Follow these steps for perfect results
Tindora (Dondakaya/ Kovakkai)
slitted
Onion
thinly sliced
Green Chillies
slit
Ginger Garlic Paste
Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds)
Cumin seeds (Jeera)
Mustard seeds
Curry leaves
Dry Red Chillies
Cumin powder (Jeera)
Red Chilli powder
Coriander Powder (Dhania)
Turmeric powder (Haldi)
Jaggery
powdered
Tamarind Water
Mint Leaves (Pudina)
finely chopped
Coriander (Dhania) Leaves
finely chopped
Lemon juice
Sunflower Oil
Salt
Raw Peanuts (Moongphali)
Sesame seeds (Til seeds)
Fresh coconut
grated
Dry roast peanuts, sesame seeds, and grated coconut until golden and fragrant.
Grind the roasted ingredients into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder with a little water and set aside.
Wash and slit the tindoras into 4, keeping the base intact.
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the slit tindoras.
Cook the tindoras until they are 3/4th cooked, stirring occasionally.
Set the partially cooked tindoras aside.
Heat the remaining oil in the same pan.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, red chilies, and fenugreek seeds, and saute for a minute.
Add sliced onions and saute until they turn brown.
Add ginger garlic paste and saute until the raw smell disappears.
Add turmeric, red chili, cumin, and coriander powder, and green chili, saute for a minute.
Add the prepared masala paste and a little water, and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add mint and coriander leaves, green chili, and partially fried tindoras, and mix well.
Add tamarind juice, jaggery, and season with salt.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Once the tindoras are fully cooked, switch off the flame.
Add lemon juice and let it rest for an hour before serving.
Expert advice for the best results
Roasting the peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut is crucial for enhancing the flavor profile.
Adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Allowing the salan to rest for an hour after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
Everything you need to know before you start
15 minutes
Can be made 1-2 days in advance; flavors improve with time.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Pairs well with biryani or vegetable pulao.
Serve as a side dish with any North Indian meal.
Cools the palate and complements the spices.
Enhances the warmth and spice notes.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Salan is a popular gravy-based dish, often served as a side dish in North Indian cuisine.
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