Cauliflower Curry without Garlic and Onion-Vrat/Fasting special

 Cauliflower Curry without  onion and garlic :

 Shravan is an auspicious month for Hindus and this month is dedicated to the worship of lord Shiva.It is believed that Shravan month is a good time to meditate and pray to lord Shiva.Many people refrain from eating onion and garlic during this time as these are considered to be Tamsik in nature as per Ayurveda.

This cauliflower curry is cooked without onions and garlic and can be eaten during vrat or fasts.I have used roasted  whole spices and made a nice powder from it.You can store this powder in an air tight jar and use whenever you want to make any recipe without onions and garlic.Use dry ginger powder(Saunth) if you do not want to use the powder immediately.
Try this delicious curry during this holy month of Shravan or any Vrat and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Ingredients:
For Masala Powder
Cumin seeds-2 teaspoons
Coriander seeds-2 teaspoons
Black pepper corns-3-4
Dry Red chillies-2
Cloves-3-4
Green Cardamom-1
Cinnamon-1 big stick
Bay leaves-2
Dry ginger powder(Saunth) -2 teaspoons

For the Curry
Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon
Tomatoes-2 medium sized,diced
Cauliflower-1
Potatoes-2 medium sized
Oil-3 teaspoons
Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon
Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped
Water-2.5 cups
Salt to taste

Method:
-To make the masala powder,put all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredients for masala in a mixer jar and grind to make a smooth powder.
-Cut the cauliflower and potatoes into medium size.Dice the tomatoes.
-Take a pan and put 1 teaspoon of oil and separately fry the potatoes and cauliflower.Add a pinch of salt while frying the cauliflower.Saute the potatoes and cauliflower for 3-4 minutes each till they are half cooked.
-In the same pan add 2 teaspoons of oil and let it heat.Add the cumin seeds and let it splutter.Add the diced tomatoes and saute for 2-3 minutes.
-Now add the masala powder,cauliflower and potatoes and mix well.
-Add salt and turmeric powder and cook for 2 minutes.
-Add 2 cups of water and mix well.Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 4-5 minutes on medium flame till the vegetables and properly done.
-Remove from fire and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
-Serve hot with puris or pulao.

Tomato- Dates Chutney

Now that the festivals are around the corner most of us observe vrats and prefer eating food cooked without using garlic or onions or satvik ahaar as we call it.I usually make this chutney during festivals when there is a vrat and we prepare food without garlic and onions.
This sweet and sour chutney is rich in iron that comes from the dates and antioxidants from tomatoes.This is a quick to make chutney and tastes great with plain steamed rice or with chapati and parathas.

Ingredients
Tomatoes-3 medium sized,ripe
Dates-4-5,seedless
Roasted Cumin powder-2 teaspoon
Refined vegetable oil/ghee-2 teaspoons

Dry red chilli-2 

Panchphoran (Saunf, jeera, methi,kalonji seeds) -1teaspoon
Salt -a generous pinch
Sugar or Jaggery powder -2.5 tablespoons
Water-2 tablespoons 

Method

-Wash the tomatoes and dice them into small pieces
-Soak the dates in water for 10-15 minutes.Wash well and cut them into small pieces.
- Take a pan and dry roast the cumin seeds for 3-4 minutes in low flame till they are light brown and a nice aroma comes out.Cool it and crush it roughly using and rolling pin.
-Take a pan and heat oil in it.Add the Panchphoran and the dry red chilli in oil.
-Now add the diced tomatoes and cook them on medium flame.Keep stirring.
-Add the chopped dates and cook for another 2-3 minutes and add water and a generous pinch of salt and sugar or Jaggery powder as per your taste.
-Cook till the tomatoes are done.Do not let the water dry completely.
-Keep mixing and finally add the roasted cumin powder.
-Serve hot with rice,chutney,chapati or puri.

 

store it in a clean glass jar and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 15 days.