BASALE PUNDI

                BASALE PUNDI

This is the traditional delicacy of tulu Nadu. It is called as ' Basale Pundi' in local ( tulu) language  which is nothing but  rice dumplings in malbar spinach gravy. 

'Basale' in tulu/ kannada language means Malabar spinach and 'Pundi' in tulu language refers to rice dumplings. 

Due to lack of space, i grow Malabar spinach in pots. The  lush green leaves always tempt me to  try out some different  dishes . 

Usually , only the leaves are used to prepare this dish. But i love to add tender, juicy stems too. This dish is best enjoyed on a cool rainy day. 

Preparing rice dumplings is little time consuming. But if prepared well in advance, this dish can be prepared easily & quickly. Some add prawns or clams  to this dish. ( You can add prawns or clams while boiling Malabar spinach)

This is the best dish to relish for breakfast , lunch or dinner. 

Here is a simple easy recipe for this mangalorean delicacy. 

( Please note: Add spices as per your choice. Quantity of coconut depends on the quantity of gravy required)

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

A. FOR RICE DUMPLINGS:

• 2 Cups of boiled rice
• Salt to taste

B.  FOR MASALA

( Dry roast all following ingredients)

• 6 byadagi chillies
• 4 guntur ( short) chillies
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard 
• 1tsp jeera
• Pinch of Fenugreek
• 1/4 cup coconut
• 2 large onions
• 5-6 garlic cloves

Other ingredients : 

• 1 small coconut
• Tamarind to taste. 
• 25-30 spinach leaves ( washed & cleaned) & tender stems 
• 1 medium onion ( for seasoning)
• 2 tbsp ghee

METHOD:

Wash & soak boiled rice for 5-6 hours.

Grind rice to a thick paste.  

Slightly heat this paste , cool & prepare dumplings. (Pundi)

Steam them in a steaming vessel for 30 minutes. 

Rice dumplings are ready. 

Dry roast all the ingredients under B. Grind it along with coconut & tamarind to a fine paste. 

 

Take a wide deep vessel. Add 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 sliced onion & fry till slight brown. Add ground masala, mix well. Add spinach, salt to taste, masala water & cover & cook till spinach is half cooked. 

Add required quantity water.  (Depending on the quantity of the dumplings).  Boil well. 

Add steamed dumplings, salt to taste & take one good boil. 

Cover & leave aside for 10 minutes for the dumplings to absorb the gravy. 

Delicious basale pundi is ready to serve. 

You can serve it plain or with any fried items or salad. 

Its super delicious. 

Tastes awesome when prawns are added to this curry. 

Enjoy with your loved ones.