February 2, 2011

We are so fortunate at the Seva Ashram. All glories to Sri Sri Radha Goivnda Gandharvika Giridhari and Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu.

We are preparing for the feast of Lord Nityananda on Sunday February 5th and we just finished an elaborate lunch feast for Sri Adwaita Acharya. The favorite prep seemed to be Yellow Split Mung Beans in Tomato Sauce.

Sureshwari Devi in the kitchen

Yellow Split Mung Beans in Tomato Sauce
(serves 20 guests)

Soak overnight: 4 cups yellow split mung beans
In the morning: blend beans in least possible amount of water to make a smooth paste
Put in a bowl and add:

• 1 tsp hing
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground coriander

Mix well.
Heat oil for frying.
Drop batter by teaspoon into oil.
If clumps fall apart add small amount of flour.
Fry for four minutes.
Drain in a colander.
Make sauce.
Heat oil in saucepan and add:

• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tsp of hing
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp all spice powder

Optional:

• 1 tsp basil leaf
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp finely chopped ginger
• 1 chili if desired

Blend 12 fresh or canned tomatoes and pour them into the heated oil and spices.
Cook for 15 minutes.
Place in serving container.
Pour sauce over mung bean clumps.
Keep warm in oven.

If you prepare this at home place a small bowl of the mung bean preparation in front of a picture of Srila Gurudev and chant the Hare Krishna mantra.

This prep is great served cold the next day.
It can make terrific sloppy Joe sandwiches with just a hint of barbecue sauce.
It can be a taco filling with some Mexican spices.

Please respond with questions and suggestions.