Anu's yummy recipes- South Indian and other Cuisines

Thai Red Curry Using Home Made Red Curry Paste

2011-02-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Home Made Thai Red Curry Paste:

Ingredients:

Dry red chillies - 25-30 (acc to ur spice level)

Galangal - 1 big piece ( substituted with ginger)

Shallots - 3-4

Lemon grass - 1 stalk finely chopped

Cilantro stems - 6-7 sprigs

Garlic - 1/2 cup chopped

Thai red chillies - 5-6

Lime peel - from 1/4 lime

Black pepper - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Soak dry red chillies in hot water for 1 hr.

In a blender add soaked red chillies from the water and place them along with the remaining ingredients( galangal, shallots, lemon grass, cilantro stems, garlic, thai red chillies, lime peel, black pepper, salt ) and grind all of the ingredients to a smooth paste.

Heat oil in a skillet and add the grounded paste and cook until the oil starts to separate from the paste.

Remove from heat and allow the paste to cool down and store it in a airtight container for 1 month.

Thai Red Curry:

Ingredients:

Onion - 1/2 cup sliced

Red curry paste - 4-5 tbsp

Coconut milk - 1 can

Sugar - 1 tbsp

Soy sauce - 1 tbsp

Green beans - 4-5

Red bell pepper - 1/4 cup sliced

Green bell pepper - 1/2 cup

Bamboo shoots - 5-6 pieces

Carrots - 1/2 cup

Frozen peas - 1/4 cup

Basil leaves - 4 -6

Method:

Heat oil in a skillet add onion, green beans, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrots, frozen peas, bamboo shoots and fry for 6-7 min and keep aside.

In the same pan heat oil add in the red curry paste and cook for 5 min then add coconut milk and mix well.

Now add sugar and soy sauce and cook for 5 min.

Add onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrots, frozen peas and bamboo shoots and cook for 5- 10 min.

Finally add basil leaves and cook for 5 min.

Serve hot with jasmine rice.

This is our Anniversary dinner menu. I already posted Pineapple fried rice recipe. Tum yum soup recipe follows next.

Pineapple Fried rice

2010-09-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends, I am back after a long break. As we shifted our house and it took some time for me to settle down in the new house and I have been bit lazy too. Its more than a month since I posted a recipe in blog. Here is a very yummy recipe that I made multiple times last month and we really liked it. I am sure you all would like it too! Here comes........

Ingredients:

Pineapple chunks - 10-15

Basmati rice - 2 cups

Onion - 1 medium

Garlic - 4-5

Soy Sauce - 3-4 tblspn

Curry powder - 3 tsp

Green chillies - 6-7 (acc to ur spice level)

Peas - 1 cup

Carrot - 2

Cashews - 5-6 pieces

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Method:

Cook rice and mix tblspn of oil and keep aside. In a bowl add soy sauce, curry powder and mix well.

Heat oil in a pan add extra virgin olive oil add garlic, green chillies and saute well then add onion and fry till it becomes pinkish color.

Add carrot, peas and cashew pieces and fry veggies for 5-10 min. Now add boiled rice, pineapple chunks, salt and cook for 2 min.

Add soy sauce and curry powder mixture and stir gently. cook for 5-10 min in medium flame.

Garnish with coriander leaves...

Mixed Veggie Curry or Mixed Veggie Korma

2010-05-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here goes recipe...

Ingredients:

Carrot, Beans, Potato, Peas, Cauliflower, Turnip - 1 cup

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Curd - 1/4 cup

Cloves, Cinnamon, Bay leaf - 2 from each

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Fennel seeds - 1 tsp

Green chillies - 2

Ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp

Coconut milk(thick one) - 2 tbsp

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat oil add cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, fennel seeds, onion, green chillies and fry till onion become pinkish color then add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 5 min. Add tomato and fry for 5 -10 min.

Then add chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and fry till it leaves oil on sides. Add curd, mixed veggies,salt and mix well.

Then add water and cook veggies covered for 15-20 min.

After the veggies cooked add coconut milk and boil for 5 min.

Finally garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with rice or roti.

Its Award Time

2010-05-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks for everyone who passed these awards and I am also very sorry for the delayed post too. Thank so much and very happy to receive these awards... Thank you so much......

Kiran, Kavitha, Priya, Krishnaveni has passed these awards....

Thank you so much friends.... Thank you....

Egg Fry

2010-04-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Egg - 4-5

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Hing - a pinch

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Hard boil the eggs and make cut into two halves.

In a small bowl mix turmeric powder, chilli powder, tamarind paste, hing , salt, little water and mix well. Now apply this to egg halves.

Heat oil in a tawa and fry the eggs till it become nice golden brown.

Serve with rice.

Award Time !!!

2010-03-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks for everyone who passed these awards and also I am sorry for the delayed post. Here we go...

Neetu of Kitchen Express and Pavithra of Binge on Veg !!! shared me this lovely award. I am very happy and honoured to receive this...

I would like to share these award with

Swapna sree of SwapnaSridhar

Nithu of Nithu's Kitchen

Preethi of Preety's Kitchen

Krishnaveni of Krishnaveni's Kitchen

Richa of RICHAS KITCHEN

Vineetha of RUCHI

Nivedita of Nivedita's Kitchen

Sharmi of N e i v e d y a m

Mrs.Menagasathia of SASHIGA and Sashi of Sashi's Tasty Bites have shared me the following awards. Thanks a lot.. I am so happy to receive these awards...

I would like to share these awards with

Rupali of RecipeGrabBag

Ammu Madhu of அம்முவின் சமையல்

Gayathri Anand of Kavitha'vin Kaivannam

Aruna Manikandan of VEGGIE PARADISE.....

Babli of KHANA MASALA

Arundhuti of Gourmet Affair

To the award winners,

1. Put the logo within your post.

2. Pass on to atleast 12 bloggers

3. Link the nominees within your post

4. Let the nominees know they have received the award

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you have received the award...

Mango And Pumpkin In Tamarind

2010-03-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Mango - 1

Yellow Pumpkin - 10-15 pieces

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Red chillies - 2

Methi seeds - 4-5

Curry leaves - 3-4

Onion - 1 medium

Ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp

Tomato - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Green chillies - 2 slit

Tamarind paste - 1 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, red chillies, methi seeds, curry leaves when they start to splutter add onion and green chillies and fry till golden brown in color.

Now add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 5 min.

Then add tomato and fry till it becomes soft. Add mango pieces, pumpkin, turmeric powder, chilli powder ,coriander powder and fry till raw smell goes off.

Then add tamarind paste, water and salt. Boil it till the mangoes and pumpkin are completely cooked.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with rice or roti.

Check out Cool Lassie giveaway post here Pan Gravy Kadai Curry

Whole Green Gram Dosa- Pesarattu

2010-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

Pesarattu is prepared with whole green gram dal. It is tasty and healthy dish. It is best for breakfast or dinner. This is the traditional breakfast dish of Andhra Pradesh.

Here goes the recipe...

Ingredients:

Whole green gram - 1 cup

Onion - 1 medium

Raw rice - 2-3 tblsp

Ginger - 1 piece

Green chillies - 5-6 (acc to ur spice level)

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Hing - a pinch

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

Soak whole green gram & rice through night or 5-6hrs.

Then drain the water and grind it with ginger, green chillies and cumin to a coarse batter.

Now add salt, hing, onion, coriander leaves, water and mix well. Keep it for 5-10 min.

Heat a tava and make like dosas.

Serve with any chutney.

Awards!!!

2010-02-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have received these awards from Nithu's Kitchen by Nithu Bala.. I am so excited and so so happy... Thank you so much dear...

Thank so much for your encouragement and lovely awards...

I would like to share these awards with ...

!! Vazhayila ! by Sarah Naveen

"Little Taste Buds" by Kalaivani

"The Temptations" by Aruna

...and a little bit more... by Anudivya

TOFAS !!!

2010-02-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

"ASRA"...ASHAON KA by Ashkuku passed me these awards... Thank you so much dear and very happy.... I am so excited.. Thank you so much Ash...

I would like to share these awards with all my blogger friends as well...

Preety's Kitchen by Preety

Purva's Daawat by Purva Desai

Rak's Kitchen by Raks

Rekha's Recipe by Rekha Shoban

Shanthi Krishnakumar's cook book by Shanthi

Simple and Delicious ! by Seena

Its Award Time

2010-02-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks for everyone who passed me these awards.. I am very happy and honoured to receive these awards.. Thank so much...

1. Kitchen Express by Neetz and Priyas Recipes by Priya has passed me this awards.. Thank you so much dear...

3. MY FAVOURITE FOODS by Ganga has passed me this award... Thank you dear...

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T02:34:00.000-08:00

ScrapU

Awards!!!

2010-02-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

I have received these awards from Malar's Cuisine. Thank you so much for this award dear.. I am very happy and honoured to receive this awards. Thank you so much dear...

I would like to share these awards to

Sujatha - Khazana of my favorite recipes..

Sharmi - N e i v e d y a m

Aruna - Aruna's Tasty Bites..

Pavithra - Binge on Veg !!!

Nithya - 4th Sense Samayal

Pav Bhajii - 150th Post! Thanks to all readers of this blog.

2010-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is my 150th post. I would like to sincerely thank all my blog readers for your comments and encouragement. Eat healthy and be happy!

Ingredients:

Mixed vegetables - 1 cup (carrot, beans, peas, potato, capsicum)

Butter - 2 tsp ( for garnishing)

Onion - 1 medium

Tomatoes - 4 medium

Cumin - 1 tsp

Green chillies - 7-8 (acc to ur spice level)

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Turmeric powder - a pinch

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 6 tsp

Curry powder - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Fennel seed powder - 1 tsp

Hing - 1/2 tsp

Oil - 1 tbspn

Salt to taste

Method:

Pressure cook all vegetables with salt and green chillies. Let it cool. mash the veggies and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add cumin seeds once it start to splutter add chopped onions, capsicum and fry till light brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder and fry till golden brown color.

Now add tomatoes and cook for 5 min then add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, curry powder, garam masala, salt and cook till it leaves oil from sides.

Add the mashed vegetables and mix well. Bring to boil till it becomes thick.

Garnish with butter.

Slit the bread and toast it with butter.

Serve bhajii with chopped onion, coriander leaves and lemon.

Potato Peas Kurma And Award

2010-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Potato - 4-5

Peas - 1 cup ( I used frozen peas)

Cloves - 2

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Bay leaf - 2

Fennel seeds - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Onion - 1 medium

Mint leaves - 5-6

Green chillies - 2 slited

Tomato - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Coconut milk - 1/2 cup

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

Boil potatoes cut into cubes and keep aside.

Heat oil add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cumin seeds once it start to splutter add onion and fry till light brown.

Now add mint leaves, green chillies and tomato and fry for 5 min.

Then add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala and cook till raw smell goes off.

Now add boiled potatoes, peas, salt, water and boil it for 10-15 min. Add coconut milk and mix well.

Finally garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with rice, chapati or idiyappam.

Now comes Award

Priya of Priyas Recipes have shared this beautiful award.. I am so happy to receive this award. Thank you so much Priya.. I would love to share this award to all my blogger friends..

Hot Samosas

2010-01-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

For dough:

All purpose flour (wheat) - 1 cup

Sooji - 1/4 cup

Warm water

Salt to taste

Oil

For filling:

Potatoes - 4

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - a pinch

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Curry powder - 1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp

Urad dal - 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

For dough:

Mix the flour, sooji, salt, and oil together to make a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 4-5 min to make smooth.

Set the dough aside and cover it with plastic food wrap. Let the dough sit for 20-25 min.

For filling:

Boil potatoes in pressure cooker for 2 whistles. let it cool. Remove the skin and mash well.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, onion and fry till onion turns light brown color.

Now add tomato and cook till becomes soft. Add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder, garam masala, curry powder, salt and cook till it leaves oil from sides.

Now add mashed potatoes and mix well and cook for 6-7 min. Turn off heat.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Making samosa

Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and make into balls.

Roll each ball into circles and cut each circle in half. Put a tablespoon of filling in the center and fold it to triangle.

Heat oil in a wok and deep fry the samosa till it becomes light brown on both the sides.

Serve hot with coriander chutney or tomato ketchup.

HAPPY PONGAL

2010-01-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

ScrapU

"Wish you all a very happy pongal"

Erissery - Yellow Pumpkin Curry Kerala Style

2010-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Pumpkin - 2 cups

Grated coconut - 2 tbsp ( I used frozen)

Cumin - 1 tsp

Green chillies - 4-5

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

For tempering:

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/4 tsp

Shallots - 4-5

Grated coconut - 1 tbsp

Dry red chillies - 1-2

Coconut oil - 2 tsp

Method:

Boil the pumpkin with salt and turmeric powder until soft. Keep aside.

Grind coconut, greenchillies, cumin seeds with little water then add this to pumpkin and cook on low flame.

Add water if the curry is too thick. Cook until desired consistency is reached. Add salt and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies and shallots. Fry until the shallots turn transparent. Pour directly over the cooked pumpkin curry.

Now heat 1 tsp of oil in a same pan add coconut and fry till it turns crispy and golden brown. Mix this into the curry.

Serve hot with rice and little ghee.

Breakfast Special- Veggie Omelette

2010-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Veggie Omelette

Ingredients:

Egg - 1 Whole egg & 1/4 cup egg white

Onion - 1/4 medium sliced

Mushroom - 1/4 cup

Capsicum - few pieces

Cheese - grated or sliced

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Green onions - 2-3

Black pepper powder - 1/2 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Beat the egg well using egg beater or fork. Then add salt and black pepper powder.

Now add all veggies ( onion, Mushroom, capsicum

,coriander leaves, green onions) and mix well.

Bring a pan to high heat and apply little oil and pour the egg mixture.

Then add cheese and cover it with lid. cook in low flame for 5-10 min till it turns light brown on both the sides.

Serve hot.

Mango Morkozhambhu And An Award

2009-12-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Ripe Mango - 1 or 2

Curd - 1 cup

Toor dal - 1 tsp

Rice - 1 tsp

Green chillies - 3-4 (acc to ur spice level)

Coconut - 1 tbsp

Jeera - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

For Tempering:

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies - 2

Coconut oil - 1 tsp ( can use any oil)

Method:

Soak toor dal and rice in warm water for 10-15 min.

Beat the curd well and keep aside.

Heat a pan with little water and add mango pieces and boil it for 5-10 min and keep aside.

Grind toor dal, rice, cumin seeds, coconut, green chillies into a fine paste.

Heat oil in a pan add the grounded paste and fry it till the raw smell goes off.

Now add mango pieces and mix well then add curd, salt and cook for 10 min. Turn off heat.

Finally heat coconut oil add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chillies once it start to splutter pour this in morkolambhu.

Serve hot with rice.

I thank Aruna of VEGGIE PARADISE..... for passing this award.. I am very happy and thank you so much.. I like to pass it to all my blogger friends..

Merry Xmas And Happy New Year

2009-12-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Betty Boop Christmas Animation provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Onion rice

2009-12-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Basmati rice or sonamasoori rice - 1 cup ( I used sonamasoori rice)

Pearl onion - 1 cup sliced

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp

Chilli powder - 1 tsp

salt to taste

Method:

Cook the rice and keep aside.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, turmeric powder, onion and fry well till the onion turns golden brown.

Now add chilli powder, salt and fry till raw smell goes off.

Then add cooked rice and mix well.

Serve hot with raita.

Veg Pulav With Channa Masala

2009-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Vegetable Pulav

Ingredients:

Sona masoori or Basmati rice - 1 cup (I used sona masoori)

Coconut milk - 1/2 cup

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Onion - 1 medium

Cloves - 2

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Curd - 1 tblspn

Green chillies - 2 slited

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Mixed veggies - 1 cup ( I used frozen mixed veggies)

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Extra virgin olive oil - 6 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Boil mixed veggies in microwave for 1 min and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds when they start to splutter add cloves, cinnamon, green chillies, onion and fry till onion turns pinkish color. Then add ginger-garlic paste and fry till raw smell goes off.

Now add mixed veggies,curd, Coriander powder,salt and fry for 5 min.

Add required amount of water and coconut milk and allow it to boil . Adjust salt if required.

Then add rice and mix well. close and cook till done.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Channa Masala

Ingredients:

Garbanzo beans(channa) - 1 tin

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 2 big

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Cloves - 2

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 4 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Tamarind paste - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

Rinse channa well and wash under tap water for 10 times.

Boil water, add tomatoes and boil it and remove skin and grind it into smooth paste.

Heat oil and lightly roast onion for few min. let it cool. Then grind onion into smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan add cumin seeds when they start to splutter add onion paste and cook till oil seperates. Then add tomato puree and cook for sometime.

Now add channa, chilli powder,salt, garam masala, tamarind paste and cook till its done.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with rice, roti, poori....

This will be a different combination try it out and let me know your comments..

Happy Eating !!!

Award

2009-11-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks "ASRA"...ASHAON KA for giving this follower award...

Brinjal Pulikolambhu

2009-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Brinjal - 6-7 small

Onion - 1 big

Tomato - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Ginger - 1 small inch

Garlic - 2 pods

Curry leaves - 4-5

Methi seeds - 1/4 tsp

Vadakam - little (optional)

Hing - 1/2 tsp

Coconut milk - 1/4 cup

Method:

Step 1:

Cut onion into 2 pieces and take half portion and grind it with garlic and ginger into smooth paste and chop the remaining half onion and keep aside.

Mix tamarind paste in a warm water and keep aside. Grind tomato seperately into smooth paste and keep aside.

Step 2 :

In a large bowl add tamarind water, chilly powder,coriander powder,turmeric powder, tomato paste,onion paste ,salt and mix well.

Step 3 :

Heat oil in a pan add curry leaves,methi seeds,hing, vadakam and fry well.

Now add chopped onions and fry till onion turns pinkish color and then add brinjals and fry well for 10 min.

Then add the step 2 mixture and cook it in low flame till raw smell goes off.

Finally add coconut milk and turn off heat.

Serve with hot rice.

Aapam Kurma

2009-11-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Onion - 1 medium

Mixed vegetables - 1 cup (carrot, potato, peas, corn)

Garam masala - 2 tsp

Milk - 1 tblspn

Poppy seeds - 1 tsp

Fennel seeds powder - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

To Paste:

Onion - 1/2

Green chillies - 4-5

Grated coconut - 1 tblspn

Method:

Soak poppy seeds in milk for 15 min and grind into paste and keep aside.

Heat oil add onion, green chillies, grated coconut and fry it for 10 min. Let it cool and grind into paste and keep aside.

In same pan heat some oil and add onion and fry till the onion turns pink color and then add the grounded mixture(onion,green chillies, coconut) and cook for 5-7 min.

Now add water,salt, garam masala and boil it for 10-15 min.

Then add mixed vegetables and cook it in low flame for 15-20 min.

Finally add the poppy seeds paste and fennel seed powder and cook it in low flame.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with Aapam, rice or roti.

Fish Kolambhu

2009-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Salmon is low in calories, yet high in protein. It can be cooked in many different ways. It is very healthy and it contains lots of Omega 3. I have tried this many times and it came out yummy all times. It is one of my hubby favorite. Try it out and let me know your comments....

Ingredients:

Salmon - 4-5 slices

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Vadakam - 1 tsp ( optional)

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Sambar powder - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

To paste:

Onion - 1/2

Garlic - 2-3 pods

Method:

Grind onion & garlic and make into fine paste and keep aside.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, vadakam, onion, onion& garlic paste and fry till raw smell goes off.

Now add sambar powder, chilly powder, turmeric powder, tamarind paste, water & salt and keep it in low flame.

After it boils add fish and cook it in low flame for 10-15 min.

Mysore Masala Dosai

2009-10-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Dosai Batter Recipe:

Raw rice - 1 1/2 cups

Idly rice - 2 1/2 cups

Methi seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 cup

Method:

Soak rice and urad dal seperately and add methi seeds in urad dal.

Let them soak for 4-5 hrs.

Grind urad dal to a smooth batter then grind rice.

Mix the two batters, salt and ferment it for 24 hrs or till the volume of batter doubles.

Mysore masala dosai filling:

Red Hot Chutney:

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 2 medium

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Dry red chillies - 5-7 (acc to ur spice level)

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

salt to taste

oil

Method :

Heat oil in a pan and add urad dal, dry red chillies, onion and saute well and keep aside.

Then add tomato and saute it.

Then grind onion, dry red chillies, onion, tomato, tamarind paste, salt and grind together.

Heat oil in the same pan and pour the grounded chutney and boil the puree till it becomes thick like sauce consistency.

Masala recipe:

Potatoes - 2

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Channa dal - 1/2 tsp

Onion - 1 medium

Grated carrot - 2-3

Peas - 1 cup

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves - 3-4 sprigs

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Boil potatoes mash them lightly and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, onion and saute till translucent.

Add peas and grated carrot and sprinkle some water and cook in low flame.

Then add mashed potatoes, turmeric powder, chilly powder, salt and cook in low flame till the raw smell goes off.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Method for making dosas:

Take a ladle ful of batter and pour in dosa tawa and spread it in circular motion.

Add oil and roast till golden brown and flip it with and continue to roast on another side.

Flip it again and spread chutney and tbsp of masala filling.

Fold dosa and serve hot.

Happy Diwali

2009-10-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

" I wish you and your family a very Happy, Prosperous and Safe Diwali"

to all my friends and readers..........

"HAPPY DIWALI"

Easy Spicy Potato Fry

2009-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Potatoes are a very popular food source. It is high fiber food that offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Potatoes are a very good source of vitamin c , vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber.

Potatoes are low in sodium, nearly fat-free and easy to digest. They make active part of any diet.

Potatoes make nice food for diabetes because they help to control blood sugar levels.

Potatoes also help in normal functioning of heart and keeping a check on blood pressure.

This is a spicy fry which very well goes with all rice and roti. Potato is everyone all time favorite. It is a very good combination for curd rice.

Ingredients:

Potatoes - 4-5

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Hing - a pinch

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilli powder - 2-3 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Wash and cut the potatoes into thin slices.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, hing, potatoes, turmeric powder, chilly powder and salt.

Mix well and cook in low flame till it is done.

Serve with rice.

Aloo Methi

2009-10-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am not well these days so I dint blogged for such a long time.. I feel guilty for the uninformed break from the blogging... Here comes my Aloo Methi recipe.. Try it out and write comments.

This is one of the easy recipe for roti or rice.

Ingredients:

Potato - 4-5

Onion - 1 medium

Methi leaves - 1 packet( I used frozen)

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Cumin powder - 1 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

salt

Method:

Clean the methi leaves and keep aside.

Peel the potatoes and boil it in pressure cooker for 2 whistle.

Heat kadai add oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and onion and fry till onion turns golden brown and add methi leaves and fry till it reduces in volume.

Now add turmeric powder, chilly powder, cumin powder, salt and potato cubes.

Sprinkle water and mix well and cook covered in low flame.

Fry till the potatoes and methi leaves mixed together.

Serve with rice or roti.

Plantain Podimas

2009-09-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Plantain - 2-3

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Channa dal - 1 tsp

Onion - 1/2 medium

Green chillies - 4-5

Ginger - small piece

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Boil the plantain in Idly cooker for 15 min. (Without removing skin). Let it cool.

Then remove the skin from plantain and mash into small pieces.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, Channa dal, green chillies, ginger and then onion.

Fry till onion turns pinkish color then add salt and mashed plantain.

Cook for 10-15 min in low flame.

Serve with rice or roti.

Chettinadu Okra Pulikulambhu

2009-09-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

Last whole week was a bit busy. Here is my favorite okra pulikulambhu without tomato.

Try it out and let me know about your comments. I want to make very simple and healthy dishes.

Ingredients:

Okra - 10-12

Onion - 1 medium (or) Small onion - 6-7

Tamarind paste - 1 tblspn

Chilli powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Fenugreek seeds - 3-4

Curry leaves - 2-3

Salt to taste

Oil - extra virgin olive oil

Method:

Cut okra into big pieces and keep aside.

Cut small onion into two halves or chop the medium onion very finely.

Add little oil and fry okra till it become soft remove from heat and keep aside.

In the same pan add little oil add onion and fry the onions till golden brown.

Now add fenugreek seeds and fry for 1 min.

Get thick tamarind by adding less amount of water to tamarind.

To this add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder and mix well.

Allow it to boil well and cook till you get thick gravy. Then add chopped curry leaves.

Serve hot with rice.

Event-Soup 'N Juice

2009-08-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am reposting all these soups and juices to Soup 'N Juice for the event hosted by Srieesha of Mom's recipies.

1. Mango milkshake

2. Banana Strawberry milkshake

3. Strawberry Soy milkshake

4. Blueberry and soy milk shake

5. Mint-Lemon and ginger juice

6. Tomato and basil soup

7. Cabbage Soup

Vinayakar Chathurthi Recipes

2009-08-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

These are the recipes submitted to Purva and Priti's Festive Food- FF. Festive Food Event - FF

Recipe for Kozhukattai

For the dough:

Ingredients:

Rice flour - 1 cup

Water - 1 1/2 cup

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt

Method:

Heat the water in a pan and add salt to it. Then add oil in the rice flour and keep aside.

When water boils add to the rice flour and mix well so that no lumps formed.

Then knead well by adding more warm water to make smooth dough.

Make small balls out of dough and keep aside.

For making the modakam take 2 small cups one with water and another with oil.

Just make like cup shape and fill with stuffing close the edges to make pear shape or just make circular shape and keep the filling and seal the edges and close it.

Then steam these for 10-15 min.

For stuffing:

I did three types of stuffings this time..

For coconut stuffing:

Grated coconut - 1/2 cup

Jaggery - 1/4 cup (acc to your taste)

ghee - 1 tsp

Cardamom powder - a pinch

For Channa dal stuffing:

Channa dal - 1/4 cup

Grated coconut - 1/4 tsp

Jaggery - 1/4 cup

Ghee - 1 tsp

Cardamom powder - a pinch

For Sesame stuffing :

Sesame seeds - 1 tblspn

Grated coconut - 1/4 tsp

Jaggery - 1/4 cup

Ghee - 1 tsp

Cardamom powder - a pinch

Method :

Add jaggery and water and heat it till jaggery dissolves and add cardamom powder and keep aside.

For coconut stuffing:

Heat a tsp of ghee and add grated coconut and fry it for 5 min.

Then add jaggery, cardamom powder and mix well and keep aside.

For Sesame stuffing:

Fry the sesame in the pan and let it cool and powder it.

Then add melted jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder and mix well and use for stuffing.

For Channa dal stuffing:

Boil channa dal in cooker for 2 whistle. Let it cool and grind it once.

Then add melted jaggery, cardamom powder, grated coconut and mix well and use for stuffing.

Urad Dal Vada

Ingredients:

Urad dal - 1 cup

Raw rice - 1 1/2 tsp

Ginger - small inch

Green chillies - 2-3

Onion - 1/4 cup

Hing - a pinch

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Curry leaves - 3-4

Oil - for frying

Salt to taste

Method:

Soak urad dal and raw rice for 2 hrs.

Then grind urad dal, rice, green chillies, ginger by sprinkling water little by little. Keep aside.

Then add finely chopped onion, coriander leaves, curry leaves, hing, salt to taste.

Keep it in refrigerator for 10-15 min.

Take one small ziploc bag and wet with little water. Take small amount of batter and flatten it lightly, shape them into round or any shape and make a hole in the center.

Drop it in the hot oil very carefully, turning once in a while, deep fry till golden brown on both sides.

Remove from heat and drain in paper towel.

Note:

If you have added so many water while grinding add rice flour and little maida. ( But don't mix powder so much)

Awards

2009-08-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am very happy and honor to receive this award. Soooooooo nice of you. Thanks a lot!!!!!

Thanks to Ammu of Ammuvin samayal kuripugal and Chaitra of Aathidhyam.

THANKS TO ALL !!!!!!!

I should really thank Dhanya Rajesh -Amma's Adukkala for passing such cute awards to me One Lovely Blog Award, Kreative Blog Award, I love Your Blog Award here it goes....

Happy Birthday to Lord Ganesha (Vinayagar Chathurthi Special)

2009-08-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this to Purva and Priti's Festive Food Event - FF

First wish all the visitors of this blog a very happy Vinayagar Chathurthi. Let his birthday bring peace and prosperity to everyone in this world!

This month we celebrated 3 birthdays - my hubby's, mine and Lord Ganesh's. I would like to share few thing we enjoyed doing on this Vinayagar Chathurthi.

Yesterday, we brought white modeling clay and glittering glue pen set from Michaels (Arts & Crafts store). My hubby sculpted the idol while running Seerkazhi Govindarajan 'vinai theerphavane' song in background.

Halfway in the process, we realized that it looked like Lord Ganesha is on south beach diet for past several weeks. Yes, the 2 blocks of clay (each 1 lb) we brought is not enough. My hubby drove to Michaels again and brought another block and completed it. I made the ratatooee (mouse) and a bowl of laddu in clay ... hehehe :-)

Here is how he looked while in making (still need to attach 'ear'):

Finally, Lord Ganesha shaped up very well... close to the picture isn't it?

Glittering after the decorations:

Dharisanam in puja

I made sesame (ellu) and dhal jaggery (paruppu chakkarai) kolkattai, ulundhu vadai, semiya milk payasam and of course sundal for this occasion. We did abhishegam in milk, sandal, turmeric, yogurt and vibhuthi. We also offered everything I made along with fruits to Lord Ganesha and completed our puja. We prayed Lord Ganesha and enjoyed our prasadham.

This is a close look at the food and fruits for Lord Ganesh.

Recipes are on the way in my next post. Wish you all once again Vinayagar Chathurthi! Enjoy this day with lot of happiness.

Happy Birthday once again Pillayarappa!!!

Oatmeal Pancake (Yummy & Heart healthy!)

2009-08-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal is very heart healthy with lot of fiber and lowers cholesterol, blood pressure. I love pancakes. Oatmeal pancakes is one of my favorite breakfast esp on Sundays. A perfect pancake to me should come out puffy, spongy, should have right level of sweet, invitingly colorful and should be a feast for nostrils. Here is what I enjoyed yesterday for breakfast:

Ingredients:

1. Rolled or Old style or Irish Oats 1 cup

2. 100% whole wheat multi-purpose flour 1/2 cup

3. Egg white (or whole egg beat if you prefer) 1/2 cup

4. Baking powder 1 tsp

5. Agave for sweet 1 tblsp (or sugar if you prefer)

6. Blueberries 1/2 cup

7. Fat-free milk (1/2 cup)

8. 100% Maple syrup (cheap HFCS high-fructose corn syrup mix is no good for both health and taste)

Add oats to the milk and soak it for 3-4 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Add egg white, wheat flour, baking powder, agave (or sugar) and blend in processor / coffee grinder. Bring a non-stick pan to medium heat and pour 5 to 7 spoons of the mix (non-stick greasing stuff or oil is not really needed for pancakes). Turn it over in 1 to 2 minutes and take out once it becomes puffy and golden color.

Enjoy with 100% maple syrup and a small cube of butter if you wish. Perfect breakfast with coffee or fruit shake. What else... indulge into the bliss!

Welcome your thoughts...!

Event Recipes

2009-08-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am sending this recipes to 'Side dish for chapathi' event hosted by Viki.

1. Egg Plant Curry

2. Lima Beans recipe

3. Spicy okra masala

4. Fried Tofu in Spinach leaves

5. Ridge gourd sabzi

I am sending this recipes to 'Side dish for chapathi' event.

Green Beans Stir Fry

2009-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Green beans are the excellent source of Vitamin c, vitamin k, and manganese.

They are also good source of vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.

The major health benefit of common beans is their ability to lower cholesterol due to their rich source of fiber.

The presence of vitamin k in green beans makes them very good for maintaing the health of bones.

The high amount of fiber present in green beans helps in lowering high blood pressure.

Regular consumption of green beans has been associated with strengthening of the immune system.

Beans is used to make curries, rice dishes, gravies and many more. This is one of the favorite dish of my hubby.

Here goes my recipes...

Ingredients:

Baby green beans - 2 cup

Onion - 1 medium

Garlic - 2

White sesame seeds - 1 tblsp

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

For garnishing Sesame seeds - 1 tsp

Method:

Boil the green beans with salt until it become soft.

Dry roast the sesame seeds and grind it with salt to a fine powder and keep aside.

Heat oil add cumin seeds, onion, garlic and fry till it turns light brown.

Then add cooked beans, chilly powder, garam masala cook on high flame for 5 min.

Then when it become dry turn off the heat.

Serve with rice or chapati.

I am sending this recipe to 'Side dish for chapathi' event hosted by Viki of Viki's Kitchen.

Cabbage Soup

2009-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Cabbage - 1 small

Onion - 1 medium

Milk - 3 tblspn

Black pepper powder as per taste

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Wash and chop the cabbage. Chop the onion and keep aside.

Heat a pressure cooker with oil and add onion and fry till they are pink. Then add cabbage and fry for 5 min.

Then add 1 cup of water and pressure cook for 2 whistle.

Once cooled sieve and grind it to smooth paste and add water as per consistency.

Then cook without lid add milk, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil till you get thickness.

Serve hot.

Three Awards And Tag

2009-08-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ganga has passed me I Love Your Blog Award, One Lovely Blog Award, Kreative Blogger Award, and Tag.... I am really very honored and very very happy to receive my First Three Awards...... Thank You...

Thank You So Much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is your current obsession?

Blogging.

What are you wearing today?

Skirt and Top.

What's for dinner?

Chapati and chicken kulambhu.

What's the last thing you bought?

Starbucks coffee and Very berry coffee cafe.

What are you listening right now?

LIstening Melodious songs.

What do you thing about the person who tagged you?

She have a nice blog with lovely recipes.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like to be?

Anywhere I will be very happy if my hubby with me.

What are your must- have pieces for summer?

cotton dress, Heaters(A/C)

If you could go anywhere in the world for next hour, where would you go?

Switzerland

Which language do you want to learn?

Spanish

Who do you want to meet right now?

My mom

What is your favorite color?

Pink , Yellow, black

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?

My Jeans T-shirt and some Silk sarees.

What is your dream job?

None

What's your favorite magazine?

Anantha vikatan, Kungumam.

If you had $ 100 now, what would you spend it on?

Will buy some b'day gift for my Hubby.

What do you consider a fashion faux pas

To wear short skirts.

Who are your style icon?

I admire beauty and who have good dressing sense .

Describe your personal style?

Simple, traditional and modern outfit.

What are you going to do after this?

Eat my Dinner

What are your favorite movies?

Many movies nothing specific.

What inspires you?

Encouragement

Give us three styling tips that always work for you?

My smile

Coffee or tea?

Tea

What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?

Just admire nature

What is the meaning of your name?

A bright star

Which other blogs you love visiting?

Many

Favorite Dessert/ sweet?

Gulab jamun, jangri

Favorite season

Winter

The rules are :

Respond and rework - answer the question on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, and add one more question of your own. Then tag eight or ten other people.

I would like to share this awards and tag with .....

I think I am the last person to post this one. I wish to share this award to the great bloggers below. Kindly accept this award and please pass it to your friends. If you already got these awards just ignore it.

ARUNA - "The Temptations"

viki - Viki's Kitchen

Nithya of 4th Sense Samayal

Ramya - Ramya cooks

Priya - Akshayapaatram

Sarah naveen - Vazhayila

Seena - Simple and Delicious

Preethi of Preethi's Online Cookbook

Zucchini And Herb Omelette

2009-08-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Zucchini helps cure asthma, as it contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidants and has inflammatory properties. Zucchini have high water content high nutritious value and contain a very low amount of calories, so they make the perfect snack item for people on diet. Zucchini contains vitamin C and lutein, both of which are know to be good for the eyes.

The vegetable proves to be a good source of magnesium and phosphorous, the nutrients essential for building and maintaining healthy bones.

Zucchini is rich in vitamin c, another powerful antioxidants that can provide against cardiovascular disease.

Zucchini herb omelette is one of the tasty dish and good for health. This is very easy to make and healthy too. So here goes my recipe.......

Ingredients:

Egg Whites - 2 eggs

Zucchini - 1 grated

Green onions - 2 finely sliced

Parsley or Cilantro - 2 tblspn finely chopped

Chives - 2 tblspn

Freshly ground black pepper - 1 tsp

Sea salt to taste

Method:

Combine all the ingredients, mix well and pour into omelette pan brushed with olive oil.

Cook until mixture is firm, then turn omelette over and cook the other side.

Serve with any salad.

I am sending this recipe to Show Me Your Omelette event hosted by Divya of Dilse blog.

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

2009-08-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have got Kreativ blogger award from Raji and Ganga. I love to read your blogs and I am glad you like mine too. I am really excited and happy about it. Thanks a lot for the encouragement. Thank you so much!!!

The rules for the Kreative blogger award are:

1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who has nominated you for the award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

5. Nominate 7 other kreative bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on which of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.

Seven things that you might find interesting about me:

1. I started this food blog to learn and to develop my cooking skill. I like to cook and eat healthy, simple and tasty dishes.

2. Have you ever seen a person who hate chocolate. I am one such :)

3. I spend lots of time with my laptop and with my hubby.

4. I never cooked anything before marriage. I found the interest of my soul now... I love cooking!

5. I like to listen to melodious music and watch new movies. I like to watch and laugh Vadivel comedies with my hubby while having good food.

6. I am kind of shy and reserved person.

7. I really like to thank my mom. She will try so many new dishes for me... I miss my mom after marriage.

I really wish to share this awards to all great bloggers given below. Kindly accept this award and please pass it to your friends too.

Aruna of The Temptation

Nithya of 4th Sense Samayal

Divya Vikram of Dil Se..

Pavithra of Dishes From My kitchen

Yasmeen of Health Nut

Chicken Kulambhu

2009-07-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Chicken - 10-15 pieces

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tblspn

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Heat oil add mustard seeds, onion and add fry till it become light brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and fry till brown.

Then add chicken pieces,turmeric powder, salt and fry for 2-3 min.

Then add chopped tomato pieces, chilly powder, coriander powder, and cook till raw smell goes off.

Then add 2 cups of water and cook completely.

Serve hot with chapati or rice.

Idly Upma

2009-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you have left over idlis please try out this idly upma. This is very easy and healthy recipe too. I have some left over idlies so I tried out this idli upma.

Try it out and let me know your comments.....

Ingredients:

Idly - 4-5

Onion - 1 medium

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Dry red chillies - 3-4

Hing - a pinch

Turmeric powder - a pinch

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Crumble idly using your hand and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, turmeric powder, and when they start to splutter add onion and fry till light brown.

Add the crumbled idli pieces and stir fry for few seconds.

Serve hot.

Capsicum And Baby corn Rice

2009-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Capsicum is a vegetable that comes in an exciting range of colors, like green, red, and yellow. capsicum stimulates stomach secretions and improve digestion. By helping lower triglycerides, the vegetables helps keep cholesterol in control. Regular consumption of capsicum help the body fight against obesity. capsicum is a important source of vitamin A and vitamin c.

Corn is rich in a variety of essential nutrients like vitamin B1 which is useful in the metabolism of carbohydrates, vitamin B5 which help in psychological functions. vitamin c and is also rich in folate which helps in the generation of new cells. Since corn contains a good amount of fiber, it helps in lowering the cholesterol level along with helping in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

It will taste yummy and it will be delicious. It is very easy to make and healthy too. Try it out and let me know your comments........

Ingredients:

Capsicum - 1/2 cup

Baby corn - 1/4 cup

Basmati rice - 1 cup cooked

Cloves - 1

Cinnamon - 1

Bay leaf - 1

Chilli- garlic sauce - 2 tblspn

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tblspn

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Heat oil add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon,cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, capsicum, baby corn and fry till fully cooked.

Then add salt, cooked rice, chilli-garlic sauce and cook on high heat for 5-10 min.

Serve with raita.

Cauliflower And Capsicum Stir Fry

2009-07-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to prevent colon health and can even help prevent cancer. Cauliflower also contain vitamin c and folate. Folate helps the blood work more efficiently and is recommended for preventing anemia. Cauliflower is a blood and liver detoxifier. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, phosphorous and vitamin B.

It is very healthy and easy stir fry. It will not take so much time. It is very easy too make....

This is one of my hubby favorite recipe. so I am sharing with all of you.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower - 1 medium

Capsicum - 1/2 cup sliced (red,green,yellow)

Onion - 1 medium (cut into cubes)

Chilli-garlic sauce - 2 tbsp ( I used store bought bottle)

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

In a pan bring water to boil then add cauliflower florets and leave it for 10 min. Then drain water and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, onion and till onion becomes light brown.

Then add capsicum and fry till it become crispy.

Then add cauliflower florets, salt and stir fry on high heat for 10-15 min.

Finally add chilli-garlic sauce and cook for another 10 min.

Serve with rice or bread.

Palak Kolambhu

2009-07-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Cooked spinach is an excellent source of iron, mineral that it particularly important for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency. Spinach is a green vegetable that is cheap and affordable by all. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Spinach offers a wide range of benefits to most of our physiological processes, whether taken raw or cooked.

This is first time i tried but it came out very yummy and become very favorite for my hubby. Try it out and let me know your comments ...............

Ingredients:

Palak - 1 bunch or 1 packet

Moong dal - 1/2 cup boiled and mashed

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

coriander powder - 2 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies - 2-3

Curry leaves - 3-4

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

To paste:

Coconut grated - 2 tblspn

Green chillies - 2

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Black pepper - 1 tsp

Method:

In a blender add grated coconut, green chillies, cumin seeds, black pepper and grind it into smooth paste.

Finely chop the palak leaves, onion and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, curry leaves, onion, and fry it till light brown.

Then add finely chopped tomato, and cook till tomato becomes soft.

Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder, mix well and cook till raw smell goes off.

Then add chopped palak and fry well and add salt and water and cook for 5-10 min.

Then add boiled mashed dal and cook till palak leaves cooked well.

Then add tamarind paste & mix well and cook for 15 min.

Finally add grounded paste and cook for 5-10 min.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Spaghetti In Tomato Sauce

2009-07-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Regular consumption of whole grain foods is associated with a coronary disease risk reduction of about 26 percent. In general, soluble fiber, such as that found in oats, is most often linked to reductions in cholesterol levels.

Whole grains contain high amounts of insoluble fiber. It is best for breakfast or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and healthy too.

Try it out and let me know......

Ingredients:

Spaghetti - 8 ounces cooked in salt water and drained

Onion - 1 medium

garlic - 2 pods

Dry red chillies - 4-5

Mixed vegetable - 1/2 cup

Baby corn - 1/4 cup

Spring onion - 1-2

Spaghetti sauce - 3-4 tblspn

Bell pepper - 1/2 cup (red,green,yellow)

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

In a large skillet heat oil add garlic, dry red chillies and stir fry for 30 sec.

Add onion fry till light brown and add bell peppers and fry till crispy.

Then add baby corn, mixed vegetable, salt and cook till tender.

Then add spaghetti sauce and mix well and cook for 5 min.

Finally add pasta, spring onion stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Serve hot.

Snow Peas Stir Fry

2009-07-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Snow peas and other green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They are good source of folic acid and also good source of vitamin B6. Therefore the folic acid and vitamin B6 in green peas are supportive of cardiovascular health as well.

They are very rich in vitamin and mineral.

Try out this recipe and let me know..............

Ingredients:

Snow Peas - 1 packet

Onion - 1 medium

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Wash the snow peas and chop to fine pieces.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, Onion and fry till onion turns brown then add chopped snow peas.

Add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder and salt to taste. Mix well simmer and cook till snow peas cooked fully.

Serve with rice or roti.

Happy eating!!!

Masala Idly

2009-07-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Left over Idly - 5

Onion - 2 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Ginger - small inch

Green chillies - 1

Hing - a pinch

Turmeric powder - 1/2 pinch

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 3-4

Salt to taste

Water - 2 cup

Method:

Cube the idlies into small pieces and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, Onion and fry till onion turns light brown and then add green chillies and ginger and fry for few min.

Then add tomato pieces, chilly powder, turmeric powder and cook till tomatoes become soft and raw smell goes off.

Then add water, salt and bring to boil and add the idli pieces and cook till water absorbed by the idli pieces.

Then add garam masala and fry for few min.

Finally garnish with coriander leaves.

Egg Plant Curry

2009-07-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Brinjal is one of the most easily available and affordable vegetable. Brinjal can be cooked in many different ways and provides many essential nutrients that are needed for overall well- being of the body. It is a very good source of potassium and contains high content of water and fiber.

Eating brinjal is good for the overall health of a person as it is an effective way of maintaining optimum cholesterol level in the body.

Do try this and let me know how it turns out.......

Ingredients:

Brinjal - 1 big

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 2 medium

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 4-5

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

To Paste:

Frozen coconut - 2 tblspn

Roasted groundnut powder - 2 tblspn

Poppy seeds - 2 tsp

Pearl Onion - 5-6

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 2 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder - 3 tsp

Method:

Grind all the ingredients in (to paste) into smooth paste. Keep aside.

Heat oil and cut into thin strips and fry brinjals strips for few min. Once the brinjals are ready apply the grounded paste into the brinjals.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, onion and fry till onion turns brown.

Then add tomatoes and when the tomatoes become soft add the brinjals, salt and cook in medium heat for few min.

Then add water and cover with a lid and cook till brinjal is cooked well.

Finally add tamarind paste and cook till raw smell goes off.

Serve hot with rice or roti.

This recipe goes to Sanghi's FIL Brinjal event.

Spaghetti With Veggies

2009-07-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Whole wheat pasta is made from whole-grain wheat flour. Although not enriched with vitamins as semolina is, whole-wheat pasta contains 7 g of fiber and 8g of protein per serving. Pasta is a good source of energy. It also contains a very small amount of vitamin B9. It is a good vegan source of protein and iron.

Try out this recipe and let me know...........

Ingredients:

Whole wheat spaghetti - 8 ounces cooked in salt water and drained

Crushed red pepper - 1 tsp

Onion - 1/2 medium

Mixed vegetable - 1/2 cup

Capsicum - 1/2 cup (green,red,yellow)

Spring onion - 2-3 sprigs

Garlic - 2 tbsp

Black pepper powder - 2-3 tsp ( acc to ur spice level)

Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Method:

In a large skillet heat oil add garlic and crushed red pepper and stir fry for 30 sec.

Add onion and fry till light brown and add red,green, yellow peppers, and fry till crispy.

Then add mixed vegetable and add black pepper and salt and cook till tender.

Then add pasta and spring onion stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Serve hot.

Simple Chicken Curry

2009-07-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Chicken breast - 2 pieces

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 1/2

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Curd - 1 tablespoon

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Clean and cut the chicken to medium size pieces.

Heat oil add chopped onions and fry till light brown and add ginger-garlic paste and fry till its brown.

Add chicken pieces, turmeric,salt and cook on high for a min.

Then add chopped tomatoes and add chilly powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and saute well so that its mixed well in chicken.

Finally add curd and cup of water and cook on high till the gravy thickens.

Serve hot with rice or roti.

Methi Roti And Tomato Chutney

2009-07-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Fenugreek is an herb that is commonly found in mediterranean region. Both the seeds and leaves are used for culinary spice. Fenugreek seeds contain protein, vitamin c, niacin, potassium... It is Indian ayurvedic medicine recommend to cure arthritis, asthma, improve digestion,.. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepare food, or they can be consumed with water or curd if you have stomach pain or stomach problems.. It is very good for health and healthy too. Try it out and let me know.....

Here goes my recipe.....

Ingredients:

Wheat flour - 1 1/2 cup

Methi leaves - 1 packet ( I used frozen)

Onion - 1/2 medium

Curd - 2 tablespoon

Red chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Warm water

Oil

Method:

Fry methi leaves in a kadai with little oil till it reduces in volume. In the same pan add little oil add onion and fry till it becomes light brown.

In a large bowl add wheat flour, salt, fried onion, turmeric powder, garam masala, chilly powder, coriander powder, cumin, curd, oil and mix well.

Add required warm water to make a soft dough. Make equal sized balls and roll to thin rotis.

Heat dosai tawa and add little oil and roast the rotis .

Serve with tomato chutney or any sabzi.

Coconut,Mango,Chick Peas Sundal

2009-07-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Chick peas is also called garbanzo beans. This recipe is very easy to make and healthy too. Chick peas have more health benefits and it is very good for health. Try it out and let me know.......

Ingredients:

Chick peas - 1 cup

Coconut - 1 tablespoon

Mango - 1/2

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies - 2

Hing - a pinch

Curry leaves - 2-3

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Soak chick peas over night and boil it in pressure cooker for 2 whistles. Drain water from chick peas and keep aside.

Heat oil in non-stick pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, hing, curry leaves when the mustard seeds and curry leaves start to splutter add boiled chick peas, salt and mix well.

Cook on medium heat for 5 min.

Then add grated coconut and mix well. fry for 1 min.

Turn off heat and add mango pieces.

Remove from heat and serve hot.

Quinoa Veggie Upma

2009-07-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Quinoa is high in protein. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health- building nutrients.

Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous.

Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, the mineral that relaxes blood vessels.

Quinoa is not a grain, it is actually a seed and related to the spinach family. When cooked, quinoa is light, fluffy, slightly crunchy and subtly flavored.

Quinoa is easily digested for optimal absorption of nutrients.

Quinoa recipe is healthy and easy too......

Try it out and let me know.......... Here goes my recipe.....

Ingredients:

Quinoa - 1 cup

Mixed vegetable - 1/2 cup

Bell peppers - 3 colors

Onion - 1 medium

Garlic - 2 -3 pods

Basil - 10-15 leaves

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Dry red chillies - 4-5

Water - 2 cups

Chick peas - 1/4 cup ( boiled)

Black pepper powder - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan stir in quinoa and reduce heat to medium low.

Simmer uncovered for 15-20 min stirring occasionally. Cook until liquid is absorbed and quinoa are tender. Keep it covered for 10 min.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, onion and saute it till onion becomes light brown.

Then add garlic, bell peppers and fry it till crispy. Then add mixed vegetable, salt, pepper and mix well and cook for 10 min.

Then add quinoa, chick peas, and basil leaves and mix well.

Serve with coriander chutney or coconut chutney.

Creamy Vegetable Kurma

2009-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

The high levels of fiber in vegetables, the digestive system can remain healthier and more toned. Vegetables also contain high levels of water in their structures, which allow them to be generally fat free and low in calories. Eating vegetables is also quite simple for anyone to add to their diets. Try various vegetables based soups, broths and even vegetable based protein for variety and flavor. This will be very tasty and healthy too..

Try this out and let me know..... Here goes my recipe....

Ingredients:

Mixed vegetable - 1 cup

Bay leaf - 2

Cloves - 1

Cinnamon - 1

Green chillies - 1 (slited)

Saunf (sombu) - 1 tsp

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato - 1 medium

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Grated coconut - 1 tablespoon

Cashewnut - 3-4

Poppy seeds - 1 1/2 tsp

Lime juice - 1/2 lime

Salt to taste

oil

Method:

Soak poppy seeds in warm water for 10 min and grind it into smooth paste with cashewnut and grated coconut.

Heat oil add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, saunf ,onion, green chillies and fry till onion become light brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and fry till raw smell goes off.

Then add tomato pieces and cook until the tomatoes become soft and add all vegetables and mix well.

Now add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder, salt and mix well. Add 3 cups of water, coriander leaves and curry leaves.

Finally when the vegetables are cooked add the grounded paste and cook for 1o min.

At last squeeze 1/2 lime juice and switch off the heat.

Serve with rice or roti.

Tofu Mutter Curry

2009-07-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaing bone health. Green peas also serve as a very good source of folic acid and a good source of vitamin B6. It also have good source of iron. Green peas provide nutrients, including vitamin c, which are instrumental in helping to prevent the development of cancer. Peas contain so many health benefits and even tofu have more benefits. So I tried it with both peas and tofu. Try it out and don't forget to write comments.........

Ingredients:

Tofu - 15-20 cubes

Frozen peas - 1 cup

Cloves - 1

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Onion - 1 1/2 medium

Tomato puree - 1/2 cup

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tsp

Cumin powder - 1 tsp

Chaat masala - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat a tsp of oil in a non-stick pan and fry tofu cubes and keep aside.

In a blender add onions and grind it into smooth paste.

Take another pan and heat a tsp of oil and add cloves, cinnamon, ginger-garlic paste and fry for 1 min.

Then add onion paste and fry it till raw smell goes off. keep it in low flame.

Then add tomato puree and cook for 5-10 min. Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala and fry it for 10-15 min.

Now add frozen peas, salt, water and cook for another 5 more min.

Finally when it thickens add tofu cubes and cook for 10-15 min.

Serve with rice or roti.

Egg White Veggie Omelet

2009-07-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Egg whites are popular due to their high protein and low cholesterol content. Just eating egg whites for breakfast will keep your weight down. It is easy and healthy too. Try it out and Let me know...

Ingredients:

Egg white - 2 eggs

Onion - 1/4

Tomato - 1/4

Mixed vegetables - 1/4 cup ( I used Frozen)

Coriander leaves - 3-4 sprigs

Spring onion - 1/2

Black pepper powder - 1 tsp

Ghee - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

In a small bowl add mixed vegetable, salt and microwave it for 5 min.

In a bowl beat the egg white with salt and pepper.

Then add chopped onion, tomato, coriander leaves,spring onion, little pepper and mix well.

Heat oil in a ghee and pour the egg mixture. Cook until both the sides are golden brown.

Then keep egg omelet in plate and add boiled vegetables and drizzle some black pepper powder and roll it.

Serve hot for breakfast with coffee or tea.

I am sending this recipe to Show Me Your Omelette event hosted by Divya of Dilse blog.

Crispy Kara dosa

2009-07-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of the interesting Dosa which I often make at home. It will be so crispy and spicy too. It is one of the easy dosas and nice variation from normal dosas. You can serve this Dosa without any chutney or sambar. Read this recipe and give a try and let me know how it comes.

Here goes my recipe...

Ingredients:

Dosa batter

Dry chilly paste - 5-6 ( soak dry chillies in warm water for 15-20 min and grind it with lime juice, salt and fry it in oil for 2-3 min)

Method:

Make dosas and apply the dry chilly paste and keep dosas in tawa for 2 min.

Crispy Kara Dosa is ready to eat :)

Happy Eating !!!

My 100th Post - Chicken Biriyani (Spicy, Layered, Yummy!)

2009-07-01T11:38:00.001-07:00

Briyani is one of the rich and delicious dish. I am bored of usual rice, sambar so last sunday I decided to make a delicious lunch for us. I like spicy food very much so I decided to make something very spicy and yummy. Now coming to this recipe it is a long process of briyani but it will be very tasty and yummy.

I got this recipe from my friend. She patiently explained each and every step in detail. Try it out and don't forget to write comments....

Here goes my recipe....

Ingredients: (serves 2)

To Marinate:

Chicken - 2-3 breast pieces

Coriander leaves - 1/2 bunch

Mint leaves - 3-4

Ginger - 1 inch

Garlic - 2-3 pods

Green chillies - 1

Curd - 1-2 tablespoon

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

To paste:

Red Onion - 1/2 sliced

Grated coconut or dry coconut - 3-4 tsp ( I used grated coconut)

Bay leaf - 1

Cloves - 1

Cardamom - 1

Black pepper - 1 tsp

Cinnamon - 1 small inch

For Gravy:

Chilly powder - 3 tsp (according to ur spice level)

Diced Tomato - 2 big

For cooking chicken:

Bay leaf - 1

Cloves - 1

Cinnamon - 1

Black pepper - 1 tsp

Diced onion - 1/2

For garnishing:

Coriander leaves - 3-4 sprigs

Cashew nuts - 4-5 (optional)

For cooking rice:

Bay leaf - 1

Cloves -1

Cinnamon -1

Black pepper - 4-5

Sliced onion - 1/2

Ghee or butter - 1 tsp

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Method:

For Marinating Chicken :

Step 1 :

Clean and wash the chicken and cut into big pieces.

In a blender add Coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, mint leaves, green chillies and grind it to smooth paste.

In a large bowl add this grounded mixture, little salt, Curd, turmeric powder and combine all these and marinate with chicken pieces for 2 hours or overnight. ( I marinated for only 2 hr).

Step 2 :

Heat oil in a non-stick pan add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and fry till the onion become dark brown. Remove from heat. Then heat little oil and fry coconut and keep aside. Let it cool.

Add this to blender by adding little water and grind it to smooth paste.

Step 3 :

Heat oil in a pan add chilly powder fry for sec and then add diced tomatoes.

When the tomatoes become soft add grounded mixture. once the mixture gets good color and start leaving oil and turn off the flame.

Step 4:

Cooking chicken:

Take another pan heat some oil add bay leaves , cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and diced onions fry till onions turns pinkish.

Then add marinated chicken stir it nicely and then put lid on it and keep it for 3-4 min so that chicken will be cooked in that time.

Then open the lid and sprinkle little water and cook the chicken without lid so that its bad smell goes off.

This would look as a green gravy. Once the chicken is cooked add the step 3 gravy and mix well and cook chicken for 10-15 min. It will become nice red color and starts leaving oil from sides.

The Chicken gravy should be little dry for making briyani. Keep it in medium flame stir it continuously so that the water gets evaporates.

Step 5:

Cooking rice:

Wash the rice and soak it in warm water for half an hour. (You can do things simultaneously like after marinating the chicken).

After half an hour drain the water completely from rice and keep aside.

Heat a tsp of ghee in a heavy bottomed pan then add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, onion and fry till onion turns pinkish brown.

Then add the drained rice and stir it continuously so that the rice become lite and start leaving each other.

Then add the required quantity of water and little salt and cook the rice covered for 10-15 min.

Final Step :

First apply some ghee to the non-stick pan add half of the cooked rice into it. Then add coriander leaves , cashew nuts, and half tsp ghee.

Then add the entire chicken gravy and then again put the remaining cooked rice with coriander leaves, cashew nut and little ghee and add 1-2 tsp of water in it.

Then put the lid and keep the pan in low flame for about 15-20 min.

Yummy briyani is ready !!!

Serve with Chicken fry or raita.

Tofu Veggies

2009-07-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

Tofu is a good source of protein, specifically soy protein, as well as numerous other nutrients necessary for good health. Tofu is also good source of iron. Soy is often recommended as an alternative for meat in low-fat diets. Soy Milk can be used in milk shakes, corn flakes.. etc.,

Tofu is a good source of dietary calcium, protecting against bone weakness, loss, osteoporosis and many.. It has so many health benefits. So try out it this recipe and don't forget to write comments.

Ingredients:

Tofu cubes - 10-15

Beans - 1/2 cup

Capsicum - 1/2 cup ( Red, yellow or green)

Carrot - 1/2 cup

Tomato - 3 Med

Onion - 1 med

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Red chilly powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Soya sauce - 1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Water - 1 cup

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry tofu cubes and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal and cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter add onions, ginger-garlic paste and fry till light brown. Then add capsicum and fry till crunchy.

Now add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilly powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt and mix well and allow to cook to medium heat for 2-3 min. Allow to cook on medium heat until tomatoes become soft.

Then add cup of water, soy sauce and mix well. Cook well on medium heat for 5-10 min.

Serve with rice or chapati.

Sambar Idly

2009-07-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Idly - 2-3 pieces

For Sambar podi:

Red chillies - 5-6

Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp

Channa dal - 2-3 tsp

Black pepper - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 2 tsp

Dry roast it and grind it into powder.

Making Sambar:

In pressure cooker add toor dal, brinjal, tomato, onion, sambar podi, salt and pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles.

Then remove from pressure cooker and add powder ingredients according to spice level and then cook for 5-10 min.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Note:

You can store the dry powder for so many weeks.

Fruits Curd Rice

2009-06-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Curd rice and mango pickle is my favorite one. I tried out this curd rice with fruits. This is one of my favorite recipe. Curd also know as yogurt, can be described as a dairy product that is made from fermented milk. Low- fat or skim curd is good for people who are suffering from higher levels of cholesterol. Being rich in calcium, curd is good for the health of bones as well as the teeth. Eating yogurt on a regular basis can help you absorb the nutrients in other food as well. Curd has high vitamin and calcium contents with protein. Try it out and let me know..

Ingredients:

Cooked rice - 1/2 cup

Fresh curd - 2 tablespoon

Coriander leaves - 2-3 sprigs

Curry leaves - 3-4

Hing - a pinch

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Ginger - 1 inch

Seedless grapes - 1/2 cup

Raspberries - 5-6

Strawberries - 3-4

Salt to taste

Method:

Cook rice and spread the boiled rice on a plate and allow it to cool.

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, urad dal, hing, ginger when they start to splutter add curry leaves.

Remove from the flame and pour this on rice and mix well.

Then add curd, salt, coriander leaves and fruits to the rice and mix well.

Serve warm or cold with any pickle.

Mango Kolukattai

2009-06-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Every year for Vinayaka chathurthi, we will make kolukattai recipe. This recipe is very easy to make and tasty too. We can use ready made rice flour available in Indian grocery store. I tried this recipe little differently with mango stuffings. Try this and let me know..

Ingredients:

Rice flour - 1 cup

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

For filling :

mango - 1 (cut into cubes)

Jaggery - 1/2 tbsp grated

Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp

Oil - 1 tsp

Method:

Chop mango pieces into cubes and keep aside.

Heat a tsp of oil and add mango cubes and little water and cook till it becomes soft.

Then add grated jaggery and cook till it thickens and finally add cardamom powder and turn off heat and let it cool.

Take a cup of rice flour and add salt to it and luke warm water to it and form a dough. Dough should be little soft.

Grease your hands with little oil and take a lemon size flour dough and flatten them with your hands to a little circle. Now place a tsp of filling in the center and seal all the edges.

Finally place all the kolukattais in the idly cooker and steam it for about 10-15 min.

Kolukattai is ready to serve.

This recipe is on the way to "Srivalli's MangoMela"

Spicy Maggi Noodles

2009-06-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my mom used to make noodles with lots of veggies. I used to love eating very spicy foods. It is very easy and tasty breakfast and even you can make for dinner. Maggi noodles is my all time favorite. I hope you all will try out this recipe and let me know..

Ingredients:

Maggi noodles - 1 pkg

Onion - 1 medium

Turmeric powder - 1/2 pinch

Red chilly powder - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Heat 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to boil and add 1 tsp of oil and little salt.

Then add noodles packet in water and cook it for 7 min, till the noodles are fully cooked. Spread the cooked noodles in plate and drizzle some oil so that it don't sticks.

Heat oil in a pan and add onions and fry till onion become light brown.

Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder and salt and cook till raw smell goes off.

Finally mix the cooked noodles to the onion and adjust salt and mix with fork. Cook in high flame for 2 min.

Garnish with masala maker.

Serve hot.

Note:

You can also add the mixed veggies to the noodles.

Puliyogare, Tamarind Rice

2009-06-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Puliyogare is made with tamarind paste and spice powder. It is mostly taken as travel food. Whenever I bored of making sambar, rasam, and curries it is best and variety food for lunch. Here comes my recipe.... Try it out and let me know..

Ingredients:

Cooked rice - 2 cup

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Red chillies - 5

Channa dal - 1 tbsp

Ground nut - 2 tbsp

Tamarind - Lemon size

Hing - a pinch

Salt to taste

Oil

To powder:

Channa dal - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 2 tsp

Sesame seeds - 2 tsp

Fenugreek - 1 tsp

Red chillies - 3-4

Curry leaves - 2-3

Coriander seeds - 1 tsp

Method:

Cook rice and spread it over a big bowl and drizzle some oil so that it don't sticks together.

Dry roast all ingredients for the powder and grind it once it is cool.

Heat oil in a pan and add Mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, hing and groundnut.

Then add tamarind paste and salt to the above and add required amount of water to boil.

Once its boiled well add the powder and cook well for 10 min on low flame on sim till oil comes out. Once its done, mix it to the rice and adjust salt.

Chayote Squash Curry

2009-06-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Chayote squash is a member of squash family. It is also called as chocho. This recipe is easy to make and tastes so good. This can be served with rice or roti. Give a try and post your comments.

Ingredients:

ChowChow - 4

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 5-6

Onion - 1

Tomato - 1

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Wash and peel the squash and cut into cubes and pressure cook for 2 whistles.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves when they start to splutter add onion and saute till light brown.

Then add salt, turmeric powder,squash and cook for 5 min.

Then add chilly powder, coriander powder and keep it in low and cook for 5 min.

Finally add a cup of water and allow it to cook in low flame.

Serve with rice or roti.

Baby Potato Fry

2009-06-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Potatoes are an excellent source of almost every essential vitamins and minerals. If the potatoes are either mashed, baked or roasted people often consider potatoes as comfort food.

Potatoes are rich source of vitamin c, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. They are low in sodium, nearly fat-free and easy to digest. Potatoes make nice food for diabetes because they help to control blood sugar levels.

Potato is my all time favorite. I made this potatoes with tamarind paste.

Here goes my recipe...

Ingredients:

Baby Potatoes - 10-15

Onion - 1

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - a pinch

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 4-5

Salt to taste

Method:

Boil baby potatoes and chop into two pieces.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, curry leaves, urad dal when they start splutter add onions and little salt and fry till onions become brown color.

Then add boiled potato pieces and tamarind paste and mix well for 5 min in medium flame.

Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder and mix well.

Cook it in low flame for 15-20 min.

Serve with rice.

Pasta In Tomato Puree

2009-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Pasta is an Italian dish. Pasta is very healthy food and this dish is very easy to prepare. Enriched pasta provide an excellent source of folic acid and a good source of other essential nutrients, including iron and several vitamin-B. This recipe can be made spicy according to our spice level. Try it out and let me know...

Ingredients:

Garlic - 3-4 minced

Dry red chillies - 3-4

Tomato puree - 1 cup

Pasta - 1 cup

Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Basil leaves - 5-6

Salt to taste

Method:

Bring the water to boil and add the salt. When the water returns to boil, throw in the pasta and stir occasionally. Cook on medium heat for 10-15 min. Drain and spread the pasta in big plate and drizzle some oil so that it don't sticks.

Heat the oil in non-stick pan over medium heat and saute the garlic, and fry it till light brown and add dry chillies and saute it for 1 min.

Allow to simmer until the tomatoes have reduced and separated from the oil. Keep in low flame for 10-15 min.

Then add Pasta into the sauce and mix well and keep it for 5-10 min.

Finally add Basil leaves and serve hot.

Grilled Chicken Breast

2009-06-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's so easy and versatile, and tried it also with salmon. It came out yummy. We will like to eat this as a starter dish. Try it out and let me know...

Ingredients:

Boneless skinless chicken breast - 2 pieces(slited on both sides)

Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tbsp

Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Lime juice - 1 lime big

Garlic & Herb blend seasoning - 3 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Wash the chicken breast pieces and give slit on both sides and place it in Ziploc bag.

In a small bowl combine, lemon, turmeric powder, chilly powder, ginger-garlic paste, garlic & herb blend seasoning, extra virgin olive oil and salt and pour over chicken pieces.

Marinate chicken pieces for 2 -3 hrs.

Preheat the grill for about 375 degree and reduce heat to medium. Place chicken pieces on grill rack over heat.

Serve hot.

Raw Plantain Fry

2009-06-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Plantain - 2 medium

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Idly sambar podi - 2 tsp

Asafoetida - a pinch

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 1/2 tsp

salt to taste

Oil

Method:

For sambar podi:

Red chillies - 4-5

Coriander seeds - 1 tablespoon

Channa dal - 2 tsp

Pepper corns - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Heat tsp of oil and roast all ingredients and grind it into powder.

Heat a non-stick pan add 1 tablespoon of oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal fry until urad dal turns golden brown.

Then add turmeric powder and tamarind paste to it.

In a small bowl mix sambar podi with salt and little water and make as a powder paste.

Now add the sliced plantain cover and cook over medium heat.

Finally add powder paste and cook for 10 min in low flame.

Serve with rice.

Coconut Chutney

2009-06-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is classified as functional food because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutrition content.

Coconut juice, milk, cream and the coconut flesh are healthy beneficial to your health. The coconut is used to make soups, stews, curries,dessert and drinks.

Coconut flesh,water,milk or cream is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Coconut increases the metabolic rate of the body, which means that energy is consumed faster and excess body weight is burned off. Coconut prevents weight and obesity problems by speeding up the metabolism. It is also used as a beauty agent. Coconut helps to protect from kidney disease, liver disease etc., It has many benefits and very healthy too.

Ingredients:

Coconut grated - 1/2 cup ( Fresh or frozen)

Dalia dal (potukadalai) - 1/4 cup

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Green chillies - 3-4

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Asoefetida (hing) - a pinch

Curry leaves - 4-5

Salt to taste

Method:

In a blender add frozen coconut and keep in microwave for 15 min.

Then add dalia dal, green chillies, tamarind paste and grind it without adding water for 1 min.

Add a cup of warm water and grind it into smooth paste.

For tempering: Heat a tsp of oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves and fry for few sec on low heat.

Finally add a pinch of hing and pour the tempering on top of the chutney. Mix and serve.

Hummus Salad And Strawberry Banana Soyshake

2009-06-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hummus is a natural, vegan food that can be a part of virtually any diet. Chick peas are good source of cholesterol lowering fiber, as are most other beans. When combined with whole grains such as rice, chick peas provides virtually fat-free high quality protein.

In addition to its beneficial fiber on the digestive system and the heart, soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, beans like chick peas can really help you balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy.

Salad is a mixture of fruits and vegetables with dressing or even without dressings and bread croutons are also added. Some salads include pasta, fish, cheese, etc., Leafy vegetable form an integral part of salads, due to their crisp nature, brightness and appealing nature.

Vegetables are good source of antioxidants and are low in calories and are highly suitable for weight loss diets. There are many nutrition benefits of salads but now here comes from recipe.......

Ingredients:

Romaine Lettuce - 1 cup

Strawberry - 3-4

Banana - 1/2 sliced

Grape tomatoes - 5-6

White onion - 3-4 pieces sliced

Multi grain croutons - 4-5 pieces

Hummus - 4-5 tsp

Method:

Wash lettuce, strawberry,grape tomatoes, onion and keep aside.

In a medium bowl add all the ingredients except banana and hummus.

While serving add banana and hummus on top of it.

Serve with Milkshake, Smoothies or cup of coffee or tea.

This lovely Breakfast recipe goes to Show me the Breakfast event hosted by Divya of Dilse blog.

Mini Puttu

2009-06-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Puttu is all time favorite for everyone. It is common breakfast in Kerala. It is made up of rice flour and lot of coconuts. I made puttu by using Idly mould. It came out very soft and tasty.

Here comes my recipe......

Ingredients:

Rice flour - 1 cup

Grated coconut - 1/2 cup

Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp

Sugar - 5-6 tsp

Salt - a pinch

Ghee - 1 tsp

Method:

Dry roast the rice flour for about 2 min.

In a bowl mix salt in water and add the water little by little to the rice flour. You should be careful while mixing water in the flour. It should not change like dough.

It should be in a powdered form wet enough to steam.

Take a small round shape cup and add little coconut and then the rice flour and just press it in your hand and invert the bowl and tap it slightly.

Transfer the puttu to the Idly mould.

Cook for 10-15 min and then garnish with ghee, little coconut and cardamom powder.

Serve warm.

Grilled Salmon

2009-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Salmon is a highly nutritious food. It is high in protein. Fish contain a type of essential fatty acid called the Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being an excellent source of Omega-3 , salmon are an excellent source of selenium, a very good source of protein, niacin and vitamin B12, and a good source of phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B6.

It include cardio vascular health, muscle and tissue development , eye care, effective body metabolism, etc., The protein from salmon are easy digestible and easy absorbed into the body.

Again, the Omega-3 fatty acids and amino fatty acids and prevent macular degeneration, dryness, loss of vision and fatigue of eyes. It is a proven fact that people who eats fishes regularly will have great strength... Here goes my recipe.....

Ingredients:

Salmon - 2-3 pieces

Lime or Lemon - 1 big

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Black pepper - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Garlic & Herb blend seasoning - 3 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil - 4 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Wash the fish pieces and give 2-3 slit on both sides.

In a small bowl combine, lemon, black pepper,turmeric powder,chilly powder, ginger-garlic paste,garlic & herb blend seasoning, extra virgin olive oil and salt.

Marinate fish pieces with this liquid for atleast 2-3 hr.

Preheat the grill for about 375 degree and reduce heat to medium. Place salmon fillets on grill rack over heat.

Serve Grilled salmon with corn salad or with rice.

Okra Dry Pepper Curry

2009-06-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is a very spicy dish but you can alter according to your spice level. Okra is my favorite one. Okra will protect you from pimples and maintain smooth and beautiful skin so I use to eat lots of Okra. It has so many health benefits. I think you all know about Okra benefits so here is my recipe....

Ingredients:

Okra - 10-20

Onion - 1

Garlic - 3-4 pods

Dry chilli paste - 3 tsp (as u like it)[ Soak chillies in warm water & grind it with lime water]

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Pepper powder - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat oil add onion fry till light brown and then add garlic & fry for 1 min.

Then add dry chilli paste and stir it for 2 min.

Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, okra and mix it well.

Now drizzle some water and mix gently and let it cook fully.

Finally add pepper powder and mix well. Turn of the heat.

This recipe goes well with rice or roti.

Spinach Pan Roll

2009-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Spinach leaves are very good for health and healthy too. Normally I make Idly, dosa, sandwich, pasta... for breakfast and so bored of making usual things always and I tried to make something new . I made this recipe with all-purpose wheat flour. Sure it will satisfy your taste buds.

Here goes my recipe....

Ingredients:

All-purpose(wheat flour) - 1 cup

Egg - 1

Milk - 1/2 cup

Sugar - 1 tablespoon

Butter - 1 tsp

Salt - a pinch

Filling:

Spinach leaves - 1 cup (frozen)

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

For filling:

Heat oil in a pan add spinach leaves and fry till the amount of spinach reduced considerably.

let the spinach cook in its own moisture and no need to add any water.

Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder and salt and cook till raw smell goes off.

Turn off the heat and let it cool.

How to make roll:

In a bowl add flour, egg, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt and make a thin batter.

Heat butter in non-stick pan and add batter and make like dosai or wrapper.

Lay your wrapper in a plate. Take about a tablespoon of filling and lay on top near the bottom end of the wrapper. Form into a log shape as big as your finger.

Fold the bottom end over slightly tugging your filling down so it would be wrapped tightly.

Start rolling up.

Cut it into pieces and serve with hot cup of coffee.

This recipe goes to Show me the Breakfast

Spicy Poondu Chutney

2009-06-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Garlic is very good for health. It is best for easy digestion. It is very spicy chutney. Whenever I feel lazy to make chutney in that time I will make this chutney. It is very easy to make. I made this poondu chutney yesterday and very well goes with dosai or Idly. Hope you all will try and let me know...

Ingredients:

Dry red chillies - 10

Garlic - 3

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Soak the dry red chillies in warm water for 15 min.

In the blender add red chillies, garlic , salt and grind it into smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal when they start to splutter pour this to chutney.

Serve with Idly or Dosai.

kadambam chutney

2009-06-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Nutritional value of Pearl onion :

Onions are low in calorie and high in energy. Research shows that eating half an onion a day increases the "good kind" of cholesterol, increases circulation, prevents blood clot and lower blood pressure. onion offers an excellent source vitamin A, vitamin c, potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber. Onion contain no fat and no cholesterol.

Pearl onion will give good flavor for food. Whenever I make dosai or Idly I will make this chutney because it very healthy and easy too. Here is the recipe......

Ingredients:

Pearl onion - 1 cup

Tomato - 1 small

Garlic - 1 pod

Dry red chillies - 4

Hing - a pinch

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Method:

Heat oil in a pan add little urad dal, garlic,dry red chillies and onion fry till it turns light brown.

Then add hing, tomato and fry till tomato turns soft.

Grind these fried ingredients with salt and make a coarse chutney. Add water while grinding.

Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and urad dal when this splutter pour this to chutney.

Mint-Coriander Rice

2009-06-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

Mint is a refreshing herb that has a cooling effect on body. It can be used as mouth wash or mouth freshener. Mint has been enjoyed for its wonderful aroma, its great taste, and its healing power. Mint has many health benefits. Mint is well know for its ability to sooth the digestive track and reduce the severity and length of stomach aches. Mint has more medicinal benefits. It is used to make tea, juice, rice....

Coriander leaves aids in digestion and provides relief in gas trouble. People suffering from low haemoglobin are advised to consume coriander juice as it increase your blood count.

Here goes the Mint-coriander rice recipe.......

Ingredients:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Mint leaves - 2 bunches

Onion - 1/2

Coriander leaves - 1 bunches

Roasted peanuts - 1/4 cup

Ginger - 1 inch

Green chillies - 2-3

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Cook the rice and spread rice in plate with little oil so that it don't sticks each other.

In a blender add greenchillies, ginger, mint leaves and coriander leaves and grind it into smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, and onion and fry till the onion become brown.

Then add grounded paste and salt and fry till raw smell goes off.

Finally add cooked rice and mix well.

Healthy Food

2009-06-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

For people who wants to eat healthy breakfast can have this type of food. Breakfast and dinner should be lite and lunch should be heavy. This is very easy to make and very healthy food. It is made with milk, walnuts and berries. Walnuts are one of the best source of protein. They are rich in vitamin, fiber, magnesium, antioxidants. Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amount of Omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts.

Its fully loaded with nutrition and sure its comforting and satisfying meal. Here goes the recipe.........

Ingredients:

Milk - 1 cup

Walnuts - 1/2 cup

Wild blueberries - 1/2 cup

Raspberries - 1/2 cup

Organic Agave or sugar - 2 tsp ( I used Agave)

Method:

Microwave milk for 2 min.

Then add washed walnuts, Blueberries and raspberries.

Finally add 2 tsp of agave or Sugar.

Lima Beans In Tomato Puree

2009-06-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Lima beans are sometimes called "butter beans" because of their starchy yet buttery texture, lima beans have a delicate flavor that compliment a wide variety of dishes. Lima beans are very good source of cholesterol- lowering fiber, as are most other legumes. When combined with whole grains such as rice, lima beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. This lima beans curry goes very well with roti or even with rice. Here goes the recipe........

Ingredients:

Lima beans - 1/2 packet (I used frozen one)

Onion - 1 medium

Tomato puree - 1 cup

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Hing - a pinch

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Ginger- garlic paste - 1 tsp

Red chilli powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves - 2 sprigs

Tamarind paste - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Boil lima beans for 5-10 min and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, when they start to splutter add hing, ginger-garlic paste, onion and turmeric powder and fry until onions turns brown color.

Then add tomato puree, red chilly powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, tamarind paste and salt and cook till the raw smell goes off.

Then add lima beans and water and cook till the lima beans becomes soft and coated well with the masalas.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with rice or roti.

Tomato Basil Soup

2009-06-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tomato is a natural antiseptic therefore it help protect against infection. Tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol. A large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and color. It is a good blood purifier. Tomatoes which are actually fruit and not a vegetable, are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body.

A terrific warming soup for the winter month. This makes a thick and creamy soup. A fresh tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes and basil. Its healthy and very tasty too.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

Onion - 1 medium

Garlic - 1 pod

Tomatoes - 4-5

Tomato paste - 1 tsp (optional)

Fresh basil - 5-6

Salt and pepper - 2 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tsp

Method:

Chop the onions and fresh tomatoes into small pieces and finely chop the garlic and keep aside.

Heat oil in a non-stick pan and add garlic together with onion.

When the onion has softened a little then add tomatoes and cook till it becomes soft and then add basil leaves.

Cover the pan with the lid and leave to simmer on low heat for 30 min. Switch off heat.

Once its cool, grind to a smooth paste. Add more water if required, then season it with salt and pepper. Bring to boil and remove.

This taste absolutely yummy!

Healthy eating!!

Peanut chutney

2009-06-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Peanuts - 4 tablespoon

Coconut - 2 tsp grated

Tamarind paste - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies - 4

Salt to taste

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Garlic - 1 pod

Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tsp

Method:

Heat little oil and roast the peanuts and dry red chillies.

Then add tamarind paste, coconut, garlic, salt together to the blender to form a smooth paste.

Heat oil add mustard seeds and urad dal and pour this into chutney.

Serve with idly or dosai.

Mixed fruit panchamirtham

2009-06-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Panchamirtham is sold as a prasadam in Palani Murugan temple. I am a great fan of panchamirtham. When I was a kid, after praying to god i will directly go to prasadam shop to buy panchamirtham. It is a very good dessert. It is basically done with banana and dates. Dates being rich in natural fibers. Since dates get digested very easily. Adding dates to home- baked breads, cakes,muffins and cookies add richness and nutrition to the recipe.

Mostly they will use bananas, dates and jaggery. But i used apple and grapes to increase taste.

Ingredients:

Banana - 1 big

Dates - 7-8 seedless

Apple -1

Jaggery grated - 3 tsp

Black and green grapes - 5-6 seedless

Honey - 2 tablespoon

Method:

Chop the apple and keep aside.

In a large bowl mash the dates and banana with hand.

Then add grapes, apple, Jaggery , Honey and mix them all.

Serve as a dessert and also you can store it in airtight container in refrigerator.

CHICKEN VINDALOO

2009-06-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Vindaloo is the hot curry. The basic component of a vindaloo is the vindaloo paste, the paste is the mixture of hot spices and vinegar, cooked in oil for low heat. I made this chicken curry and brown rice for dinner. I was very happy my hubby liked it so much. The chicken breasts make it very soft and melt it your mouth. It's so easy to make too.

Ingredients:

Chicken - 2 breast pieces

Dry red chillies - 4-5

Tomato - 1

Onion - 1 medium

Garlic - 4-5

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Cardamom - 1

Cloves - 1

Chilly powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Black pepper powder - 1/2 tsp

Cumin powder - 1 tsp

Vinegar - 2 tsp

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Salt to taste

Method:

Grind dry red chillies, garlic, chilly powder, cumin powder, 1/2 tomato, black pepper powder with vinegar and little water. Grind to smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan add cloves, cinnamon, onion and fry it till golden brown.

Then add the remaining tomato and add little oil fry till the tomatoes become soft.

Then add the grounded mixture and fry till the raw smell goes off.

Now add chicken pieces and mix well and cook in high flame for 5-10 min. You got to take care while you are cooking on high. Make sure the bottom doesn't get burnt.

Then add little water to cook chicken. ( If u want as a gravy you can add little more water)

Transferring the chicken to the cooker and keep it for 1 whistle.

Serve with chapati, Naan or with bread.

This recipe is goes to Viki's Potluck Chicken event.

Veggie Fruit fried rice

2009-06-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Fruits and vegetable contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. They are the natural source of energy and give the body many nutrients you need to keep going.

Fruits and veggies come in terrific colors and flavors, but their real beauty lies in what's inside. Eating in different colors give your body a wide range of valuable nutrients.

I made this colorful recipe for today's lunch. The fresh fruits gives you additional taste for the recipe.

Ingredients:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Cloves -1

Butter - 1 tsp

Cinnamon - 1 inch

Bay leaves - 1

Ginger-garlic paste - 1/4 tsp

Mix-veggie - 1/2 cup ( I used frozen peas, corn, carrot and beans)

Red capsicum - 1

Onion - 1 medium

Green chillies - 3

Raisins - 10-15

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Black and green grapes - 1/2 cup (seedless)

Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Method:

Wash and soak the basmati rice in warm water for 20 min. Then cook the rice. Spread the rice in plate with use of fork and drizzle 2 tsp of olive oil.

Heat oil in a non-stick pan add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, capsicum fry till it becomes crunchy.

Then add green chillies, ginger-garlic paste and onion and fry it till pinkish brown.

Now add the cooked vegetables and mix well and cook for 5 min.

Simultaneously heat 1 tsp of butter in a small pan add raisins, grapes and fry it for 3 min. Keep aside.

Now add cooked rice, salt in the cooked vegetables and mix gently and cook for 5 min.

Finally garnish with coriander leaves, raisins and grapes and mix for 2 min. Switch off heat.

Serve hot with hot sauce or veggie stir fry.

This rice dish is participating in Nag's Ravishing Rice event, started by Meeta.

Kothu parotta

2009-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Kothu parotta has been on my mind for ages. This is the ultimate street food you can get, in the parts of the world! This is the ultimate choice for fast food or street food. I have always had a great passion for parotta. When you walk on our streets, more in particular, the market places, you can for sure, see many parotta wala on the push carts.

I have always longed to eat in such places. But my mom always never allow to eat anything from the street or road side shop because of the hygienic conditions. I have never eaten from any such shop. So i decided to try to do on my own. One day my friend told me about kothu parotta that she had tried and it came out well. So i got recipe from her and I changed some ingredients from that and made my own.

Thanks a lot, My friend we had a lovely kothu parotta.

Ingredients:

Cloves - 2

Cinnamon - 1

Frozen parotta - 5

Onion - 1 1/2 red onion

Tomato - 1

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Coconut grated - 1/4 cup

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tblspn

chaat masala - 1/2 tsp

Tomato paste - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Method:

For kurma:

Grind coconut, chilly powder, fennel seeds and grind it to smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, onion and saute it till the onion becomes light brown. Then add tomato cook it till it becomes soft.

Then add grounded mixture , chaat masala and fry till the raw smell goes off.

Finally add 1 & 1/2 cups of water, salt and then boil nicely.

For parotta:

Heat tawa and make the parottas before you start. Tear the parottas randomly.

Heat a pan with oil. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal and when they start to splutter add onions fry well till pinkish then add ginger-garlic paste, tomato paste and fry well.

Then goes the parotta pieces. Cook on high for 2-3 mins. Then add the kurma slowly so that it gets coated well. Cover and cook for 3 min.

Check the parotta softness and add more kurma if required.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot!!!

Brown Rice Veggie Biryani

2009-06-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

For today's weekend its different than the regular curries, sambar, kurma. This weekend I made mixed-veggie brown jasmine rice biryani. "Biryani" the word conjures up images of a dish that is rich and exotic, and with more spices and flavor. When I was studying college, Biryani was my Mom's speciality, she use to do it on weekend for lunch and resulted in a delicious and heavy lunch.

Those who are vegetarians will no doubt love this recipe. It has lots of vegetables and very flavorful recipe. It is very easy to make and it will not take much time for cooking. It is also very healthy and very nutritious recipe.

Ingredients:

Brown jasmine rice - 1 cup

Butter - 1 tsp

Cloves - 2

Cinnamon - 2 inch

Bay leaves - 2

Mint leaves - 5-6

Curd - 1 tablespoon

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 2 tsp

Onion - 1 medium size sliced

Tomato - 1 big

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Pearl onion paste - 1/2 cup ( Lightly fry the small onions in oil and grind it into paste)

Mix-veggie - 1/2 packet ( I used frozen one)

Vegetable broth & water - 3 cups ( I used vegetable broth in order to bring extra taste)

Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Salt to taste.

Method:

Wash and soak the brown rice for 20 min in warm water.

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan add cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, onions. Saute till the onions become brown in color.

Then add ginger-garlic paste Fry for 1 min. Then add pearl onion paste, fry till the raw smell goes off. Then add mint leaves, curd, turmeric powder, chilly powder, and salt. Fry for 2-3 min.

Then add mix- veggie,little salt and cover and cook for 5 min in low flame.

To cook rice:

Drain the water from rice and keep the water reserved for later use.

Heat butter in a non-stick pan add bay leaves,cloves, cinnamon, and sliced onion and fry till pinkish. Then add the drained rice and fry gently so that the rice is coated well in butter and when the rice start leaving each other switch off the heat.

Take the rice cooker and mix the fried rice, and the veggie. Adjust the salt if required. Then add about 1 cup of vegetable broth and 2 cups of reserved water in which the rice was soaked. Cook till the rice is well cooked. Leave it in rice cooker for 5-10 min.

Serve hot with raita.

Healthy eating!!!

This rice dish is participating in Nag's Ravishing Rice event, started by Meeta.

Blueberry mini-pancakes

2009-06-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Pancakes are most delicious and its my favorite dish. I used like a 1/2 cup of wild blueberries for this recipe. Blueberries have more antioxidant so if we have daily for breakfast it is very good for health. I made this mini-pancakes using paniyaram pan.

Ingredients:

Pancake mix - 1 cup (I used buttermilk pancake mix)

Wild blueberry - 1/2 cup (small)

Butter - 1 tblspn

Milk - 1 cup

Egg - 1

Method:

In a bowl add egg and beat it for 2-3 min.

Then add 1 cup of milk , Pancake mix and whisk well without any lumps.

Heat paniyaram pan, leave few drops of butter in each hole, and then pour batter in each hole carefully. Keep it in low flame.

Once the mini pancakes is cooked in one side then turn it to the other side carefully using fork.

Cook till its done. Yummy mini-pancakes are ready !!

IDLY BATTER

2009-06-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Idly rice - 4 cups

Urad dal - 1 cup

Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp

Salt

Method:

Wash the idly rice and urad dal seperately.

Soak the urad dal and rice seperately in vessel with fenugreek se

eds in urad dal.

Grind the urad dal first in grinder or blender with little water. Grind it till it becomes soft and weightless. Remove it in a big vessel.

Then add rice and grind it smoothly.

Mix both in a vessel, using a spatula or hand and add salt to the batter.

Keep the batter in warm place for fermentation till it rise up.

It may take 1 day or even 1 and 1/2 days to rise up.

To make idlies:

Take a batter from refrigerator and keep it out for 10-15 min.

Grease the idly plate with oil and pour spoonful of batter. Fill all the plates with idly batter and steam it for 10-15 min.

Serve with any chutney or Idly podi.