We had posted the traditional way of making Hittu/khotte or kadubu couple of years ago. Making the baskets for these is a time consuming work and takes some expertise. Any mistake and the idli batter comes out of the baskets and makes a mess. So here are some easy ways of making these delicious hittus.
In Banana leaves : Usually(atleast at our place), hittu is prepared in jackfruit leaves. But these are hard to find everywhere. Instead, you can use banana leaves which can be found readily in many places. Here is a step by step pictorial of how this is prepared.
In Jackfruit leaves: The traditional hittu requires 4 leaves . Here is an easy way to make this with only one leaf. Be very careful while steaming these.
Updated: In the above post, hittu is served with Muga Mole Randayi
Cluster beans (Chitmitki in Konkani) is a vegetable that is frequently used in Konkani cooking. Many people do not like this. Chitmitki upkari is a very common side dish prepared with this vegetable. I add a little bit of jaggery to give a slight sweetish taste. Another variation is to combine it with pumpkin which gives a very nice sweetish taste. Since we all like pumpkin, we enjoy this combination very much.
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin (or butternut squash) pieces 1 cup cluster beans (chitmitki/gawar) Oil 1 tea spn mustard seeds 3-4 green chillies A pinch asafoetida 1 tbl spn fresh/frozen coconut(optional) Salt
Method: Heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they start popping, add green chillies, asafoetida. Add cluster beans and little water. When they are half cooked, add pumpkin pieces, salt. Cook till done. To reduce the cooking time, cluster beans can be cooked in pressure cooker and then added to pumpkin. Garnish with coconut(if using). Serve hot as a side dish with rice or chapatis.
Serves : 2 Preparation time : 20mins
