Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry

Ingredients
2 long, asian eggplants
1 small onion
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/2 tsp sri lankan curry powder
(substitute reg. curry powder)
1 tsp chilli powder (cayenne)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp minced ginger a few curry leaves
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup coconut milk
(substitute low-fat reg.
milk if you are fat-conscious)
oil
salt to taste


Method

Cut eggplant into strips, like french-fry potato. For a very authentic taste, eggplant strips need to be deep fried till golden


If you are fat/health conscious, use non-stick spray or a little oil to brown the eggplant. Set aside.


In a little oil, let the mustard seeds splutter. Add fenugreek seeds, followed by onion, ginger and garlic. Fry till aromatic.


Add turmeric powder, curry powder, chilli powder, salt, curry leaves and tomatoes and cook under low heat till it's quite pulpy


At this point adjust seasoning and add eggplant. Stir gently and cook covered for 3 - 5 minutes. Add the coconut milk and stir gently.


Uncover and let simmer on very low heat till the oil splits.

Masala Idli

Ingredients
2 idlis, cubed
1 cup mixed vegetables of your choice
2 onions, chopped
1 small piece ginger, finely chopped
2 green chilies, chopped
1/2 tsp. red chili powder
1/2 tsp. coriander powder
1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 tbsp of fresh coriander
mint leaves
(for garnishing)

Method
Heat oil in a pan and add the cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Then add the chopped
onions and stir for few minutes till they turn golden brown.
Now add the vegetables and saute for few minutes. Then add the ginger, salt, chili powder,turmeric and coriander powder.
To this add the idlis and stir till contents are thoroughly heated. Transfer into serving dish and garnish with mint and coriander leaves.
Tip: Garlic can also be added. Add few tomatoes if desired. The idlis can be made to very small pieces using your hands instead of cutting into cubes for this dish. Try out the masala idli instead of the usual fried rice or biryani for a change.

Bread Potato Cutlet

Ingredients
Bread with its edges cut - 4 or 5 slices
Potato - cooked and mashed - 2 nos
Salt - to taste
Green chilli - cut into pieces - 4
Grated cheese - 1 cup
Coriander leaves - cut - a little
Sooji (Maida) powder - 2 tablespoon
Bread crumbs - as required

Method
Soak bread slices, take it out and squeeze the water front that.
Mix the grated cheese, cut green chillies, required salt, cooked and mashed
potatoes, the bread, and make a dough.
Make small balls and flatten them in the shape of your choice, (heart shaped,
square, triangular or rectangular, circular etc) dip it in the sooji powder mix
(made with water), and then in the bread crumbs and deep fry them in well heated
oil.

Stuffed Bhindi

Ingredients
1/2 lb bhindi (ladiesfinger)
2 tbsp besan
1 tsp dhaniya powder
1 tsp jeera powder
1 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp haldi
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp oil
coriander leaves
salt to taste

Method
Mix dhaniya powder, jeera powder, besan, chilli powder, haldi, garam masala, lemon juice
& salt.
Wash Bhindi properly. Dry it with a cloth.
Slit Bhindi lengthwise.
Fill in each of the Bhindi with the masala mixture (as prepared in step 1).
Grease frying pan with 1 tbsp oil.
Place the Bhindi in the pan in convenient batches.
Shallow fry all of them.
Remove in a serving plate.
Garnish with coriander leaves.

Moong Dal Pakora Batter

Ingredients
1 cup green gram dal with skin
3 green chillies
1 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 tsp. crushed garlic
salt to taste
1/4 cup chopped coriander
1/4 tsp. coarsely crushed coriander seeds
1/2 tsp. coarsely crushed cumin seeds
3-4 pinches baking soda
1 tbsp. hot oil.

Method
Soak dal for 2 hours,
Grind to a paste with chillies, ginger, garlic, adding as little water as possible.
Add all other ingredients just before making pakoras