I was completely absorbed in the preparations for Gowri (Maha Lakshmi/Jeshta Gowri ) Pooja celebrations which fall on 4,5 and 6 days of Ganesh Utsav that was on 21, 22 and 23 of Sept 2012 this year. Yeah and was also part of making several traditional Prasadam /Naivedhyam over these three days and of course digging my teeth into all the yummy food that was prepared, but…….. as I always say and practice anything in excess is dangerous, moderate amounts not overloading your tummy 🙂 and same time enjoy what you eat keeping all senses in sync 😉 !
Today I would like to share a Savory that’s prepared during this pooja. Vatlya dalichi Koshimbir ( Bengal Gram Dal Coconut Salad)
Its one of the simplest recipes yet wholesome liked by mother and Son alike ( Ganesha and Gowri/ Parvathi ) !
Its also prepared on the last day of Ganesh Utsav ! However you can prepare this anytime as a wonderful snack with loads of nutrients !
What do we need :
1. Soaked Bengal Gram – 150 gm ( soaked for 6-7 hrs in water prior to making)
2. Fresh Coconut – 100 gm grated
3. Freshly chopped coriander – 1/2 bunch
4. Ginger – coarsely pounded – 1 tsp
5. Cumin, Mustard seeds – 1 tsp each
6. Curry leaves – 20 leaves approx
7. Green chillies – as per taste 2/3 in Nos
8.Asafoetida – 1 Tsp
9 . Oil – 1 Tbsp
10. Salt as per taste ( lesser the better !) & Lime juice ( 1/2 lime)
How to make it :
Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan and add cumin, mustard and Asafoetida powder to crack , add chopped ginger, curry leaves and chopped green chillies and mix well and leave on low flame for 2-3 minutes. Mean time drain the water from the Soaked Bengal gram and give a clean rinse drain all the water, and add it to the seasoning mix and cook on a low flame, and now add the grated coconut mix, now add chopped coriander and salt as per taste and mix well and leave on low flame for 2-3 minutes add lime juice and serve it warm. Another variation is to coarsely ground the soaked gram and mix in seasoning and cook for a longer time till it turns golden grown, however that takes more oil and hampers the nutritive value of soaked gram.
Lets see the Nutrimeter of this recipe :
Bengal Gram – Protein, Carbs, Fiber, Minerals and (B vitamins -from Soaked Dal)
Coconut – Protein, Calories, MC T (Medium Chain Triglycerides), Vitamin A, E and Fiber
Coriander, Curry leaves and Green chillies – Minerals and Vitamin A and C and loads of antioxidant rich pigments
Cumin and Mustard – essential oils and anti oxidants ,provide warmth and flavor to the food
Asafoetida- Carminative, soothes intestines and prevents gases due to Bengal gram, great taste and flavor enhancer
Oil – fats – calories
Should we call it A complete wholesome food – YES please , please go ahead and treat yourself to this wonderful energy and protein packed snack meal and feel the difference. Only effort is that you need to pre plan to make this salad so that you soak the gram and grate the fresh coconut and keep it ready to toss it with some magical spices 🙂
Please remember anything in excess is dangerous!
Ganapathi Bappa Moriyaa ! Mangal Moorthi Moriyaa!
