Carmbala thiksani humman (Spicy dish from star fruit) is usually prepared from green type star fruit. We use the raw ones. I do not know if this thiksani humman could be prepared from white variety star fruit.
In olden times when each house had its own courtyard the availability of star fruit (‘Carmbal’ in Konkani; ‘Varayan Puli’ in Malayalam) was very easy. Either the tree will be there in your own courtyard or you will get it from your neighbours. Star fruit tree is one among the few trees which you will usually find in a Konkani home. The other trees that you will usually come across were/are mango tree, jackfruit tree, Brindle berry tree (‘Darambo’ in Konkani), Hog plums (‘Ambado’ in Konkani). The star fruit is used for the preparation of various dishes using taro/arvi/colcasia leaves.
Now we will see how to prepare Carmbala thiksani humman (Spicy dish from star fruit). This is very easy and simple dish that goes well with udidha sandan, udidha appo, rice, hittu, idili and sandan roast etc and replaces sambar and chutney. This is a slightly watery dish. No onion and garlic have been used in its preparation.
Ingredients
You need
- 2 to 4 medium sized star fruits
- 2 to 3 red chillies (Or as per your spiciness level)
- Water as required
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 1 tspn fresh coconut oil
- Salt to taste
For seasoning
- Coconut oil for seasoning
- A small spoon mustard seeds
- A small spoon jeera/cumin seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
Method
Preparing the red chilli ground paste
Soak the red chillies in water for about an hour. Now drain the water and grind it to a fine paste in a mixer. Need not add water for grinding.
Preparing the Carmbala thiksani humman (Spicy dish from star fruit)
Remove the ridges of the star fruit. Wash and cut into small cubes.
Cook the star fruits cubes adding salt and sufficient water.
Once they have cooked add the red chilli ground paste.
Cook for 3 or 5 minutes till the raw smell of the red chilli paste goes off. Switch off the flame.
Add asafoetida and fresh coconut oil and mix well.
Now do the seasoning. Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds and when they splutter add jeera and followed by curry leaves. Pour the seasoning over the thiksani humman.
Your Carmbala thiksani humman (Spicy dish from star fruit) is ready to be served.
Serve it with idili, udidha sandan, udidha appo, rice, hittu, idili and sandan roast etc.
Tips
You can even add uridh dal and a little methi seeds for seasoning. While seasoning see that you do not over-roast the methi seeds else you will get a bitter flavour for your humman.
