Uthappam

Posted by trailrunner AL 8 on Thu, Apr 3, 08 at 20:14

Uthappam

This is an Indian Bread.
It needs to be started the day before.
Makes 10 pieces.

Ratio is 3-1. rice to dal

Soak 2 c Basmati rice and 2/3 c Urad dal together for 4 hrs in water. Grind in a blender with enough water to make a thick pancake -like batter. Place in a warm place ( oven with light on) til rises to double. Will fall when you move bowl. Takes overnight. Refrigerate til ready to use.

Next day when ready to cook. Chop one large onion very finely, 1 medium tomato (remove seeds)chopped fine , 1 small can chopped green chilies , 1/4 c cilantro. Add to batter with 1 T salt, fresh ground black pepper,1 tsp ground cumin. Stir together.

Butter a hot griddle. Put 1/10 of batter on griddle and cook about 5 min per side .Should be thick batter and hold its shape . Will make a 1/4 -1/2 in. thick pancake. Don't let it get too hot. Needs to cook vegetables in pancake. Should be crisp and golden. Serve hot.

Indian Ratatouille

Posted by trailrunner AL 8 on Fri, Mar 7, 08 at 9:32

Indian Ratatouille

2 c diced red or yellow onion
2 T vegetable oil
2 -4 large garlic cloves minced
1 tsp hot chili ( to taste)
1 T grated ginger root
1 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
1/2 t turmeric
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t ground cardamom
1-2 t salt ( to taste)
generous pinch saffron crumbled ( optional)
1 - 2 c orange juice
5 c eggplant peeled and 1 inch cubes
4 c winter squash peeled and 1 inch cubes
1 1/2 c red bell peppers ( may use mix of colors ) 1 inch cubes
28 oz can crushed tomatoes or 3 c fresh diced and seeded
1/4 c fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

In large stew pot saute' onion in oil till translucent, 10 minutes. Stir in garlic,chili, ginger root, spices and stir 1 minute. Add 1 c OJ and eggplant. Let cook covered 10-15 minutes til eggplant tender. Add everything else except fresh herbs. Simmer covered til squash is tender. may add more OJ as needed. Serve over Basmati rice w/ chutney and cilantro.

notes: I use a double amount of the spices. I did add extra OJ . The green condiment is made by SWAD and can be purchased in Indian stores, it is a fabulous tasting cilantro chutney. The other chutney is my peach chutney. I will post it in peach season.