Kesari Pittal Recipe – Chettinad Style Mixed Vegetable Recipe
Introduction
Kesari Pittal, a delightful Chettinad-style mixed vegetable dish, embodies the vibrant flavors of Tamil Nadu cuisine. This colorful medley of vegetables is not only nutritious but also bursting with aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Served alongside steaming rice and flavorful keerai sambar, this dish promises to be a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 1/2 cup, chopped finely |
| Beans | 1/4 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Carrots | 1/4 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Potatoes | 2, chopped |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coconut | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Dry red chillies | 2 |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Aniseed (fennel seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Instructions
To create the delightful Kesari Pittal, start by heating oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves, allowing them to splutter and release their fragrant aroma into the oil. Next, carefully introduce the finely chopped cabbage, beans, carrots, potatoes, and sliced onion into the skillet, stirring them gently to ensure they are well coated with the seasoned oil.
After a few moments of sautéing, sprinkle a little water over the vegetables, cover the skillet with a lid, and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This steaming step will help soften the vegetables while retaining their vibrant colors and nutrients. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp, allowing the natural sweetness of each ingredient to shine through.
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the spice blend. In a mixer grinder, combine the grated coconut, dry red chillies, cumin seeds, and aniseed. Grind the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully together.
Once the vegetables have cooked to perfection, add the freshly ground coconut-spice mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle in some salt to taste, stirring everything together to allow the flavors to integrate fully. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through, and then turn off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kesari Pittal hot, paired with keerai sambar and fluffy rice for a complete and wholesome meal. This dish not only brings warmth to the dining table but also represents the essence of Chettinad cuisine, celebrated for its rich and bold flavors.
Enjoy your culinary journey through Tamil Nadu with this vibrant Kesari Pittal, where each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes!
