Mathan thoran/ Kumblakai palya

One of the must items in an Onasadhya is Thoran. This a dry side dish prepared by completely evaporating the water which is poured in measured quantity to just cook the vegetable. Different vegetables have varied amount of water content in them. Vegetables like Cabbage, Pumpkin, Green leafy vegetables, Zucchini to name a few require water in very minimal quantity. They will ooze out the water within them when salt is added and that is sufficient for the vegetable to get cooked. Vegetables like, Beans, Carrot (exception is when grated), Beetroot (same as Carrot), Yam, Potato, Raw Banana, Long beans, Flat beans etc require 3/4th a measure of their quantity of water to be added for the vegetable to be cooked.

As children, we used to be selective with Palya. Now, we realise, its importance in our daily diet! Here is the recipe for Yellow pumpkin Thoran/ Palya.

Ingredients:
Pumpkin (Medium sized cubes)- 4 cups
Oil- 3 tsp
Urad dal/Split Black gram- 1 tsp
Channa dal/Chickpea lentil- 1 tsp
Jeera/ Cumin seeds- 1 1/2 tsp
Mustard- 1 tsp
Red Chilly- 1 (Broken into pieces)
Curry leaves- Few
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli powder- 1 tsp
Jeera/Cumin seeds powder- 1/2 tsp
Grated Coconut- 1 tbsp
Salt to taste

Method:
In a pan, heat oil. Add Urad dal and Channa dal. Roast them a bit. Add Jeera, Mustard seeds and Red chilly peices. When the Mustard splutters, add the Curry leaves. Now add the Pumpkin cubes and pour just about 1/2 cup of water. Add Turmeric and cover it with a lid and let it cook for 5 minutes. Add Salt, Chilly powder, Jeera powder and Coconut. Mix well. Serve hot with Rice!

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Serves: 4 people