THAMBULI - A delicious , nutritious and cooling food from Karnataka .

Years ago when I visited the Portland Farmers Market I happened to taste Gazpacho, a chilled food served in sealed cups similar to popular Summer favourites like Fruit Yogurt and Ice cream . The first spoon of Vegetable Gazpacho gave a jolt to my taste buds which were all set to relish a sweet dish ! But in no time they were enjoying the novel taste and were craving for more ! The taste and flavour reminded me of a Summer Coolant called Thambuli ( Thampu meaning cool + Huli is gravy or soup in Kannada language )  prepared back home to beat the heat of Summer .  

Thambuli is a no cooking dish and is prepared by blending vegetables , herbs, coconut  and spice with thick Curds . Started this Summer with this nutritious Cucumber Thambuli with added vegetables . 

INGREDIENTS

Cucumber ( Medium size ) - 1

Coconut gratings - 1/2 Cup

Green chillies - 2

Coriander leaves ( Chopped) - 1/2 bunch

Fresh ginger grated ( Optional )  - 1 tsp

Pink Himalayan Salt - 1/4 tsp

Thick Curds - 1 1/2 Cups

Chopped and Steamed Vegetables of your choice - 1/2 Cup

( I used Carrots , Snake gourd and Pumpkin )

Coconut oil - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - a few

METHOD

1.  Steam cook the chopped vegetables with a dash of salt and set them aside to cool down .

2. Wash and cut Cucumber into cubes .

3. Blend the Cucumber cubes , chopped Coriander , Coconut , Green chillies , Ginger and salt together  in a mixer . Add the thick Curds and blend together quickly for only a few seconds . 

4. Pour the Cucumber Thambuli in a bowl and stir in the steamed vegetables . 

5. Splutter the cumin seeds and curry leaves in warm coconut oil and pour the seasoning on the Thambuli.

 Relish with steaming hot rice , or  refrigerate and have it as a cold snack similar to Gazpocho and stay cool this Summer .