Rhumbada Upkari

                   This is our blog’s 400th post !! Calls for celebration – doesnt it ?? that’s why I chose this rhumbada upkari – an almost forgotten amchi dish for the plain reason that rhumbad / cluster figs  ( gular in hindi ) are hardly available now ! I got to see this after  nearly 15 years and was delighted to taste this again !

                     Rhumbad tree is a storehouse of medicinal benefits. every part of the tree is useful for treating many  ills ! The ripe fruit is eaten fresh and the unripe fruit can be made into many yum dishes – the most basic being the upkari !! 

As you can see in the pic they grow in clusters attached to the trunk & main branches . So as soon as I got them I quickly made the upkari !

The unripe fruits have to be separated and washed well to remove the seeds. then cut them into quarters !
Ingredients :-

• Rhumbad – quartered – 2 cups
• Chilli powder – 1 tsp or as per taste
• salt to taste
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp & oil for seasoning

Method :–

1. After chopping – the seeds of the fruit have to be removed , they  are very tiny  and so you can remove them in two ways . either drop them in a vessel of water & wash well & drain the fruits . or you can add salt to them & keep for a while . when you see it has left water ..you can slightly crush with your palms . squeeze the water out and then winnow to remove the seeds . the fruit is ready to be cooked now !

2. Heat a kadai & prepare the  seasoning .

3. Switch off  the stove and add the chilli powder ensuring that you do not burn it . Now add the rhumbad and some water to cook . add salt if needed

4. Cover and cook till done . you can let it roast  well adding a little more oil !    Enjoy this with hot rice & dalithoy!