Kayal Kanji

Kayalpattinam is famous for many things one among them is their traditional food. Kanji is made during the month of Ramadan,as Ramadan is fast approaching i tried my hands on this dish.

Ingredients:-

Basmati rice-2 cups

Moong Dal-1 cup

Cabbage-1/2

Tomato-2big

Carrot-1 big

oats-1 handful

Chicken boneless-1/2 lbs or Beef stew-1/2 lbs

Onion-1/2

Yogurt-1 cup

SALT-to taste

Red chili powder-as per taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Coconut milk-1/2 can

Mint-few

For Tampering:-

Oil

Cinnamon,Cardamon(elachi) & Clove-few

Curry leaves-few

Ginger-garlic paste-1tspn

Onion-1/2

Cilantro for garnish

Method:-

1) In a pressure cooker put oil when the oil is hot add curry leaves,onions and saute until the onions becomes little brownish color,then add Ginger garlic paste saute until the smell goes off.

2) Now add the veggies and cook for few minutes.

3) Add the chicken,red chili powder,yogurt,coconut milk & SALT.Pressure cook for 3 whistles.When the pressure is gone keep this separately.

4) In the same pressure cooker,cook basmati rice & moong dal with some water. Pressure cook for 4 whistles.

5) Now blend the cooked moong dal and basmati rice,constantly adding water.

6) Remove the chicken piece & blend the veggies separately and add it to the blended ingredients.

7) Smash the chicken pieces with hand and add to the blended ingredients.

8)Keep it in slow fire when the Kanji is boiling add cilantro and mint.

9) Now tamper with cinnamon,cardamon,clove,curry leaves & onion.

10) Add the tampering into hot Kanji.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:-

Carrots - 1/2 sliced

Onions - 1 finely chopped

Celery - 1 cup finely chopped

Diced Tomato - 1 can medium size (i used 4-5 Roma tomatoes)

Peas - 1/4 cup

Shell pasta /Elbow pasta - 1/2 cup (uncooked)

Garlic pods - 7 finely chopped

Vegetable/Chicken stock / Water - 5 cups

Garbanzo beans - 1 cup

Oregano - 4 tsp (fresh or dried)

Basil - 2 tbsp (fresh or dried)

Pepper - 2-3 tsp

salt to taste

Olive oil

Italian parsley for garnish

Chicken breast-cut into small cubes

Method:-

In a big pan add some oil and heat it well. When hot enough add the garlic and saute for few minutes. Now add the onions and saute well till the onions are transparent.

Now add the stock / water and bring to a boil. Add all the chopped vegetables and mix well. Add the spices(Oregano), salt ( be careful while adding salt if ur using vegetable stock, as the stock may contain some salt in it as preservatives) and let it boil for like 10 minutes, until the veggies cook. Now add the garbanzo beans and chicken pieces and cook covered on medium flame for 25 minutes.

Now after 25 minutes stir the soup well. If you think the soup looks too thick or too chunky add some water to it. Let it boil a bit and then add in the pasta. Stir well and cook it covered for another 12 mins. By now u can smell the minestrone soup. Once the pasta is cooked your soup is ready for serving...:)

If your are Vegetarian don't add chicken stock & chicken breast