Kalvan

'Kalvan' means spicy gravy in Marathi. Its made with various ingredients and can be a veg or non-veg preparation. Kalvan reminds me of that of spicy gravy at my dad/ mom's village which we dare not eat as kids for we were not used to spice to that extend. Even for just a bite we loved it and i have learned eating spicy food since then. You can add more spice if you like.

Kalvan tastes best with jowar roti called 'Bhakari' in Marathi. Jowar roti being bland, kalvan is perfect gravy that goes with it. Serve it with raw red onion and I personally like to serve mattah as well, it neutralizes spice to some extend.

Kalvan can be made with mixed vegetables (potato, cauliflower, bell pepper) or with egg or with fish or chicken. Me being vegetarian here is a recipe for potato kalvan.

Nutrition value of Potato

- 2 cups peeled and diced potato cubes
- 1 onion fairly chopped
- 1 tomato fairly chopped
- 1/2 cup Green bell pepper diced (optional)
- 2 green chilies in pieces
- Few curry leaves
- 1-2 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 3-4 tablespoon grated dried coconut
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 inch garlic piece
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon pepper corn ( more or less as be desired spice)
- 5-8 cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 5- 6 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste


1. Roast coconut, cloves, peppercorn, fennel seeds, cumin seeds and mustard seeds in hot pan, keep aside
2. Heat 3 table spoon oil and add green chili, curry leaves, garlic, ginger, roasted ingredients from step 1, tomato and green bell pepper
3. Stir well, add tamarind paste and cook for 8-10 minutes
4. Let cool for some time and grind to smooth paste, keep aside
5. Heat remaining oil, add red chili powder, tomato paste, garam masala and potatoes
6. Add some salt and cook for few minutes
7. Stir in the paste from step 4 and season for salt
8. Cook for 20 - 30 minutes, covered on medium high heat till potatoes are cooked properly.
9. Serve hot with white rice or roti