Sagu
Saagu is a renowned side dish served in numerous restaurants in Bangalore and across Karnataka, with slight variations in each variety. Among them, the most popular is the light green or white-colored Saagu, a delectable accompaniment to set dosa, poori, and chapati.
Veg Saagu is a vibrant and flavorful vegetable stew originating from South India. Packed with a colorful array of vegetables, it is delicately spiced and expertly cooked. The rich and aromatic gravy, infused with a harmonious blend of South Indian spices, enhances the inherent sweetness of the vegetables. Veg Saagu not only adds visual appeal but also contributes a symphony of flavors, making it an excellent side dish for various main courses like dosa, idli, chapati, or steamed rice.
This version of Saagu, which I frequently prepare, stands out for its simplicity, utilizing readily available kitchen spices.
Ingredients :
Recipe type Side dish Indian
Servings . 7-8
Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 8 minutes
2-3 cups of chopped mixed vegetables like carrots , beans , potatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped onions to be used with vegetables
1/4,cup finely chopped onions to be ground with masala
Some green peas
To roast and grind
1 tsp oil
1 piece of cinnamon
1-2 mace petals
3 cloves
3 green chillies
To grind with roasted spices
7-8 Cashewnuts
1 tbsp fried gram dal / pottukadalai
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
Some fresh coriander leaves
Other ingredients:
To temper
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp Chana dal
Some curry leaves
Pinch of hing powder
Salt as required
1 tbsp oil
Pinch of turmeric powder
Method:
Take a pan and heat the oil , fry the spices with green chilies and keep aside .
Next add little more oil , splutter mustard seeds, cumin seeds .
Add Chana dal, curry leaves and next the chopped onions .
Let onions cook till soft , then add the chopped vegetables .
Add turmeric powder, salt , hing powder and cook with very little water .
Meanwhile grind the roasted spices with coconut , Cashewnuts , green chilies ,
Fried gram dal , and onions along with coriander leaves .
Keep the paste aside to be added after vegetables have softened .
Within 4-5 minutes the veggies will cook and then add the ground masala paste , dilute if necessary .
Reduce flame and cook for a minute .
Remove the Saagu and serve with pooris, parathas, chapatis or set dosa .