Kitchen Experiments

Carrot Poriyal

2010-04-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

This poriyal is easy and quick to make, it goes well with sambar ,rasam........

Ingredients

Carrot-6

onion-1/2 (chopped)

green chilly-2

curry leaves

mustard seeds-1 tsp

urad dhal -1 tsp

chana dhal-1 tsp

grated coconut-2 tbsp

oil

salt

Grate the carrot using food processor(its quick)
Heat oil in a pan,then add mustard seeds followed by urad and chana dhal
Saute until they are golden brown
Add onion,green chilly and curry leaves and saute for a min or so
Add carrot and salt and saute it till the raw smell goes off
This takes only 5 mins
Finally add grated coconut and mix well

Crab Curry

2010-01-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Crab(Alaskan king crab)-i got a pack from kroger

onion-1 big size

tomato-1

ginger garlic paste-1 tbsp

red chilly powder- 1 1/2 tsp

coriander powder-1 tsp

turmeric powder -1/2 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

salt

oil

When you get crab from super markets ,its already cleaned,if u want to make into small pieces you can do it.
So wash the crab and keep it aside.
Chop the onion into big pieces and grind it.
Heat oil in a big stockpot add mustard seeds
After it sputters,add the onion paste,saute for a min
Add ginger garlic paste,chopped tomatoes and salt.
Saute till the raw smell goes
Add the turmeric,chilly,coriander powder and saute it
Saute the masala till the oil seperates from the masala
Add crab ,mix well and close the pot.
Keep turning once in 2 or 3 mins until its cooked

Beans Poriyal

2010-01-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

I make this poriyal often and my husband loves it. This takes less time so here we go

Beans-250gm

onion finely chopped -a cup

red chillies-3

curry leaves-8

mustard seeds-1 tsp

chana dhal- 1 tsp

urad dhal -1tsp

grated coconut

oil

salt

Wash and cut the beans. Microwave it for 4 mins
Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds
After it finish sputtering add chana and urad dhal,saute till golden brown
Add onion,red chillies,curry leaves saute for a min
Add the microwaved beans and salt ,saute for couple of mins
Add grated coconut ,mix well
Beans poriyal is done.

Paruppu Vadai

2010-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Yellow split peas-1 1/2 cup

onion-1 (finely chopped)

red chilly-4

hing - a pinch

salt

Curry leaves -10 (chopped)

cilantro (finely chopped)

oil for frying

Soak yellow split peas and red chillies for 3 hrs
Grind it in food processor(partially) without adding any water
Mix the remaining ingredients with the dhal
Make small balls and press it to flatten
Fry using oil till golden brown

Note:You can use bengal gram dhal instead of yellow split peas (but yellow split peas is more tasty)

Senai Varuval

2009-11-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Suran(frozen)-1 pack

Onion(small size)-1(thinly sliced)

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

chilli powder-1 tsp

garam masala-1/2 tsp

cinnamon-1 stick

cloves-4

saunf-1 tsp

salt

oil

In a pan of hot water add the frozen suran and little salt
After the suran is done ,drain and keep aside
Heat oil in a pan ,add saunf ,cloves and cinnamon
Saute for 10-15 sec
Add onion,ginger-garlic paste ,saute till the raw smell goes
Add suran and salt and keep turning so it gets little roasted.
Finally add chilli powder and garam masala
Mix ,keep the heat for couple more mins and turn off the stove

Mango Dhal

2009-11-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Raw mango-1

toor dhal-3/4 cup

onion(chopped)-1 cup

red chilli-5

curry leaves

garlic-1 (crushed)

cumin seeds-1 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1 /2 tsp

hing a pinch

salt

oil

cilantro for garnishing

Wash the mango and chop into pieces
In a pressure pan ,heat oil add mustard seeds
After it finish sputtering add cumin seeds and saute for abt 10 sec
Add onion,garlic ,red chillies,curry leaves and hing ,saute for a min
Add the mango pieces along with salt and turmeric powder
Saute for couple of mins, wash the toor dhal and add it to pressure pan
Add enough water and close the pan
Let one whistle and turn off the stove
When the pressure is off,open the pan and mash the dhal using a masher
Garnish with cilantro
Serve with hot rice

Chicken 65

2009-11-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

chicken-1 1/2 pound

cornflour-1 tbsp

Maida-1 tbsp

ginger-garlic paste-1 tbsp

chilli powder-1 1/2 tsp

pepper

onion-1

green chilli-1

egg-1

salt

oil

Clean chicken and cut into small pieces
Add cornflour,maida,ginger-garlic paste,salt chilli powder,pepper(if desired) to chicken
Atlast add a egg and mix
Marinate the chicken for 4 hrs(overnight is best)
Fry with oil
After finish frying add little of the remaining oil to a pan
Add onion,chillies and saute for a min
Finally add fried chicken to it and mix

Pavakai Fry

2009-11-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

The speciality of this fry is it does not taste bitter.Quick snack and a best side dish (healthy too)

Ingredients

Bitter gourd-1

rice flour-1/2 tbsp

Besan-1 tbsp

Chilli powder-1 tsp

hing a pinch

sugar-2 tsp

salt

oil

Wash the bittergourd and thinly slice it in ring shape
Boil a cup of water with sugar and a pinch of salt
When the water is bubbling put the sliced bittergourd and leave for about 30 sec
Drain the bittergourd and add riceflour,besan,salt,hing and chilli powder
Mix all and keep aside for 5-10 min
Fry with oil (shallow fry is enough)

Mango thokku

2009-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Raw mango-1

chilli powder-2 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

curry leaves-10

hing a pinch

sesame oil

salt

Grate the mango using a food processor or a grater
Add salt and chilli powder to the mango and mix it
Keep it aside for an hour or half hr
For tadka ,heat the oil add mustard seeds
After it finish sputtering add hing a pinch and finally curry leaves
Add the tadka mix to mango and mix well
Adjust salt and spice accordingly

Potato fry

2009-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect side dish for anything and everything. Its easy to make and here we go

Ingredients

Potato (preferably gold potatoes)-3

chilli powder-2 tsp

turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

salt

oil

Wash and peel the potatoes
Cut in to small cubes
Add the potatoes in a non stick pan with 4-5 tbsp oil(all the potatoes should be coated with oil)
Keep the heat medium and turn potatoes as needed
When its almost done add turmeric powder
Fry until its golden brown ,finally add salt and chilli powder
Adjust salt and spice accordingly

Urulai kizhangu podimas

2009-10-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

This dish is simple and so easy to make.My grandma make this when the whole family visits and also u can use this for potata bonda so its two in one

Ingredients

potato-2

onion-1

green chillies-2

curry leaves-8

mustard seeds-1 tsp

chana dhal-1 tbsp

urad dhal-1 tbsp

coconut grated-2 tbsp

turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

salt

oil

Cook the potatoes in a pressure pan (3 whistles)
Peel the skin and mash the potatoes roughly with hands or a spoon
Heat oil in a pan ,add mustard seeds
When the mustard seeds finish sputtering add chana dhal and urad dhal
Saute until its golden brown
Then add onion,green chillies(finely chopped) curry leaves
Saute until the onions are transparent,then add coconut,salt and turmeric powder
Saute for a min then add potato ,mix well
Garnish with cilantro
Serve as a side dish to rice or chapathi

Uppu paruppu(Dhal)

2009-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Toor dhal-1/2 cup

cumin seeds -1 tsp

garlic-1

curry leaves-5

turmeric powder -1/4 tsp

salt

oil

Cook the dhal with water ,turmeric powder and a tsp of oil
When the dhal is almost done ,add curry leaves,garlic and cumin seeds
When adding cumin seeds rub it between ur palms and add it and also crush the garlic
Finally when the dhal is completely cooked,add salt and garnish with cilantro
Serve with hot rice and top it with ghee

Egg fried rice

2009-09-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

This recipe is quite simple and can be done with your favourite veggies and meat. Remember to chop the veggies finely,it not only looks good but taste good also. And don't saute the veggies too much ,it has to have the crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Basmati rice-2 cup

carrrots-2

Beans-15

peas-1 cup

onion-1 cup(slit lengthwise)

green chilly-1(slit lengthwise)

Egg -4

Bell pepper-1 small size

soy sauce- 3 tsp

White pepper-1 tsp

cilantro for garnishing

salt

oil

Cook the rice and keep it aside
Scramble the eggs with little salt and keep aside
Heat oil in a large pan add carrot ,beans(firm veggies ) first and salt ,saute for couple of mins
Add onion,green chilly,peas,pepper and saute for a min
Finally add egg ,soy sauce ,white pepper and mix it.
Keep the stove in med-lo add cooked rice, and mix thoroughly
Garnish with cilantro

Fish Fry

2009-08-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

This fish fry is so simple ,but at the same time so delicious and can be served as a side to any rice varieties or can be eaten as an appetizer

Ingredients

Tilipia fillets- 8

chilli powder-2 tbsp

whole pepper-1 tbsp

cinnamon-1 stick

cloves-2

ginger -garlic paste-1 tbsp

corn flour- 2 tbsp

salt

oil for frying

In a blender ,grind cinnamon,cloves,pepper until they are powdered
Add ginger garlic paste,chilli powder ,salt and mix
Take the mixture in a bowl and add corn flour to it,you can add little water if u want and make a paste
Marinate the fish with spicy paste for 2-3 hrs
Heat oil in a pan (for shallow fry) and fry the marinated fish.
Adjust the salt and spice accordingly to your taste

Tiramisu

2009-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Tiramisu is an italian dessert and it tops my favourite dessert list like so many others. I wanted to try tiramisu for a long time but my hubby was really skeptical . I get tiramisu cravings from time to time. Once i wanted tiramisu really bad, it was after 9:00 pm ,but my sweet husband went to carrabba's and got me 2 mini dessert of tiramisu before they closed. I went thru lot of tiramisu recipes on net,got really confused, finally decided i will do it my way with the guidance of other recipes. For the first attempt it really came out well.Here we go,

Ingredients

Mascarpone cheese-8 oz(i got from kroger)

Heavy whipping cream - 1 cup

Ladys finger (savoiardi)-30-40(2 packs)

Sugar-1/2 cup

Instant Expresso powder-3 tsp

water a cup

cocoa powder for sprinkling

Using a hand mixer ,mix mascarpone cheese ,cream and sugar until all are incorporated well.Don't over mix
Meanwhile boil the water ,when the water is bubbling add expresso powder and turn off the stove
Add a tsp of sugar to expresso ,when it reaches the room temperature,dip the lady's finger one by one in expresso and arrange in an 2qt baking pan
Spread the mascarpone mixture over the lady's finger layer.
Repeat the process for one more layer .
Sprinkle cocoa powder on the top and cover the pan tight and refrigerate it overnight.

Brinjal chutney

2009-08-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

small brinjal-8 (chopped)

tomato-2

onion-1 cup chopped

green chilly-3

curry leaves

mustard seeds-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

oil

salt

coriander leaves

Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds,followed by onion,chillies,curry leaves
Saute for a min,add brinjal
Saute for couple of mins then add tomatoes with salt and turmeric powder
Saute till the tomatoes are juicy (4-5 mins)
Add a cup of water ,close the pan stirring often till the brinjal is done
When there is liitle water ,add coriander leaves and turn off the stove
Blend it in the blender
Serve with dosa or idli

Double chocolate brownies

2009-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

This brownie is so easy to make and its simply wonderful when you eat straight out of oven.When its warm the chocolate chunks inside it are gooey and it just melts in ur mouth.

Even more delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with chocolate sauce.

Ingredients

butter - 3/4 of the stick

castor sugar-2/3 cup

all purpose flour-1/2 cup

cocoa powder-1/3 cup

salt a pinch

baking powder- 1/2 tsp

egg -2

chocolate chunks- 1 cup

Preheat the oven at 350 F
Melt the butter in microwave for a min or 2
Sift the cocoa powder add it to butter along with sugar and stir the mixture
Add eggs and mix it
Sift the flour and add it to cocoa mix with baking powder and salt
Mix it well and atlast add the chocolate chunks and stir
In greased baking pan pour the mixture and bake for 20 -25 min

Simple More Kozhambu

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

Ingredients

Whole butter milk -3 cup

Grated coconut-1 cup

green chilly-1 or 2

cumin seeds-1 tbsp

hing a pinch

turmeric powder- 1/8 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

curry leaves

oil

salt

Grind coconut ,chilly,cumin seed with butter milk(add butter milk little by little)
Don't add water
Transfer the contents to a pan ,add hing & turmeric powder on top of it
In a small kadai,add oil,mustard seed,curry leaves
Pour the hot tadka over hing & turmeric powder
Now keep the pan with buttermilk in the stove on med-lo ,add salt to it
Keep on stirring it for 10 min
Don't leave it for long time
Garnish with coriander leaves
Serve with rice

Kollu paruppu chutney & Rasam

2009-08-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

kollu or horse gram dhal - 1 cup

onion chopped -1 cup

tomato -1

coriander seeds-1 tsp

cumin seeds-1 tsp

green chilly-3

red chilly-3

oil

salt

While grinding

onion chopped-1 cup

cumin seeds-1 tsp

coriander leaves chopped

Clean the horse gram dhal and keep it in the pressue pan with water .
Leave 2 whistle
Heat little oil in a pan,saute onion,chillies,tomato,cumin seed,coriander seeds for 2-3 min
Transfer the contents to the done dhal & leave for 10 min
Drain the water and reserve for kollu rasam
Leave the dhal to cool little bit, and blend it with grinding ingredients and salt
Serve with rice

For Rasam

tomato-1

tamarind -small lemon size

kollu (dhal)water -2 cup

kollu chutney- 1 scoop

red chilly-2

mustard seeds -1 tsp

hing a pinch

garlic -2 crushed

oil

salt

Boil tomato and tamarind ,extract the juice from it with little salt
Add the extracted juice to dhal water ,with a scoop of chutney
Add hing and garlic to mixture
Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds, red chilly ,pour the mixture in to the pan
When it starts boiling ,turn off the stove
Garnish with coriander leaves
Serve with rice

Arisi paruppu sadham (version 1)

2009-08-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Rice - 2 cup

toor dhal- 1/4 cup

turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

green chilly-3

tomato-1

onion - 1 (medium sized)

sambar powder-1 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

curry leaves

oil

salt

Microwave dhal with water for 3-4 min and set aside
Heat oil in a pressure pan add mustard seeds,followed by onion,chilly,curry leaves
Saute for a min and add tomato & salt
Add turmeric powder & dhal ,saute for a min
Finally add rice and sambar powder
saute for a min
Add 3 -31/2 cup of water and close the pan
Rice will be ready in 15 min
Serve with pickle ,egg ,potato fry or any of ur choice

Mint coriander chutney

2009-08-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

whole urad dhal -1/3 cup

onion chopped -1 cup

tomato-1

grated coconut -1 cup

mint leaves-1 small bunch

coriander leaves -1/4 bunch

tamarind -small gooseberry size

red chillies-4

oil

salt

Heat oil in a pan add urad dhal & tamarind and saute till its golden color
Then add onion,chilly,tomato & salt and saute till the raw smell is gone
Add coconut and saute for a min
Finally add mint and coriander leaves(cleaned,washed and drained) and mix with all ingredients for 30 sec
Turn off the stove,when the ingredients are cool ,blend it in a blender
Serve with idly ,dosa or side dish to rice

Tomato Coconut chutney

2009-05-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

chana dhal- 1/4 cup

onion-1

green chillies-2 or 3

curry leaves-6

tomato-3

coconut-1 cup

coriander leaves -2 tbsp

oil

salt

Heat oil ,add chana dhal and roast it until golden brown
Add onion,green chillies,curry leaves and saute until the onions are transparent
Now add tomato and salt and saute for a 5-6 min
Add coconut and coriander leaves ,saute for a couple of min
Grind them in a blender little coarsely
Serve with dosa,idly

Peas pulav

2009-05-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Frozen peas-1 cup

Basmati rice-2 cup

coconut milk-3 1/2 cup

green chilly-4

onion-1

ginger garlic paste-1 tsp

elachi-2

cloves-4

cinnamon -1 stick

bay leaves-2

cashew nut-15

oil

salt

ghee

coriander leaves for garnishing

For coconut milk use 2 cups of grated coconut and 1tsp of saunf
Heat oil in the pressure pan roast the cashew nuts to golden brown
Then add cinnamon ,cloves,elachi,and bay leaves saute it for a min
Add onion and green chillies saute until the onions are transparent
Now add ginger garlic paste saute until the raw smell goes away
Add the peas and salt ,saute for a min
Now add the rice and saute it for min
Finally add coconut milk ,close the pressure pan and keep it for 13-14 min
Garnish with ghee and coriander leaves
Serve with raitha

Baby potato fry

2009-05-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Baby potatoes-250 g

cumin seeds-1 tsp

ginger garlic paste-1 tsp

turmeric powder- a pinch

red chilli powder-1 tsp

oil

salt

Boil the potatoes ,peel and keep aside
Heat oil add cumin seeds,then add potatoes,ginger garlic paste and turmeric powder
Turn the potatoes so its evenly roasted
Atlast add chilli powder and salt accordingly
Serve with roti

Onion pokara

2009-04-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

onion-1(medium size-finely sliced)

green chillies-2(chopped)

curry leaves-8(chopped)

coriander leaves (chopped)

besan-1 cup

rice flour-2 tsp

hing a pinch

chilli powder-1 tbsp

salt

oil(for frying)

Mix all the ingredients with little water so that onions are coated with flour
Using hand sprinkle the mixture into the oil
Fry till golden brown

Egg Fry

2009-04-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Egg(boiled)-4

turmeric powder-a pinch

mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

curry leaves-5

oil- 1tbsp

salt

pepper

Boil the egg and cut into halves
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the eggs
Heat oil and add mustard seeds
When the mustard seeds splutter add curry leaves and turmeric powder
Add the eggs and turn once or twice
Its goes along with all rice dishes

Kadalai (peanut) chutney

2009-04-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

peanut(blanch roasted)-1 cup

green chillies-4

cumin seeds(dry roasted)-1 tsp

sugar- a pinch

salt

Blend all the ingredients using little water
Serve with idli ,dosa

Red chori bottle gourd curry(thattai payaru suraikai kolambu)

2009-03-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

red chori -1 cup

bottle gourd-1 (small)

onion-1

tomato-1

garlic-4

curry leaves-10

cumin seeds-1 tsp

chilli powder-1 tsp

coriander powder-1 1/2 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

grated coconut-1 cup

mustard seeds-1 tsp

tamarind a lemon size

salt

oil

Heat oil in a pan add onion,garlic,cumin seeds and saute for 5 mins
Add all the powders and coconut saute for a min and off the stove
Let it cool and grind it
Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds ,tomato,curry leaves and salt.
Saute for a couple of mins
Add peeled and chopped bottle gourd and saute for a min
Then add the masala to it ,mix with required amount of water and let it for 10 mins stirring once or twice
Add pressure cooked chori and let it for 5 mins
Finally add tamarind water and let it for a couple of mins
Serve with rice

Aval upma

2009-03-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Poha(aval)-3 cups

onion-1

green chilly -3

curry leaves-10

grated coconut-1/2 cup

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

mustard seeds-1 tsp

urad dhal split-1 tsp

chana dhal-1 tsp

coriander leaves

oil

salt

Wash and soak poha (aval) for 3-5 mins and strain it
Let it be in the strainer for 10 mins
Heat oil in a pan ,add mustard seeds,urad and chana dhal saute until golden brown
Add onion,curry leaves ,green chillies saute until onion is transparent
Add turmeric powder,coconut,chopped coriander leaves ,salt and saute for couple of mins
Add aval and mix it well for 3-4 mins
Serve with pickle of your choice

Spicy dry chicken

2009-03-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

chicken-250 gms

water -1 cup

turmeric powder- a pinch

red chilli powder-1 tsp

salt-according to taste

oil-1 tbsp

In a non stick pan add all the ingredients and close the pan
Let the chicken be done,it will take maximum 15-20 mins
When there is no water in the pan turn the chicken so that all sides are roasted.U can add oil while roasting

Moong dhal

2009-03-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

moongdhal-1/2 cup

turmeric powder a pinch

green chillies-2

cumin seeds-1 tsp

curry leaves-10

coriander leaves for garnishing

salt

oil

Boil the dhal with 2 cups of water,turmeric powder and a tsp of oil .
After the dhal is done,set it aside with little water in it.
Heat oil in a small pan add cumin seeds,chopped green chillies,curry leaves saute it for abt 30 sec
Add this mixture to dhal with salt and keep in stove for a min and mix well.
Add coriander leaves atlast ,serve with jeera rice or roti

Fish curry (Meen kolambu)

2009-03-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

cat fish-1 pound

onion-1 cup(finely chopped)

garlic-4 finely chopped

curry leaves-10

tomato-2(finely chopped)

tamarind(lemon size)

mustard seeds-1 tsp

saunf -1 tsp

oil

salt

For masala

Red pearl onion-15

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

red chilli powder-1 tsp

coriander powder-1 1/2 tsp

grated coconut-1 cup

oil

For masala,heat little oil add onions & cumin seeds and saute till it becomes pale .Then add grated coconut and saute for a couple of mins.Finally add all the powders, mix well & off the stove.Let it cool and make a paste
Clean the fish and cut it to medium size pieces.Keep aside
Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds,after it splutters add fennel seeds,immediately add onion,garlic,curry leaves.saute till it is transparent.
Add tomato and salt,saute for 3 mins
Finally add the paste and required amount of water .Leave it for 5 mins,stirring occasionally.
Add fish pieces finally and close the pan.Keep the stove in medium.
Turn the fish once or twice,don't stir it will break
Finally add tamarind water ,leave it for 2 mins
Serve with hot rice

Ridge gourd with coconut

2009-03-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Ridge gourd -1

onion(finely chopped)-1 cup

garlic-3 (finely chopped)

green chillies-2(slit lengthwise)

tomato-1(finely chopped)

mustard seeds-1 tsp

curry leaves-10

salt

oil

For grinding

grated coconut-1 cup

fennel seeds-1 tsp

coriander leaves for garnishing

Peel and chop the ridgegourd into small pieces
Heat the oil add mustard seeds,followed by onion,garlic green chillies,curry leaves
Saute till the onions are transparent,add ridge gourd and saute for 2-3 mins
Add tomato and salt and saute for 10 mins or till the ridge gourd is almost done(Don't add water)
Add the coconut and fennel seeds paste finally and leave it for 2 mins
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with hot rice

Onion chutney

2009-02-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

onion-2

garlic-4

red chilly-8

tamarind -small gooseberry size

salt

oil

Heat the oil and add all the ingredients
Saute till the onions are transparent and there is no raw garlic smell
Grind it in the blender with required amount of water

Paniyaram

2009-02-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

For batter

idli rice-1 cup

raw rice -1 cup

whole urad dhal-1/4 cup

methi seeds-1 tsp

Wash both the rice together and soak it for 4 hrs.
Similarly wash urad dhal and methi seeds together and soak it for 4 hrs
Grind the rice first and then urad dhal seperately.
Mix the both of them along with required amount of salt.
Leave it for 24 hrs (if i make the batter tonight i usually make paniyaram next night)

For tadka

onion-1(finely chopped)

green chillies-2(finely chopped)

curry leaves -10(chopped)

coriander leaves chopped

mustard seeds-1 tbsp

urad dhal(split)-1 tbsp

chana dhal-1 tbsp

salt

oil

Heat oil the kadai ,add mustard seeds followed by chana and urad dhal ,saute it till the dhals are golden brown
Now add all the chopped items except coriander leaves and saute with little salt until onions are transparent
Atlast add coriander leaves and mix it ,off the stove
Let it cool and add it to batter ,mix well
Heat the paniyaram pan ,I use spray instead of oil for the kuzhi(holes)
Spoon the batter into the kuzhi,when sides are done ,turn over the paniyaram using spoon
Serve with onion chutney

Variation: muttai(egg)paniyaram -for 4 cups of batter add 2 eggs

Ash gourd (White Pumpkin)kootu

2009-02-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

White Pumpkin -250 gm

Chana dhal-1/2 cup

Turmeric powder-a pinch

onion (chopped)-1 cup

red chilly-3

curry leaves

mustard seeds - 1tsp

oil

salt

For grinding

grated coconut- 1 cup

cumin seeds -1 tsp

Boil chana dhal with 2 cups of water ,a tsp of oil and a pinch of turmeric powder
Set aside the boiled dhal with little water remaining in it
Heat oil in a pan ,add mustard seeds followed by onion,red chillies,curry leaves
Saute till onion are transparent and add pumpkin & salt
Saute for a couple of mins
Now add the dhal to the pumpkin mixture.
Close the pan and stir occasionally till the pumpkin is done
Finally add the paste made of coconut and cumin seeds.
Leave it for a couple of mins
Garnish it with coriander leaves
Serve with hot rice

Rasam

2009-02-11T20:36:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

tomatoes(roma)-2

tamarind- 1 small lemon size

curry leaves-6

mustard seeds-1 tsp

hing a pinch

red chilly-2

home made rasam powder-1 tbsp

Boil the tomatoes and tamarind with 1 cup of water for 5 mins and set aside(can do it microwave also)
For rasam powder

cumin seeds-1/8 cup

whole pepper-1/8 cup(i used more)

dhania(coriander seeds)-1 tsp

methi seeds-1/2 tsp

dry curry leaves 5 nos

It will come atleast 5 times or more.I prepare weekly once and store it tight .

Squeeze the tomatoes and tamarind and extract the juice.
Add required amt of water to it
Add salt,rasam powder,hing to the juice
Heat oil ,add mustard seeds followed by redchilly,and curry leaves.
Immediately pour the mixture and keep it in medium
when the mixture starts to boil ,off the stove and garnish with coriander leaves
Serve with hot rice

Cabbage peas sabzi

2009-02-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

cabbage-1

peas-1 cup

cumin seeds-1 tbsp

red chilly-4

turmeric powder-1/2tsp

oil

salt

coriander leaves for garnishing

Chop the cabbage and wash it along with peas ,drain and keep aside
Heat oil in a pan ,add cumin seeds and red chillies and saute(don't let the chillies blacken)
Add cabbage ,peas ,turmeric powder and salt to it and saute for a min
Close the pan ,stir twice or thrice
It will be done within 5 mins or so(don't add water)
Garnish with coriander leaves
Serve hot with rotis

Murungaikkai/Drumsticks Sambhar

2009-02-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Drumsticks pieces- 15 nos

pearl onion -20

green chillies-3

tomato-2

tamarind concentrate-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

thoor dhal-1/2 cup

sambhar powder

red chilly-4

dhania(corainder seeds)-1 tsp

methi seed-1/2 tsp

hing a pinch

chana dhal-5 tsp

grated coconut-4 tsp

Roast the above ingredients for sambhar powder with little oil and powder it in a blender

Cook the dhal with 2 cups (0r 3 cups)of water ,turmeric powder and little oil in a pressure cooker
When the dhal is done add onion,drumstick,tomato,green chilly and salt to it and leave it for 10 to 15 min ,stirring occasionally till the drumsticks are done
Add sambhar powder to it and leave it for a couple of mins
Finally add the tamarind concentrate and let it boil
Garnish with corainder leaves
Serve with idli,dosa or rice.

Cauliflower potato sabzi

2009-02-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

cauliflower-1(small size)

potato-1

tomato-2

onion-1(finely chopped)

ginger-garlic paste- 1 tsp

cumin seed-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

red chilli powder-1 tsp

coriander powder- 1 tsp

salt

oil

coriander leaves for garnishing

Break the cauliflower into florets(medium sized).cut the potato into cubes.Wash and drain both and set aside
Heat oil in the pan and add cumin seeds
Add onion and saute it for a min
Then add ginger garlic paste ,tomato and salt,saute till raw smell goes
Add turmeric powder,chilli powder,coriander powder and saute till the oil seperates from the masala
Add cauliflower and potato to the masala and saute for a couple of min
Add a cup of water and close the pan ,stirring occasionally
When it is done garnish with coriander leaves
Serve hot with roti or rice

Vegetable Briyani

2009-01-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Basmati rice- 2 1/2 cups

mixed vegetable (carrot,beans,peas,cauliflower)-a bowl

tomato-2

green chilly-5

onion-1

ginger garlic paste-2 tsp

red chilli powder- 1 tsp

garam masala-1 tsp

cashew nuts-20

cloves-4

cinnamon -1

elachi-2

bay leaf-1

salt

oil

Heat the oil in a cooker ,add cashewnuts and fry till golden brown
Add cloves,cinnamon,elachi,bay leaf and saute it
Add onion,green chillies and saute it for a min
Add ginger garlic paste,tomato and salt ,saute till the raw smell goes
Add vegetables and saute for few mins
Now add the rice and saute it for a min, then add water(i used 3 3/4 cup of water for 2 1/2 cup of rice)
Close the cooker and keep for about 13-14 min(don't let the cooker whistle come)
Open and garnish with coriander leaves
Serve with onion raitha.

Peanut chutney

2009-01-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

grated coconut- 1 cup

shallots-1

tamarind a little piece

curry leaves 3 to 4 no

ginger a small piece

peanut (roasted) a handful

green chilly-4

salt

Grind the above ingredients nicely in the blender using water
For tadka, heat 2 tbsp of gingelly oil,add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Pour the tadka over chutney .
Enjoy with idli or dosa

Ridge Gourd Chutney

2009-01-27T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Ridge gourd -1

Tomato(Roma)-2

red chilly-7

curry leaves

onion-1(chopped)

garlic-2(chopped)

tamarind (small gooseberry size)

mustard seeds-1 tsp

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

salt

oil

Heat the oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
Add onion ,garlic, red chilli,curry leaves ,tamarind and saute it for a min.
Add chopped ridge gourd and saute it for some time.
Now add tomato,salt and turmeric powder and saute it for a couple of mins.
Add water till the contents are covered and close the pan.(Don't add too much water)
When the ridge gourd is done with only little water remaining,put the contents in a blender along with chopped coriander leaves and mix it for less than a min.
Serve hot with Idli

Potato pal curry

2009-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

potato -2(boiled)

peas- 1 cup

onion-1 finely chopped

cinnamon- 1

cloves-2

elachi-2

bayleaf-1

tomato-2 (small finely chopped)

salt

oil

coriander leaves for garnishing

for grinding

grated coconut-1 cup

greenchilly-5

ginger a small piece

fennel seeds-1 tsp

Boil the potato ,peel and cut it into small pieces.
Heat the oil and add cinnamon,cloves,elachi and bayleaf and saute it .
Add onion ,and add tomato with salt .
Saute till the tomato are juicy
Add potato and peas and saute for few mins
Finally add the paste made with grinding items and mix well
Leave it for couple of mins or more.
Garnish with coriander leaves

Tomato kurma

2009-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

tomato -5

onion-1 finely chopped

garlic -6 finely chopped

curry leaves

mustard seeds - 1 tsp

cinnamon - 1 stick

cloves-2

fennel seeds- 1 tsp

grated coconut- 1cup

chilly powder - 1 tsp

sambar powder - 1 tsp

salt

oil

coriander leaves for garnishing

Grind grated coconut and fennel seed together and make a fine paste using water
Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds,cinnamon and cloves.
Add onion ,garlic and curry leaves and saute for a while.
Now add tomato and salt, saute it until the tomato are juicy
Add chilli powder and sambar powder at last and saute for 2 min
Finally add the coconut paste and leave it for 2 min
Garnish with coriander leaves
Serve with idly

Tomato rice

2009-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

for gravy

Tomato-2

onion-1

curry leaves

mustard seeds - 1 tsp

chana dal - 1 tsp

split urad dhal- 1 tsp

green chilly -4

turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

salt

oil

Cooked rice

Heat the oil ,add mustard seeds,chana dhal,urad dhal.when its golden brown add onion,chilly,curry leaves.
Saute until onions are transparent
Then add tomato ,turmeric powder and salt.
Saute until gravy consistency
Add cooked rice to the gravy and mix well .
Garnish with coriander leaves

Poondu kolambu

2008-12-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Small onions 8 to 10 (chopped)

(u can use big onions also)

garlic 15 pods(chopped)

curry leaves

tomato -2

red chilli powder- 1 tsp

sambar powder -1 tsp

tamarind juice (i used 1 tsp of tamarind concentrate)

mustard seeds - 1 tsp

oil

salt

Heat the oil in the pan ,when its hot put mustard seeds followed by garlic.Saute the garlic until the raw smell is gone i.e until slightly golden color.
Now add onion and curry leaves,saute it for abt a min.Then add tomato and salt,saute it until tomato is all juicy(gravy consistency).
Now add chilli and sambar powder,saute it for a min.
Atlast add tamarind water , allow it boil .
Serve hot with rice

White chocolate dipped strawberries

2008-12-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
strawberries 1lb

white choclate -1 to 2 cups

wax paper

Strawberries from fresh market are really good ,they are juicy and plumpy. Wash the strawberries ,drain and let it dry.
Melt the white chocolate(I used Ghirardelli) in a bowl by placing the bowl on the saucepan with hot water, stir until smooth.Or you can melt it in microwave at half power for 1 min , stir and keep it for 1 more min or until melted .
Dip the strawberries in melted chocolate using toothpick and place it in a tray with wax paper on it.
Refrigerate it for 30 min or until set.