Palak And Mushroom Ambat.

"Palak And Mushroom Ambat" ....... A Spicy Curry prepared with Palak and Mushrooms with Onion seasoning .....

Ambat is a typical GSB Konkani Saraswat Cuisine that is prepared almost in every household with different veggies. The basic recipe however is the same. Dal and ground masala are the two main items that go into the making of Ambat with onion seasonings. Veggies you can use in any combination. Spinach / Vali / Malbar Spinach being the most famous ambat preparation of all is enjoyed by one and all with relish. I have already posted many Ambat recipes both Veg. and Non.Veg. You may check the same in search option. There are even veggie combination one’s prepared and shared here. This ambat for a change I prepared with the addition of palak and fresh small mushrooms. A lovely combination the dish did taste yummy. Mushroom is a very versatile vegetable and goes well when added to any dish. So does palak. This dish really was lovely to have both with rice and roti. Simple recipe, similar to all other Ambat recipes.

Pick only the leaves of palak, by cutting off the stem portion and chop into small pieces. Wash them and keep them ready aside. You should have about 6 cups in all. Now clean and slice / cut about 12 medium sized mushrooms into 2 lengthwise. Wash again and keep them ready aside. In a pressure cooker pan add in cleaned and washed one cup of tuvar dal along with 3 cups of water. Add in the drained palak and the mushroom to it. Cover the lid and pressure cook on medium heat to 3 or 4 whistles. Let the pressure drop on its own.

For Masala : Meanwhile grind to a smooth paste one cup of freshly grated coconut along with 8-10 red kashmiri Chillies and a small marble sized tamarind. Do not add much water. Grind with only that much water that is necessary. 

In a thick bottomed vessel add in the cooked tuvardal with veggies and the ground masala along with salt to taste and mix well. Check consistency and add water only if necessary. Bring all to a boil on medium heat, allow to boil for 3-4 minutes. Then simmer the curry on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. 

For Tempering : Heat 3 tblsp of oil in a small pan. Add in one medium sized onion finely chopped and fry till it turns brownish in colour. Once it turns fully brown remove and pour it over the simmering curry.

Mix the curry well. Remove from heat and keep it aside covered for 15 minutes for all the flavours to seep in properly. Palak Mushroom Ambat is done and is ready to be served. Serve the curry hot with rice or roti. It goes well with both. I suggest you serve a gas fried papad along with Ambat and Rice. The taste of this combo is simply heavenly. Serve it hot to family and friends and enjoy your lunch / dinner.