Malnadu Tarakari Saagu/ Vegetable Saagu

Malnadu Saagu
This is a very famous saagu in the regions of Malenadu..This is very nutrious with lots of vegetables and with layers of flavour..This is served in small containers called 'doppe's made with leaves of kohlrabi/navkolu/Noolkolu/Navilkosu. This is traditionally served with hot puris/chapatis or can be even thinned down and taken as soup..

You need:
2 cups of vegetables (you can use a combination of kohlrabi/navilkosu, seemebadnekai/chayote, yam and carrots or any vegetables you like..) boil in a pressure cooker with little water or microwave with a cup of water till tender but firm.
1onion chopped
1tomato chopped
2 serano peppers slit(optional)
To grind:
1tbsp channa dal
1.5 tbsp urad dal
2tbsp dhania seeds
1inch cinnamon stick
3cloves
1moggu
2tbsp poppy seeds
5 green chilles
hand ful of mint leaves (optional)
2tbps dried coconut
1red chilly

In a kadai, heat a tsp of oil and roast all the ingredients over medium heat till they leave a good aroma and well roasted and make a powder.. This powder can be stored and used in other curries as well.
In a big thick vessel, heat a tsp of oil, add seasonings( mustard, jeera, and hing). Now add chopped onion and fry till translucent. Now add tomato and add a little salt and cook till the tomato is soft. Now add all the boiled vegetables with the water and mix well and boil for 5minutes. Now add 2tbsps of the ground masala powder, adjust the salt and boil till the desired consistency is reached.. ENJOY...

Akki Shavige / Spicy Rice Noodles/ Sarsvathulu

“Akki Shavige” is a delicacy anywhere in Karnataka. People make this in many ways and no matter what spices you use, it tastes excellent. To make the Shavige itself is a big process but worth it. This is another favorite Udupi Tiffin generally served throughout the year. This dish is more special to me since it is unique from the regular Akki Shavige (Spiced Rice Noodles) and I am a big peanut fan... Try this simple dish and you will not be disappointed. It is Spicy, savoury, sweet and tangy..

You need:
2 to 2.5 cups boiled rice noodles (you can use the instant rice noodles if you wish)
1 chopped green pepper/capsicum
2 Serrano peppers chopped (you can use 5-6 green chillies instead)
1 medium onion chopped ( I prefer white or yellow onion for this one)
½ cup roasted coarse ground unsalted peanuts (Again use the store brought roasted peanuts if u wish, they taste equally great)
2 tsps Menthyada hittu (this is a spiced powder generally made by roasting different dals together and grinding it) –If you don’t have this, you may use the regular besan with a pinch of red chilly powder mixed in it.
Juice of a lime

For seasoning:
1tbsp oil (mix peanut oil or olive oil with coconut oil if u prefer for more flavor), 1tsp mustard, 1tsp jeera, 1tsp urad dal, 2tsp channa dal, a pinch of turmeric, 1/4tsp hing and a sprig of curry leaves.

Method:

In a kadai, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When it splutters add the rest of the seasonings and fry for a minute. Now when the dals turn slightly golden, add the green chillies and add onions immediately. Fry for a minute or 2 till they are translucent. We do not want to caramelize the onions. Now add the green pepper and fry for 3minutes till it gets slightly soft. To this add the besan or the menthyada hittu and mix well. Now add the peanut powder, mix well and cover the kadai with a lid. After 3minutes, mix everything well, add salt and now switch of the stove. Add the boiled noodles and make sure you mix very well. This is the most important step. Finally when all the noodles are coated with this peanut mixture, add lime juice and serve..

Traditionally this can be had with coconut chutney but tastes equally good standalone..

Enjoy & Let me know your comments..