Raw Turmeric Pickle

Overview
Raw Turmeric pickle has lot of medicinal values and is used more in North India. As this pickle ages all the flavors get into the julienne turmeric slices  and enhances the pickles taste. So let this pickle sit for at least a week before using it. This pickle is usually made in mustard oil but I have used vegetable oil here.

Raw Turmeric Pickle

Raw Turmeric Pickle Ingredients

Ingredients
Julienne raw turmeric - 1 cup
Lemon juice - Juice of one large lemon
Fennel seeds - 2 tablespoons
Fenugreek seeds - 1 tablespoon
Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon
Red Chilly powder - 2 tablespoons
Asafoetida powder- 1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil  - 4 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Peel the raw turmeric and then wash on water and pat dry. Cut the turmeric root in 2 inch julienne strips. Marinate the julienne raw turmeric slices in salt and lemon juice and keep in refrigerator for 2 - 3 days  mixing it everyday.
2. Coarsely grind the fennel seeds, mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and mix it with the red chilly powder and asafoetida powder and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in pan. When the oil gets hot turn the heat off. Add all the spice powder to this. Mix well and then add the raw turmeric slices marinated in lemon juice and salt. Mix well and add salt as needed.
4. Cool to room temperature and store in a clean jar.

Serve as a condiment with any rice or Indian bread.

Asparagus Stir fry

Overview
A quick and easy way to enjoy Asparagus. Crisp Asparagus mixed with the garlic and red pepper flakes adds nice flavor to this dish. My family loves Asparagus and loves this dish.

Asparagus Stir Fry

Ingredients
Fresh Asparagus - 1 pound trimmed and cut into two
Red onions thin sliced - 1 small
Garlic - 4 - 5 clones thin sliced
Red pepper flakes - 1 - 2 teaspoon
Turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Clean the Asparagus and trim the woody ends and cut into two pieces and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a saute pan.
2. When the oil is hot add the thin sliced onions and garlic. Saute till onions are light brown.
3. Add the turmeric powder and red pepper flakes to this and saute till the red flakes are browned.
4. Add the prepared Asparagus to this with salt. Mix well and cook on high flame till the asparagus is crisp and cooked. Should take just 3 - 4 minutes. Do not over cook.

Serve hot as a side dish.

Pork Piralan (Pork Roast)

Overview
A traditional Kerala Pork dish. There are many different ways to make this dish this is my version. A thick gravy coats the tender pork pieces to make this a delicious dish. A little bit of fenugreek seeds roasted and powdered adds a distinctive aroma and taste to this dish.

Pork Piralen

Pork Piralen Ingredients

Ingredients
Pork cut into cubes - 1 1/2 pounds
Finely chopped red onions - 1 1/2 cups
Ginger 2 inch finely chopped
Garlic about 10 - 12 cloves finely chopped
Green chilly - 4 - 6 split in center
Curry leaves 3 - 4 sprigs
Red Chilly powder -  2  teaspoons
Coriander powder - 2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon
Fenugreek seeds - 1 teaspoon
Oil  - 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds, powder it and keep it aside.
3. Heat oil in  heavy bottom pan. When oil gets hot add the finely chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves.
4. Saute till the onions are light brown.
5. Add the red chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and fenugreek powder to the light brown onions. stir for few minutes till the spice powder are browned.
6. Add the cleaned cubes pork along with salt and stir well.
7. Cover pan with lid and cook on slow flame for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally till the pork is cooked and tender.
8. Remove lid and cook for few more minutes till the gravy is thickened.

Serve hot with Rice or any Indian Bread.