Pumpkin & Brinjal Gravy

1 large onion

1 green chilli

4-5 cloves garlic

2 inches ginger

1tsp coriander powder

1tsp cumin powder
1tsp curry powder
11/2tbsp tomato puree
1 medium sized brinjal (cut into small pieces)
2cups of pumpkin ( cut into squares)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
Salt

1. Grind onion, green chilli, garlic and ginger with little bit of water into a paste.

2. Heat oil in  a pan. Put in the brinjal and pumpkin and fry for a minute.

3. Add in the paste. Mix well and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in between.

4. Next, add in tomato puree, coriander, cumin, curry powder and salt. Add in some water.

5. Cook the mixture in low fire for about 30 minutes.

Spicy Prawns with Potatoes

1 tsp black mustard seeds
2 Large red onions finely chopped
20 fresh curry leaves
5 cloves garlic and 1 inch ginger pounded into a paste with a little water
2 green chillies cut in half lengthwise
1 tsp turmeric
15-20 medium sized prawns peeled and deveined
1 tbs salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbs lemon juice
1 tbs fennel seeds
1 tbs black peppercorns

2 potatoes
3 dried chillies ( or less if prefer less spicy )

Coriander leaves - to garnish

1. In a dry pan, dry fry the fennel seeds, black peppercorns and and  dried chillies. When the spices begin to smoke, take them off the heat and grind into a fine powder with a spice grinder or pestle and mortar.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the black mustard seeds and wait until they begin to pop. Add the chopped red onions and curry leaves and stir continuously until the onions become transparent and lightly browned.

3. Add the garlic/ginger paste and the green chillies and stir for another minute.

4. Then add in the turmeric and spice powder followed by the potatoes and cook until the potatoes are almost cooked. 

5. Put in prawns and stir until its well coated with the spices.

6. Add in sugar, salt and lemon juice.

7. Garnish with coriander leaves.