RECIPE 08: RUSHI CHI BHAJI

 

Rushi panchami is celebrated on the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day all sapta rishi (seven sages) are worshipped and remembered. The seven sages kashyapa, vishwamitra, jamadagni, atri, gautam, bharadwaj, vashishta are worshipped. Even sage vashishta’s wife arundhati is worshipped. Usually seasonal veggies and tubers are used. The veggies that are used are the ones where the oxen is not used for farming. Rishi panchami bhaji is also made in way that can be compared to the way cooking was done during the time of the rishis – simple and healthy food.

INGREDIENTS	QUANTITY
Oil	3 tbsp
Green chillies	2-3 large
Carrot chopped	¾ cup
Chopped Yellow Pumpkin	¾ cup
Chopped Raw tomato	¾ cup
Chopped elephant foot yam	½ cup
Chopped plantain	½ cup
Chopped Arbi	½  cup
Chopped Arbi leaves	1 cup
Chopped Arbi stem	¼ cup
Chopped Amaranth	1 cup
Chopped Amaranth stem	¼ cup
Corn cob	1 nos
Peanuts fresh	½ cup
Jaggery powder	1 tbsp
Water	2 cups
Salt	As required
Tamrind pulp	1 tbsp
Freshly grated coconut	1 cup

Procedure

1) All vegetables must be washed and chopped into medium sized dices or cubes and not smaller. The corn cob can be divided into 3 parts.
2) Heat 3 tablespoons peanut oil in a large pot or pan. Add 2 green chilies (chopped). You can also use ghee instead of oil.
3) Saute green chilies for some seconds.
4)Then add the chopped amaranth and colocasia leaves along with the stems. saute for a minute.
5)Then add the remaining chopped veggies and tubers.
6)Mix very well and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
7)Add the ½ cup peanuts.
8)Add 2 cups water.
9)Season with salt as per taste and mix.
10)Cover and simmer the veggies on a low to medium flame.
11) Check at intervals and give a stir and cook till tender.
12) Then add the tamarind pulp.
13)Add 1 cup grated fresh coconut.
14) Cook without a lid on a low flame till the raw aroma of tamarind goes away. This takes about 6 to 7 minutes.
15) Lastly add 1 tablespoon jaggery powder or add as required.
16) Mix very well and simmer it for a minute.