Kairasa is a typical Karnataka recipe which uses tamarind but no gram. It has a unique flavour and taste. I learnt this recipe from my grand mother-in-law.
What you need
Vegetable of choice - 1/2 cup
ADVERTISEMENT
Sesame) - 1 tsp
Black gram - 2 tsp
Fenugreek - 1/3 tsp
ADVERTISEMENT
Red chillies – 5-6
Asafoetida -1 tsp
Coconut, grated - 3 tbsp
Tamarind paste - 1tsp
Turmeric - a pinch
Jaggery - as required
Oil - to fry
For the tempering
Oil - 1tsp
Mustard seeds -1 tsp
Bengal gram -1tsp
Curry leaves – a few
Cooking instructions
Choose vegetables such as okra, drumstick, bitter gourd, gooseberry and egg plant.
Raw mango can also be used but adjust the proportion of tamarind accordingly.
Fry the white sesame seeds in a dry kadai and set aside.
Pour a tsp of oil and fry 2 tsp of black gram, 1/3 tsp of fenugreek seeds, 5-6 red chillies, asafoetida, and 3 tbsp of coconut. Grind fine. Fry the vegetables in one tsp of oil and add about 1 tsp of tamarind paste with a little turmeric. Boil for a few minutes. Add ground paste. Boil till it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. Add a little jaggery if needed. Temper. Serve hot with rice, green vegetables and papad.
Gowri Raghavendra is a home maker interested in cooking and collecting traditional recipes.