Vepampoo Gojju /Neem Flower Curry

 

Today i am sharing one of the traditional recipes that i have learnt from my mom. This recipe uses neem flowers which has medicinal properties.It aids digestion,good for eyesight,treats skin problems,good for liver,used in aroma therapy oils to name a few.

This Gojju recipe is very easy to make and hardly takes 15 to 20 mins. Goes well with Ragi Mudde (Steamed ragi balls), VenPongal and Piping hot rice with a dollop of ghee /Clarified butter.

Dried neem flowers can be found in grocery stores or if you can get fresh flowers ,sun dry and store it in  an airtight container.

Recipe for Vapampoo Gojju:

2 Tsp dry Neem flowers

1 Tsp Ghee

1Tsp Rasam Powder

1/4 Tsp Turmeric/ Haldi

1/4 Tsp Mustard Seeds

2 Dry red chillies

Few Curry Leaves

Tamrind (size of a small lemon)

2.5 Tsp Jaggery

1/2  Tsp Channa dal

1 /2 Tsp Urad dal

Salt to taste

Method:

Soak tamrind in half glass water for about 10 mins.

Heat  ghee in a thick bottom pan. Add channa dal,urad dal, mustard seeds,haldi and red chillies.Once the mustard splutters ,add  neem leaves and roast on medium flame till you get the aroma (approx 2 -3 mins).Squeeze the tamrind to get thick pulp.Add tamrind pulp and jaggery and let it simmer for 5 mins.Add Rasam powder an salt and let it simmer on medium flame for 7 – 8 mins. Once done switch off the flame.

Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve with Ragi Mudde ,Ven pongal,or piping hot steamed rice.

Enjoy!!!