Janai Purnima Special- Kwati Recipe
Kwati is a traditional Newari dish, especially enjoyed during Janai Purnima (Kwati Purnima). It is a nutritious and hearty soup made from a mixture of nine different sprouted beans. The beans are soaked, sprouted, and then cooked with various spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Kwati is not only delicious but also packed with protein. So Let’s make Kwati for Janai Purnima!
Ingredients:
-Soaked and sprouted mixed beans of your choice (mung, black gram, red kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.)
-Water
-Ghee or Oil
-Cumin seeds
-Coriander powder
-Turmeric powder
-Ginger-garlic paste
-Green chili (optional)
-Salt to taste
-Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
-Tomato (optional)
-Chopped onions (optional)
-Ajwain (carom seed)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sprouting the Beans:
Soak the nine types of beans overnight. The next day, drain the water and leave the beans in a warm place, covering them with a damp cloth. Let them sprout for 1-2 days. Make sure to rinse them once a day. The longer they sprout, the more nutritious they become. If they have sprouted well, they are ready to cook!
Preparing the Kwati:
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it is hot, add cumin seeds, carom seeds, tomatoes, and green chilies. Let them sizzle until aromatic. Add the chopped onions and saute until golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears. Keep stirring, and let those flavors build up.
Cooking the Beans:
Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder (if you like a bit of heat). Next, toss in the sprouted beans and mix well, ensuring the beans are coated with the spice mixture. After that, pour in 2-3 cups of water, depending on how thick you want your soup to be. Add salt to taste and boil it, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
Finishing Touches:
Release the steam and check if the mixed beans are cooked and tender. Add some water if it is necessary, and boil it for a few minutes until you are satisfied.
Serving:
Serve the kwati into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with a wedge of lemon on the side.
You can enjoy this hearty soup with steamed rice or roti. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Nepali dish as a comforting meal on a Janai Purnima. The combination of beans, spices, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up. Happy Janai Purnima!
Picture Credit: Newari Recipes Hunt, Wikipedia, Pulses.org
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