Gajar ka halwa

The kids have been asking for gajar ka halwa ever since carrots started appearing on the dinner table, and I finally succumbed to the pressure and made it for them tonight. A picture is in order, isn't it?

Raw papaya salad

When I saw this dish posted by Manini Badlani on IFF, I knew I had to try it out. Coincidentally, the same day, I found raw payaya at the subjiwalla. I guess I was just meant to have this!

1 small raw papaya grated

2 carrots grated

1 small tomato thinly sliced

1/2 cup of roasted peanuts coarsely ground. 

For sauce

4 cloves of garlic

3 birds eye chillies

10 gms jaggery

salt

juice of 1 lemon

For garnish

Chopped spring onions

Chopped coriander leaves

Method

Make a sauce by grinding all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle.

Mix it all the veggies together, and add the sauce.

Garnish with green spring onions and corriander leaves.
Serve chilled.

Carrot-potato soup

When you work from home, one of the first things you learn is how to fend for yourself at lunchtime. You can either have leftovers, or get something from outside, or cook for yourself. This thick soup full of goodness, takes no time to whip up and is very filling and satisfying.

Pressure cook two medium potatoes and three or four carrots till soft (I normally put them in with the dal).
Fry (or roast) 6 pods of garlic and a green chilli.
Blend the carrots, potatoes, garlic, chilli and four tablespoons of curd till smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
I prefer to refrigerate overnight and heat it again- brings out the flavours more.
The curd gives it a rich, almost decadent, texture which satisfies the soul.

If you do not like green chilli, you could substitute it with ground pepper.