Carrot~Onion Upkari (Bhaji).

"Carrot~Onion Upkari (Bhaji)" ... A simple side dish that goes well with roti/ poori/ chapati or even with Dosa or Dal-Chawal ... Yummilicious .... 

** Upkari as I have mentioned end times are what we call bhaji in Konkani, a sort of stir fry vegetable served as side dish along with other dishes. Again, this is a simple bhaji, I prepare often when carrots are plenty in season. Come winter it is the season of reddish tinged sweet carrots and they are available in plenty in the market. I make the best use of these carrots when in season adding them to many dishes as I love both the color and its sweetish tinge. Here is a simple upkari/bhaji prepared with just onions and carrots added in equal ratio with plenty of coarsely powder black peppercorns. Tastes awesome, do try out this simple dish that tastes great when served with roti or poori. I always try and add upkari/bhaji as side dish on daily basis as it is nutritious and healthy. Do include veggies into your daily diet in the form of simple upkari and enjoy the benefits of a healthy living style. In this fast spaced hectic living ways, where fast foods are becoming a way of life, I think we need to do this much for both our family and our sake too. 

** Here is may simple method of preparing "Carrot~Onion Upkari (Bhaji)" … My Style … 

** Wash and wipe 2 large sized carrots and peel off the skin with a potato peeler. Now cut them into thin triangular shapes and keep them aside. To get triangular cuts, you need to cut the carrot lengthwise into 4 strips and then slice them into thin slices and you will get them in that shape. 

** Peel of the outer skin of 3 large or 4 medium sized onions and cut them also into medium sized cubes, same size as that of the cut carrots. Here I have mentioned the numbers as I used. Keep in mind that you should have carrots and onion pieces in equal amounts ie.1:1. 

** Heat 2 tblsp of oil in a thick bottomed kadai, when hot add in a pinch of haldi (turmeric powder) and a pinch of sambar powder or kashmiri red chilly powder and then add in the onion pieces. Fry for a minute or two on medium heat and then add in 5-6 fresh curry leaves and further fry for a minute. Now add in the carrot pieces. Add in 2-3 tblsp of water and mix well. 

** Cover the kadai with a tight lid and cook on low heat till the carrots are almost cooked. Keep stirring in between and sprinkle some water only if necessary. Once it is almost done add in salt to taste, 2 tsp of coarsely powdered black pepper (kali miri) powder, pinch of hing (asafoetida) powder and 1 tsp of sambar masala powder or kashmiri red chilly powder. Mix well, cover and cook till done. 

** "Carrot~Onion Upkari (Bhaji)" is done and ready to be served. This upkari/baji tastes great when served hot as a side dish when served with dal-chawal or roti. Goes well even with certain types of dosas. Do try out this simple upkari/bahji that is very healthy and tasty when those carrots are in season. It does have a slight sweetish tinge but even then tastes great. 

** Note : You can use either Sambar Powder or Kashmiri Red Chilly Powder for this upkari, Whichever you readily have in your home. We Konkani Saraswats always have Sambar Powder in bulk in our homes and we love the spiced powder very much and add them on wherever we find it will enhance the taste of the dish. It is entirely upto you, but try it once, you will love the flavor. 

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