Ambat Bhaji(Molai Kheere)

Do you all remember the cartoon "POPEYE"? Do you recall how our mothers use to blackmail us all into having our greens so that we can get "IRON" strength just like "POPEYE"?

Well, take a look at this version(Tanjore Marathi version) of the "POPEYE" recipe-Ambat Bhaji !

My grandma, Indira Ramarao(daughter of Koviladi Madhav Rao) married to C.H. Ramarao, whose authentic recipes I am sharing.

AMBAT BHAJI

Ingredients:

1. Tur dal- 1/3 cup
2. Tamrind- medium lime sized
3. Methi seeds-1/4 tsp
4. Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
5. Red chilli- 2 long 
6. Green chilli- 2 slit in half
7. Asafoetida- 1/8 tsp
8. Rice flour- 1/2 tbsp
9. Molai Kheere(Amaranth leaves/Pigweed)- 2 cups finely chopped(stem can be used)
10. Salt as per taste

Method:

• In a pressure cooker, cook the dal with haldi. Smash and keep aside.
• Soak the tamrind in water and take out the pulp.
• Heat oil in a pan and add methi seeds, mustard seeds, red chillis and asafoetida. After the mustard seeds splutter add the green chillis and saute on low flame.
• Add the greens(amaranth leaves/pigweed) and saute till it mixes with the seasoning. Keep aside and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Now add the tamrind water along with salt to the greens & seasoning mixture and cook till the raw smell of the tamrind fades away.
• Add the cooked dal to the mixture and let it come to a boil.
• Now add the rice flour(previously dissolved in water), mix well and let it come to a boil.

The Ambat Bhaji is ready!!! Lets eat it and get some "IRON" strength !!!!