Athi Kai Kootu:Ficus in Culinary, Dumur ka Subzi, Athi Kai Kootu, Figs with lentils Curry.
This woody tree comes under Moraceae family. The genus name is Ficus...since there are several varieties of species here(about 850)...I am leaving it blank here. One could assume that, I used 'indica' species tho'. The tree is native to Persia(modern Iran)from there it spread to all Mediterranean and Asian countries. Fig tree is considered holy in many religion(Buddhism after enlightenment, under Bodhi tree). Fig trees are keystone species in an ecosystem. As it supports too many lives...including insects, worms, birds, bats that feed on its fruits....
Fig is a remarkable fruit! It has peculiar arrangement of flowers!! You guys wondering what? Have you ever seen a fig's flower? It is neither fruit nor a flower actually!!! As you would have heard this proverb in South India(Tamil language). 'Maraindhu Poo Pookkum, Therindhu Kai Kaikkum', meaning...the flowers bloom secretly and fruits flourish visually!!! Botanically speaking, it posses both flowers + fruit! A flower the grew inwards!! Since it has a receptacle like, hollow(the inner pith) & outer leathery skin. It has multitude of flowers that grow inwards...which never gets a chance to face the sun! Yeah...one of the natures mysteries!!! If you break open a fig, you'll notice 1000s of teeny seeds and along with it lots of 'dot' sized buzzing flies(microscopic flies that has been feasting inside happily and thereby helped pollination).......woooo!!!
Figs are often associated with a thought of 'Fertility tree' among most of the population. But in reality, it doesn't posses any such quality. It is valued for its high laxative property! Both the pectin and minute seeds gives a good roughpage to the stomach. The dry fruit...serves as a best source for magnesium, iron and potassium! It should be noted that, this fruit has more potassium than bananas! As a fresh fruit posses phosphorous and calcium. Again its calcium content is more than milk! It has high sugar content...gives out quick energy. One can rely on htis fruit for instant glucose! The thick pectin it posses, a soluble fibre helps to control the blood cholesterol level. So don't hesitate to pick a ripe fresh fruit, next time from the market. Also...do not throw away the cut and bruised fruits, my friends...I tell you. The over ripe, slightly bruised fruits are actually rich in anti-oxidants than the raw unripe ones.
My mommy and Grandma used to make pickle or kootu out of these fresh figs. The raw figs have unique taste...kind of like 'Plantain Flower'! There was lots of figs tree in our school. During lunch time...myself and my brother used to have food under one such big tree. As a kid...never liked this fruit. Used to wonder...how these 'microscopic' insects got into these fruits!! Older, wise people used to say...one should not 'break open' fig fruit and see it...before eating! Does this make any sense...yeah we will lose our appetite! It may not be a fancy fruit...but sure it has lots of goodness in it. So the next time you spot one...don't hesitate to cook them/eat them!
Ingredients:Fresh Figs 1 cup
Thoor dal 1/2 cup(cooked)
Chana dal 1/2 cup(semi-cooked)
Dry red chilies 7-9
Onion 1 chopped
Ginger-garlic paste 1 spoon
Tomato chopped
Salt
Turmeric 1/4 spoon
Chili powder 1 spoon
Oil few spoons
Mustard 1/4 spoon
Cumin 1/4 spoon
Curry leaves few.
Method:Slit twice the figs and wash several times in the running water.
Heat oil, in a wok. Add mustards, cumin, asafoetida, curry leaves and red chilies. Wait till they pop.
Now, add ginger-garlic paste and followed by onions and tomatoes.
Further add figs and both the dals(cooked+semi-cooked). Add salt, turmeric and chili powders too. Cover and cook, till tender.
Serve to go with your rice. That I call as perfect healthy meal.
