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Jun 30, 2013

Oats Brown Rice Adai / Oats Brown Rice Lentils Crepes

Today's recipe is a South Indian Special, Adai. Adai is nothing but a thick dosa/crepes made of mixed lentils and rice. For a healthier option i tried with oats and brown rice. I am trying to include more Whole grains & fiber rich meals in our diet. I regulary take oats, cracked wheat, whole wheat, finger millets, brown rice in any form but my kids & H not comfortable so to feed them i need to txperiment, then thought to mix this whole grains with their favorite Dosa/Idly/Adai/Pulao etc. And one such experiment turned out to this crispy, yummy & healthy Adai.
Here i used Brown Basmati rice but u can use regular brown rice also but the long grain ones gives nice crispy n tasty adais. You will not find any much difference in taste to that of regular Adai. its more filling and perfect for breakfast to kick start your day. But u can very well serve for dinner. Now to the recipe...

Jun 29, 2013

Bengali Chanar Jalebi / Paneer Jalebi / Paneer Sweets

Finally am here with my SNC Event post, a brain child of Divya Pramil of You Too Can Cook in which We have two teams, the South team and the North team and every month one of the team member (both South & North) will challenge the other with an authentic recipe of their team. Being a South Indian am obviously belong to the South Team.  This month, On behalf of North Team, Chandrani challenged our South Team members with an Bengali Delight, Chanar Jalebi, an authentic sweet prepared on festive occasions. The jalebi's were made use Channa/Paneer more or less like Gulab Jamun but little rich and has great taste. This is the first time am hearing this name, tried and tasted it for the first time. Thank You Chandrani for this wonderful recipe we really loved it. Now off to the recipe..

Jun 27, 2013

Broccoli Peas Pulao using Coconut Milk / Broccoli Peas Coconut Milk Pulao

Like Potato we love Broccoli and often make recipes with it. My kids like to munch Stir fried broccoli , baked broccoli, Roasted Broccoli or simply blanched n salted one as such. This is all because of my repetitive cooking recipes with Broccoli for the blog. So a big thanks to this blogging world. Now my friends named my family as " Broccoli Family" :)
Have tried/experimented more recipes with Broccoli & here's One more addition to my Broccoli Recipes, Broccoli Peas Pulao using Coconut Milk. This is very simple pulao with bursting flavors n taste. The combo of whole Garam Masala, coconut milk & Broccoli turned out so good and a very aromatic pulao I ever made. I also added a handful of methi leaves which is one more reason for the unique flavor n taste. If you are looking for some exotic recipe with simple preparations n ingredients this is one best recipe. Even people who do not like to eat broccoli will definitely love eating it this way. Now off to the recipe...

Jun 25, 2013

Cracked Wheat Upma / Cracked Wheat Recipes

Today's recipe is a nutritional n diabetic friendly recipe, Upma using cracked wheat/Dalia/Fada. Upma are quick, simple & a saver recipe on pretty busy days. I reduced using white rava except for Rava dosa rarely and completely use this cracked wheat for upma. As this Cracked Wheat are not processed one its so healthy n rich in fiber too. This is one perfect n healthy recipe for Diabetic people. This cracked wheat surely controls/lower the sugar level, i myself experienced this during my gestational diabetes. This cracked wheat upma & cracked wheat pongal are my constant breakfast recipes on those time. Not only for diabetic people generally its good to include cracked wheat in our diet and its a great breakfast recipe choice for diet, calorie n health conscious people. Now off to the recipe...

Jun 24, 2013

Baked Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze ~ We Knead to Bake # 6

For our this month's We knead to bake, Aparna challenged us to bake Yeasted Doughnuts or Donuts. As every first Friday of June Month is Celebrated as National Doughnut Day this is apt to bake Doughnuts rights? that's what Aparna given us a Baked Version of Doughnuts recipe. Though am not much fond of doughnuts V and kids love them a lot and they really loved this fresh, buttery soft doughnuts. This time i was too late to bake them, due to one or the other reason and kept postponing but the recipe was supposed to be posted on 24th of every month, i don't want to get excuse and baked them Yesterday with severe Migraine.
So i couldn't bake them perfectly this time, because of lack of cutter the bottle lids did not worked well  and my donuts did not hold the shape well. Somehow managed to click with it but the taste and flavor was so good. My kids did not let to rest the doughnuts after dipping in chocolate glaze. you could see their finger tips on the top :) But apart from this look and shape this is a great recipe to try and a must try for donut lovers. Now off to the recipe..

Jun 22, 2013

Carrot Poriyal / Carrot Stir Fry

This is one of the simple & quickest stir fry or poriyal. I love carrots and this poriyal is my favorite, i even like to eat this with plain rice or sometimes i used to add some rice to the poriyal saute it and enjoy as Carrot Fried rice :)
You can make this carrot poriyal in jiffy just it takes only 5 minutes or less to make this yummy stir fry. Here i have made this recipe with carrots alone but you can very well combine with beans and make as Carrot Beans Poriyal. Recently i posted the recipe for Beans Poriyal, this is also a similar recipe but here i used green chilli instead chilli powder. The recipe as follows..

Ingredients
  1. Carrot     1/4 kg or 2 cups(finely chopped)
  2. Onion   1 medium (chopped)
  3. Curry leaves      1 sprig
  4. Green chilli     2 no.s(chopped)
  5. Turmeric powder       1/4 tsp or less
  6. Coconut(shredded)     1-2 tbsp or more
  7. Cilantro      1-2 tbsp(finely chopped)
  8. Salt    to taste
To Temper
  1. Oil      2 tsp
  2. Mustard seeds      1/2 tsp
  3. Chana dal/Yellow split peas    2 tsp
  4. Urad dal /White lentils        2-3 tsp


Method
  • Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard seeds when it popup, add chana dal, urad dal and fry till golden brown.
  • Then add the finely chopped onions and curry leaves saute for 1-2 minutes.
  • After that finely chopped carrot, turmeric powder and enough salt and stir well.
  • Now sprinkle 1-2 tbsp water and cook covered for 2 minutes.
  • After that open the lid and stir fry for few seconds and add shredded coconut mix well.
  • Lastly add some finely chopped cilantro and stir fry in medium high heat for few seconds.
  • That's it..Yummy Carrot Poriyal / Stir Fry Ready.



Notes:
After adding water cook covered not more than for 2-3 minutes. otherwise the carrot gets over cooked n turn mushy.
Adding coconut is optional.
Instead of green chilli u can use 1/2 -1 tsp chilli powder.
This stir fry can be served with chapathi, dosa or even as sandwich filling.


Jun 21, 2013

Carrot Paneer Kheer Recipe | Paneer Kheer with Carrots

We meet/ get to know many people in our life but very few only found to be same like us in some thoughts n characters and definitely such people will stay in our heart. I got to know such like minded people via this blogging who really luv n care for me n my space. Without the support n warm luv of my blogger frenz i could not reach this level. They never hesitate to appreciate and are my good critics of my space and it means a lot to me. Each one of my blogger friend is so special and am gifted to have them in my life.

Today one of my blogger friend, Shama Nagarajan Celebrating her birthday and as a virtual treat to her, we Priya, Manju & Divya decided to give her a surprise treat by cooking and posting a sweet/dessert recipes from her space. Shama blogs at Easy2cook recipes

Jun 18, 2013

Spiced Curd Ildy / Thayir Idli

Have You ever tried Idly with curd? I know Most of ur's answer will be "No" but this is one of my most fav lunch box recipe. yup.,i used to take podi idlis dunked in yogurt/curd for my lunch. But except me none like this combo at home or at school, my freiends never touched my box and sometimes don't even turn my side. All used to tease me, how you able to eat such combo? None of my friends touched my lunch box if it has idli & Curd, and used to treat me like a typical creature, even V won't sit near me if i have this curd idly on my plate. But i love Yogurt/Curd in any form n would like to have plain yogurt/curd with Idly, Dosa, Rotis, Upma, fruits and include it daily in my diet . And this curd idly & Curd Vada / Thayir Vada (south Indian style) is my most fav dishes. And this is a healthy & low calorie alternative for deep fried Thayir Vadai. Spiced curd idli is nothing but a podi idli dunked in plain yogurt/curd. Generally i do not add tempering to the curd but for the pics this time added tempering and it added extra taste and flavor to my favorite dish. Now am eager to know h many of u like this curd n idly combo :)

Jun 16, 2013

Mutton Biryani / Easy Mutton Biryani Recipe / Mutton Recipes

Biryani- Who doesn't love biryani?! Is there anyone who hate biryani?! guess no one will be on that list ;)  Biryani,Pulaos are one of my favorite one pot meal. Even my H & kids are very fond of biryani/Pulao. So I end up cooking these rice very often, say almost every Weekend or at least once in a week. These Biryani/pulao are very easy to make one pot meal with great taste and flavor. And also it doesn't require any special side dishes simply a Raita is enough and makes a grand meal to us :)
Recently tried Mutton Biryani and it came out so perfectly and tasted delicious more than to my expectation. Since this is the first time i tried mutton on my own hand. To be on safer side i tried Biryani.

Jun 15, 2013

Kothamalli Thogayal / Coriander Thogayal / Cilantro Chutney

Today's recipes is one easy, spicy, tangy, tasty & healthy Versatile dip/chutney that you can use with rice, rotis, dosa, idly,Adai, curd rice or any variety rice, sandwich spread etc. This Kothamalli thogayal is a healthy, nutritious, iron & fiber rich recipe and most important thing is it has the property to increase appetite. So this is a good choice of recipe for growing kids to increase their appetite naturally. My Maternal Mom often makes this thogayal for us and we love this thogayal with rice & idly. This thogayal stays fresh & good in room temperature for up to a week and is perfect side dish to pack for Trip along with variety rice or idlis.
Actually this thogayal is meant to grind coarsely with less water and it should resembles like a pickle but bcoz of my blender i could not grind it with less water and made like chutney. But if u have nice blender like Indian mixie then u can make it perfectly. If u grind it with less water n little coarsely it can be refrigerated for a month. Now off to the recipe...

Jun 13, 2013

Homemade Chutney Powder / Idly Milagai Podi / Idli Podi Recipe / Spiced Lentils Powder

Idly Podi / Idly Milagai Podi is a coarse mixture of roasted lentils/dal and chillies which is served as a side dish for South Indian Breakfast like Idly/Dosa/Paniyaram/Adai. This podi is a must item in my Pantry and everyone at home loves it, so i often make it freshly and rarely bought the store bought  MTR Idli Podi when am not feeling well to cook. However, i prefer the homemade ones since the homemade spice powders are really fresh, flavorful and healthier and all we need to do is just spare few minutes to make the spice powders at home. Everyone have their own version & variation and here's mine, very simple and a basic version without sesame seeds and more ingredients. Now to the simple version of idli podi...

Jun 11, 2013

Bonda / Kadalai Maavu Bonda / Besan Flour fritters ~ Easy & Quick snack recipe.

Today's recipe, Bonda is one quick and easy to make snack using simple ingredients. If u have unexpected guests at home or if u run out of vegetables to make side dish for rice n rasam/curd rice then this bonda comes in hand to rescue u in such situation. You can make this snack in no time and impress ur guest with this yummy and tempting bondas. Or u can even make this for ur lunch along with rice and rasam makes ur meal so comfort and satisfying. I recently made this yummy bonda for our lunch with rice n Tomato Rasam.

Jun 9, 2013

Mango Chocolate Marble Cake / Mango Marble Loaf Cake ~ Home Baker's Challenge # 2

After completing after our first Challenge Pizza, a savory bake this time i chosen Mango Chocolate Marble Cake for the second month challenge. Thanks Home Bakers Challenge group members for giving me this wonderful opportunity to Host and give the baking challenge with my desired recipe. Its my long time wish to try this Mango & Chocolate combo, have seen many no bake cakes with this combo but not much the baked version. And more over its summer and Mango, king of fruit is easily available. So i decided to bake this mango-choco combo with you all and i have picked two different recipes, one with Egg & butter and the second one is Eggless & Butterless recipe. I tried the eggless & butter less version and it came out so good, very moist, soft & delicious cake. Actually i picked two recipes with Banana & chocolate combo and experimented with Mango Pulp instead of banana puree. To my surprise the combo turned out perfectly, Mango & chocolate paired well.

Jun 8, 2013

Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu / Tangy Bitter Gourd Coconut Curry

Once in a week i make puli kuzhambu, kind of tangy curry using any vegetable with or without the addition of coconut. This Bitter Gourd Puli Kuzhambu is one healthy way to use bitter gourd and any one can enjoy this kuzhambu without complaining the bitterness of bitter gourd. Since the sliced bitter gourd cooked in tangy tamarind sauce and also the coconut addition mask its bitterness and gives u great taste that even your kids will like it if mixed with rice n topped with sesame oil.
No need to pre-cook or soak in salt water to remove bitterness, just few minutes of sauteing it with onions and the tamarind water does the magic. If u haven't tried bitter gourd this way plz give it a try its very easy puli kuzhambu without much spices n preparation process. Try it once n u will def accept my words :)
Finally today this recipe got chance to publish here, since it was sitting in my draft for more than 3 months, due to some reasons other recipes got the priority. Now off to the recipe...

Jun 6, 2013

Beans Poriyal / Green Beans Stir Fry (using Coconut)

This is one healthy & simple Poriyal/Stir fry that can be done in a jiffy if you have chopped beans in hand or else the chopping part takes little time :) South Indian Lunch menu doesn't complete without this main side dish - Poriyal. At home everyone like Poriyal so daily or the other day i make Poriyal or stir fry for lunch. Simple rasam and a poriyal makes our meal more comfort n filling. Recently noticed that i haven't posted this simple beans poriyal in my space but i have already shared the Beans Thoran recipe, kerala style beans stir fry with coconut-green chilli paste. So for this week's Vegan Thurdsay am sharing this simple beans stir fry without any ground paste/masala. I like to add more shredded coconut in my Poriyal but due to calorie conscious now-a-days add very less or substitute with some cooked moong dal or tuvar dal. So adding coconut more or less or skip completely is purely optional but addition of coconut gives more taste n flavor.

Jun 4, 2013

Fruit Custard / Mixed Fruit Custard - Easy Fruit Dessert Recipe.

One of my reader requested to share some simple & easy to make fruit recipes/fruit salad/dessert recipes. The first recipe came to my mind on reading the mail was this simple Fruit custard. And also its been long since I made this custard related desserts. So immediately made this fruit custard with available fruits but this time used Mango flavored Custard which turned out even more flavorful & delicious.

Jun 3, 2013

Chicken Curry Masala / Easy & Quick Chicken Curry

Its been a while i made any non vegetarian recipes even eggs at home due to shifting & other process and my kids started asking for chicken. So few days back made this chicken curry & chicken 65 for lunch. This time wanted to try a new chicken curry recipe from my regular version. And luckily got a recipe printed on back of the chicken curry masala powder pack. The recipe sounds interesting n also with less ingredients n spices. Usually most of the Non-vegetarian curry recipe involves more spices, process/preparation n takes little extra cooking/sauteing time than the regular vegetarian cooking, but this chicken curry masala needs very less time than any other chicken curry that too with less ingredients n spices with no comprising taste. So without any second thought slightly tweaked the recipe to my taste and made this easy chicken curry masala. This is a very quick process, even a beginner in cooking/bachelor can make this chicken curry in a jiffy. We always wanted out chicken curry to be spicy so i made to super hot n spicy as it looks. This curry masala goes well with Naan, rotis, paratha, dosa n with rice/pulao also. We had with plain parathas n it was so Yumm n flavorful. Now off to the recipe..

Jun 1, 2013

Broccoli Spinach Kootu / Broccoli Spinach Lentil Curry

Kootu/lentil based Veg curry is one of the most comfort & a must dish in a complete South Indian Lunch Platter. Kootu can be made in different ways n with combo of lentils like channa dal n moongdal or with only moongdal or channa dal or even made healthy with the addition of legumes like chickpeas, peas etc. I love kootu with coconut more than the kootu without coconut. Today's Broccoli Spinach Kootu is also a coconut based easy n simple kootu recipe. Its my long time wish to try our family favorite veg, Broccoli in our South Indian preparations like sambar, kootu, poriyal, rasam(yep..y not a rasam?! Recipe coming up soon)