Varyache Tandul (Samo Rice) ani Daanyachi Amti (Peanut Amti)

My last post was a dessert that can be served during a fast. This post has savory recipes fit for a Fast and served as main course. The first recipe is 'Varyache tandul' also known as 'Bhagar' to some people. 'Varyache Tandul' are known as 'Samo/Moraiyo' in English and can be easily found in the Indian grocery stores. Normally, the rice is paired off with some 'Daanyachi Amti' which is nothing but a curry like sauce prepared with roasted peanut paste, but can also be enjoyed without the Amti. Now, as a rule all dishes prepared for a Fast use Tup (ghee), but you can also use Vegetable /Canola oil for these. Looking at the number of dishes we prepare for a Fast, one would think it to be celebration of some sort :). So ready to feast...oops, I mean Fast? ;)

(Our 'Fast' Food : Varyache Tandul, Daanyachi Amti, and Limbache God Lonche)

For Varayche Tandul:
Ingredients: (serves 2-3)
1 cup Varyache Tandul (Samo seeds)
4 cups Water
1/2 tsp Jeere (Cumin seeds)
1/2 tsp Tup
2 Green chillies chopped
1/2 tsp Daanyacha koot (Roasted peanut powder)
Salt to taste

Method:
Before you start cooking, pick over the samo for any impurities. Now, in a pan, toast the Samo till they turn slightly pinkish in colour. Keep aside. In saucepan/ kadhai, heat about 1/2 tsp tup (ghee) or oil. Once heated, add the cumin seeds and once they start sizzling, add the chopped green chillies. Fry for a minute or so and then add the toasted Samo to it. Mix well and then add the water. Salt this mixture and cover and cook till the the Samo is thoroughly cooked. Add more water if required. Garnish with chopped cilantro and some roasted peanut powder. Serve hot with a dollop of tup (ghee)(optional), and Daanyachi Amti (optional).

For Daanaychi Amti:
Ingredients :(serves 2)
1/2 cup Roasted Peanuts
1 1/2 cup Water
1/2 tsp Jeere (Cumin seeds)
2-3 Dried red chillies
2-3 Amsul/Kokum
2-3 tbsp Gul (Jaggery)
1 tsp Oil
Salt

Method:
Take the roasted peanuts (unsalted), and make a thick paste in the mixer (just like chutney). In a kadhai, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Once they start to sizzle, add the dried red chillies and fry for a minute. Next, throw in the Amsul and fry for a minute. Add about 2 tbsp water to this and cook the Amsul in it. After a few minutes, add the peanut paste and water to get a sauce like consistency. Next, add the gul (jaggery) and mix. Also add the salt. Let the Amti come to a boil and garnish with a little roasted peanut powder and cilantro. If the dried red chillies are not spicy enough, add a little cayenne pepper. Serve hot.