Thursday, July 29, 2021

Taikilo- Bikkanda Upkari/ Bhaji (Tora Leaves- Jackfruit Seeds Stir Fry.


"Taikilo- Bikkanda Upkari/ Bhaji (Tora Leaves- Jackfruit Seeds Stir Fry" ... simple seasonal upkari/ bhaji that can be served as side dish during meals ... Yummilicious ...

** Here is a simple nutritious upkari/ bhaji/ stir fry/ side dish that is served along with other dishes for lunch/ dinner/ meals. Taikilo is available in plenty during monsoon and it is believed in Ayurveda that it should be consumed in plenty during the time as it has certain medicinal properties. In Konkani Saraswati Cuisine we prepare a simple bhaji using these leaves besides other dishes too. The most famous prepared and loved by one and all is dangar/ ambado/ fritters which I have already posted before a few times.

** For this particular bhaji the leaves are used along with Jackfruit seeds which when available are stored to be used round monsoon by adding to plenty other dishes too. I always freeze them and use them for over 6 months which helps me a lot in preparation of our favorite dishes. I have included the freezing method of them in the blog about 5 years back, if you use search option you will find them all, here however I have used the fresh ones which are still available though it is almost end of the season.

** Here is my simple recipe for "Taikilo- Bikkanda Upkari/ Bhaji (Tora Leaves- Jackfruit Seeds Stir Fry" … My Style …

** Pick, wash and chop the taikilo/ tora leaves/ takla and put them in a colander to drain off excess water. In all we will need about 3 cups of the chopped leaves.

** Remove the outer dried white covering/ skin of bikkanda/ jackfruit seeds and then slice them lengthwise into 6-8 pieces depending upon the size of the seed.

** The inner brown skin attached to the seed need not be removed and those which loosen can be discarded. Rinse and keep aside for the excess water to drain off.

** In a thick bottomed kadai, heat 1-2 tblsp of coconut oil/ narlele tela or any edible oil, when hot lower the heat and add in 1 tsp of mustard seeds (sasam/ rai).

** When it splutters add 4-5 red chillies (sukki mirsanga) broken to pieces, large pinch of hing (asafoetida), few curry leaves (kadipatta/ karbevu) and fry for few seconds.

** Add the jackfruit seed pieces and fry for one minute and then add in the chopped taikilo and mix well, sprinkle some water only if necessary, cover and let cook for 5 minutes.

** Add 2 tblsp of jaggery (goda/ bella) powder or grated, salt (namak/ meeta) to taste and mix well, if needed only sprinkle some water, mix well, cover and cook till done.

** Lastly add in 2 tblsp of freshly grated coconut (soyi/ nariyal), mix well and let cook for 2 minutes on open, remove from fire and keep it aside covered for 5 minutes.

** "Taikilo- Bikkanda Upkari/ Bhaji (Tora Leaves- Jackfruit Seeds Stir Fry" is done and ready to be served. Serve hot as a side dish along with other dishes, tastes awesome.

** This is a very tasty dish that can be savored with dal- chawal or roti too. However, it is equally tasty and can be relished as it is too, I served it as a side dish for fasting meal.

** Always use seasonal veggies and fruits and reap in their full nutrient benefits. It is natures gift to mankind those veggies that are needed for that particular season.

** There are many more “Taikilo” and “Bikkanda” dishes in my blog, to both of which I am sharing common links below, you may browse through them are prepare them this season.

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