Chochchodi

After almost a month, Tuli is back in action. She has started clicking pics for our Food Stall which Ma dutifully sends me. Such a blessing to have a tech-savvy parent! One not-so-fine day it was diagnosed that Tuli has a mass inside her that had no business being there. If not removed it could be a pain in the wrong place. Our girl took up the challenge so bravely that she was discharged two days earlier than what the doctor had anticipated, much to his surprise. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           In the four days that she was hospitalised, she did not seem to need anybody. Bhaiyu reports that she would make the right sounds but would keep her eyes glued to the TV even when the attendant was talking. Just because there is an impending surgery did not mean she had to miss her favourite serials. Kyun bhala! 'Don't confuse issues' had always been taught to us but of the three siblings, Tuli seems to have internalised it the best. When I broke down hearing the unexpected news of her operation, she calmly told me not to cry because I had to pack for my Scotland trip! I logged off from Skype, howled some more, then called her again & told her to get well soon. Who would click pictures for the blog when she was in the hospi!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Kopal wears a Zen calm in a crisis. All her good reading does it to her. Bhaiyu, the man of the house, plays his role with aplomb. He makes funny faces & narrates ludicrous stories so the patient doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. Ma realises that the focus has shifted from her so she gives a dumdaar one-liner to get back into the limelight. This time it was, ' Tuli recouped well because she has eaten vegetables all her life, willingly. Not like you all.' Of the 'you all' Bhaiyu always loved Danta Chochchodi. And I've taken to vegetables lately. But never ever try correcting a parent. Ok, try, but do it at your own risk.

Danta(drumstick) Chochchodi(mixed vegetable with mustard sauce) is a favourite Bengali first-course. It is eaten with rice & then other dishes like dal, bhaja, fish, sweet chutney follow. Yes, all in the same sitting. Nive asked me the other day, if not roti chawal, what do I eat. Eat a big bowl of  Danta Chochchodi. Nutritious beyond words, low-fat, and chewing all those drumsticks gives you stronger teeth. So you'll never say aaah masoodon mein dard :) 
                                                                                                          Ingredients:
1. Mixed vegetables(check pic for variety & cut)
2. Brinjal- diced(not in pic)
3. 1 medium tomato- grated
4. 6-8 vadi(dry lentil dumpling)
5. 1/2 tsp paanch phoron
6. 2-3 dry red chillies
7. 1 1/2 tsp mustard+ green chilli paste
8. 1 cup water
9. 1-2 tsp sugar
10. 1/2 tsp turmeric
11 . Salt to taste
12. (Preferably)Mustard oil to cook
                                                                                                                                                Method:
1. Allow paanch phoron & dry red chilli to splutter in hot oil.
2. Saute the vegetables with salt & turmeric for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the mustard chilli paste to which water has been added. Ensure no lumps remain.
4. Cover the wok & cook on medium flame till vegetables are cooked.
5. Add tomato & sugar and fry till water dries. 
6. Add a tsp of raw mustard oil, mix well with the chochchodi & remove from flame.
                                                                                                                                                   Serve hot with rice. Or eat it as is. 
                                                                                                                                           Householder's Tip:
1. Soak 2tsp mustard seeds in water for 10 mins. Grind it with 1-2 green chillies. The store-bought mustard paste can never give you the authentic chochchodi taste like this does.
2. The raw mustard oil added at the end gives the dish its tangy flavour that is unlike what you have ever eaten. Don't miss it! 



Richa stood by the family on her tattooed feet like a diva. P sent his moral support online. And had an opinion on why Tuli was released before time. The TV in her cabin did not show all her favorite channels!
                                                                                                    Thank you God for your Grace.