Chettinad Veg Curry

Ingredients for the paste:

Poppy seeds- 2 TBsp
Cashew nuts - 1 Tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 Tbsp
Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
Coriander seeds - 1 tsp
Dry red chillies  - 2 
Cloves - 3
Cardamom - 3
Cinnamon - 2 inch
Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Oil - 2tbsp 

Method for making the paste:

Combine the poppy seeds and cashew nut and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.drain and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and fennel.
When they crackle add the coriander seeds,red chillies,cardamom,cinnamon,cloves and coconut and mix well and saute in a medium flame till you can smell a nice aroma.Allow it to cool.
Mix with 1/4 cup of water,salt,poppy seeds and cashewnut and grind into a smooth paste.

For the curry:
Chopped and boiled mixed vegetables - 2 cups (a combination of carrots,cauliflower,beans,capsicum)
Onion - 1 chopped
Tomato - 2 chopped
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Chili powder - 1 tsp 
Oil - 4 tbsp
Milk - 1/4 cup
Salt to taste

Prepared chettinad paste as required
Method:
Heat oil in a pan.When hot,add the onions and saute till translucent.Now add turmeric powder,chilli powder and saute for 1 min.
Now add tomatoes and saute till tomatoes become mushy and oil seperates.
Then add the paste and saute.Now add the vegetables and little bit of water and allow it to boil for 3 minutes in a medium flame.
Finally add milk and salt and simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Serve with steamed rice or roti.