Kanji and Muthira Puzhukku/ Rice Gruel and Horsegram Curry

My daughter’s school vacations started on Friday. This is the first time in 9 nine years, that I am at my mom’s house for vacation to stay for a month. All these years, mom was in the same town as me close to each other, so I used to visit her often. Never used to wait for vacations! So, came to Bangalore on Saturday and just got settled here at home, that was the reason I was unable to blog or take a peek at my friend’s blogs.
Kanji and Puzhukku is a comfort food. Puzhukku is mild on spices, flavored with fresh coconut and coconut oil. This is one of my favorite meal menus. Another dish called Vanni, is also made in combination with this. I will be posting the recipe for Vanni very shortly.
Muthira/Kollu/Uluva/Horsegram is kind of legume known for its medicinal value. It is an excellent source of Iron. It helps in weight reduction.

Muthira Puzhukku

Ingredients

1. Muthira/Kollu/Horsegram – 1 cup
2. Raw Banana – ½
3. Grated Fresh Coconut – 1/3 cup
4. Chilly Powder – 1 to 2 tsp
5. Jaggery – 1tblsp
6. Coconut oil – 1 tblsp
7. Salt to taste

Method

Wash, pick and soak the horsegram for 8 to 10 hours. Drain the water. Wash well. Pour enough water and pressure cook the horsegram for 3 whistles. Then cook in low flame for 20 mins. By now the horsegram would be cooked well. Wash, peel and cube the raw banana, and cook it separately adding little salt.
Now in a vessel, transfer the cooked horsegram with the water, add the cooked raw banana, chilly powder, jaggery and salt to taste. Let this boil for a few minutes. Next add the grated coconut and simmer for a few minutes. Check for the consistency of the puzhukku. It should not be too runny nor too dry. It should be of a semi solid consistency. Finally drizzle with coconut oil and mix well.
Yummy and delicious puzhukku is ready to be had with Kanji.

Sending this to MlAA 34 hosted by Jaya Wagle of Desi Soccer Mom originally started by Susan

Kanji

1. Par boiled rice/Puzhiganl ari – 1 cup
2. Water – 6 cups

Method

Wash the rice well. For 1 cup of rice add 6 cups of water and pressure cook it for 3 whistles. Open the cooker after it cools, add salt and serve the Kanji with tasty puzhukku.