Khatkhatem (Mixed Vegetable Stew)

Khatkhatem is a delectable, traditional recipe made with at least five seasonal vegetables of Goa. The seasonal vegetables may include pumpkin, green plantain, raw papaya, drumsticks, raw jackfruit, yam, radish etc. Khatkhatem is specially prepared by Hindu Goans during Ganesh Chaturthi festival when they abstain from non vegetarian food. This tasty stew is both nutritious and colourful.

Ingredients

1/4 cup peeled, chopped sweet potatoes

1/4 cup peeled, chopped yellow pumpkin

1/4 cup peeled, chopped green plantain

1/4 cup peeled, chopped white radish

1/4 cup peeled, chopped unripe green papaya

1/4 cup peeled, chopped carrot

1 cob maize sliced thickly

1 drumstick, chopped

1/4 cup dry peas, soaked

10 dried teflam berries (optional)

1 cup grated coconut

12 black peppercorns

4 green chillies

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp chilli powder

2 tbsp grated jaggery

3 tbsp tamarind pulp

Salt to taste

Method

Lightly crush the tefflam and set aside. Grind together the grated coconut, peppercorns and green chillies with half a cup of water to a smooth paste. Boil the vegetables and dried peas in a deep pan. Add turmeric and chilli powder, jaggery, tamarind pulp and salt and mix well. Add coconut paste, teflam and one cup of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot with pav.