Gobi Mutter Masala

After long weekdays of hard work and busy schedule I feel like taking small break from my loved kitchen and just be lazy for some moments, and usually its Friday nights in my case. We usually end up eating junk food on friday nights, most of the times its pizza and chips with liters of Coke... I know, I know... I feel bit guilty about eating junk food but hey, cant help it sometimes.
But this friday night I wanted to cook something nice. No, it's not because I took a break from office work and came home early or I was tired of eating junk food. Its because of a very "special member" whom we brought home after our usual window shopping at shopping mall close to our office. I wanted to get my hands on this special member from the day I came here and looking for "him" in every possible places I could think of. Atlast I did mange to get him:)
Well my friends, this special new member in my kitchen is "Earthenware". At my Ajji's Place, my grandma always used to cook food using earthenware pots. No food cooked in any sophesticated, glamourous kitchen and brand new utensils can match the taste and magic of food cooked in simple earthenware pots. I love how cooking ties us to the past. I was thrilled to see it in shop window and literally dragged my poor hubby with me before anybody else could get their hands on it. I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking in it although I was dead tired. I turned my back to my favourite fast food joint and as soon as we reached home straight away I tied my apron and started cooking:)

Gobi Mutter Masala cooked in Earthenware

Ingredients:
1 medium siz5e Cauliflower/Gobi
1 cups green Peas
1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup
2 inch Cinnamon Stick
4 Cloves
1/2 tsp Aniseed
2 tbsp Oil
Salt to taste

To Grind Together:
2 medium Onions
5-6 flakes Garlic
1 tsp Jeera/Cumin seeds
2 tsp Coriander Seeds
1 inch Ginger
10-12 Cashew nuts
1 tsp Chilli Powder
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Kitchen King Masala
1 tsp Amchur/Dry Mango Powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
2-3 Green Chillies

Gobi Mutter Masala

Method:
Cut Cauliflower into big pieces, wash well and boil it in water along with Green Peas and salt.
Grind masala to a coarse paste and keep it aside.
Heat oil in a pan; season it with cinnamon, clove and aniseed.
To this add ground masala and fry it in medium flame till oil separates from it.
Mix boiled vegetables and enough water.
Cook till the gravy turns fairly thick.
Add Tomato ketchup and mix well.
Remove from flame after 2-3 minutes and garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve hot with rice or paratas.

New Member in my Kitchen

Final Verdict:
Cooking in earthenware was magical for me. Gobi Mutter was moist, tender and flavorful. It looked rustic, simple and delightful and tasted heaven. Best thing is cooking in clay pot has nutritional benefits as well because it is especially suited to low-fat cooking. Me and my hubby enjoyed our dinner cooked in this pot so much that we are now planning to buy some more of them:)

Gobi Mutter Masala

Note:
Remember to soak earthenwares in water for atleast half an hour before cooking.
Some clay pots, both glazed and unglazed can contain lead and cadmium. So be careful before you jump into buying them without checking and buy them only if they are made by a recognized manufacturer or sold at a reputable store and also have labels that clearly say "No lead or cadmium."

Gobi Mutter Masala