Aratikaya Ava Pettina Kura

Ava pettina kura means mustard based preparation. Mustard is used to generate warmth in the body, such preparations in the olden days were made during the winter months to generate heat in the  body and keep us warm in winter. The last I saw such preparations were from my grandmother. I have also heard the flower of plantain, jackfruit being used in such preparations.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1 large raw plantain(8 inches long) peeled and cubed to 1/2 inch pieces 

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon mustard or sesame oil

salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon urad dal

1 spring curry leaves

2 1/2teaspoons mustard seeds

6-8 green chilli(adjust per spice level)

1 inch piece of ginger

3 teaspoons grated coconut

1/2 teaspoon rice rava(optional-you can also use rice flour)

Procedure:

1.In a saucepan add water enough to soak the plantain and boil them with salt and turmeric, just enough that they are cooked but not soggy.

2.In a grinder take the 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds, green chili, ginger, coconut and rice rava and grind to a smooth paste.

3.Heat oil in a pan and add urad dal and let lightly brown, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves and let splutter.

4.Add the ground paste and saute for a minute on medium flame.

5.Now add the cooked plantain, add salt if required and combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the raw flavor of the paste goes away and serve.

Tips:

Use of mustard oil really enhances the dish.

This can be served with steamed rice.