Raghavans Uppama Food

RAGHAVAN'S GARAM MASALA

Steps:

• Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, in a small, heatproof bowl, stir together coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom seeds, bay leaves, dried chiles de arbol, and cinnamon pieces. Sprinkle spices into hot skillet and toast, shaking every few seconds, until coriander and cumin are reddish brown, cinnamon and bay leaves appear brittle and crinkly, chiles are blackened in spots, other spices are slightly ashy black, and the whole thing is highly fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer immediately to bowl.
• When cooled completely, crumble chiles and grind everything in a spice grinder (or a coffee grinder or high-powered blender) to the consistency of finely ground black pepper. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place up to 3 months.

RAGHAVAN'S PALAK MASOOR DAL (RED LENTILS WITH SPINACH)

Steps:

• Rinse lentils in a 3- to 4-quart pot with water, rubbing lentils between the fingertips of one hand, then drain. Repeat 3 or 4 times or until the water runs clear.
• Place drained lentils in the pot and add 2 cups water, tomatoes, ginger, chiles, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming and discarding foam. When tomato skin is loosened and wrinkled, after about 5 minutes of cooking, transfer tomatoes to a plate to cool.
• Reduce heat to medium and simmer lentils, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until very tender and almost mushy, about 15 minutes. (The lentil color will change from salmon to pale yellow as they cook.) Keep warm over low heat.
• Meanwhile, peel and core cooled tomatoes; discard skins. Transfer tomatoes to a blender, along with the ginger and chiles from the pot and the cilantro. Pureé, scraping down the sides as needed, until you have a thick, green-flecked tomato sauce.
• Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add cumin seeds and let sizzle until they turn reddish brown and smell nutty, about 10 seconds. Immediately add spinach in handfuls, stirring to wilt.
• Stir spinach mixture, tomato sauce, and salt into warm lentils. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors mingle, about 5 minutes.

RAVAI UPPAMMA (SEMOLINA UPAMA)

Steps:

• Chopped mixed vegetables and cook until just tender.
• Roast Rava or Sooji (cream of wheat) in a non-stick pan till golden brown. KEEP IT SEPERATE.
• Put the required oil in the pan and add mustard seeds and black Gram Dal or Dhuli Urad.
• When it starts fluttering, add chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves and finely cut ginger
• When onion turns brown add the roasted Rava or Sooji and sauté nicely.
• Add salt and cooked vegetable and sauté lightly.
• Over a medium flame add about 4 cups of luke warm water and mix well.
• To avoid lumps stir continuously, till the Uppamma.
• Serve hot with cocunut chutney.
• If desired add roasted cashews before serving.