Friday, July 22, 2016

Stir Fried Wild Figs (Dumur) - A Delicacy of the East.

The Indian fig tree, Gular (Ficus racemosa), is unusual in that its figs grow on or close to the tree trunk [Wikipedia]. The fruit is almost never sold commercially in large quantities because of the threat of fig wasps. This however, is quite easily available in local vegetable markets in West Bengal (particularly in Kolkata) and goes by the name -- 'Dumur'.



 The easiest recipe one can try with it is 'Stir Fried Dumur' - Cut the fruit in half or quarters(you may have a white secretion) and pressure cook (two whistles should do the trick) with turmeric and salt.

In a wok, heat oil. Allow 1/2 tea spoon of whole mustard seeds to splutter and add in chopped onions, ginger garlic paste, curry leaves. When onions brown and oil separates, add in the dumur, cumin powder, chili powder and salt to taste. Stir fir for a few minutes and remove from the flame. Serve as a side dish with dal and rice.

A more popular variant is to do the above but add in diced potatoes. This helps increase the quantity, if you want to prepare and keep for a few servings!