. Oil - 1 tbsp
10. Baking soda - 1/2 tsp

Method:

1) Mix the rawa and curd. Add water to form a batter

2) Heat oil. Add the mustard seeds and urad dal. Once they splutter, add the curry leaves and green chillies. 

3) Take off heat and let cool. Add to the batter. Add the grated carrot and beans into the batter.  Add salt. Leave overnight or 7-8 hours.

4) In the morning add baking soda. Add water to the batter if required. The consistency should be of the regular idli batter. Grease the idli vessel with little oil and pour the batter. Steam for 15-20 minutes

5) Serve with chutney.

Dudhi (Bottle Gourd) Kheer

My mother in law's recipe of kheer.

Serves: 3-4 people

Ingredients:

1. Bottle gourd (Dudhi) - 1 small sized  (About 3 cups grated)
2. Milk - 1/2 litre
3. Ghee - 2 tbsp
4. Cashew nuts - 2 tbsp
5. Raisins - 2 tbsp
6. Sugar - 4-5 tbsp (Depends on how sweet you want to make it)
7. Condensed milk (milkmaid) - 2 tbsp
8. Saffron - A pinch

Method

1) Heat the ghee. Add the grated dudhi and fry for 2 minutes

2) Add the raisins and cashews and fry again

3) Add little water and pressure cook ( 2 whistles)

4) Take a small portion of the milk and set aside. Add the rest of the milk. Mix the milk set aside with the condensed milk and add that too.

5) Add sugar. Add the saffron. keep stirring till it boils.

6) Serve hot or refrigerate and serve cold.

Tendli (Ivy gourd) bhaji

A different preparation from the traditional tendli bhaji. My mother in law's recipe!

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

1. Ivy gourd (Tendli)- 250 gms
2. Garlic (minced) -  1 tbsp
3. Red chillies (Chopped into pieces) - 2 tsp
4. Corainder leaves - 1 tbsp (For garnishing)
5. Oil - 2-3 tbsp (For frying)

Method:

1) Wash the tendli and remove the edges. Mash the tendli gently so that they crack but are not mashed completely.

2) Heat oil. Add the garlic and green chillies. Fry for 2 minutes.

3) Add the tendli. Add salt as per taste. Keep stirring intermittently.

5) Cook till the tendli turn golden brown and slightly burnt. Garnish with coriander leaves.

My notes:

1. Do not add any water while cooking. 
2. The tendli should be slightly crunchy and not fully cooked. This adds to the taste.