Vazhakkai Podi / Plantain Crumble

Hello my dearies! How is the week going for you all?

Plantain or raw banana is not something i frequently cook with. They are either too ripe or I will my chance to pick them up from Indian store when the shipment comes.

I got hold of some recently and wanted to make a podimas which my mom used to make.

Tastes good with sambar/ rasam/ pulissery rice.

Tried my hands on taking pics while cooking, not the best though!

Get Ready  ( serves 2-4 )

• 2 raw banana/ plantain/ vazhakkai
• 2 tbsp channa dal
• 1  dried red chilli ( more if you want the heat)
• 1 tsp grated coconut ( optional)
• 3 tbsp oil
• salt to taste
• pinch of asafetida
• 1 tsp mustard seeds/ kadugu
• 1 tsp urad dal/ ulutham paruppu
• few curry leaves ( optional)

Go

• Wash, top and tail the plantain

• Cook the plantain in water with skin for approximately 10 mins. It should not get too soft/ mushy

• Drain the water and let the plantain cool completely. This is very important.

• In a pan add a little oil and roast the dried red chilli, channal dal till golden and fragrant. Set aside.
• Powder the roast dal, red chilli with some asafetida and optional coconut into a coarse powder. set aside
• Once the plantains cool thoroughly, peel the skin off.

• Grate the plantain and set aside.

• In a pan, add the oil and do the tadka with mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves.
• Add the grated plantain, powdered spice mix. salt to taste.
• Gentle toss them all till incorporated.
• Sprinkle some water, cover and cook for 1-2 mins.
• Turn the heat off and serve hot with rice, sambar or pulissery aka more kuzhambu.

Paneer Burji Sandwich

Hi there my friends! Continuing with my Lunch box series, here I come with an easy and quick sandwich. You may see that this picture was taken in a hurry in the morning while packing lunch. So you have to excuse me for all the mess in the back ground! he... he..


Get Ready ( all measurements this time are a guesstimate only)

• 2 cups crumbled Paneer
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala ( can be replaced with any spice powder of your choice)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• A pinch of turmeric powder ( optional)
• salt to taste
• Lots of cilantro chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• Bread slices and butter to toast

Go

• In a pan, add oil and saute the onions till golden
• Add the grated ginger and toss
• Add the crumbled paneer, pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, salt and cilantro.
• Toss them all together, reduce heat and cover.
• Cook for 1-2 mins. check salt and adjust spices
• Uncover and turn the heat off.
• spread butter on the bread slice, add the paneer burji mixture. butter another slice of bread and put it on top of the other slice. this helps the burji to stick to bread rather than falling out.
• In a pan, use cooking spray or butter and toast the sandwich till golden on both sides.

One can just pack them with bread without toasting. serve with some tomato ketchup or chilli sauce on the side.

Pack your lunch box with some fruit/ yogurt/ chips/ juice box to complete the meal.

Of course little post it notes with jokes/ messages would add the extra touch.

sigh.... wish I am all that organized and plan ahead person....