Vatanyachi Paatal Bhaji (Peas Curry)

This is a most versatile kind of bhaji or gravy. A paatal ( which means of liquid consistency) bhaji which goes great with dosas or rotis, can be mixed with rice or can be had with just plain bread or paav. Many of the small food places or canteens in Goa, will serve a similar(note: this is not the same ) kind of subji with their ever famous Paav(bread). If you ever go to visit the temples in Goa, don’t forget to enter the small hotels there. They serve the most amazing food.
Another way you can use this curry is as a base for chaats at home. If not in a mood for making a whole chaat, just cut up some onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, spread over the curry, put some Shev over it and enjoy a wholesome snack.
So, here goes the multi-purpose vatanyachi bhaji.

Ingredients

Dried Green peas – 1 cup, soaked in water overnight
Potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes – 2 medium
Onions, finely chopped – 1 big
Tomato, chopped – 1 medium
Garlic cloves, finely chopped – 2
Ginger, finely chopped – ½ inch piece
Red Chilli powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Garam Masala powder – 1 tsp
Coconut Milk – 2 tbsp (optional)
Lemon Juice – 1 tsp (optional)
Salt – to taste
Oil

Method

- Wash the soaked peas, pressure cook with little salt upto 1 whistle. Keep aside.
- Heat little oil in a wide pan, add the onions to it and fry till translucent. Add the chopped garlic and ginger and fry for 2 mins.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, fry. Then add the chopped potato pieces, mix well, add little salt and water. Cover the pan and cook on medium heat till potatoes are cooked but not mushy.
- Add the boiled peas to the pan, and add the turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala powder. Mix well and adjust salt and water to get required liquid consistency.
- Add the coconut milk (if using), and mix well. Switch off the gas. Add the lime juice (if using) and mix.
- Serve hot with rotis or rice or dosas or any of the ways mentioned above.


Vatanyachi bhaji with Udada Pole (Udad dal Dosa)

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