Onion~Beetroot~Potato~Carrot Upkari / Bhaji.

Onion~Beetroot~Potato~Carrot Upkari / Bhaji … A simple bhaji with the splendid aroma of hing / asafoetida. An excellent combo served with Dalitoy (Spiced Tuvar Dal) and Rice … Yummilicious …

Upkari or Bhaji are simple blend of vegetables cooked with minimum spices. We Konkani Saraswats do not add in masala’s of extra spices to it and keep it simple which is very good for health. I have included many upkari’s in my blog hence wont run into details about the same. Beetroots and carrots are filled with nutrients that are beneficial for health while potato is a versatile vegetable that blends with any other vegetable enhancing the combination. Onions again add in a sweetish flavor to the dish when cooked and gives that crunchiness to the bhaji. In all an awesome mix and match of veggies and a delightful upkari with a beautiful colour, that simply makes you gape at the dish for a good 2 minutes before you begin to relish the same. Goes well with parathas too, but I prefer this with our very own Dalitoy and Rice. 

** Ingredients :

Beetroot : 1 large sized.

Carrot : 2 large sized.

Potato : 1 large sized.

Onions : 2 large sized.

Salt to taste.

** For Tempering :

Oil : 2 tblsp

Mustard Seeds / Sasam / Rai : 1 tsp

Hing / Asafoetida : 1 tblsp

Dried Red Chillies : 3-4 

Curry leaves : 8-10

** Peel the beetroot, carrots and potato and cut them into small sized cubes.Wash in plenty of water and keep them aside ready. 

** Put the prepared veggies in a pressure cooker pan with about ½ to 1 cup of water and pressure cook to just one whistle only. Allow to cool for 4-5 minutes and then gently release the pressure from the cooker by lifting the weight with the help of tongs. Be careful as the steam will pass off and may come on the hands. This is done to ensure that the vegetables do not get over cooked. 

** Peel the onions and cut them also into cube shapes. Keep this ready aside.

** Heat oil in a thick bottomed kadai, when hot lower the heat and add in the mustard seeds when they begin to splutter add in the red chillies cut to pieces, curry leaves and the hing powder and fry for a few seconds.

** Add in the onion and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Now add in the pressure cooked vegetables, salt to test and mix well. Do not add in any water for the upkari. 

** Cover and cook till all are done and mixed well. It will hardly take about 2-3 mins as the vegetable are already cooked. If there is trace of water, just raise the heat to high and let the water get evaporated. But see to it that you do not mash or burn the vegetables.

** Onion~Beetroot~Potato~Carrot Upkari / Bhaji is done and ready to be served as an accompaniment with any dish of your choice. I personally prefer with Dal-Chawal but goes well with roti too. 

** Enjoy this nutritious upkari / bhaji with family and friends. Do make it a point to prepare this as it si very beneficial to growing up kids as they are loaded with nutrients. Simply Yumz.