Panchmel Dal, Puran Poli and Bhendi Bhaji

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Chana Dal
• 1.5 cup Jaggery (grated or powdered)
• 3 cup Water (for pressure cooking dal)
• 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
• 0.25 tsp Nutmeg Powder
• 0.5 tsp Dry Ginger Powder
• 2 cup Atta
• 0.5 cup Maida
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Ghee (divided for filling, dough, and cooking)
• 0.25 cup Rice Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the Chana Dal

   • Rinse the chana dal thoroughly under running water. Soak it in ample water for 3-4 hours.
   • Drain the soaking water. Transfer the dal to a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of fresh water.
   • Pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or until the dal is very soft and easily mashed with a finger.
   • Once the pressure settles, open the cooker. Drain the dal completely using a fine-mesh sieve. It's crucial that the dal is as dry as possible.
2. 2

   Prepare the Puran (Filling)

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the cooked, drained dal and the grated jaggery. Cook on low-medium heat.
   • Stir continuously as the jaggery melts. The mixture will become liquidy at first. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes.
   • The mixture is ready when it thickens considerably, pulls away from the sides of the pan, and a spoon inserted in the center stands upright. This is the 'spoon test'.
   • Turn off the heat. Stir in the cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, dry ginger powder, and 1 tsp of ghee. Mix well.
   • Allow the puran mixture to cool down completely to room temperature.
   • Once cooled, grind the mixture into a very fine, smooth paste using a food processor or a traditional 'puran yantra'. This step is vital for a non-grainy texture.

Ingredients

• 500 g Okra (Washed, dried completely, and chopped into 1/2-inch rounds)
• 150 g Onion (Finely chopped (about 1 large onion))
• 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Asafoetida
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 1.5 tsp Goda Masala (Garam masala can be used as a substitute)
• 0.25 cup Roasted Peanuts (Coarsely crushed)
• 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance flavors)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the vegetables: Wash the okra and pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel. This is the most crucial step to prevent sliminess. Trim the ends and chop the okra into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Finely chop the onion.

2. 2

   Temper the spices: Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely, which should take about 30-45 seconds.

3. 3

   Sauté aromatics: Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida to the pan. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the cumin seeds are fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.

4. 4

   Cook the okra: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chopped okra to the pan. Stir-fry for 10-12 minutes, stirring gently every couple of minutes. It's important to cook without a lid to allow moisture to escape and prevent the okra from becoming slimy. Cook until the okra is tender and the stickiness has disappeared.

5. 5

   Add spice powders: Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and goda masala. Gently mix to coat the okra evenly with the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the spices is gone.

6. 6

   Add finishing touches: Now, add the salt, optional sugar, and coarsely crushed roasted peanuts. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. 7