CHAINSOO

Chainsoo is a delicacy of Garhwal and is prepared by using black gram dal.

Ingredients( serves four)

1. Black Gram seeds (Kali Urad whole)- 250 gms
2. Oil(preferably mustard oil)- 25 gms
3. Garlic- 4 to 5 cloves
4. Onion- 1
5. Cummin seeds- 1 tablespoon
6. Black Pepper- 4 Nos.
7. Red Chillies whole- 4 to 5
8. Asafoetida- a pinch
9. Dry coriander powder- ½ tablespoon
10. Turmeric powder- ¼ tablespoon
11. Red Chilli powder- ½ tablespoon
12. Water- 3 cups
13. Salt- 1 tablespoon to taste
14. Garam Masala- ½ tablespoon

Preparation

1. Grind dry Urad dal and make a course powder.
2. Place an iron frying pan on a moderate flame, put the course powder of Urad (black gram) in it and roast it without oil for about 3 to 5 minutes or till the pleasant aroma of roasted seeds comes. Do not overcook it. Take off the flame. Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder.
3. Heat oil in the kadhaai and add garlic cloves. When the garlic turns light brown, add cumin seeds, red chillies, black pepper and heeng (asafoetida).
4. Immediately add the dal powder and fry it for 1-2 minutes or so. Add turmeric powder, dry coriander powder, red chillies powder, salt and water. Bring it to boil.
5. Cover and Cook till the dal becomes very soft. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Before taking off the heat, sprinkle garam masala over chainsoo.

Garnish

Garnish with pure ghee and chopped coriander leaves. Serve with hot steamed rice.

URAD KE PAKORE (WADA)

These spicy pakoras are prepared with Urad dal (a type of pulse) and are good as snacks, served during breakfast or with evening tea. It is also served during family and social functions.

Ingredients (serves four)

1. Urad Dal - 500 gm
2. Chopped Onions - 1 Tea spoon
3. Jeera Powder - 1 Tea spoon
4. Garam Masala - 2 Tea spoon
5. Sesame Seeds - 5 gm
6. Green Chillies - 5-7
7. Coriander leaves - Y2 bunch
8. Salt - To taste

Preparation

1. Soak urad overnight
2. Strain and grind the dal into fine paste.
3. Add jeera powder, garam masala, salt, chopped onions, coriander leaves, chillies and mix well.
4. Make small balls by applying water on the palms and flatten them and coat them with sesame seeds.
5. Deep fry in oil and serve hot with chutney .