Sunday, February 13, 2011

Kollu Kulambu (Horsegram Curry with mild spices)



My blog was about to go extinct when I suddenly got the urge to get back to blogging. Words have desserted me and I still don't seem to have much to write. Although I seem to have gotten the rhythm of posting atleast once a week, I know that my posts are boring nowadays. I'm still trying hard to get back my swing and I definitely need motivation to get back into writing. For now, these short posts are helping me gain my momentum.

But, I have to tell this - the more I start posting, eventhough I realize my posts are dull, I am slowly recovering my lost passion. I recently read somewhere that one way to get back to blogging is to work on changing the look of your blog than actually posting any. Sounds good! Here I am trying to give a new look to my blog. I changed my title banner today, not sure if any of you noticed. Slowly I'll start working on the other areas too. Strangely, while I published my new title banner today, I was feeling a bit odd. Don't know why. You know how we feel when you get a new haircut and feel a bit odd to walk into the office or school the next morning :) I had the same feeling today - well that made me also realize how much I care about my blog!

This is one of my favorite recipes. I enjoy anything made of kollu - I make a spicier version to go with rice, and a milder version to go with Rotis. For rotis you can make horsegram just the same way as Rajma. Here is a bit spicier version that will go well with rice.

Ingredients
  • Kollu/Horsegram - 1 cup
  • Onions - chopped finely - 1/2 cup
  • Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
  • G.Chillies - 3 sliced
  • Tomatoes - 2 medium
  • Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
  • Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
  • Corriander Powder - 2 tsp
  • Tamarind Paste - 1 tsp
  • Corriander leaves - a handful
Procedure
  • Soak the dal overnight. Kollu takes a longer time to soak and cook. So, leave it a bit longer than usual.
  • Wash the soaked dal, pressure cook it with 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, g.chillies and turmeric powder. Leave it a bit longer than usual time. Make sure to add a bit extra water too for the extra time.
  • After the dal is done, release the steam and drain most of the water into a separate contaier. Set aside.
  • Mash the dal well with a ladle or masher for a few mins.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Fry the onions till they change color. Add the remaining Ginger/Garlic paste and fry for a few mins.
  • Add tomatoes and chilli and corriander powders and fry until the tomatoes lose shape.
  • Now add the strained water from the dal, add salt, cover and cook in medium heat for 10 mins or until the raw smell goes.
  • Add the mashed dal to this mixture, add tamarind water and add corriander leaves - boil for 10 more mins in medium to low heat.
  • Let it sit for atleast 30 mins before serving - to get a better flavor.

Serve with hot plain rice.

11 comments:

Treat and Trick said...

Looks healthy and delicious! Welcome back and keep posting your delicious recipes. We are here to support you..

Aruna Manikandan said...

Sounds interesting and new to me...
looks healthy and delicious dear :)

Kurinji said...

Healthy dish...

kurinjikathambam

Event: Healthy Recipe Hunt

Indian Khana said...

One of my fav. daal....you got it so rite ...looks gud

Laavanya said...

that's true about getting a new look ... :) The new banner is nice but is a bit off-center though.

I bought kollu since i heard it's the best remedy when one has a cold - will try this kulambu.

Sujatha said...

@Laavanya - Hmm, really? It looks ok to me when I load it.. Will have to try it from other sites.. Thanks for letting me know Laavanya :)

kitchen queen said...

lovely curry looks appetising and delicious.

Cham said...

I saw the header change (keep much broader), try to change the backgr color so u might feel new and brisk!
I am not finding kollu very strange. That looks quiet awesome and healthy!

Sujatha said...

Thanks for the tips, Cham :) Still working on the banner to make it look better..

LonelyBachelor said...

I am out of ideas when you stop posting recipes.
You surely have not lost your touch!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the instructions. I will try today.