Jolada Ganji Recipe (Jowar Savoury Porridge)
Jolada Ganji, a traditional North Karnataka dish, is a comforting and nutritious savory porridge made with jowar (sorghum) flour. With a delightful blend of spices and a smooth, creamy texture, it is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. This simple yet flavorful dish is known for its health benefits and is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jowar Flour (Sorghum) | 1/2 cup |
| Water (or Buttermilk) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (Finely Chopped) | 3 |
| Onion (Finely Chopped) | 1 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig (roughly torn) |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2 people
Cuisine
- Cuisine Type: North Karnataka
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Jowar Flour Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of jowar flour, salt to taste, and 1-1/2 cups of water (or thin buttermilk). Mix the ingredients well to ensure there are no lumps, creating a smooth batter-like consistency.
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Temper the Spices: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of black urad dal. Allow the mustard seeds to splutter and the urad dal to slightly brown.
-
Add Aromatics: To the tempered oil, add 3 finely chopped green chilies, 1 finely chopped onion, and roughly torn curry leaves. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the spices release their aroma.
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Cook the Jowar Ganji: Slowly pour in the prepared jowar flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring over low heat. The mixture will begin to thicken and take on a glossy texture as it cooks.
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Finish the Dish: Once the porridge has thickened to a smooth consistency, switch off the heat. If you’re using lemon juice, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a slight tangy flavor. Stir well to combine.
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Serve: Serve the Jolada Ganji hot, paired with Mixed Vegetable Sambar for a traditional North Karnataka meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
Notes
- Buttermilk Option: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can replace the water with thin buttermilk. This will also enhance the dish’s probiotics.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or spinach while sautéing the onions and chilies.
Jolada Ganji is an easy-to-make, nutritious dish that brings the flavors of North Karnataka to your kitchen. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal.
