August 9, 2007

ACHARI ALOO WADI


Achari Aloo Wadi made with Cumin seeds and cumin powder is my contribution to Sunita from "Sunita's World" blog's brand new "Think Spice" event.This month's spice is "Cumin", thanks for hosting Sunita, great theme!:)





About Cumin seeds:
English cumin comes from Latin cuminum, which was borrowed from Greek kyminon.In Sanskrit, many late names of cumin appear related to a verbal root jri [जॄ] signifying “cause decay, consume”, e.g., jarana [जारण], jirana [जिरण], jirna [जीर्ण]. The root jir may also mean “digest”, which might be linked to the digestive properties of cumin.Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive aroma, popular in North African, Middle Eastern, western Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Mexican cuisine.Historically, Iran has been the principal supplier of cumin, but currently the major sources are India, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Folklore and superstition; during the Middle Ages cited that cumin kept chickens and lovers from wandering!(Yeah,right!!;D)
It was also believed that a happy life awaited the bride and groom who carried cumin seed throughout the wedding ceremony. Cumin is also said to help in treatment of the common cold, when added to hot milk and consumed! Info from WIKI.

Punjabi Wadis, before and after frying:



I made a dish called Ambat with Moong wadis few weeks back,you might remember.I had bought some Punjabi Wadis too at that time but didn't use it until now for a perfect dish with cumin. These are bigger and spicier than the Moong Wadis and when soaked in gravy,they become soft.Tastes and look somewhat like Paruppu Urundai(Dal dumplings) I have seen in some south Indian blogs! To my surprise,when I ate a piece after they are fried thinking they might taste like Pakodas,they were bland because they don't contain salt! But mixed with gravy,they tasted great!:))




Ingredients listed on the pack; are Urad Dal,Chana dal, Red Chilli, Seasame seeds,Fenugreek, chilli pepper seeds,Black Pepper, Cumin seeds, Coriander, Ginger pd, Nutmeg and Cloves,proportions are not listed but you can use judgment if you make it at home. They are to be deep fried and crushed gently in to big pieces and added to the gravy.

About Achari:
Achari is basically pickle masala ingredients which are seasoned with oil and added to the finished dish to give a crunchy texture and taste.This dish is based on Nita Mehta's 'Vegetarian Punjabi' recipe with my own addition of Potatoes and Wadis.Enjoy.


Achari Aloo Wadi:
Well..this dish is simple and basically,you make the gravy with spices,onion and tomatoes.Add cooked potatoes,fried and crushed Wadis to make thickish gravy.Lastly,season with Achari masala and serve with layered Parathas.Delicious!!



You Need:

6-8 Punjabi Wadis, 2 Potatoes peeled and cubed,Cilantro, salt, 2 Tomatoes,1 onion chopped, 1 -2 green chillies, 1/4 tsp chilli pd,1 tbsp Coriander seeds powder,1 tsp Cumin seeds pd, 1/2 tsp Garam masala, 1 tsp Kasoori Methi/Dry fenugreek leaves,1/2 tsp sugar,salt.
To grind: 1" ginger, 2 Garlic.


For Achari seasoning: 2 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp each of Fennel seeds and Mustard seeds,1 tsp Cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp Fenugreek seeds. 1 red chilly, 1/8 tsp chilli pd.

How to make it:

Deep fry Wadi in oil,cool and crush to big pieces. Cook cubed Potatoes in the microwave ,drain and keep aside.Grind ginger-Garlic to a paste. Heat oil, fry onion and green chillies ginger-garlic paste , stir for a minute.Add all the dry spices and 1/2 cup water with chopped tomatoes.Simmer. Put in Potatoes and wadis,simmer until thick.Season with all the ingredients until crisp and pour it on the Potatoes and mix. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with Parathas,sliced red onion and a salad/raita.

A delicious plate of Achari Aloo Wadi with layered Parathas:


Enjoy the meal. See you all later!:)

54 comments:

Arts said...

Lovely.. always saw the punjabi wadis at indian store but thought they are to be eaten just as a snack! Now I have an idea how to make them as well as how to use them ;)

sra said...

That really looks delicious!

TBC said...

Asha,
You have 2 food blogs?? I never knew!I just followed the link on FBD to get here.That's a good idea to keep the posts for events separate from the others.
Achari aloo wadi looks real good:-)

Saju said...

what a lovely write-up of cumin, very informative. I have never tried Punjabi wadis, they look very interesting. The Achari Aloo Wadi look very tasty, especially with the layered paratha.

sunita said...

That was an enjoyable meal indeed! thanks a lot.

Raaga said...

Hi Asha: I saw some wadis in the store... didn't buy any. Now maybe I'll go back and buy some.

By the way, thanks for the inspiration... I made ambat today. Made it with vatana (yellow variety). But I won't post it until you announce RCI Karnataka. I'm getting smarter day by day, no???

:-)

Hope all's well with the Lasik thing.

Laavanya said...

The wadis and achari seasonings with pototo... :) great combination.

Aruna said...

Asha, Great entry!! seems like perfecr timing, just bought a packet of punjabi wadi will try it!!! thx

FH said...

Arts,they taste bland just for eating like snack,no salt added in them at all.I tried, believe me!Hahaha!But with added to gravy,they are delicious.

It is sra! I used those Panjabi wadis for the the first time,I loved it!

FH said...

Tbc,I started this blog in Jan, so I can contribute to various events and I don't have post at FH everyday!:D
It's short and sweet post here,I like it.Enjoy!:)

Saju,these Wadis spicier than Moong ones,tastes great with gravy soaked and soft.Try and get it there if you can.Thanks:)

You are welcome Sunita!:)
Cumin used twice here,so a perfect dish.I will send it to you later!Great theme for the event.Thanks.

FH said...

LOL!!! Raaga, you are already the smartest girl!! YUP! Save them, so you can flood me with your Amchi avalanche!:D
Enjoy the Wadi,go get some and cook.You can add them to any gravy,not just this.Have fun today!:)

Yes it is, Laavanya! Great combo.My kids loved the gravy since it is not that spicy but they didn't like the taste whole toasted fennel seeds!:D
Hope you try.

FH said...

YAY!! Aruna,that is perfect.Use them,they are great in any gravy.Enjoy!:))

KellytheCulinarian said...

This has been quite educational for me, thanks for the info.

Sig said...

Nice looking dishes Asha.... So in the middle ages, did they feed cumin to chickens and lovers, how did they keep them from wandering? spread it around their house? :0 I am confused! :(

Jyothi said...

Wow! great entry Ashaji! looks amazing. Thanks for sharing dear.

FH said...

You are welcome Kelly.I am learning a lot too ,thanks to these events!:)

LOL!! Sig,what are you planning girl?!
I have no answer for that Sig,got it from Internet.Most probably fed them. Must be some medicinal,chemical reaction from too much Cumin in the body which controls them from wandering!!Hahaha!
Men and chickens, great combination!Poor things!!:D

You are welcome Jyoti.Punjabi Wadis taste great when they are soaked and soft.Try it:)

Sharmi said...

Asha, that looks so very yummy and creative. the name itself makes my mouth water. lovely info on Jeera!

Vanamala Hebbar said...

I have never tried this.
Looks tasty... :)

FH said...

Thanks Sharmi!:)
I tried Punjabi Wadis for the first time too.They are great.Get some next time.You will love it!

Hi Vana,try it.Wadis are spicy without salt in them.Soaked in the gravy,they taste great!:)

Prema Sundar said...

can I come over for dinner Asha ?? They look so nice and really make me hungry.(just now had my lunch but still feel liking having it).

Manasi said...

Hey WOW!! this is nice.. i saw punjabi wadis at the Indian store 2 weeks ago, but they were broken and I thought .. umm.. i dont want damaged goods!! will try this week !! super recipe! and nice info on the everyday jeera!

FH said...

Hi Prema, start driving girl!:))
Thanks,hope you try.Wadis are yum!Did you look at the FH this week? You will be hungrier!!:D

Thanks Manasi.Hope you grab that Wadis next time!:)
Broken to chunks is okay.If it is powdered,don't buy it.Can't fry those! Enjoy.

Seema Bhat said...

Ashakka, Achari aloo wadi thumba chennag thortha ide. Your family is so very lukcy to have you cook such delicacies all the time akka. I have to try this out sometime soon.

Anh said...

Delicious! :D And cumin is one of my top fav spices! :)

Roopa said...

looks great! wadis i still have to try :) the contents looks like a masala wadas with garam masala. now i can make them at home. chapati with wadi gravy is a great combo.

Neelam said...

Aloo and wadis an all time classic combo ! Looks yummy! Got totry6 some!

Suma Gandlur said...

Achai aloo wadi, Now I want to know from where do you get all these recipes and energy? You are the right candidate for those energiser bunny ads.

Suma Gandlur said...

I did notice after leaving the comment. You are trying to fill those A - C dishes. Kya bath hain!

Raaga said...

I bought those vegetarian chicken drumsticks (if you know what I mean) in Amritsar and have not been able to figure out what to do with them!!

But the wadis, for sure. I will try, with this or something else. And come September, you will receive an avalance... our home state, alva?

Srivalli said...

great dishes asha....thanks for the info too...great...

check my blog and give me your valuable suggestions on what I have asked...

Srivalli
www.cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com

SeeC said...

That a great entry and nice tea time snack Asha. Useful info about Jeera.

I haven't noticed wadis in stores, may I should.

BTW Your new images look cute (right hand side)

FH said...

Seema,wadis are really tasty.It's a easy recipe,hope you try!:)

Thanks Ahn! I love the smokey taste of Cumin too.Any Indian or Mexican food with it is so yum!:)

Roopa,it is something that!:)
Combination of Vade and sandige!:D
Try it,you can easily make it at home too.

FH said...

Thanks Neelam!:)
They are a great combo.Try it,it's a quick dish too if you have fries wadis ready.

LOL!! Suma,thanks!
I have to make dinner everyday for the family anyway,I work it around the events.We get to taste new dishes and fill up our bellies too!;D
I missed the first A,B,C,D..so I am trying to complete the picture!!hahaha!!

FH said...

Raaga,I knew you were from K'taka,TN or from somewhere.Now I know!! You speak Kannada too and I am so glad! Avalache,now you are really scaring me!!;D
Enjoy the Wadis,drumsticks and what not.You are lucky you get them there easily.I have to drive some distance!!:)

Thanks Sri. I will check your blog little later.Enjoy the Wadis:))

Thank you Seec!:))
They keep the wadis where you find Papads,dried chillies etc. You can always ask for Wadis.Hope you et some and try it.

Raaga said...

I'm half Konkani and half Tamil, married to a Telugu :-)

Good na :-)

But my mom's family settled in Bombay... so I think of myself from there as well.

This is the 4th time I am trying to post. Hope it gets posted.

FH said...

Raaga, man! You are an all rounder! Only south India is missing in you is Kerala!:D
That is great.You are exposed to every cuisine and culture too.Makes you a true Indian! Hey,I am glad you are a Kannadiga too.I am proud.Hugs:)

Creativecook said...

As always, thanks much for stopping by. Also found out about Sunita's event and all the other fun stuff going on.

J said...

Wow!! Should take a clue and start making these wadis :) Oh, ya I'll add a lot of cumin in all the dishes now :D

FH said...

You are welcome C!:)
I will update as the events change the dates,so it's easy for all who wants to participate.Enjoy.

Hi J! LOL!!!
If you don't get Wadi there,then you cam make them! We usually use cumin in every dish,don't we? So it's not that hard to throw in little more to keep'em in!:p
Have a great weekend J.Hugs.

Raaga said...

I bought moong wadis today :-) will make some gravy thing with it and let you know.

FH said...

YAY!! Enjoy.Moong wadis are little blander than these wadis.Make the gravy little more spicy.Have fun!:)

Pravs said...

That sure does looks yummy. A new dish for me to try. With achari as the name...is it like a pickle ?

Viji said...

Lovely entries Asha. Viji

FH said...

Pravs,try it!:)
Punjabi Wadis are spicier than Moong wadis,yummy.Pickle masala is just 5 spices North Indians use to season just like we do with mustard and curry leaves,something different.

Thank you Viji. Hope you try the Punjabi Wada,they are tasty.We can add that to Masoor dal too.Have a great Sunday!:)

Anonymous said...

wonderfull presentation and dish looks good!

FH said...

Thank you Lakshmi!:))
Punjabi Wadis are spicy,goes well with the any mild gravy, try it.

Kajal said...

Very nice plate of Veg Punjabi.....It is completely delicious with Parathas!!!

FH said...

Thank you Kajal, hope you try!:)

zlamushka said...

Hi asha :-)

I am very happy to let you know that I tried your punjabi wadi curry and couldnt stop having "..just one more spoonful.." Loved it, here is the outcome...

FH said...

That's great to hear Z! Punjabi Wadis are really delicious in any dish. Enjoy!! Hope to see more variations of dishes with Wadis!:))

Anonymous said...

I made my own wadis this year .. am going to try your recipe with them. :-)
Sigh ... you have such beautiful blogs ... am still going through them.

FH said...

You made your own wadis! I must try this Summer, homemade Wadis are always taste better. Enjoy Sharmila! :)

Mythreyi Dilip said...

your recipe image has been plagiarized here
http://myhomemaderecipe.blogspot.in/2009/07/achari-aloo.html

FH said...

Thanks for letting me know M. Copying the images from our blogs has become a menace. I see many of my pics copied in restaurant ads too, don't know how to even contact them!