A trip to the Jungle!

Evening sky outside my house...



We had been to the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary and here are some captures:)
This picture we were getting deep into the jungle (safari):)



Spotted some deers!


Pretty peacock walking by ...

Baby elephant kept safe from public so that it does not get infected...

mommy elephant:)

this little monkey snatched a packet of chips from the tourist.... and gave them a panic...


while we were getting down the ghat roads....

Makhana-Khumb ki subzi ( Lotus seed- mushroom curry)

Ingredients

1 cup Phool makhana/lotus seeds
1 cup button mushrooms
2 large onions sliced
1/2 cup tomato puree
2 green chillies slit lenght wise
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp cashew paste
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp Kalonji (onion seeds)
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
2-3 tbsp oil
salt to taste
fresh chopped coriander for garnish
1 tbsp of fresh cream for garnish

Preparation

Heat a pan and add 1 tsp oil. Fry the makhana on low heat for 2 minutes till it changes colour slightly. Turn off heat and set aside. Heat another pan with 2 tbsp oil. Add fennel seeds and kalonji. When the fennel seeds change colour, add green chillies, ginger-garlic paste and fry for 1 minute. To this add onions and fry till golden. Add tomato puree, cashew paste, salt, all the masala powders except garam masala and cook for 5 minutes till oil is out of the mixture. Now add makhana, mushrooms and 1 cup water and cook till all the flavors blend well. Check to see if the Makhana has become soft form inside. Top it with garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander and fresh cream. Serve with rotis or naan.

Drumstick leaves curry

This is a very delicious and healthy curry which is served with rice!

Ingredients

2 cups drumstick leaves
1/3 cup chana dal
1/2 cup onions (finely chopped)
2-3 green chillies (slit length wise)
2 tsp tamarind pulp (optional)
1/3 cup grated fresh coconut
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal
a dash of asafoetida
salt to taste
2 tsp oil

Preparation

Clean the leaves by removing the stems carefully since the stems do not digest very easily. Wash and pressure cook the leaves for one whistle. Wash and cook the chana dal in one cup of water till its soft.
In a pan heat oil and temper with mustard seeds, urad dal, asafoetida and green chillies.
To this add onions and fry till golden. Add drumstick leaves, coconut, chana dal and salt and cook on low heat till all the flavors blend together. You can add tamarind pulp if you want the curry to be little tangy. Cook till the miosture dries up and serve warm with rice!