Tarne (Jeevo) Jola Upkari/ Fresh Corn Kernels Bhaji (Stir Fry).

“Tarne (Jeevo) Jola Upkari/ Fresh Corn Kernels Bhaji (Stir Fry)” … simple upkari/ bhaji have always been a favorite in my home and it is always a delight to relish them fresh and crunchy as side dish during mealtimes … again a simple nutritious upkari/ bhaji that is full of fiber and good for the gut, so add them on and enjoy a healthy lifestyle and they definitely taste better than the ones sold cooked and butter up at malls … Yummilicious …

** As I often mentioned upkari or simple bhaji which can be referred as stir fry has always occupied a place in my meals throughout my cooking days, but more so now. I have turned it into my dinner dish whenever I have heavy food in the noon like that of non-veg which needs time to digest with advanced aging and this serves the purpose of providing both bulk and filling needs to the body so that I can get a sound sleep.

** Without running into more details on the subject as by now all are aware of this dish as I have written reams on them let me just share the recipe. Again, nothing more to write about corn too as all are well versed with it, so just try this one out and enjoy them, trust me they taste better than the ones sold all buttered up with pepper flavors in malls. The Indian mild tastes are always lift the taste to a higher level.

** Here is my simple recipe for “Tarne (Jeevo) Jola Upkari/ Fresh Corn Kernels Bhaji (Stir Fry)” … a simple stir fry type of dish that will be loved by all, do try it out …

** You will need about 3 cups of fresh corn kernels/ jeevo (tarno) jolu/ bhutta. You can buy them readily available in market or buy them on cobs and peel off the same. It is easy and I will definitely make a post on easiest method of doing it soon.

** Put the corn kernels in a stainless steel sieve and rinse well under running water and keep it aside for about 10-15 minutes for the water to drain off well. Keep this prepared and ready aside before we begin with the preparation of upkari/ bhaji.

** In a thick bottomed kadai/ pan heat 1 tsp of coconut oil (nariyal tel/ narlel tela), you can use any edible oil, but do try coconut oil, it is healthy and tastes awesome in this particular upkari. We Konkani Saraswats always use coconut oil extensively as it tastes great.

** When oil is hot, lower heat, add ½ tsp of mustard seeds (sasam/ rai), when it splutters, add 3-4 red chilly cut into pieces (byadgi mirchi or any other), ½ tsp of hing (asafoetida) powder, a few curry leaves (kadipatta/ karbevu) and fry for a few seconds.

** Now add in the drained corn kernels/ jolu, sprinkle some water, mix well and then cover with a tight lid and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes. Once again mix, sprinkle some water, cover and cook now on low heat for about 5-8 minutes stirring often.

** Add salt (namak/ meeta) to taste along with 1-2 tblsp of freshly grated coconut (soyi/ nariyal) and mix well. Cover, cook for another 2-3 minutes and then remove from fire. Do not add more water as there should be no traces of water left when upkari is done.

** “Tarne (Jeevo) Jola Upkari/ Fresh Corn Kernels Bhaji” is done and ready to be served. This upkari is best served hot immediately along with other dishes or you can relish this as you dinner meal too as it is quite filling, full of fiber and tastes really good too.

** You can serve it with a roti too for dinner, make this a habit for your children as veggies are always full of nutrients and fiber needed for good digestion and a healthy gut. Good food is always a necessity and we should include them into our meals for a healthy lifestyle.

** Remember a complete meal plan for the day is that which includes veggies in bulk, milk products of fish, eggs, sprouts, fruits, pulses, grains and not that which is available readily in packs like pizzas, burgers, cakes, colas, biscuits etc. There is nothing like home cooked meal when it comes to nutrition, we should realize that and incorporate it before too late.

** Konkani Saraswat Cuisine includes simple upkari, talasani, gojju, bajji etc. prepared with veggies, that are highly nutritious and simple to prepare. Olden days it was compulsory to serve it as accompaniment along with other dishes, but somehow looks like it is slowly diminishing with fancy meals catching on with children.

** There are many simple upkari dishes in my Blog for those who are new to these dishes. Off course you must enjoy all types of food be it fancy or otherwise, but do make it a point to include these simple healthy dishes too into your meal plan often to build in good immunity and give your children a healthy lifestyle for which they will be thankful in later years.