Add the sliced onions and fry till the onions start to change colour.
Add the ginger, garlic, and green chillies.
Stir-fry for 10-15 seconds.
Add the mint leaves and stir-fry for a few seconds.
Add the chopped tomatoes.
Stir-fry till the tomato pieces are stewed and soft.
Turn off the heat.
Add the desiccated coconut.
Mix well and set aside.
After the mix cools, grind to a smooth paste. Add a little water, if required. I normally do not without any water because the onions and tomatoes have enough moisture.
Method to Make the Vegetarian Sherva
In the same pan, in which you cooked the Sherva paste, heat 2 tbsp oil.
Add the bay leaves.
Stir-fry for 3 to 5 seconds.
Add the cloves, cinnamon, shah jeera, and mace.
Stir-fry till the aroma of the spices is released.
Add the ground Sherva paste.
Stir-fry till it changes to a darker colour and the oil starts to leave the sides.
Add the red chilli, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powders.
If you have Biryani Masala with you, you can use it in place of the dry spices.I have seen some Sherva recipes that use Dahi or Yogurt. If you want to add Dahi, then add about 2 tbsp after the paste has been sauteed.Saute well till the dahi is mixed with the paste. Then add the water and simmer.
Tried this recipe?Do let me know how you liked it @aahaaram or tag #aahaaram!