Khatti Meethi Subzi(Assorted sweet-sour vegetables)

This dish is in the ISCKON Feasts and presented at the New York Temple.Its very intricately prepared with assorted vegetables and following the Hare Krishna cult of No Onion-No Garlic which is beautifully adaptable to any Fasts kept during the Indian Festivals.Here is the recipe:

Preparation Time – 1 hour

Makes – 2-3 servings

INGREDIENTS

A small ball of Tamarind(optional)

2 Raw Bananas – diced

100 gms Paneer – diced

2 Potatoes – boiled and diced

1 medium Carrot – diced

1/2 cup Pineapple – cut into cubes or wedges

1 Zucchini or 1 Cucumber – diced

2 tbsp Ghee/Refined Oil

1 1/2 cups whey(yogurt diluted with water – 1 cup yogurt with 1 cup water)

Salt to taste

1 tsp cumin seeds(jeera)

1 tsp Asafoetida

1 tsp pepper powder

2 Green Chilies – minced

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp Red Chili Powder

2 tsp Coriander Powder(Dhania)

2 tsp sugar

METHOD

Heat 2 tbsp oil and fry the cubed Paneer till golden brown.Then fry the boiled potatoes till golden.Keep aside on a plate.

Fried Paneer and Potatoes..

In the remaining oil,add the cumin seeds till they crackle.Add the Asafoetida and fry for a second,then add minced chilies and ginger,then add the whey.Stir very well.At this point you will see the whey separating from the water content but that is no cause for worry.Add the tamarind water andstir.Now add the Pineapple,raw Banana and Carrot dices.Reduce to medium heat and continue cooking till all vegetables are cooked and the Bananas are fork tender.

Cooking the Vegetables..

Add the salt,sugar and masalas.Now add the fried Potato and Paneer cubes and cook till the Paneer absorbs the juices and most of the water evaporates.

Adding Paneer and Potatoes and reducing the Gravy…

Take off heat and allow to cool slightly.This will make the remaining sauce a little thick.Serve hot with Kutu Rotis/Puris,Rajgira Puris in case of fast or will normal Rotis and Rice for normal days.

NOTE:

1.In case you do not want to add Tamarind,cook the vegetables in oil without adding the whey.When everything is cooked,add 1 cup of fresh,thick yogurt,Potatoes and Paneer and mix well.Serve.

2.Rock Salt or Sendha Namak can be substituted for normal salt in case if you are fasting.