Poha or Aval Upma

I love beaten rice or poha. It is normally made for dinner or sometimes as an evening snack. It makes you feel full plus its less in calories. Its my favourite and it can be done in less than 10 minutes if you have all the ingredients ready.

INGREDIENTS:
Poha or beaten rice-2 cups(soaked in water for a minute and strained).
Onions-1 no(finely chopped)
Potato- 1no(cut in to thin slices)
Green chillies-2-3 nos(slit in to 2)
Curry leaves-a sprig
Turmeric-1/4 tsp
Grated coconut(optional)- 3 tsp.
Salt to taste

For Tempering:
Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
Chana dal- 2tsp
Urad dal- 2tsp
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp(optional)

Method:
   In a hot pan add 2 tbsps oil, add chana dal, urad dal and mustard seeds till the dals become brown and mustard seeds crackle. Add curryleaves, onions,green chillies, salt, turmeric till onions become translucent. Add potatoes slices and fry and add the strained poha and adjust salt and saute till done. Add grated coconut in the end before switching off the heat. I have not added coconut. Serve hot with coconut chutney or it can be taken as a snack without any accompaniment.

Cauliflower Potato Korma and Green Salad

Cauliflower Korma:

Ingredients:

 Cauliflower-1/2 (cut in to large florets and washed in hot salt water)
 Potatoes-3large ones(peeled and cut in to large cubes)
 Onions-1no(finely chopped)
Ginger-garlic paste-1tbsp
Tomatoes-2 small ones(diced fine)
Red chilli powder-2tsps(adjust to taste)
Curry powder-1 tsp
Garam masala-1tsp

 To grind:
 Coconut(grated)-1/2 or coconut milk-120 gms
Green chillies-3-4 nos
Cumin seeds-1 tsp

 To Temper:

Cinnamon-1/4 inch
Cloves-2nos
Cardamom-1no
Fennel seeds-1 tsp
curry leaves-a sprig

 For Garnishing: Coriander leaves-a bunch.

Method: In a pressure cooker, add a tablespoon oil and all the tempering ingredients,onions and a pinch of salt. When the onions are translucent,add turmeric,Ginger garlic paste and saute till the masala odour fades. Add the diced tomatoes and saute. Add the cauliflower florets, potatoes, all the powders and cook till the vegetables get coated and half cooked. Add the grounded paste of coconut,cumin, green chillies. Adjust salt to taste. Add some water and allow it to cook till done. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice.

 GREEN SALAD:

Ingredients:
 Iceberg lettuce- 1
 Capsicum(red)- 1/2
Cucumber-1/2
Carrot- 1/2
cherry tomatoes-6-7 nos

Dressing: olive oil, lemon and salt


 METHOD: In a large salad bowl, add all the ingredients and add the dressing. Toss them together. Serve.