Moongdhal Pakodas

Moong dhal pakodas made with split green gram dhal.This is a spicy, delicious, healthy ,easy snack which is crispy outside and soft inside.Here is how i make it...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Split moond dal - 2cups
2.Onion - 2(Chopped finely)
3.Green chilli - 5-6(Chopped finely)
4.Corriander leaves - 1cup(Finely chopped)
5.Salt to taste
6.Oil to deep fry

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Wash and soak the dhal in water for about 2hrs or longer.
• Grind the dhal coarsly without adding water or using very very little water.
• Now add all the chopped ingredients,enough salt to the batter and mix well.
• Then in a frying pan add oil for deep frying and keep it on medium high heat and drop the batter like pakodas into the oil,fry the vadas in small batches and fry untill golden brown all around.
• Now its ready!!!Serve them with any Chutney as an appetizer. 

 

GOES WELL WITH:
      Sambar rice or Rasam rice

Kids Egg Sandwich

Super quick,simple egg sandwich are delicious and nutritious!!! and even kids can make it too.Easily customizable to your own taste like add fried onions and peppers,cheese,ketchup etc .Here is quick and easy one....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Wholewheat Bread - 2slices
2.Egg - 1
3.Pepper powder - 1/4tbs
4.Salt to taste
5.Butter - 2tbs

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In a bowl crack the egg,add salt, pepper powder then beat well and make like a usual omellette.
• Now Toast the bread slices in tawa or using toaster and apply some butter on both slices of bread. 
• Then on one slice of bread add the omellette and Top with another slice of bread cut into diagonally half if desired before serving..Enjoy!!!! 

GOES WELL WITH:
      Orange juice

Freshly Grated Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a very famous Indian recipe which is normally made on the festival days but i make it all the time.Check this one with the freshly grated coconut which makes difference and tastes much better than frozen coconut....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Basmati rice - 2cups(Cooked)
2.Freshly grated coconut - 2cups
3.Onion - 1(Finely Chopped)
4.Green chilli - 3or 4(Slit)
5.Peanuts - 1/2cup(Optional)
6.Seasoning - Mustard,Channa dhal,Urad dhal,Asafoetida,Curry leaves
7.Salt to taste
8.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In a wide bowl spread the cooked basmati rice and allow it to cool and keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a pan,add the seasoning one by one and add peanuts fry and allow them to turn red.
• Now add the green chilli,onion and roast them for few mins.
• Finally add grated coconut combine and saute for 5mins on low flame or untill light brown and turn off the heat. 
• Then add this seasoning to the cooked rice and combine well and serve hot with any of ur choice. 

 

GOES WELL WITH:
        Pakoda or Chicken fry

Bittergourd/Pavakkai Thokku

Bittergourd or Pavakkai thokku is quick and easy side dish and goes well with rice.Try this spicy thokku and u will love it......  

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Bittergourd- 5medium size(Cut into thin slices and remove the seeds)
2.Onion-2(Finely chopped)
3.Tomato-1(Finely chopped)
4.Garlic-10pods(Remove the skin)
5.Tamarind-1lemon size
6.Tamarind pulp-1Cup
7.Chilli powder-3tbs
8.Turmeric powder
9.Jaggery-5tbs
10.Salt to taste
11.Seasoning-Mustard,Curry leaves
12.Oil-8tbs

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First boil the chopped pavakkai with tamarind with little water until cooked and strain the water and remove the tamarind and keep it aside.
• Now heat little more oil in a pan,add mustard,curry leaves,garlic and onion saute it untill brown.Then add tomato and fry it well and add cooked Pavakai,chilli powder,salt,turmeric powder and tamarind pulp water and cook it untill thick.
• Finally add jaggery and mix it well and let it cook for 5-10 mins in the low flame or untill the oil comes up and now its ready to serve.

 GOES WELL WITH:
        Plain rice

Strawberry Milkshake

Strawberry milkshake is a quick fix and a very healthy protein drink prepared in few minutes during a morning rush or in the relaxed evening.Here is how i make it for my kids....
 

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Strawberry-6nos
2.Boiled milk-1/2cup
3.Sugar-1tbs
4.Almond-2(Skin removed)
5.Saffron-Pinch
6.Vanilla icecream-1scoop(Optional)

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Blend all the ingredients from 1 to 6 in a blender untill smooth and serve cold.

GOES WELL WITH:

           Toasted bread

Thalicha dosa

Thalicha dosa is nothing but a seasoned dosa with onion,green chili etc usually used to make it with the leftover sour batter which tastes better.This is all u need to make it...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Dosa batter-2cups
2.Onion-1(Chopped)
3.Green chili-3(Chopped)
4.Curry leaves-few
5.Corriander leaves-4strands(Chopped)
6.Seasoning-Mustard,Urad,Channa
7.Salt to taste
8.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan,add seasoning one by one and add onion,curry leaves fry till turns light brown and finally add chopped corriander leaves and switch off the flame ,let it cool down.
• Now add this mixture to the batter with enough salt and mix it well and the batter has to be little thick.
• Then heat a griddle sprinkle some oil and pour a ladle of batter and spread in a circle motion and make it little thick and add oil around it and flip it over,keep it in the medium flame and cook it till its done and serve hot .

GOES WELL WITH:

       Any chutney

Fruit Custard

Fruit custard is an easy to make recipe and tastes good after any meal.This is one of my favorite and also this is a very tasty and kid friendly dessert.Here is how to make it.......

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Milk-4cups
2.Sugar-1cup
3.Fruits-Preferebly Apple1,Bananas2,Strawberries6(Chopped into medium pieces)
(or Any fruits)
4.Custard powder-4tbs(Plain flavor)

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Boil the milk in a deep pan until little thick for about approximately15-20mins in the medium flame.
• In another bowl, mix 4 tblsn of custard powder without any lumps with 5tbs of milk.
• Now Add the mixed custard milk to the boiling milk,Stir it for few minutes till the rawness of the custard goes off and Let it cool.
  
• Now pour the custard into a bowl and refrigerate it for 3-4hrs.
• Before serving add the chopped fruits of your choice to the custard and mix well and serve.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Topped with any ice cream

Milagai Bajji

Milagai bajji is also called as Chili bajji.This bajji can be served with sweet chutney like tamarind or tomato ketchup.The recipe of the chili bajji is as follows....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Green chilli-6-8(Preferred big size moderately hot)
2.Besan flour-2cup
3.Rice flour-4tbs
4.Asafoetida-Pinch
5.Roasted Cumin powder-1/2tbs
6.Red chili powder-1tbs
7.Red color-Pinch
8.Baking soda-Pinch
9.Salt as needed
10.Oil for deep fry

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First cut the green chili into two pieces and sprinkle cumin powder and salt and mix well and set aside.
• For the batter In a bowl,mix gram flour,rice flour,hing,chili powder,soda,color,salt with water to make a loose paste and keep aside.
• Now Heat oil in a deep frying pan. When the oil is hot enough, dip each green chili in the bajji batter, and put it in oil immediately. Deep fry till golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite chutneys or tomato sauce. Enjoy!

GOES WELL WITH:

       Any chutney or Tomato ketchup

Oats Kanji

Oats Kanji is my everyday breakfast and its perfect to kick start a day which is very healthy.I always like to have it with pickle or cooked vegetables or sundal.Coming to the recipe.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Oats -1cup
2.Water-4cup
3.Milk-1cup
4.Salt as needed

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In a deep bottomed pan add the oats and water and let it cook  for about 5-10mins until mushy.
• Now add boiled milk and switch off the stove and then add enough salt and mix well.
• Can be served both warm or cold.Enjoy!

GOES WELL WITH:

     Pickle or Sundal

Homemade Grape Juice

Homemade grape juice made using fresh sweet purple grape is the best ,fun and relatively easy to make.Use any grape color combination . Here is how to do...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Purple grapes-2cups
2.Water-1/2cup
3.Sugar as needed
4.Ice cubes as needed

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First Fill the jar of your blender with 3/4 of the way with grapes,sugar and add a splash of water. Blend on high at least few min. 
• Now Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over a large bowl, pressing down on the solids in the strainer with a large spoon to extract every last bit of juice.
• Serve chilled with ice cubes. 

Orange Juice

Orange juice is a popular beverage made from oranges.It is made by extraction from the fresh fruit .There are different juices which are believed to offer health benefits to the body. One good example of a well known healthy juice is orange juice.Most people recommend orange juice to get rid of dehydration, fatigue, boost your energy levels, increase your metabolism because It is high in vitamin C. Take medicine(tablets) followed by drinking orange juice.Lets go ....

INGEDIENTS U NEED:
1.Juice Orange - 2
2.Sugar as needed
3.Ice cubes as needed

UTENSIL:
Juicer

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First cut the oranges into half.
• Now squeeze them with the electric or hand juicer untill all juice is drained out .
• Then strain the juice completely using strainer in the glass by adding little water and sugar mix it well.
• Finally add ice cubes and serve cold. 

Mutton Fry

Mutton fry is a spicy mouth watering dish made with pepper and other spices by pressure cooking process where the mutton really becomes tender and juicy.This dish will make a perfect companion to different dishes like fried rice,chapathi and even sambar and rasam rice. Here is how i cook it.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Mutton-2lbs
2.Onion-1(Finely Chopped )
3.Gingergarlic paste-2tbs
4.Homemade Pepper powder-3tbs
5.Chilli powder-1tbs
6.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
7.Fennel seeds/saunf-1tbs
8.Seasoning-Cinnamon,Cloves,Curry leaves
9.Salt as needed
10.Corriander leaves-To garnish
11.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First pressure cook the cleaned meat with salt,chilli powder,gingergarlic paste,turmeric powder and saunf with little water for 4-5whistle ,after that remove from heat and keep it aside.
• Now heat oil in a pan,add cinnamon,cloves let it splutter and add onions,Curry leaves fry untill it becomes translucent.
• Then add the pressure cooked meat with pepper powder and stir it well,let it boil untill it becomes thick and dry and remove from heat .
• Garnish with corriander leaves. 

GOES WELL WITH:
     Rasam and Sambar rice

Tomato Capsicum Thokku

Tomato capsicum thokku is a excellent sidedish for breakfast like dosa,idli as well as chapathi .This thokku can be preapred in few mins.Here is how i make it..... 

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Tomato-3(Chopped)
2.Onion-1(Sliced)
3.Capsicum-1(Chopped)
4.Green chilli-4(Sliced)
5.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
6.Seasoning-Mustard,Cumin,Urad,Channa dhal,Curry leaves
7.Corriander leaves to garnish
8.Salt as needed
9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan add the mustard,cumin seeds,urad,channa and curry leaves and let them splutters, now add the onions and green pepper fry untill it becomes transculent.
• Then add the tomatoes pieces,turmeric powder and salt and stir until they turns mushy, keep them in simmer, cook until the oil gets separated.
• Finally add the coriander leaves and put off the stove. 

 

GOES WELL WITH:
      Idli,Dosa and Chapathi

Spinach Egg Fry

Egg fry with spinach is a good combination and it is a very simple dish to cook and goes very well with sambar and rasam rice which i make it so often.Try it....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Egg-3
2.Spinach-1cup(Chopped)
3.Onion-1(Sliced)
4.Garlic-4cloves(Crushed)
5.Green chilli-3(Slit)
6.Chilli powder-1tbs
7.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
8.Curry leaves -5no
9.Corriander leaves to garnish
10.Salt as needed
11.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan, add green chilli and onion saute it untill the onions are translucent.
• Now add crushed garlic fry it and add chopped spinach and cook it for few mins.
• Then add chilli powder,turmeric powder,salt,curry leaves and let it cook for few more mins and add little water cook untill the spinach is well done. 
• At this stage crack the egg in the cooked spinach and mix it well together and fry untill the egg is well cooked and dry. 

GOES WELL WITH:
    Sambar and Rasam rice

Tomato Sevai

Tomato sevai is a very quick and delicious dish to cook for breakfast and its one of my favorite dish too.This is a very easy item to put together, but incredibly flavorful.Here is how i make it......

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Rice vermicelli or Sevai-1pack
2.Onion-1(Sliced)
3.Tomatoes-2(Chopped)
4.Green chilli-3(Slit)
5.Red chilli-2(Slit)
6.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
7.Seasoning-Mustard,Urad dhal,Channa dhal,Curry leaves
8.Salt as needed
9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First cook the sevai as per the instruction and drain the water completely and add little oil and mix it well and keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a pan, tamper with mustard seeds,urad,channa dhal ,curry leaves and add onion,green chillies,red chilli saute it for few mins.
• Then add chopped tomotoes ,salt ,turmeric powder and cook it untill the tomatoes are well done.   
• At this stage add cooked sevai and mix well and cook it for few more mins.
• Finally garnish with corriander leaves and serve hot. 

GOES WELL WITH:
      Pickle

Breakfast Omellete

Omellete with vegetables is a simple version to make but the aroma of the end product is exceptionally good.Try it.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Egg-2
2.Onion-1(Sliced)
3.Green pepper or Red pepper-1(Sliced)
4.Mushroom-1Cup
5.Pepper powder-1tbs
6.Salt as needed
7.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan,add sliced onion and pepper and saute it for few mins.
• Then add sliced mushrooms,salt and pepper powder and fry it for 2mins and keep it aside. 
• In a bowl crack the eggs and beat well untill fluffy and add enough salt and pepper powder mix together and set aside. 
• Now Heat a flat skillet (tava), smear it with oil, spread the egg mixture evenly on the surface of the pan,pour a teaspoon of oil over it and flip it over.
• Cook it on the medium flame until done and add the sauted vegetables on top and remove from heat and serve immediately.

GOES WELL WITH:
     Orange Juice and Bread

Raw Plantain/Vazhakai Roast

Vazhakai roast is a quick recipe and makes a very good yummy side dish for rice and this is one of my all time favorite.Here is how i make it....  

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Vazhakai-3(Peel and dice into medium pieces)
2.Pepper powder or Chilli powder-2tbs
3.Salt as needed
4.Oil little more

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat little more oil in a wide shallow pan,toss vazhakai pieces and salt let it cook in a medium flame untill browned,crispy and cooked through.
• Finally add pepper powder and mix well and turn the heat off. 

 

GOES WELL WITH:
        Sambar Rice

Tindora/Dondakai Fry

Tindora fry is an easy to make side dish which goes along very well with sambar and rasam rice. This recipe is very simple and there are various variations to cook this vegetable but this is how i like it.Lets go to the recipe.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Tindora-1/2lb(Slice them into thin rounds)
2.Pepper powder -1tbs
3.Salt as needed
4.Oil-5tbs

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan,add dondakai pieces and saute them in a medium flame untill it turns light brown.
• At this stage add salt and pepper powder and combine well and let it cook for 5mins and turn off the heat.  

GOES WELL WITH:
     Plain rice and sambar rice

Amarnathleaves Poriyal with Peanuts

Amarnath leaves poriyal is a simple,healthy, low-calorie, low-fat, high protein, nutritional dish that is used often in my kitchen as side dish for sambar rice.Here is how i cook it....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Amarnath leaves-5cups(Chopped)
2.Onion-1(Sliced) 
3.Red chilli-2(Slit)
4.Garlic-3cloves(Crushed)
5.Fried Peanuts-1/2cup(Coarsly grinded)
6.Seasoning-Mustard,Cumin,Urad dhal
7.Salt as needed
8.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First wash and chop amarnath leaves and keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds,urad dhal,cumin and fry them,When they start to splutter add splited red chillies, crushed garlic ,chopped onion pieces and  Let them fry until light brown color. 
• Now add chopped amarnath leaves, Mix well and let it cook in the medium flame untill all the water evaporates. 
• Finally When it's almost done, add salt and coarsly grinded fried peanuts powder and stir well untill it becomes dry.

GOES WELL WITH:

      Sambar and Rasam rice

Bean Soup with Indian Twist

 Bean soup is a very healthy,delicious and spicy soup with indian twist.It is my own version of soup which is very quick and easy to cook.Here is a great tasting bean soup....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Dry 15 bean soup mix-2cup or Pinto beans
2.Red onion-1(Diced)
3.Canned Plum tomato-1can
4.Zucchini-1(Diced)
5.Celery-1stalk(Diced)
6.Red chilli sauce-3tbs
7.Red chilli flakes-1tbs
8.Pepper powder-1tbs
9.Lime Juice-3tbs
10.Dry oregano-1tbs
11.Salt as needed
12.Extra virgin olive oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Soak the beans separately overnight and drain.
• In a large soup pot, place the beans, the onion, zucchini, tomatoes ,celery and olive oil, and cover by 1-inch with cool water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. 
• Now Lower the heat and simmer until the beans are tender about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
• At this stage Add the sauce, chilli flakes,oregano,pepper powder,salt and turn the heat to high and mix it altogether well and switch off . 
• Divide the soup among 4 bowls and top each bowl of minestrone with a lime juice and serve hot.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Toasted italian bread