KELLYA AMBAT/SWEET BANANA CURRY

Kellya Ambat is a sweet konkani dish.Along with sweetness it gives a hint of spiciness in ur throat just b4 gulping it:).There are varieties of savoury type ambats .But i have come across only 1 sweet ambat that is made only with banana.As a kid i 1st ate this dish in my local gsb temple during festival times.Even though its sweet it wasserved alongside other savoury curries with rice.But i liked to eat it alone without mixing it with rice or anything.Very easy to make and no complications.

INGREDIENTS

chana dal-1/2 cup
Ripe plantains-4 nos
jaggery-1 cup grated
salt -a pinch
coconut-1 cup
turmeric-1 1/2 tsp
red chillies-4 nos
cashew nuts-few
mustard seeds-1 tsp
cumin seeds/jeera-1 tsp
curry leaves-1 sprig

METHOD
Cook chana dal in a pressure cooker.You have to keep in mind that the dal shouldnt get mashed up and that it maintains its original shape .This my hubby told me:).This gives a nice texture to the dish.The combination of melting bananas and biting dal is unbeatable.
Slit the plantains right in the middle and cut it into 1/2" half moon shape pieces.Cook it along with jaggery in lil bit of water.While cooking jaggery and plantains also oozes out water.Add a pinch of salt.Salt enhances the sweet flavor of the dish.Ones the bananas r cooked add in the dal.
Grind coconut,turmeric and red chillies together smoothly with water and add it to the rest.Dont close the lid after adding the masala as it will curdle.Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 5 mins or so.
Now add the tadka a combination of mustard seeds,jeera and curry leaves. Brown some cashews in some ghee and add to the dish.
Serve it hot or cold with rice or like me have it just like that:).