Easy and Simple Gujarati Meal

From the title you all know where this is going, right? Yep! Right over to Mythili's RCI - Gujarati Cuisine. As always I did some research on the state's cuisine and came across some amazing dishes like Khandvi, Dhokla (both of which I am dying to try, but couldn't this time cuz of some logistical issues) and mostly sweet and vegetarian dishes. I zeroed in on some easy dishes to make a simple Saturday brunch.

I made a simple meal of Channa Moong Dal, Gujarati Khattai Aloo and Rice.

Channa Moong Dal

Basic recipe from here.

What I Used:

Yellow moong dal - 1/2 cup
Oil - tbsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
Juice of - 1/2 lemon
Grated giner - 1/2" piece
2 cups water

How I Made It:

1. Pressure cook dal with one cup water and a pinch of turmeric for approx 4 whistles.

2. Mix all the spice powders in 1/2 cup water to make a thin paste.

3. Heat oil in a pan. Add some cumin & coriander seeds. Once they splutter, add the ginger.

4. Add the paste of spice powders, fry for a minute, and then add the dal. Bring to a boil.

5. Add lemon juice and required amount of salt.

Gujarati Khattai Aloo

Basic recipe from here.

What I Used:

Potatoes - 3 big
Tamarind pulp - 1 tbsp
Sugar - 1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Fresh green chilies - 2
Grated coconut - 2 tbsp

How I Made It:

1. Peel and dice potatoes.

2. Soak tamarind in hot water for 5 minutes and then squeeze it firmly to extract all the juice and strain the liquid through a seive. Dissolve the sugar in the liquid.

3. Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil and fry some mustard seeds until they pop. Add the turmeric, chilly powder, coriander and cumin and fry for about 1 minute on low fire.

4. Add the potatoes and toss for about a minute. Sprinkle with salt and little water, (about 1/4 cup) cover tightly and cook on a very low flame for about 15 minutes.

5. Add the tamarind juice, sliced chillies and coconut and stir well. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.

This simple and tangy potato dish is my entry to Sia's Ode to Potatoes and DK's Potato Fest.