Ambadichi Bhaji
Ambadi greens (Gongura/Sour greens) are widely used in various preparations in many parts of India. What makes this quintessential Maharashtrian recipe so unique, is the use of Jowar ‘Kani’( broken Jowar grains or use Jowar Dalia).The tart leaves are cooked together with the broken Jowar, some Toovar/Arhar Dal, peanuts and then tempered with lots of garlic, to make this comforting Ambadichi bhaji. This bhaji can be served as a light meal on its own or you can serve this with Bhakri or Roti.
Servings Prep Time
4portion 15minutes
Cook Time
15minutes
Servings Prep Time
4portion 15minutes
Cook Time
15minutes
Ingredients
  • 1big bunch Ambadi leaves (cleaned,washed and chopped)
  • 1cup Jowar(Sorghum/White millet) grains
  • 2tbsps Toovar dal water(arhar dal/yellow lentils), soaked in for xbd hour
  • 2tbsps Peanuts watersoaked in for xbd hour
  • Saltas per taste
For the tadka:
  • 8 – 10cloves garlicpeeled and crushed
  • 2tablespoons oil
  • xbdtsp seedscumene
  • xbdtsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2teaspoon Turmericpowder
  • 1 – 2tsps Red chilli chillies green chilliespowder or 2-3 dried red or green (adjust to your taste)
Instructions
To make the Jowar Kani:
  1. Coarsely grind the Jowar grains in the mixer for few seconds. Transfer to a sieve (used to sieve atta or Maida). Remove the powder which falls at the bottom (this flour can be added to the usual jowar flour for making Bhakris, or add this to the usual Roti atta)Use the broken jowar kani which remains in the sieve to make Ambadichi Bhaji. If any unbroken jowar grains are left in the sieve, run them once again in the mixer and repeat the above procedure.
To make the Bhaji:
  1. Wash the broken Jowar, Toovar dal, Peanuts and drain the water.
  2. Steam the Ambadi greens and broken Jowar, Toovar dal, Peanuts separately in a pressure cooker. (2 whistles). Do not add water to the greens or the broken Jowar.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok. Add the mustard seeds.
  4. Once they splutter, add the cumin seeds, turmeric and green chillies.
  5. Add the steamed Ambadi leaves and the broken Jowar, Toovar dal and peanuts. Add salt and mix well.
  6. In a small pan, add the rest of the oil. Add the sliced garlic and red chillies. Saute for a few seconds till the garlic just starts turning golden colour.
  7. Pour this over the Ambadi Bhaji. Mix and serve immediately.