Panch Phoran Shalgam(Turnip with indian 5 spice mix). Vegan glutenfree. And a Fundraiser for Vaidehi Ashram

Belated Republic Day wishes to all fellow Indians. Fund drive information below the recipe.

A quick dry veggie side today. The spice mix used for this turnip preparation is called Panch Phoran. is a spice blend used in Bangladesh and Eastern India, especially in Mithila, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya cuisine. The name literally means "five spices". The spices typically used are fenugreek seed, Nigella seed, cumin seed, radhuni and fennel seed in equal parts. Celery seed sometimes is used in place of radhuni. I usually substitute mustard seeds for radhuni. Usually this spice is mix has whole spices and is used as is, sometimes I coarsely grind the mix for a more mixed up flavor. This spice mix is fantastic both ways. If you are not a fan of the heat in garam masala or the bland in the yellow curry powder, give this mix a try in dry veggie subzis.

You can find the mix in an Indian store or make your own with the whole spices in equal quantities.

This spice blend can be used to make any dry vegetable side dish. Try it with cauliflower, belleppers and potatoes, just potatoes, or any not too sweet chunky vegetable. The nigella seeds have a distinctive onion-garlic-pickle kind of taste, so its not necessary to add garlic or other strong flavors. Fenugreek gives the bitter and fennel and cumin the fresh taste.

Panch phoran- Mix equal quantities of Fennel, Fenugreek, brown mustard, Nigella and Cumin seeds.

Directions: Serves 1

In a medium pan, add a teaspoon of organic canola oil and heat at medium.

When the oil is hot, add 1-2 teaspoons of coarsely ground Paanch phoran. Start with 1 teaspoon, you can add more later to taste. The spices have quite a strong individual taste.

Mix for a half a minute till the spices start to give out an aroma.

Add 1/4 cup chopped onion and mix well.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and mix.

Add 3/4-1 cup peeled and chopped/cubed Turnip, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste and chili flakes or black pepper to taste.

Mix well, cook covered on low heat for 10-12 minute, or until tender(depends on the size of the cubes) Stir occasionally in between. Also, taste test when just about done and adjust salt and spice mix.

Serve hot as a side.

This quick Turnip is headed to Ricki's Wellness weekend, Amee's Fit and Fab Friday and Allergy Friendly Fridays, Simple and in Season Jan

Siri, a fellow food blogger based in India is giving away goodies and raising funds for Vaidehi Ashram, a home for destitute girls, which provides shelter, food, education and nurtures the child for holistic growth. You can read about Siri's vistis to the Ashram here.

The girls here are also taught fine arts such as music, painting, dance and handicrafts etc. They are also provided with sufficient knowledge about good food and health which they in turn use to educate and empower women in nearby slum areas. The Ashram has girls of all ages, Teenagers to Toddlers, who have never known the meaning of parents or a family.

If you read about Siri's trips, you will see how dearly the girls at the Ashram value what they have, they do not waste even a single grain or lentil that is served for meals.

If you would like to participate, there are more than 40 items like Books, Camera lenses, props for food photography, Ice-cream maker, vouchers and more(Available for shipping in US, India and some worldwide), donated by the food blogging community. You can donate via the chip in below, or on Siri's page here, $10 gets you 1 Raffle ticket), you can use that raffle ticket towards any of the 40 donated items. email Siri at info(dot)siri(at)gmail.com with your donated amount and raffle preferences. Detailed instructions on Siri's page here.