Mixed Vegetable Saagu

A pleasant weather and a simple yet special homemade dinner, along with your family, is surely a moment of bliss! And when it is lovingly prepared by your mom and served hot, it has to be even more special :) Yes, apart from clicking pictures and enjoying the dinner, I did nothing else for this post. It is mom's special in "My Cheerful Kitchen" this week!

INGREDIENTS:

• Onion - 1 big, chopped finely
• Tomato puree - 1/2 cup
• Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Mixed vegetables - 3 cups, chopped and boiled (Potato/beans/carrot/peas/cauliflower etc)
• Red chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - as needed
• Thick coconut milk or fresh cream - about a tablespoon (optional)

To be ground into a smooth paste:

• Grated coconut - 2 tablespoons
• Almonds - 4 (You could also use cashew nuts)
• Poppy seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 teaspoon
• Green chilli - 2

METHOD:

1. Grind the ingredients mentioned under "To be ground into a smooth paste" with very little water. Keep aside
2. Chop and boil the vegetables. Keep aside
3. In a thick bottomed vessel, heat oil and temper with cumin seeds
4. Add chopped onions and fry till it turns translucent
5. Add the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes
6. Add the ground paste, boiled vegetables, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt and cook for 10 minutes
7. Allow the mixture to boil and remove from heat. If desired, you can top it with some fresh cream or thick coconut milk for a rich texture
8. Serve hot with poori, roti, aapam or dosa!