Vegetable Saagu

Little M's birthday and the blogiversary both happened last week. Both turned three! Little M had a nice birthday, with a trip to the beach and a day of fun at Sesame Place. The thing she was looking forward to the most was cutting the cake, which we did soon after breakfast. Otherwise, she'd be asking the same question - 'when can I cut the cake?' - the entire day! :)

When I started blogging, it was going to be about 'food, movie reviews, people, life - basically anything that I find interesting!' as my tagline says. These days though, it's mainly been a food blog with a few non-food posts thrown in here and there. This has been a good place to save and share my family recipes. Thanks to all the folks who take time to stop by and read my posts. I really appreciate that! A very special thanks to the commenters, for I look forward to your comments and feedback.

Speaking of family recipes, here is my mom's version of vegetable saagu. Saagu is a coconut based curry from Karnataka, that is usually served with pooris, set dosas or rava idlies.



Ingredients:

3 cups mixed vegetables, chopped & boiled (peas, carrots, potatoes, beans, capsicum etc)
1/2 cup water (I used water from the boiled veggies)
1 tbsp lime juice
salt to taste
cilantro for garnish

To Grind:
1/2 tsp jeera
2-3 cloves
2" piece of cinnamon
5-6 peppercorns
1/2 cup coconut
1 medium onion
3-4 green chilies (or to taste)
1/5 tsp turmeric
2 tsp poppy seeds
2 tsp dalia or raw rice

For Tadka:
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
Asafoetida

Pressure cook vegetables in a little water for 1-2 whistles. Alternately, you could microwave them for 4-5 minutes on high or boil them on stovetop with water. Strain & keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan. Add the tadka ingredients. Once the seeds start to pop, add the ground masala and fry for 5-6 minutes, until the smell of raw onion is gone.

Stir in the boiled veggies and water. Add salt and lime juice. Bring to a boil.

Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro.