Tuesday 7 February 2012

300th Post - Holige.. A traditional sweet from Karnataka & Two Cookbook Giveaways


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Hi.
They say slow and steady wins the race and today as I post my 300th post I definitely find myself a winner. I’m a winner because, not only have I managed to post 300 recipes in the last 2-1/2yrs but also I’ve managed to make a small niche for myself in the big world of food blogging. I’ve recently started book reviewing and both my recent reviews- Master Chef India Cookbook & Southern Flavours have had a good readership.
The world of food is like an ocean and we the food blogger’s are like droplets that form it. There’s so much to learn and absorb that  even if I try to be at my best all the times through out my life, I guess I’ll be able to fill a jar full of knowledge for myself.
In all the learning, there were up’s and downs too in this period and I had to be away from blogging but I would gather myself again and re-start. And during these ups and downs, those encouraging words from my readers and fellow bloggers, kept me going. Thanks so much for all your love and support.
Coming to today’s recipe… Recently my MIL was visiting us and she used to get bored at times. At 75yrs she likes to keep herself  very active. She is extremely fond of cooking and once during a general chit chat,  mentioned casually that she had not made Holige in recent times as it’s readily available in the market but she would love to make it for her grandson. And after she said that, how could I leave the golden opportunity of learning the traditional dish..

I’ve grown up eating my Mom’s Puran Poli and I can challenge that I have not tasted a Puran Poli as good as hers and will share her version sometime here. Puran Poli is a sweet Indian Bread made in Maharashtra using a filling of Bengal gram. It is made on festive and happy occasions. Similarly, Holige is a preparation from Karnataka and though Puran Poli and Holige are considered synonymous to each other, I find that there’s quite a difference.
The first big difference is that Holige is made by using both pigeon peas and Bengal gram but Puran Poli is only made with Bengal gram. The dough made for Holige is quite different than Puran Poli and Holige is made using jaggery but Puran Poli can be made either with jaggery or with sugar. Both versions of Puran Poli taste very different from each other. The Holige traditionally is made on an oiled banana leaf but today it is even rolled out, and to the best of my Knowledge, Puran Poli is always rolled out. Holige is a yellow coloured flat bread, the yellow colour is due to the addition of turmeric while no turmeric is added in making Puran poli. Holige is rolled very thin, while Puran poli is surely thicker than it. The amount of filling filled in Holige is the same as the size of the dough, while in Puran poli double the amount of filling is filled as compared to the dough size.

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Ingredients
(makes 15-18)
For The Dough
1-1/2cups whole wheat flour
1cup APF (maida)
pinch of turmeric
pinch of salt
water for kneading dough
5-6tbsp oil
For The Filling
1cup pigeon peas (tuvar daal)
1/2cup Bengal gram (chana daal)
250-300gms jaggery (gur)
1/2tsp turmeric
water for cooking
1tsp cardamom powder
1tsp nutmeg powder
Others
Rice flour for rolling
oil for cooking
ghee and milk for eating


Food 3-4

Method
To make The Dough
Mix both the flours, salt and turmeric and using water, knead a dough much softer than the regular chapati dough. Soak it in oil for half-one hour. Keep the dough covered.
For Filling
Soak the lentils in water for half an hour (this quickens the process of cooking).
Add turmeric and add just enough water to cook the lentils.
Once the lentils are cooked either grind them to a smooth texture or pass it through a Puran making machine so that there are no grains left.
Take the lentils in a pan and add crushed or grated jaggery. Once the jaggery melts, one needs to be careful. If there was lot of water in the lentils the mix can keep splashing, so one needs to be careful at this stage. As the moisture will reduce the splashing comes down. (I prefer to wear full sleeve cloth while cooking the mix).
Cook both together as long as the it starts to leave the sides of the pan. Keep stirring through out.
My mom’s trick to understand the right consistency is to push the ladle in the centre of the mix, if it falls, the mix is not ready, if it stands, it’s ready to be used. (see pic above)
Let the filling cool. Mix in cardamom and nutmeg powders.
How To Make Holige
Heat a heavy bottom tava/griddle for roasting Holige.
Take the dough less than  the size of lemon and spread it to a flattened disc using fingers.
Fill the disc with the same amount of filling as the size of dough and close from all sides and seal well.
Use oiled hands to fill the filling, this prevents sticking of the filling on the hand and fingers.
Using rice flour roll out the flat bread else grease a plastic sheet and roll over it or pat it thin on a greased banana leaf.
Transfer gently on the hot tava/griddle.
Cook on either sides using light oil. Use all the dough to make Holige like this.
Serve hot or cold with ghee and milk.

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Coming to the giveaways. Since it is my 300th post, I thought of making it really big. There are two cookbook giveaways for this post. The first is a new book released in 2011 by the very famous Monica Bhide and is called Modern Spice:Inspired Indian Flavours For The Contemporary Kitchen. It’s a book that’s been in my wish list for a while and hopefully I will have it soon. I am truly honoured and obliged that Monica agreed to sponsor this book as a  giveaway and since she lives in  the USA the book will be shipped only there. So this giveaway is open for all US readers and bloggers and anyone who wants to gift their friends living in USA.

Modern Spice
       


I am also giving away a cookbook  to all my readers and blogger friends in India and will be shipped anywhere in the country. Any one can be a part of it as long as you can provide an address in India, you can also gift this book to your friend or relative. This is the second book that has been in my wish list  and it’s called Anjum’s New Indian and is authored by Anjum Anand. To read more about the books click on the links or pictures. The giveaway ends on 19th Feb’12 at 11:59hrs IST.

New Indian


There are very simple rules to the participate in the giveaways, since I’m working towards making my blog more interesting and appealing, I do need your feedback. Let me know through your comments-

-Which country you belong to and which giveaway/aways you have opted for.
-What do you like/dislike in my blog.
-Which is your favourite recipe in my blog and what kind of posts you would like to see in future.
Since I want to make this giveaway a big event, please help me in spreading the word through your space and in case you are doing that do let me know by leaving  a separate comment for that, thus increasing your chance of winning the giveaways.

I would surely appreciate that if you like my space please be a fan of my page on face book and if you are new blogger or you are visiting my blog the first time, please follow me publicly or leave a link to your blog, so that I get an opportunity to reach your blog and learn from you. (Following my blog is not a condition that I’m throwing on you, it’s completely my selfishness, as I get to have a permanent link on my blog to go to your profile and then to your page).


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52 comments:

Aarthi said...

Yaya..I am in for Anjum Anand CookBook Giveaway, since i am from India...You know i love anjum anand a lot..Even this book is in my wish list..

Aarthi said...

I like everything in your blog..You could add a recipe index in your blog...and try a nice & fancy header for your blog..

Aarthi said...

My favorite food in ur blog is Dal makhani because it is one of my favorite food...And i would be glad if you post some southindian recipes..

Aarthi said...

I have announced your giveaway in my blog..

Check out this link..
http://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/2012/02/eggless-dates-cake-with-whole-wheat.html

Ok you can see...i am in a mission to win this cookbook..HE HE..

Aarthi said...

I am already liking your page in facebook..

Aarthi said...

I am already following you too...

Aarthi
http://www.yummytummyaarthi.com

Pari Vasisht said...

Thanks Aarthi and yes, I can see your mission clearly. All the best.

Pinky said...

I staty in indis so it will be the anjum anand book...i loved ur cone chaat recipe and would love to see more of fusion cooking and congrats on ur 3ooth post

Unknown said...

Congratulations and wishing you many more. Recently started following your blog and love the easy recipes and feel confident of making it in my kitchen. I am from USA so going for Book 1 by Monica Bhide.
Love Ash.

ann low said...

Congratulations on your 300th posts!
Hope many more to come :)

Teena said...

Amazing recipe! Sounds really new to me. Congrats on your 300th post!! Well, i'm presently staying in USA but i can provide you my home town address in India. So i'm ready to receive any of those awesome cook books :)

Teena said...

What i love in your blog is the collection of variety recipes with different cuisines, conducting lot of events & giveaways! Actually there is nothing to dislike in your blog. Maybe you can add more recipes to the cuisines having less number of recipes & you can change your header font or colour so that it is more clear & more attractive :)

Teena said...

Its really difficult to choose my favourite recipe coz i love almost all your recipes! I would like to see your creative & fusion kind of posts in future :)

www.mahaslovelyhome.com said...

1ts of all congrats on ur 300th post.......iam 4m brasil......i like ur baking recipes..especially semoilna banana cake...expecting some south indian and andhra recipes.....iam following u in face book too......my suggestion is add recipe index which is very easy to search the recipes......thank you

Sailaja Damodaran said...

Congrats Pari,

PrathibhaSreejith said...

Congrats on your 300th post and wishing you many more success in all you do. Thats such a wonderful post about Holige, very new dish for me n sounds quite a lot similar to Puran poli.
Now coming on to ur give away even I would love to try my luck ;)
I stay in USA, so obviously pls count me in for Monica Bhide's Modern Spice. I'm already in ur GFC. The recipe I loved the most at ur space is 'Smoked Plantain Kebab with cream cheese filling' with step-wise pics, was really amazed of ur great idea.
I don't find anything I dislike here but I think I didnt find a 'home page' button to go back to ur main page if I'm in any of ur older post.

Sumee said...

Congratulations Pari on reaching 300th post! That's a great achievment. Loved your Holige and PUran poli diff. We mostly do Puran poli at home, though I grew up in b'lore. Would love it if you can link up at http://sumeesculinary.blogspot.com/2012/01/announcing-bon-vivant-moments-1-sweet.html

BTW, I live in US. So would love to get on your list of giveaway. I like your detailed pictures and the whole look. It would be nice to have detailed recipe index which am working on too. :o). And I already follow you on GFC..

divya said...

looks delectable :)

Suganya said...

Congrats on ur 300th post. Holige is looking pefect for the celeberation. My all time fav. YUM!

Indrani said...

Congratulation on your 300th post, you have not only made ur space in this blogging world, You are The masterchef for us, at least for me. I have tried many recipes from ur space and have lots to try.

Indrani said...

I'm in for 2nd book, I'm from singapore, but can give you Indian address....
I like all ur recipes and clicks, all are unique, like, Garlicky potato jackets and all your snacks recipe specially.
I would suggest you to post a recipe Index with all your recipes in one place under different category
I totally love ur space anyway

Torviewtoronto said...

congrats
this looks wonderful lovely giveaway would like to enter
torviewtoronto@gmail.com
Canada

simran said...

congrats on you 300th post..thats quite an achievement!i like all your recipe...follow you through the gfc and fb page..i have pathetic luck so i don't see myself in the running for either of the books...but i live in india...and my folks in canada.

Jeyashris Kitchen said...

congrats on ur 300th post.
Wish u many more to come. Holige is a perfect way to celebrate and nice detailed explanations too

Unknown said...

Congrats on your 300th post and wishing you many more success.
I stay in Arunachal Pradesh in India.Plz count me in Ajum Anand's book.I like your all recipes. have tried many recipes from ur space. I want to see Molten Chocolate cake in your blog. Its my favorite one. I don't find anything I dislike for your space..

Pari Vasisht said...

Dear Chandrani, Thanks for your wishes.I've posted the molten chocolate cake, pls check my book revie on Masterchef India cookbook, you will get the recipe there.

Jayashree said...

Congratulations on reaching 300 posts. Lovely give aways. I live in India, but can provide you with an address both in the US & India.
I like the way you give detailed recipes of all the dishes in your blog.

Nithu Bala said...

Congrats on your milestone Dear:-) Keep going..Hope to see 1000 recipes in your blog soon..Karnataka traditional sweet is so delicious..

Lifewithspices said...

Congratulations Pari on 300th post! That's a great achievement. The poli is too good

BTW, I live in India. Would love to be part of the giveaway. I like your recipe pics so much they have that matte finish which am very much fond of..i love the kebabs/ tikkis very much they r so perfectly made.. esp the baked couscous and paneer rolls the pic can never go away from my mind..already following you on fb and blogger..

Kaveri Venkatesh said...

Congratulations on your 300th post! Wishing you many more such milestones.

Never knew that there was such a huge difference between Holige and Puran Poli...A good read.

Would love to part of your giveaway. I'm based out from Hyderabad, India.
I love your writeups and my personal favoarite is the Smoked Plantain Kabab with cream cheese filling.

lubnakarim06 said...

By seeing the pics I thought it to be puran poli...by reading down i found out..it's very different from puran poli...really MIL's carry khazana of recipes with them...Congrats on milestone post...coming to the blog makeover...i think a convincing header would work better...

Ramya said...

Congrats on your 300 posts. I am already following you on GFC and FB. I like almost all your recipes, so it is dicciult to choose one. I would like to see a recipe index in your blog. I live in India now and I would love to try my luck for Anjum's cookbook

hotpotcooking said...

COngrats!!! on ur 300th post. The sweet looks delicious. Happy to follow u

Anzz said...

Congrats on your new milestone dear. I am in for Anjum Anand CookBook Giveaway, since I am from India. I love all your recipes, but the chelsea buns and the veg shami kababs have a special place..!

Sukanya said...

Hi Pari, u have definitely create a niche in blogging, we love ur blog and congrats for completing 300 post. u rocks

U can add a recipe index and can shorten ur header..well thats just an idea
btw holige is perfect way to celebrate it

I am in for Monica Bhide's book, liked ur page long back

best wishes

Rasi said...

Hi Pari..first time to ur space! Love holige, which got me here & seems like i came at the right time :D, no not for the giveaway! but to congratulate you on your 300th post :)..do drop in by my space sometime!

Rasi said...

Oops almost forgot to mention..Happy to follow u :)

Nithu Bala said...

I'm in India and I follow you thru' GFC...Liked your page in FB..

Priya Sreeram said...

nice recipe pari- first accept my heartiest congratulations; wishes for many more milestones. I follow your culinary adventures regularly and the passion that reflects from your posts and your endeavors for the Only event is praise worthy. Following your FB page and thru Google Connect too

I would love to be part of both the giveaways. I stay in India and can give you an address for US too. So count me in for both books.

I enjoy your traditional recipes, though my all-time fav is the plantain kababs with cheese filling..just loved it

Rock on Gal

Deeps @ Naughty Curry said...

first of all, congrats on the 300th post, how awesome is that! the holige looks scrumptious... soft & yummy just the way i remember it :) this recipe im bookmarking
as for the giveaway, i live in India so i would have to go with the 2nd one.
My most fav dish is stuffed bread rolls, which i tried once & they came out perfect
What i would like to change in ur blog? hmm... not much coz i like it the way it is, but it would be nice if you include a recipe index, easier to browse through ur blog that way
thanks and congrats once again! :)

Hamaree Rasoi said...

Congrats on reaching this milestone :-) I really have great respect for those who takes care of their family, kids, other family responsibilities and still take out time for their passion 'cooking'. So you should be proud of yourself for reaching 300th post.
Your snacks section simply rocks..I have been your reader since long and seen you growing from time to time. May be adding a recipe index will be easier for readers.
And Since I am from Bangalore so second option suits me.

Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi

Vanamala Hebbar said...

Very nice...congrats

Unknown said...

Congrats Pari on 300th post. You deserve all the good luck. Keep rocking and that pooran poli looks mouth watering. I wish I were in India too to be able to win the book :)

Radhika said...

I had been your follower and fan of your page for a long time now Pari. Congrats on the 300th post. I loved your herbed buns and it is in my to do list for some time now. I would love to get my hands on Anjum's book as I live nearby to you. all you have to do is give me a call and I can get it by visiting you. You promised me Peetiwali Roti and every time you post I anxiously look forward to that recipe. wishing you many more milestones Pari.

radha said...

The holige looks good and so do the wheat idlis.
Live in India. Like the step by step recipe posts.
Favourite recipe - cannot choose just one!

Jyothsna said...

Congratulations on your 300th post. I am a regular visitor to your blog and love all your posts.I stay in Bangalore. I love innovations in your recipes.Your kebab recipies are the best and i have tried all of them. AAlso the Sprouts recipe in the malwani gravy... loved it too. I always find the recipe instructions easy to follow. Thanks for the interesting posts and yum pictures :)

Padmajha said...

Hi Pari,congrats on your 300th post.Hoolige looks very delicious. In fact its ages since we made this at home.Must ask mom to prepare it for me.
I love the clicks in your blog and I have enjoyed recreating some dishes from your blog :).
I would love to see eggless bakes on your space.
And,I would call myself lucky if I could get that Anjum Anand book...

Padmajha said...

Btw, I am already following you thro GFC :)

Unknown said...

Congrats Pari ! What a wonderful way to celebrate a big milestone.....wishing u many many more!

Gayathri Anand said...

Congrats Pari hope to see more recipes in ur blog ...

Myvegfare said...

congrats pari on your 300th post.., love to see more recipes from your blog dear...

Amarendra said...

Many many congratulations on achieving this milestone..I am in for Anjum Anand Cook-Book Giveaway... Regarding your favourite recipe, I love all your recipes. I know you will find my answer political, but it is the fact.

Regarding recipe, I request you to post vegetarian version of 'Mooncake' recipe. I saw these types of non-veg cakes at Singapore during Chinese Lantern festival. When I asked them, they said it contains lotus seeds and some non-veg stuff. So I could not taste it. But the appearance is awesome.

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