Thakkali Pachadi / Tomato Pachadi

Ingredients needed for the Thakkali pachadi / Tomato pachadi
3 Tomatoes
1 cup grated coconut
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
3/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tspmustard powder
1 cup thick curds
1 tsp oil
2 red chillies
salt to taste
1/2 tsp mustard seeds

How to prepare Thakkali / Tomato pachadi:
Cut tomatoes into small pieces, add just enough water  and cook till they are tender.
Grind together grated coconut, mustard powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder  and salt to taste.
Mix the paste with the beaten curds. Add this to the cooked tomato and bring it to boil.
Remove from fire and keep aside.
Heat oil in a fry pan, splutter mustard seeds, red chillies and curry leaves .
When they brown pour over the tomato  pachadi and mix well.

Paal Payasam

Ingredients needed for Paal Payasam:
1/2 cup raw rice
4 cups milk
1 cup sugar
2-3 green cardamoms
2-3 tsps ghee

How to prepare Paal Payasam
Just run the rice in a mixie for a minute or two maximum. The grains should be bigger than the rava. Remove.
Heat the milk in the pressure cooker, when it starts boiling add the broken rice. Mix well.
Pressure cook the rice and milk mixture for just a whistle. Remove from fire.
Open the cooker when it cools down, mix the contents well. Again bring it to boil.
Add sugar and simmer. Do not let it boil over, the Payasam might curdle if you do.
Keep stirring now and then, so that Paal Payasam does not stick at the bottom.
As the milk thickens, remove from fire, add the green cardamoms and 2 tsps of ghee
Serve hot or cold

Points to Note:
You can remove the cardamom before serving.
This Paal Payasam can be served either hot or cold. You can make it earlier and store in the fridge till you need it.
You can also garnish with chopped nuts if you prefer. Do not add either Kismis or Sultanas, it will not suit this payasam.