Saagu is a renowned and popular side dish widely available in many restaurants throughout Karnataka, cooked with various variations and served alongside dosa, chapati, poori, or idlis.

The combination of Saagu and set dosa appears to be a favorite, and having tasted it numerous times, I often prepare it at home to accompany dosa or chapati, occasionally by passing the typical Tamil kootu or Tiffin sambar. The delightful taste and the fulfilling nature of Saagu, typically prepared with a variety of vegetables, make it a wonderful choice.

Ingredients

2-3 cups mixed vegetables like carrots , knol khol, beans , peas , potatoes , onions

To roast

1 tsp oil

1 piece cinnamon ,

small blade orm petal of mace,

2-3 green chillies

Ingredients for grinding

1/2 cup fresh grated coconut

7-8 cashews or almonds ( soaked in warm water for 15 minutes )

1/4 cup chopped onions for grinding with masala

1 tbsp fried gram

some chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves ( about a handful )

For tempering

1 tsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp chana dal or udad dal

1 tsp cumin seeds

pinch of asafoetida powder

pinch of turmeric powder

few curry leaves .

Method

Firstly sautee ingredients for roasting with oil ( spices mentioned above )

Secondly Keep the spices aside, when cooled, grind with ingredients mentioned above to make a paste .

Keep the paste aside .

Meanwhile heat a pan, add oil , splutter mustard seeds, add chana dal, or udad dal, cumin , curry leaves , add one chopped onion , sautee till tender .

Further add remaining mixed vegetables, add just enough water to cook, add turmeric powder , pinch of asafoetida powder, pinch of salt .

Cover and cook till vegetables are softened .

Lastly add the groudnmasala paste , dilute with water if needed to adjust consistency , cook on a low flame and do not allow to boil .

Remove when a fragrant aroma wafts .

Delicious saagu is ready to be served .

Serve with phulkas, chapatis, pooris or set dosa .

Watch this video from my youtube channel for the making of saagu . Consider subscribing to my channel .