Every family must be having its traditional recipes. Recipes handed down through generations. Special to a particular family. Unknown to many. These include sweets, savouries, dishes  and side dishes. I thought I will pen a few and share them with the Sulekhans.

Starting with

Seetha Kuzhambu :

 ( Mallus…please note. This is not an Ayurvedic preparation to warm and massage on yourselves ! This is a KOOTTAAN like the Sambhar. Catch my point?)

From time immemorial(!!!)this has been a very much sought after dish in our family and among our relatives.This is an exclusive Palakkaattaan item !

Occupies the pride of place every week in the menu. Specially cooked more often when one is recovering from cough or cold or fever.It is packed with medicinal spices,vegetables and fruits.

My Grandmother used to dish this out with great fervour  and flavour. Down the years, my mother did some innovations and the taste was still retained.

Grandma used to say that Seetha used to cook this for Rama in the forest and this kept Them healthy and free of illness.

( Now don’t you dare ask me “In which Catering College did Seetha get her Catering Technology Degree ! Basically I am a very calm and cheerful person. But questions like this can get the Devil into me and drive me mad ! It may even induce homicidal tendencies ! So Beware ! )

INGREDIENTS :

*Greens ( Palak ) ..a handful.(leaves)

*Ash gourd (Poosani / Elavan )        ..4 or 5 pieces…(a cubic inch)

*Ripe Banana      ..1  ( Two, if small. If you can get Nenthram Pazham, fine ! )

*Raisins           .. I small cup

( preferably black)

*Sweet Potato      ..  2

*Avaraikkai        ..   A handful

*Brinjal           ..   1  Big

( the violet variety)

* Tamarind          ..Size of a small lime.

*Pepper Powder      .. 1 Tea spoon.

(My grandma used raw pepper crushed slightly. But this is seasonal and not available always).

*Turmeric Powder    .. ½ Tea spoon

( A tiny raw piece.Remove the skin and crush with a coconut  …Grandma’s speciality.)

*Salt to taste.

*Curry Leaves       .. A handful

METHOD:

Cut all the vegetables and greens and fruits. Prepare the Tamarind extract as is done for Sambar. Add all the ingredients, turmeric powder and salt( except the pepper powder) and boil on slow fire.When the vegetables and fruits are done, mash the sweet potato pieces alone( in the Kuzhambu ) so that the gravy is uniform.Remove from fire. Add pepper powder ( if the pepper powder is added while cooking, it will give a medicinal flavour. So avoid it.( Ha ! Ha ! a Vaidyan Smell !!) .Add a teaspoon of raw coconut oil.

( My mother used to add a little bit of boiled moong dal and also garnish with mustard seeds and vendayam seeds in ghee).Add the curry leaves. Have it with hot rice and ghee.

So here you have…Seetha Kuzhambu.

Clears lungs. Creates hunger. Aids digestion. Strengthens the system.Keeps the body light by getting rid of unwanted fluids.