RUSHI - rishi PANCHAMICHI BHAJI | MIXED VEGETABLE CURRY| MAHARASHTRIAN Kandmoolachi Bhaji

 The next day after Ganesh Chaturthi is called "Rishi or Rushi Panchmi".

This vegetable curry like bhaji is served on this day. It is called Kandmoolachi Bhaji. This bhaji is normally prpeared by my mausis & mom.
 

Its basically a combination of various green leafy  & several other vegetables.
 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup taro leaves( Aluchi pana /colacassia leaves)
1/2 bunch red chard with stems(lal math)
2 nos. fresh corn on the cob,
4 nos. gongura fruit (ambadi), or 2 tsp tamarind
2 tbsp fresh grated coconut,
4 green chilies (adjust the quantity to achieve desired spiciness)
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces)-okra ( ladys finger)
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces) -snake gourd(padwal)
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces) - ridgegourd (turai/shirala)
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces)- yam (suran),
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces)- raw banana,
1/2 cup (1 inch pieces)-red pumpkin(bhopla)
1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee),
2 tbsp peanuts (shengdana) (Soaked for 3 hours)
2 tsp cumin seeds

Salt as per taste
.
METHOD

1.Wash taro leaves & remove stem.Peel stem & chop finely. Chop taro leaves finely.
2.Rinse and finely chop red chard. Take their stems too.
2.Cut corns into 3-4 pieces. Cut chillies to have vertical slits
3.Cut and immerse yam in salt water for 10 minutes to get rid of its itchy taste.
4.Peel raw bananas or keep their skins on as per your liking. Cut bananas and immerse the pieces in water while you cut other vegetables.
5.Heat a pan and add clarified butter to it. Let cumin sizzle. Add chilies, all the chopped vegetables,peanuts, tamarind extract and 2 cups water. Cover with a deep dish with some water in it to keep the curry from burning. Let cook over medium heat.
6.Add salt and coconut once all the vegetables turn tender. If you like, you can finish off the curry with some beaten yogurt.Serve hot with chapati/bhakri.

TIPS & VARIATION

1) The essence of this curry is the leafy vegetables like taro leaves. Leafies should be more in quantity compared to other vegetables. If taro leaves are not available, curry tastes equally good with only red chard.Do not use methi (fenugreek) or shepu as they have a strong odour.
2) Proportion of vegetables can be altered depending on your taste & choice of vegetables depends on the seasonal availability of vegetables, one or more vegetables mentioned can be skipped. However, You should not add vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, tondli(ivygourd), carrots to this curry.
3) You can even use purple yam (konphal).

4) If you are using gongura leaves then adjust the amount of tamarind extract accordingly.