Aakurache Tonak (आकूराचे तोंडाक)



Aakur are the edible ferns available in Goa, in rainy season. Tonak is the spicy coconut based curry made from these aakur, peas / red lentils and and onion.

Measurement: 1 Cup = 180 ml
Serves: 3 to 4

Ingredients:
  1. Aakur - 20 to 25 
  2. White / Green peas - 1/2 cup
  3. Onion - 1 big (chopped), 1medium (sliced) 
  4. Scrapped coconut -1 cup
  5. Cloves - 3
  6. Cinnamon - 1/4" piece
  7. Star anise (seeds removed) - 2 to 3 petals
  8. Fennel seeds - a pinch
  9. Green cardamom seeds - 3 to 4
  10. Peppercorns - 6 to 8
  11. Corriander seeds - 1 1/4 tsp
  12. Ginger - a thin slice
  13. Red chillies - 2 or as per your requirement
  14. Turmeric powder - 1/8 tsp
  15. Oil (preferably coconut) - 2 tbsp
  16. Tamarind - a marble sized ball
  17. Salt to taste

Procedure:
  • Wash and soak peas for at least 5 hrs or overnight.
  • Pressure cook peas and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan and fry spices numbering 5 to 10 till they give out aroma, then fry ginger, next red chillies and at last corriander seeds.
  • Fry sliced onion in the same oil till golden brown.
  • Add coconut and fry till coconut turns slightly brownish on medium flame.
  • Grind all the fried ingredients with turmeric powder and tamarind to a fine paste by adding 1/2 a cup of water.
  • Wash aakur and chop them, discard 1/4'' of the lower end.
  • In a thick bottomed pan cook aakur by adding sufficient water, when it comes to boil add chopped onion and a teaspoon of ground paste. 
  • When they are almost cooked, add peas and salt, cook for sometime. (When aakur gets cooked, colour will change)
  • Add ground paste, water and salt if required.
  • Simmer for 2-3 min.
  • Serve with pav, bread, chapati etc.





Comments