Fried eggplant were doused with mustard sauce --- Eggplant with Mustard Sauce --- made on 13th July, 2012

Loving the heat of the Mustard Seed Paste when it coats the Hyacinth beans ---- Sim sorshe - Hyacinth beans with Mustard Seed Paste --- made on 22nd April, 2012

What did I use:

Hyacinth beans: 18-20 pieces

Mustard paste: 11/2 tbsp; please adjust according to your taste. We Bengalis are in love with mustard and we love the heat of this spice. For beginners I would suggest to use less.

Nigella seeds; 1/3 tsp

Green chillies: 2-3 pieces

Mustard oil: 1 tbsp

Salt

Turmeric

Sugar: ¼ tsp

How did I cook:

Cut the edges of the beans and remove the hair on both sides. With a fork poke the beans at 2-3 places. Wash and boil with a pinch of salt and turmeric for 5 minutes or till half cooked.

Drain the water and keep the beans aside.

Heat the oil in a pan or kadhai. Once its smoking hot reduce the flame and add the nigella seeds and slited green chillies. Be careful the spice will splutter a lot. Add the drained beans, pinch of salt and turmeric.

Fry on very low flame for 3-4 minutes or till the raw smell of the beans are gone.

Mix the mustard paste with ¾ cup water. Pour the water in the pan. Make sure the mustard skin is not added.

Check the seasoning and let it cook and thinken. The gravy would be little more after coating the beans and the oil should start coming out.

Pour few drops of pure mustard oil on top. Mix and serve.

Tilapia Fish (steamed) with mustard seed paste - made on 8th Feb 2012