How to Make Vadagam ~ MIL Version

Vadagam is a seasoning ball made with main ingredients like onion,mustard, urad and chana dhal. I use this for seasoning in most of our recipes which gives nice and special aroma to the dish.The process is very big so my MIL makes it in bulk and sends it to me so i can use it for an year because it is sundried.Anyways here it goes...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Onion- 1 kg(Chopped)
2.Urad dall- 1/4 kg + 50 gm
3.Mustard seeds- 1tbs
4.Cumin seeds- 1 tbsp
5.Red chilli-10
6.Corriander seeds-1tbs
7.Salt as needed- 1/4 kg
8.Turmeric powder- 1/4tsp

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First The onions are peeled and coarsely crushed using a mortar and pestle and set it aside.
• Secondly coarse grind  redchilli and corrinader seeds in a blender and set it aside.
• Then in a big bowl take crushed onion,grinded redchilli,mustard seeds, urad dall,cumin seeds,turmeric powder and salt  and mixed well and make small medium balls out of it  
• These balls are sundried for 4-8 subsequent days under the hot sun and  stored in an  air tight container for atleast 1-2yrs.

Freshly Grated Coconut/Thengai Rice

Coconut rice is very yummy and easy dish  and one of the popular variety rice in south india.The taste for this dish comes from freshly grated coconut .Here is how i make it......

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Cooked Rice - 2 cup
2.Coconut - 1 ½ cup(Grated)
3.Peanuts - 1/4cup
4.Onion-1(Finely chopped)
5.Green Chilies or Red chilli - 2 (Slit length-wise)
6.Curry leaves -  2 sprigs
7.Corriander leaves - 3sprigs (Chopped)
8.Seasoning-Mustard,Cumin,Urad dhal,Channa dhal
9.Salt as needed
10.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat Oil in a pan. Add Mustard seeds, Urad dal and Cumin seeds,Once the seeds starts spluttering add Chana dal, Peanuts and fry for a minute.
• Then add Green Chilies, Curry leaves ,Onion fry till it turns into golden brown.
• Add grated Coconut, Salt and fry for 3 to 4 minutes or till the Coconut turns light-brown.
• Add the Cooked rice and mix well. Remove from heat and garnish with Coriander leaves.

GOES WELL WITH:

      Papad

Omapodi/Sev

Omapodi also called as Sev is very good tea time snack. It is very simple and easy to cook.Lets dig into the recipe....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Besan flour-1cup
2.Rice flour-1tbs
3.Omam/Ajwain/Vaamu-1tbs
4.Salt as needed
5.Oil for deep fry

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First grind the omum with little water and then strain the grinded liquid and keep the water aside.
• In a large bowl mix together besan and rice flour and knead the dough with omum water to form a smooth batter.
• Then add enough water to make a soft dough not too thick or thin.
• Meanwhile heat oil in a pan on a medium flame,fill the sev press with batter and add small portions of dough and squeeze it in small portions into the hot oil .
• Cook both sides till the sound subsides and golden brown ,drain the excess oil well put it into the paper towel and repeat the  procedure with the remaining batter.

Upma with Leftover Idly

Idly upma is a very good quick evening snack when u have left over idlies.I absolutely love this upma.I prepare large quantities of idly and the leftover idly i store them in refrigerator and prepare upma on the next day or the same day .Here it is how i make.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Idlis -5no
2.Onion-1(Finely chopped)
3.Green chilies- 3(Finely chopped)
4.Curry leaves- 1string
5.Turmeric-Pinch
6.Corriander leaves- 2strands(Finely chopped)
7.Seasoning-Mustard seeds,Urad dhal(Little more),Channa dhal
8.Salt as needed

9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First in a large bowl Powder the idlis by using hand and it should not be big lumps.
• Now Heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they start popping up, add urad dhal,channa dhal,curry leaves and  green chillies and Fry it.
• Then add chopped onions and saute it for few mins.
• Add turmeric and powdered idlis and Mix well. If required, add salt (Idlis will have salt, so be careful while adding extra salt).
• Finally Garnish with chopped corriander leaves and serve hot. 

Homemade Cumin/Jeera Powder

Cumin or jeera is very good for health especially for digestion.I add cumin powder in most of my cooking like sambar,rasam,poriyal etc.Here it is....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Cumin seeds/Jeera-2Cups

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In a pan,add cumin seeds fry it untill the nice aromatic smell comes or till light brown .
• Once its cool down,Dry grind in a mixer, till crushed fine.
• Store it in the airtight container for 2-3months and use it whenever needed. 

Fenugreek with Mustard Powder

Fenugreek seeds has lot of medicinal benefits so i use a pinch in most of my dishes like lemon rice,mango rice,kara kuzhambu etc .I make the powder in bulk and store it in the airtight container for 6months to 1yr and use it whenever needed.It is simple...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Fenugreek seeds-2cup
2.Mustard-1cup

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Fry fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds seperately in a pan  untill slightly light brown.
• When its cool down ,make as smooth powder and store it in a airtight container.

Vazhakai Bajji ~ My Version

Vazhakai bajji is a very good evening snack and this is how  i make my delicious bajji....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Plantain/Vazhakai-2
2.Besan flour-1cup
3.Rice flour-2tbs
4.Chilli powder-1tbs
5.Garlic-3cloves(Crushed with the skin on)
6.Bicarbonate soda-Pinch
7.Salt as needed
8.Oil for deep fry

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First cut the plantain into medium round shape slices or any shape and sprinkle some salt and pepper powder on top and mix together well and set it aside.  
• In a large bowl Mix the gram flour, rice flour,chilli powder,crushed garlic, salt and baking soda with enough amount of water(the batter shouldn’t be too thick nor too Watery).
• Now Heat oil in a pan,once the oil is hot,Dip the plantain slice in batter,gently Leave the slice slowly in the oil and fry .
• Fry till the bajji turn into golden brown color and take it out and transfer it into the papertowel.

GOES WELL WITH:

    Any chutney or Ketchup

Blackeyed Peas/Alasandalu Vada

Black-eyed peas or cow peas in English, also known as Alasandalu in Telugu, Karamani in Tamil, Lobia in Hindi, Chavli in Marathi and Alasande in Kannada. These peas are a good source of Calcium, Folate and Vitamin A apart from protein and fiber.It is very good to kids and, pregnant women also.Here is how i make it.

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Split Blackeyed peas-2cup
2.Onion-1
3.Green chilli
4.Corriander leaves 
5.Curry leaves-2strings(Chopped)
6.Salt as needed
7.Oil for deep fry

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Soak the blackeyed peas in the water for 1hr and wash it while washing remove the skin and drain the.water completely.
• Now grind the peas with enough salt into coarse batter in a blender without adding water.
• Remove the batter to a vessel in that add chopped green chilli,onion,curry leaves and corriander leaves.
• Heat oil in a pan,once it gets hot,Take small amount of batter in the hands. Drop gently into hot oil like pakoda from the side of kadai.
• In batches, deep fry them in hot , turning them until they are golden-brown on both sides. Takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, each batch.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Fried rice
  

Methileaves Sambar ~ MIL Version

Methi leaves sambar is made by my MIL tastes really yummy and simple to cook.Here it is....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Methi leaves-1 bunch(Just the leaves)
2.Toor dhal - 1/2 cup
3.Tomato-1(Chopped)
4.Onion-1(Chopped)
5.Green chilli- 2 (Slit) or Chilli powder - As reqd
6.Turmeric powder-Pinch
7.Salt  as needed
8.Seasoning-Mustard seeds,Cumin,Asafoetida
9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First pressure cook toor dal  with little turmeric powder for 3-5whistle,once its cool down mash it with the masher untill smooth .
• In that dhal add cut methi leaves and keep it aside.
• Now Do the seasoning in a seperate pan, add the onions and green chilli and fry well.
• Then add tomato and stir fry it for few mins and then transfer the toor dhal with methi leaves mixture and allow them to boil till the methi leaves get cooked . 

GOES WELL WITH:
      White rice

Raw Mango Rice

Raw mango rice is also called as mamadikay pulihora in Telugu which is my all time favorite dish.The tangy flavor of the mango mixed with rice is delicious. Here is how i make it....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Raw mango-1medium(Grated)
2.Coooked rice-2cups
3.Peanut-!/2cup
4.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
5..Seasoning-Mustard,Urad dhal,Channa dhal,Curry leaves,Red chilli,Asafoetida
6.Salt as needed
7.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a vessel,add the mustard seeds, Once they starts to crackle  add the channa dal and gram dal and let them turn red on medium heat.
• Now add the red chillis,curry leaves and asafoetida,Toss them for a few seconds.
• Add the peanuts and stir it for few mins or untill brown. 
• Then add  grated mango, salt and turmeric powder stir fry it for 5-10mins or dry, turn off heat and keep aside.
• Now Spread the cooked white rice on a wide plate,add the fried mango and use your hand or utensil  to combine well till they are all well blended with the rice and serve.  

GOES WELL WITH:

       Vathal or Appalam

Raw Mango Thokku

Raw mango thokku is a south indian pickle which is made easy.Here is a simple and delicious mango thokku recipe....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Rawmango-1big(Grated)
2.Peanuts-1/2cup
3.Red chilli-2-3(Split)
4.Asafoetida-Pinch
5.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
6.Methi powder-Pinch
7.Seasoning-Mustard,Curry leaves
8.Salt as needed
9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat the kadai with oil,season it mustard and curry leaves.
• Then add peanuts let it fry for few mins,now add red chilli,asafoetida,turmeric powder and saute it for a min. 
• Now add the grated raw mango, and salt,Cook till soft,Simmer till oil comes out on side.
• Finally add methi powder and stir well and switch off the flame.
• Store in air tight container and refrigerate for atleast 1month and use it whenever needed.  

GOES WELL WITH:

     Curd rice

Mini dosa for kids

Kids love mini dosa with any sidedish and also they always like something different so i always try something new for them.Try this and see....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Idli batter
2.Ghee

UTENSIL:
Pancake pan or Dosa pan

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat a dosa tava and pour a ladleful of batter in small size and don't spread it out . The beauty of this batter is thick and dosas come out so well. 
• Drizzle some ghee around and flip to the other side to cook it thoroughly.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Chutney or Moong dhal Sambar

Vermicelli Upma

Vermicelli upma is a very tasty breakfast .I make this so often because it is easy to do.Lets go to the receipe...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Bambino Vermicelli-2cup
2.Onion-2(Sliced)
3.Green chilli-3(Sliced)
4.Seasoning-Mustard,Channa dhal,urad dhal,Curry leaves
5.Salt as needed
6.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan, fry the vermicilli untill it turns out slight brown in colour, keep it aside. 
• In the same pan pour oil ,add mustard seeds,channa dhal,urad dhal and curry leaves allow to splutter, add sliced onions and saute it for few mins .
• Add 31/2 cup water and salt let it boil, To this add the vermicilli  stir together till the vermicilli cooks and  Serve hot.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Any pickle

Homemade Rasam Powder

Homemade rasam powder is always the best taste.Here is how my MIL makes it...

INGREDIENTS U NEED: 
1.Corriander seeds-4tbs
2.Red chilli-10no.
3.Fenugreek seeds-2tbs
4.Mustard-1tsp
5.Cumin-1cup
6.Pepper-1cup
7.Asafoetida-1tsp(dry)

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Dry roast one by one everything without oil in simmer .
• Let them cool n grind as bit coarse powder Conserve them in air tightened bottle.

Capsicum Thokku ~ Renu

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Capsicum-2(Thinly Sliced)
2.Onion-1(Sliced)
3.Tomato-1(Chopped)
4.Chilli powder-1tbs
5.Corriander powder-1/2tbs
6.Turmeric powder-Pinch
7.Seasoning-Mustard,Cumin,Curry leaves
8.Salt as needed
9.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan,add seasoning let it splutter,then add onion saute it for few mins.
• Now Add tomatoes let it fry for 2mins,add capsicum,turmeric powder,chilli powder,corriander powder and salt and cover it cook it for 10-15mins.
• Finally garnish with corriander leaves and serve it.

GOES WELL WITH:

      Chapathi

Sonti/Ginger Podi

Sonti Podi is nothing but a dry ginger powder.This powder is very good for health.This podi can be used in by adding in the tea and also If anybody is suffering for cold add ginger powder and pepper in the boiling water and strain the water and drink it for couple of days.Ok lets go to the reciepe.

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Dry ginger-10 medium

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Take the blender and add the dry ginger , blend it to very fine powder.
• Let it cool down and Store this powder in the airtight container and have it.

Mint Rice(srishkitchen)

INGREDIENTS:

1.Raw Rice - 2 cups
2.Mint Leaves - 1 cup
3.Coconut Milk - 1 cup
4.Onion - 1 (Finely Chopped)
5.Green Chilly - 3 (Slit lengthwise)
6.Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
7.Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
8.Seasoning-Aniseed - 1 tsp,Cinnamon - 2,Cloves - 2,Bay Leaf - few
9.Cooking Oil
10.Salt - to taste

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First Grind mint leaves and chillies to a fine paste without adding water.
• Heat oil in a pressure cooker and saute it with aniseeds, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf. Add onion and ginger garlic paste to it and fry until the onion becomes soft. 
• Then add grinded paste to it and fry until the raw smell leaves off.
• Now add rice to it and fry a while and add the coconut milk, water, lemon juice and required amount of salt and stir it well. when the water starts to boil well, simmer the flame and close the lid. Let it cook for 10 minutes and switch off the flame. 
• Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and transfer the dish to a serving bowl. Mint Rice is ready to serve!

GOES WELL WITH:

     Raita

RATING:
*****

Egg Puffs

Egg puffs is very good evening tea time snack which is very easy and simple to make.Here how it goes..

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Puff Pastry-1 sheet(Thawed for atleast 30 minutes)
2.Boiled Eggs-3(Cut into halves, lengthwise)
3.Onion-3(Sliced)
4.Egg-1(Beat well)
5.Turmeric powder-1/4tbs
6.Pepper powder-2tbs
7.Salt as needed
8.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• First To prepare Onion egg Masala, heat oil in a pan, add onion, saute until golden brown. Then add salt,turmeric and pepper  powder and  then add boiled egg and mix it well Keep it aside and let it cool down.
• Secondly Cut the thawed puff pastry into 6 squares each approximately about 3.5 inches wide by 5 inches long.
• Place a spoonful of onion egg masala in the middle , cut side down.
• Fold the two ends of th strip, so that it encloses the egg. Seal the edges by applying very little water or  using fork and keep it in the oven tray.
• Brush the top of the puffs with egg wash(Beated egg).
• Preheat oven for 375 deg and Bake these for about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot with ketchup!

Kozhukattai with Stuffed Peanut

Kozhukattai is the favourite dish of Lord Vinayaka which we offer during the puja .My MIL makes different varieties of kozhukattai stuffed with sesame seeds,coconut and peanut .This is stuffed peanut version I learnt from my MIL.Here is how she makes it...

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1.Rice flour-3cup
2.Peanut-1cup
3.Jaggery-1/2 cup(Grated)
4.Cardomom-2(Crushed)
5.Salt-Pinch

UTENSIL:
Idly cooker

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Mix the rice flour with enough water, and a pinch of salt together without any lumps, till it forms a dough consistency,knead it into a soft dough.Make small balls out of this.
• For the filling fry the peanuts and remove the skin and make into powder. 
• Then mix powdered jaggery,peanut powder and cardomom together and make small balls and keep it aside.
• Place a plastic sheet on top and bottom of the riceflour ball and press with a small plate or bowl(round and flat). Place the filling and close it. Seal the edges or mark lines with a fork.
• Steam the kozhukattais in pressure cooker using idli plates for 10-15mins and serve hot.

Beerakai Pulagora

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Beerakai-1medium size(Remove the skin and cut into small pieces)
2.Green chilli-2
3.Tomato-1(Chopped)
4.Tamarind -little
5.Turmeric  powder-1/4tbs
6.Seasoning-Mustard,Cumin,Curry leaves
7.Salt as needed
8.Oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Heat oil in a pan,add mustard,cumin,curry leaves let it splutter,add green chilli saute it for a min.
• Then add chopped beerakai,salt,turmeric powder and tomato let it cook for 10-15mins.
• Finally add tamarind and corriander leaves and let it cook for 5mins and switch off the flame,let it cool down.
• Then mash is using masher untill smooth and serve it.

GOES WELL WITH:

    White rice,Ragi ball and Dosa