Alu Palak

Spinach is the only familiar leafy vegetable we find here easily in Nl. Lal math, Methi, Ambadi , sarso the list is long and its been a long time these have been a part of my meals. Well whenever I usually buy Palak I call it the ‘Palak Week’ as we get it in a huge Packet here and the Spinach is freshly washed and wet so if not used soon its gets soggy and finds it way to to the rubbish bin. So The Palak week celebration!!!!
One easy recipe is Alu palak. Its easy to make, its quick and and goes great with rotis/Nan / bread.I recollect seeing this recipe in Khana Khazana I think though I am not sure, however its worth a try!!!

I used:

2-3 potatoes: peeled and cubed
2 cups : Spinach finale chopped
2 tsp:Ginger, greenchilles, cumin paste
Seasame seeds as per liking ( optional)
Oil
½ tsp turmeric
Salt to taste

Method:
Heat oil in a pan add Cumin seeds , ginger paste and turmeric , fry a little add seasame seeds and potatoes . Cover the pan and cook the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cooked add the spinach and cook till the spinach is done. Add salt and serve hot.

Bhoppa dohi

“Kharwas” is one of Vs long lists of favourites. Kharwas is a sweet made from the “cheek” as we call in Marathi i.e. colostrum ( the thick milk) when a little calf is born. Its texture is similar to china grass and is often served chilled. Well let aside the “Kharwas” as it is very difficult to find cheek here in Nl. So to surprise V one fine day I fished this recipe. This recipe hails from Bong state and tastes very similar to Kharwas made far away in Maharashtra.

V was so surprised and happy; I can still recollect the look on his face!!! When he had his fill
I told him that it was “Bhoppa Dohi” not Kharwas. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t and let him think his wife is a super genious. So this is treat for all Kharwas lovers who are unable to find “cheek”.
I used:

1 can sweet condensed milk
1 cup thick sweet curd
1 cup whole milk or cream.

Garnish
Dry fruit pieces- cashews/ pistas etc.
Saffron/ Cardamom powder (optional)

The Method:

Mix the three ingredients together .You can use a hand mixer if u like. Add the dry fruits and steam for 20 mins in a steamer for eg cooker without the whistle or alternatively u can microwave for 6-8 mins . The mixture coagulates and assumes the texture similar to china grass. Cool, turn the vessel and cut into pieces and 2 × 2 inches. Serve chilled.