"It’s all about traditional Combo Packs” Khotte Usli ani Kananga Bajo (Seasoned Idly Upma with Sweet Potato Bajia/ Fries) ... you detest something only to crave for the same decades later; isn't it??? I often turned up my nose at some combo dishes, which now appeals to me very much ... if you think that combo pack meals are recent discovery, it’s not, our ancestors have been doing so for generations and I am sure when we go down memory lane we have all cherished them. Each home serves dishes in their own favorite combos while there are plenty of traditionally famous dishes or let’s say combo of dishes that have been served in our own GSB Konkani Saraswat Community for decades now .....
** Khotte/ Idly usli served with bajo/ bajia one of my most favourite combo breakfast dish, has been doing rounds in my mind for some time now. This is one of the many combo breakfast items that amma often prepared with left over khotto's prepared as usli/ upma which was paired with any type of bajo's (veggie fries)/ buns (banana poori)/ shijjailele nandrabale kele (steamed ripe banana) etc., that was served along with steaming hot filter kaapi (coffee); off course bajo was prepared with any one of the seasonal veggie available like jeevi kadgi/ gulla/ pikkale kele/ Kananga etc. Usli ani bajo as kaapi khana (breakfast items) is something I am sure many of my GSB friends here will relate to, especially those from in and around Mangalore, naive ???
** The pairing of dishes served for breakfast/ lunchtime etc. were wisely brought into practice by our ancestors when there was leftover items that needed to be finished off, while at the same time it would not be sufficient to be served to all., this was especially so with Khotto/ Idly/ dosa/ pova usli, pova chutney etc. items. There was never a shortage of healthy cooked food items in a buzzing kitchen in olden days where in guests/ relatives/ friends/ children/ neighbors often dropped by and all were more than welcome for a hearty meal, be it at any time of the day. The excess food led to leftovers of that which was not consumed. However, it was not an issue for women of the home wisely gave it a makeover turning it into a different appealing dish altogether.
** For those who are not familiar with "Khotto" it is a GSB Konkani Saraswat name to Idlies steamed in prepared jackfruit leaves molds to be served during breakfast (you will find plenty recipes of the same in a variety of combos in my blog). Khottos were always prepared in bulk, which meant there would always be leftovers to be prepared as usli the following day for breakfast item. Again, Idly/ khotte usli is a famous makeover dish, which is prepared by crumbling khotto (Idly), seasoning it with spices to which plenty of freshly grated coconut is added, somewhat similar to upma. As this dish was prepared for breakfast with the leftovers to avoid wastage of food, unfortunately despite being tasty it would not be sufficient to be served to all in case of a large family.
** This was the reason why veggies were used to prepare bajo's to be served along with usli etc., let us say turning them into combo packs in today's style for a tummy filling breakfast. Serving freshly prepared bajos/ bajia/ fries often served two purpose, firstly, it would balance the insufficient quantity of usli/ upma etc., while the second purpose was it would see to it that the deep fries were consumed in limits to keep the calorie content of meals in balance. After all, too much of oily food was not good for health which our ancestors understood very well and practiced it too. This way of serving not only gave choice but also turned the breakfast healthier and more appealing by keeping unnecessary cravings at bay as it meant relishing a little bit of everything in limits.
** With age, I have begun to understand the pattern set by our ancestors and begun to adore the traditional combos that amma made us relish during childhood and if at all, I could have one wish granted, it would be to relive those golden days gone by again. It is disheartening to see traditional breakfast menu's slowly making way to readily/ easily prepared/ instant/ packaged food items that are creating havoc in both children’s and elderly people’s lifestyle and before we realize they will one day disappear from the menu forever. Think about it and bring them back into circulation for coming generations to be able to savor them too with nostalgic memories, after all I am sure we all agree that when it comes to family health the most precious gift is good home cooked meals.
** Sharing link to recipes of the items shared in the picture above, you can browse through the same for detailed information …
** I am sharing some of the common links to different varieties of “Khottos/ Idly/ Bajos/ Bajias/ Ambado” shared in this Blog before, while there are still many more available. You may browse through in leisure and try them out as it is or in combinations of your own that your family prefers to relish …
** Disclaimer : My sole intention of this write up is to encourage all my friends to join hands in passing our traditional GSB Konkani Saraswat Cuisine, good habits and healthy lifestyle to coming generations which we received from our ancestors as that is the only best gift you can give to them. I am the sole writer of this article and it is not derived or copied from anywhere and if it hurts anyone's sentiments then do excuse, it was not intentional. There are plenty of both traditional and other items like combo meals, breakfast dishes, thali, snacks, sweets, baking etc. that are shared in my blog, most of which I learnt from my Amma (Mom). Do browse through in leisure and try them out as and when time permits, they are all simple and tasty, all we need is a little bit of planning and it’s a breeze work. A Very Happy New Year 2025 to all my friends ... Stay Blessed- Spread Happiness ...
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Thanks.