Monday, October 1, 2012

Menthya Bhath (ಮೆಂತ್ಯಬಾತ್)

Nostalgia has got the better of me today.I long for those happy days, where the mornings began with  Amma waking me and my sister to get ready for school . My sister helped me do my hair and made sure my Bindi (The sticker worn on the forehead) was perfectly aligned. I still remember my mother serving us Menthya Bhath with a spoonful of ghee on it followed by a steel tumbler full of Bournvita(Frothy). I decided to make Menthya Bhath today just like the way my mom makes it. Here is the recipe:
 

Ingredients:

1) Fenugreek Leaves (Menthya ) - 1 Bunch
2) Cinnamon stick - 1" Piece
3) Cloves - 3
4) Onions- 1 Big
5) Garlic - 4 Pods
6) Ginger - 1" Piece
7) Green Chillies - 5
8) Cilantro - 1 fistful
9) Oil
10) Turmeric - Pinch
11) Garam Masala - 1/4 Tsp
12) Coriander powder - 1 Tbsp
13) Dessicated Coconut - 3 Tbsp
14) Tamarind - 1 small piece
15) Rice - 1 Cup
16) Peas/Avarekaalu - 1/2 Cup
17) Tomato - 1 Small/Medium
18) Cumin Seeds
19) Water - 2 Cups
20) Salt - To Taste


Method:

  • Soak the rice for 20 minutes.
  • Grind Menthya, Ginger,Garlic,Cloves,Cinnamon,Coriander powder,Cilantro,Chillies, Coconut and half an onion into a fine paste.
  • Heat oil in a pan.
  • Once the oil is heated up add cumin seeds followed by rest of the onions.
  • After the onions turn golden brown add tomato and fry it for a few minutes.
  • Now add the paste and fry till the oil separates.
  • Add salt, garam masala, Peas/Avarekaalu and rice and fry for 2 minutes.
  • Now add 2 cups of water and let it cook for 2 whistles.
  • Serve it hot with Raitha.

Tip:When you are out of red onions,you could also make Raitha with spring onions, tomatoes, salt , a pinch of Chaat Masala and Sugar.



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