I am translating the hand written book written for me by parvatham patti My MIL's aunt who stays in Lalgudi. She is an excellent cook, her patient hands have experimented with one herb and another, on low gentle flames called viragu aduppu (chulha) in traditional vessels. These vessels guard and endow essence and aroma to the dishes. I will also share recipes by my mom,dad, grandparents,MIL, my own kid's experiments and other recipes which are customised for my family.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Narthelai podi (vepilai katti)
This is a traditional accompaniment known to natives of Thanjavur. Usually accomapanies Curd rice but now I spice up my oats porridge with this aromatic powder. Narthelai in tamil means leaves of citron.
Ingredients:
Narthelai( tender leaves of citron) ---- 1 handful
red chilli ---- 1no. ( just one will do for one handful)
Ajwain seeds ----- 1/4 tsp
salt to taste.
Method:
Pound all the ingredients together in a small pestle or grind it coarsely in a mixer.
This coarse powder is not made in my kitchen but it definitely adorns my kitchen shelf. This is made at Lalgudi ( My MIL"s maternal home) from freshly plucked tender leaves of narthangai (citron) tree grown in the backyard. The lemony aroma of this powder makes you feel fresh at once. I wonder if this is the reason lemon oil is used for medicinal therapy.
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