There are many things I enjoy about our fields and our efforts. I plan to share some of them with you through this series.
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| வாழை - கற்பூரவல்லி (Banana - Karpuravalli) |
Even though you can get bananas in the market, nothing compares to the joy of cutting down your own banana bunch.
This bunch is of the variety karpooravalli, a very tasty fruit.
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| வாழை - மொந்தன் (Banana - Mondan) |
Karpuravalli is for fruits. This is for cooking. Makes for tasty bajjis, and an excellent fry.
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| புடலங்காய் (Snake Gourd) |
The pandal (did you know
pandal is an actual English word? I didn't) really looks as if a bunch of snakes hanging in the shade. Especially, the ones without stones tied are very gnarly and curled up, just like snakes.
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| கொத்தவரை/வெண்டைக்காய் (Cluster Beans/Okra or Ladies Finger) |
The taste of tender cluster beans is very different from the slightly overripe beans we normally get in the market. Same goes for okra too.
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| பூசணிக்காய் (Ash Gourd) |
At home, we make a sambhar (curry) with this gourd, that is delicious and goes well with idlis.
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| கத்தரிக்காய்/பாகற்காய் (Egg Plant/Bitter Gourd) |
Our favorite, and most used vegetable is the egg plant. Bitter gourd remains bitter in our preparations, since we slightly undercook it.
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| காஷ்மீர் மிளகாய் (Chillies - Kashmir) |
The chillies were really pretty, but were a bit disappointing, since they were supposed to be really really hot. Instead, they turned out to be just borderline hot.
Tempted a bit? A little envious?
Will continue the series...
