DosaKai (Vellerica) & Pickling Cucumber Subzi with Green Split Peas.

Simple sattvik subzi for routine meals, no spices...simple mustard tempering and seasoned with green chilies,coconut,fresh cilantro. This Dosakai (vellerika) and pickling cucumber subzi is perfect for summertime meals , spread of tender cooked Green split peas in subzi makes it more filling and tasty. Enjoying this subzi with flax seed enriched organic flour roti is great nourishing experience.

Ingredients :-

• 2 Cups DosaKai (Vellerica) cut in half inch cubes. ( I didn't remove the skin, taste little piece with skin , if it doesn't taste bitter then cut with skin on. Discard seeds)
• 3 pickling Cucumbers - peel the skin and cut in half inch cubes - ( 1.5 cups yield )
  
• 3 Tb.spoon - Green split peas ( well rinsed )
• 2-3 green chilies - finely chopped
  
• 1/2 Cup - fresh grated coconut
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1 T.spoon - mustard seeds
• 1 Tb.spoon - cooking oil
• 1/2 cup - fresh chopped cilantro
  

Method of Cooking Subzi :-

1. Heat 1 tbspoon oil in thick gauge heavy bottomed pot. Drop 2-3 mustard seeds, if they fiercely sizzle - that indicates oil is hot enough for tempering. Drop rest mustard seeds and wait for 15 seconds till they splutter..quickly add 6-7 curry leaves+ chopped green chilies - saute for 10 seconds.
2. Now add diced dosakai pieces + rinsed green split peas with one cup water - Set the heat to high and let it cook with covered lid for 7-9 minutes. Do stir at interval.
   
3. Cucumber takes relatively less time to cook so add it after dosakai is partially cooked. Mix both veggies. Add salt and little more water. Cover the lid and simmer it for 6-7 minutes on medium high heat. Stir gently occasionally.
   
4. Sprinkle little coconut and remaining curry leaves - continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until both veggies are cooked to tender and all liquid is almost evaporated ..little liquid residue is fine.
5. Finally add remaining grated coconut and fresh cilantro . Serve with rice and roti.

Note :- You can make this subzi with chayote, Dudhi (lauki), english cucumber, snake gourd by making your choice of combination.
I made organic flour roti by adding flaxseed meal and soy flour. I used following ratio - 1 cup organic flour + 1 tbspoon flaxseed meal + 1 tbspoon soybean flour. Prepare soft dough and make rotis. This ratio makes 5 rotis.

Vellerika and pickling cucumber.