Tondli Bhaji, Dalithoy and Goan Coconut Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor Dal (rinsed well)
• 4 cup Water (divided for cooking and adjusting consistency)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 3 pcs Green Chili (slit lengthwise)
• 1 inch Ginger (finely grated)
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil (preferably virgin coconut oil for authentic flavor)
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 2 pcs Dried Red Chili (broken into halves)
• 10 pcs Curry Leaves (fresh)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (asafoetida)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pressure Cook the Dal

   • Wash the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soaking for 30 minutes is optional but helps in faster cooking.
   • In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed dal, 3 cups of water, and the turmeric powder.
   • Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or for about 15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
   • Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
2. 2

   Prepare the Dal Base

   • Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. Using a whisk or the back of a ladle, mash the cooked dal vigorously until it forms a smooth, creamy paste.
   • Place the cooker pot back on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the remaining 1 cup of water (or more) to achieve a thin, soupy consistency characteristic of Dalithoy.
   • Add the slit green chilies, grated ginger, and salt. Stir everything together well.
3. 3

   Simmer and Infuse Flavors

   • Bring the dal to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for the flavors of ginger and chili to meld into the dal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Basmati Rice
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (full-fat, for best results)
• 2 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 pcs Onion (medium, thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chilli (slit lengthwise)
• 1 pcs Cinnamon Stick (1-inch piece)
• 4 pcs Cloves
• 3 pcs Green Cardamom (pods, lightly crushed)
• 1 pcs Star Anise
• 2 tbsp Cashews (whole or halved)
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water is clear. Soak the rice in ample water for 20-30 minutes. Drain it completely using a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.

2. 2

   Fry Garnish: Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cashews and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Add the raisins and cook for another 30 seconds until they puff up. Remove both with a slotted spoon and reserve for garnish.

3. 3

   Temper Spices: In the same pot with the remaining oil, add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, crushed green cardamom, and star anise. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma.

4. 4

   Sauté Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies, and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

5. 5

   Toast the Rice: Add the turmeric powder and stir for a few seconds. Add the drained rice to the pot. Gently sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to break the grains. This step helps make the rice fluffy and non-sticky.

6. 6

   Cook the Rice: Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add the salt and stir gently to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

7. 7