Ghugni (Dried Yellow peas curry)
10:31 AM
Its always difficult to fall back in routine after a break. Its pointless whether the break is a small one or big but it always make getting back to the grind difficult, very very difficult. Last week we went to our in law's place, somewhere in western Midnapore for a couple of days. Though I must admit that I was a little tensed as the son had high fever just the previous day yet I looked forward to the long drive.It was a long deserved break from the usual surrounding and same old same old routine life.
The kid loved the vast lush fields and chased birds as much as he could and enjoyed his cousin brother's company. whereas being her first visit to the ancestral home the daughter received plenty of attention and was showered with love, affection and blessings. It was a good break for all of us which made coming back a little difficult.
So to drive away the Monday morning blue I prepared this ghugni, which I believe everyone have some memories attached to it. it's one of the very famous street food all over Bengal and adjacent states of Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. You will hardly come by any Bengali who has not relished ghugni chhat at some point of his life.
The yellow peas curry around Kolkata is served with many accompaniments. Some for taste some for texture. The Lightly spiced curry is loaded with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney, tart juice of lemon, crunchy heat from chopped green chilies, pungent fine pieces of purple of onion and a final sprinkling of smoky bhaja masala and beet noon (black salt)...The resultant dish is so irresistible that people scrape their bowls and fingers clean.
The yellow peas curry around Kolkata is served with many accompaniments. Some for taste some for texture. The Lightly spiced curry is loaded with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney, tart juice of lemon, crunchy heat from chopped green chilies, pungent fine pieces of purple of onion and a final sprinkling of smoky bhaja masala and beet noon (black salt)...The resultant dish is so irresistible that people scrape their bowls and fingers clean.
Ghugni
(serves 4)
Ingredients:
Dried yellow peas: 1 cup
Onion: 2 medium (purple Indian onions)
Ginger paste: 1 tsp
Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
Tomato: 1 large
Potato: 1 large
Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
Oil: 1 tbsp+1 tsp
Chili powder: as per taste
Turmeric
Salt
Few drops of mustard oil
To serve:
Chopped purple onion
Chopped green chilies
Chopped fresh coriander
Black salt
Tamarind chutney
Lemon wedges
Method:
Wash the dry peas and soak for 5-6 hours till they are rehydrated.
In a pressure cooker place the drained peas and enough water to cover it. Add a pinch of turmeric and 1/2 tsp salt and few drops of mustard oil. Close the lid and cook on medium for 2 whistles. Using your spatula let the steam out and then open the lid.
Peel and cut the potato in cubes and keep aside.
Make a smooth paste of the onion and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan or Kadhai and fry the potato pieces with a pinch salt till lightly golden. Take them out. In the same oil add the cumin seeds and when they splutter ass the onion paste. Fry till oil starts to separate (4-5 minutes). Add the ginger and cumin paste mixed with 2 tbsp water. Add turmeric, salt, chili powder and cook till oil starts to ooze from the sides.
Next mix in chopped tomatoes and cover. Let the tomato sweat and turn mushy (another 4-5 minutes). Mix in everything together and cook for another minute. Add the cooked peas with all the water and the fried potatoes. We like our ghugni with some juice (not dry and tight) so add water accordingly. Adjust seasoning and bring it to a boil. Cook covered on medium for 8-10 minutes till the potatoes are cooked and soft.
Serve hot with the accompaniments.
Narkel die niramish ghugni (Dried yellow peas curry with coconut, no onion garlic)
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Narkel die niramish ghugni (Dried yellow peas curry with coconut, no onion garlic)
Healthy Ghugni Aka Curried soy beans with mushroom
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5 comments
I did't know it was named Ghugni... we used to call it chole...anyways whats in the name right...my neighbour aunty used to make it quiet often and that how I have had it...I used to love it ... ohhh u just left me mouthwatering..
ReplyDeleteI love chaats, but somehow never made them at home... looks really delicious...
ReplyDeleteMouthwatering!
ReplyDeleteSayantani, i am back to your blog after a very long while, last i knew was you were making bhapa sondesh in Japan :) and then i saw your feed on my FB page and it linked to you beautiful home..let me tell you, its a pleasure seeing your home and reading your posts..khub shundor shajiye cho baadi takey..
ReplyDeleteand now about this Ghugni Chaat, it took me back to Khan Chacha a feriwala who spoke in fluent Bihari and sold the ebst Ghugni in town , just outside my Maths Tution class !
This is so tempting ....feel like picking one :)
ReplyDelete