Moong dal with raw papaya

Lentils are a good source of protein and have always been my favorite with rice. As a kid, my favorite meal would be masoor dal and aloo bhaja, never understanding why Mom insisted that I should eat everything else that followed. Later, living in North India helped me appreciate the intricacies of other dal preparations. For beginners, this seems a relatively easy dish to concoct, and you will be amazed by the versatility of those tiny little things. As long as you put the right amount of salt, nothing can go wrong.

Raw papaya is one of my favorite vegetables that I can eat in any form- even steamed with a little salt to taste.

Moong dal with raw papaya
First, dry heat the Split yellow lentil(moong)in a vessel. When it gives off an aroma, wash in running water, drain and set aside.
Add ghee/cooking oil, bay leaves, jeera to a preheated vessel.
Add a pinch of Asafoetida if you like it. I have heard it aids digestion.
Add the diced papaya, salt, turmeric, slit green chillies and grated ginger
Add the moong, cover and cook for a while
If you are using a pressure cooker with whistle, 2 whistles should be enough. Else cook it for 20 mins.
Garnish with cilantro (coriander leaves)

Basic Chowmein

Egg Chowmein with soya chunks and veggies

This had to be the first recipe I posted, 'cause I remember wanting to make chowmein like my mother made to feed our post-school hunger sessions. She made the most amazing jal-khabar (snacks/small meals) to nourish her active kids.

Veg chowmein with oyster sauce

‎1. Boil water, add chowmein, (green beans too if you are using them). Some people add a spoonful of vegetable oil to avoid stickiness. Drain the boiled chowmein in a strainer, pour cold water if necessary.
2. Add chili oil/peanut oil in another pan.
3. Add grated cabbage, carrots, green peas, celery, parboiled green beans, Baby spinach, romaine lettuce or other crunchy vegetables (a packets of frozen vegetables might be handy but freshly cut vegetables are tastier)
4. Add 1 tsp oyster sauce, 3 tsp soy sauce. Cover and cook.
5. Can add Chinese salt substitute (I like granulated mushroom bouillon)  & cracked pepper to taste.
7. Add the drained chowmein. Add white vinegar/lime juice, soy sauce, MSD substitute.
8. Mix the noodles with the veggies

Can add soya chunks boiled in salt water or chicken breasts or Chinese sausage or scrambled eggs.

Serve hot with your fav sauce. :)