Poha

Ingridients

1. 1 cup beaten rice (poha)
2. 1/4 cup crushed groundnuts
3. 1/4 cup grated or scraped coconut
4. 1/4 cup coriander leaves
5. 1 stalk curryleaves chopped
6. 1/4 tsp sugar
7. salt to taste
8. 5-6 green chillies
9. 1 tsp lime juice
10. 1 1/2 tbsp oil
11. 2 onions chopped
12. 1 small potato chopped
13. 1/2 tsp each cumin & mustard seeds.
    Method

1. Wash poha till clean.
2. Drain water sprinkle a handful of clear water and keep aside.
3. After 15 minutes loosen the poha gently, and break lumps with fingers.
4. In a heavy saucepan, heat oil, add seeds and then potatoes.
5. Stir for 2-3 minutes and then add onion, chillies and curry leaves.
6. Stir and fry onions till tender. Take off fire.
7. Add poha and all other ingredients.
8. Save some coconut and coriander leaves for garnishing.
9. Mix very well. Adjust salt and lime as per taste.
10. Return to low flame till hot. Stir gently every now and then.
11. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with coriander and coconut.
12. Eat it with curd or any (dhaniya or pudhina) chutney.

Note:- 1.You can add loads of (peas, cauliflower, capsicum)vegetables to make it healthier.

A VISIT TO AMRITSAR

Recently I visited Amritsar. Amritsar district in the State of Punjab, India is about 217 km from Chandigarh. It takes about 5.00 hrs from Chandigarh.

Golden temple(Harmandir Sahib) The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs where Granth Sahib is kept. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to thousands of people everyday.

Jallian Wala Bagh The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. It is just opposite the Golden Temple.

Wagah Border Wagah is an Indo-Pak border between Amritsar and Lahore. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. The Border ceremony starts at 6.00 to 6.30 p.m.

Durgiana Temple The Durgiana temple is also a very famous Hindu temple located in the city. It is built after the design of the Golden Temple.

Amritsari Kulchas and Papar- Waria are famous. The city is the best place on earth to experience the culinary expertise of Punjabis.

Bhrawan Da Dhaba in Town Hall is best dhaba in Amritsar. They offer thali for Rs.80, two amritsari aloo kulchas/two amritsar paneer kulchas, chana masala, sabut urad dal, aloo gobhi, boondi raita and salad, all made in pure/desi ghee. It’s phirni is very tasty for Rs.10/- per plate served in baked mud bowls. Lassi is a must have in Amritsar.

Green Chana and Potato Bhaji

Ingredients

1. 250 grms fresh Green Chana
2. 1 Onion Chopped fine
3. 4 garlic cloves chopped fine
4. 1/2 inch ginger grated
5. 1 Tomato cut into small pieces
6. 1 Potato peeled and cubed
7. 1 tsp Coriander powder
8. 1 tsp red chili powder
9. 1 tsp turmeric powder
10. Hing and cumin seeds for seasoning
11. salt to taste

Method
1. Heat oil in a Pressure Cooker add the hing and cumin seeds, then add chopped garlic and onions and sauté till onions become pink.
2. Add grated ginger and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Now add in all powders and mix well.
4. Add the tomatoes and sauté till soft.
5. Add the Green Chana and potato. Add salt and about 1/4 cup of water. Close the lid and cook for two whistles. Serve hot with Chapattis.

Note : Instead of potato cubes of cottage cheese can be added.

In India fresh chana is easily available with subziwallas with pods removed.