MORNING SOJOURNS

Sunday mornings have been very special for me.

A  drive to THE MARINA BEACH early in the morning to see the sun rise is a treat to the eyes. Taking long walks along the beach road feels really good with the sea breeze brushing against your face. 

The beach is buzzing with activities even early in the morning. We can see people coming for walks, people laughing in the laughter club, children playing cricket, people practicing yoga, the police patrolling on horses, hawkers selling "health juices".... and many more interesting things.

On our way back we always went to the Woodlands Drive-In restaurant to have hot idli vada and coffee. The place was full of greenery and the atmosphere there was really refreshing.

Unfortunately the place has closed down.

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                          We still go out on some Sunday mornings to have our breakfast and coffee. We have now chosen the Triplicane Ratna Cafe on Velachery By-pass road. The food is very tasty and they serve sambhar (in a vessel) and chutney unstintingly!!! 

 We love to go to the restaurants early in the morning for the reason that it's deserted. We don't have to wait for a table!!

There are only few people who are back from their morning walks or elderly people with news paper in hand enjoying their morning sip of coffee.                                             The smell of agarbathis(incense sticks) wafts in the air. The waiters are all fresh and energetic .    

You can have a peaceful and enjoyable breakfast.

Try going to a restaurant when they are just opening and enjoy. I am sure you will love it.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

  

BANANA FLOWER VADA

It had been raining for some days and it brought down the banana plant in my garden. The bananas were very tender but the blossom was ready to be used.

I had never cooked or tasted banana flower before.  So I thought , "why not do it now".  It was raining and a perfect time to have hot crispy vadas and tea.  

I began by first soaking the dal. After an hour I began cleaning the blossom. I was quite apprehensive since I had not done it before. The first step is to apply some oil on your hands.

Hold each flower in hand and pull out the stigma and the shield. They are both hard and can be easily pulled and removed. After cleaning, put the flowers in water or they will turn black.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chana dal (bengal gram dal)

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup banana flowers

3-4 green chillies

a pinch of hing (asafoetida)

salt to taste

oil for frying

METHOD

Coarsely grind the chana dal. Add finely chopped green chillies,onions and the banana flowers. (I did not use the cone portion of the blossom). Add salt and hing and mix well. Make small balls and flatten them with your palms.

When you taste this mixture it may feel bitter. But do not worry.

Deep fry the flattened balls to a golden brown colour.

My vadas got over before they could reach the serving bowl :)

It took me half an hour to clean the blossom and my nails became black !!!. But the end product was worth all the trouble and an evening well spent. 

METHI UPMA

What do  I make for breakfast today? This is the question most of us ask every morning. Of course there are many people I know, who plan their menu well in advance. I wish I could join their club!!

I finally decided to make UPMA or UPPIT as we call it in Karnataka. Now now, I can imagine the expressions on your faces.

It is not that bad folks. With the right amount of oil and spices it really tastes yummy. It is my hubby's favorite breakfast and anytime menu. :-)

I tried to bring a little variation to the conventional upma and what I got was a really delicious dish.Hope you like it too. 

So here goes the method.

Ingredients:

1 cup rawa

1medium sized onion

1 small capsicum

1/2 cup chopped methi (fenugreek )leaves

3-4 green chillies

 a pinch of turmeric

5-6 tbsp oil

1/2 tsp each of jeera (cummin), mustard, chana dal (bengalgram dal )and udad dal (black gram)
salt to taste 

                                                            

Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan.When the mustard splutters add green chilies and onions and saute for a few secs. Then add chopped capsicum.Fry for a few secs.Add the chopped methi leaves.

When the water starts to dry up add the rawa and fry well till the raw smell is gone and the rawa is well roasted.Add a pinch of turmeric. Meanwhile boil two cups of water along with salt. Add the water ,(keep the flame to low) mix once and cover the pan with a lid. When  cooked mix well again and garnish with grated coconut.