Lunch Box Series : LBS#37

When I sat to write this post, I was actually thinking what to write. Sometimes I find myself without any story to tell you! And without a story, I really can't proceed right. In the last few days, I have been cooking a lot. Yeah, blog wise its a good news, because I don't have to scratch my head to think what to post. But when it comes to question of what to say, most of the times I don't have a problem, except for days like today.

Ok, its been a while since I regaled the antics the twins have been up to. Atleast at office, we get to sit for a while, but its only running on our toes, the moment we step in our home. Last evening, I landed home, to see all of them running around like they are been chased.by the other. My niece was also playing along my kids and it just liked like crèche! My parents, who were looking at the drama these little ones were creating, had that dazed look. Hubby dear even teased them, by throwing a challenged if they were up to baby sitting these naughty ones for a day. I was really amused hearing that. Hubby dear was also very elated. He told that he was welcomed by Peddu with a dance. Peddu saw his father and in his excitement, he danced around. Well I can imagine that. And hubby dear went on telling me this, till we went to sleep! If I have to relate that in comparison, its like a boy in his first crush!..:)

Anyway coming to my lunch box today, I devised a plan to change the combine and I landed with a different one, atleast the same vegetables and different dish.

Today's Lunch Box had

French Beans Kootu
Indian Broad Beans Stir Fry
Plain Rice
Cumin Pepper Rasam
Curd Rice

French Beans Kootu with Channa Dal

Since I have always only made a Kootu with either Snake Gourd or Chow Chow, I thought I could try beans for a change. And if I used tur dal, it might sound very much like Sambar, so here with Chana dal!

Ingredients Needed

Beans - 100 gms
Channa Dhal - 1/2 cup
Onions - 1 small
Tomatoes - 1 small
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric - a pinch
Salt to taste
Grated coconut - 1 tsp

For Seasoning

Mustard seeds + Split urad dhal - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves few

Method:

Take a pressure cooker and cook Channa dal for 3 whistles, then add chopped beans and put for another whistle.

Heat a pan, add the seasonings. Then add the onions, sauté well, then add tomatoes. Add all the powders. Cook for 5 mins. Then add the cooked dal and vegetable, add some water. Let it come to boil. Sim for 10 mins

Finally add grated coconut.

Indian Broad Beans Stir Fry ~ Chikkudu Kaya Talimpu

Ingredients Needed:

Chikkudu Kaya (Indian Broad Beans) - 250 gms
Onions - 1 big
Garlic - 2 pods
Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric a pinch

For seasoning

Curry leaves
Mustard seeds + Urud dal - 1 tsp

For Garnish
Ground nut powder - 1 tsp

Method to prepare:

Cut beans to small pieces. Boil them in water for 10 mins or until its cooked. Little water can be retained.

Chop Onions, Crush the garlic..

Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Then add onions and garlic, fry till they are brown in colour.

Once the onions are brown, add the cooked beans. Cook for 2 mins, add the chili powder and turmeric and salt. Cook on high flame to ensure the water in the beans gets evaporated. The result will be a well mixed veggie with all the spices. Finally add the ground nut powder!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!