Authentic Recipes from the Kitchens of Shriya, Nithu & Arthi!

Thakkali Thooku (Version 2) / Tomato Thokku

Posted by on Jul 21, 2013 in Veggie Entrees & Sides | 1 comment

This Thakkali Thokku is the easiest side dish for Chapati or Dosa. When I do not have any veggies or when I am so bored to cook any side dish for Chapati, I make this Thakkali Thokku. Also this is the best side dish for travel. It will be good for longer time. Here is the recipe for the simple Tomato Thokku. Time of Preparation : 20 minutes No of Servings : 2 to 3 Spice level : 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Onions – 1 cup (finely chopped) Green chillies – 3 (slit lengthwise) Garlic – 5 cloves (crushed) Ginger – 1/2 tsp (grated) Tomatoes (large size) – 4 (chopped) Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Sambar powder – 2 tsp (adjust according to spice level) Salt – to taste Oil – 2 tsp Gingerly oil – 1 tbsp...

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Rasavangi (Step by Step Instructions)

Posted by on Jul 10, 2013 in Kootu/lentil Stew, Veggie Entrees & Sides | 3 comments

I was planning to do this Rasavangi from a long time. This Rasavangi is almost similar to Arachuvitta Sambar except for 1 or 2 ingredients. This is very simple to make and is different from usual sambar or any other Kuzhambu. Time of Preparation : 30 minutes No of Servings : 2 to 3 Soice level : 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Brinjal – 4 (cut lengthwise) Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Salt – to taste Tamarind – Gooseberry size Toor dhal – 1/4 cup Chickpeas – 1/4 cup (soaked overnight or soaked in hot water for 2 hours) Asafoetida – a pinch Masala to Grind: Oil – 1 tsp Red chillies – 5 Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp Channa dhal – 1/2 tbsp Black pepper – 5 to 8 Coconut – 3 tbsp (grated) For Seasoning: Oil –...

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Cabbage Masala Curry

Posted by on Jun 29, 2013 in North Indian recipes | 2 comments

Cabbage Masala Curry is a simple and delicious curry served with roti or naan. I learnt this dish from my father in law who is a great cook and appreciates good food. This is one of his signature dish and my favorite. You can add peas to this dish if you like. It is not spicy and perfect for kids and adults. Enjoy this dish with roti or rice. Preparation time: 60 minutes No. of servings: 4 Spice level: 2 out of 5 Ingredients: Cabbage – 3/4 kg  (1.6 lb) Chopped onion – 1 Tomato – 1 Green chili – 1 Garlic pods – 3 Ginger – 1″ piece Fresh cilantro – 2 tbsp Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp Cumin powder – 1 tsp Coriander powder – 1 tsp Kasoori methi – 1...

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Tomato Korma / Thakkali Kuruma

Posted by on Jun 27, 2013 in Breakfast Menu | 2 comments

Recently I have made so many side dishes for Idly / Dosa. This is also one such easy Breakfast Korma. This Tomato Korma is very simple to make and will taste good with Idly, Dosa or even Chapati. Time of Preparation : 25 minutes No of Servings : 2 Spice level : 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Oil – 2 tsp Fennel seeds – 1 tsp Green chillies – 3 (slit lengthwise) Onions – 1 cup (finely chopped) Garlic – 3 (crushed) Tomatoes (medium size) – 3 (chopped) Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Salt – to taste To Grind: Oil – 1 tsp Red chillies – 3 Cinnamon stick – 1/2″ Clove – 1 Coriander seeds – 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp Poppy seeds – 1 tsp Coconut – 3 tbsp Method of Preparation: Heat 1 tsp...

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Vegetable Soup

Posted by on Jun 26, 2013 in Healthy Eats, Soups | 1 comment

I wanted to try some soup recipes for a long time. I tried this vegetable soup (thick soup) and it was good. We can add any vegetable we want and we have to follow the same procedure. Here is the recipe.. Time of Preparation : 30 minutes No of Servings : 3 to 4 Spice level : 2 Ingredients: Onions – 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Tomatoes (medium size) – 3 (chopped) Carrots – 2 (cut to small cubes) Beans – 10 (finely chopped) (optional) Cauliflower – 1/2 cup (chopped to small pieces) Broccoli – 1/2 cup (chopped) (optional) Peas – 1/2 cup Cumin powder – 1 tsp Garam masala – 1/2 tsp Black pepper – 1 to 2 tsp (freshly ground) (according to spice level) Salt – to taste Oil – 2 tsp Vegetable Broth – 3 cups Method...

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Split Moong Dhal and Green Peas Dosa

Posted by on Jun 16, 2013 in Breakfast Menu, Healthy Eats | 1 comment

Looking for some easy, tasty and new recipe???? This Split Moond Dal and Green Dosa is a healthy and tasty recipe which will taste like Pesarattu. But it is less time consuming and it is something different than a usual Dosa. Thanks to my cousin for this wonderful recipe. Time of Preparation : 40 minutes No of Servings : 2 Spice level : 2 out of 5 Ingredients: Split Moong Dhal – 1/2 cup Green Peas ( I have used frozen) – 1/2 cup Ginger (chopped) 2 tsp Green chillies – 2 Salt – to taste Oil – 6 to 8 tsp For Seasoning: Oil – 2 tsp Cumin seeds – 1 tsp Onions (finely chopped) – 1/4 cup Method of Preparation: Soak the the split moong dal at least for half an hour. If your using fresh green...

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Vegetable Hakka Noodles

Posted by on Jun 11, 2013 in Indo-Chinese, Multi Cuisine | Comments Off on Vegetable Hakka Noodles

This is the simplest way of making Chinese style noodles. In this recipe I have added many veggies of different colors. The vibrant colors will make anyone to eat it. Since we are adding lots of veggies it is a healthy meal for kids too :). Time of Preparation : 20 minutes No of Servings 2 Spice level : 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Hakka Noodles – 1 packet / 200grams Oil – 3 tsp Onions – 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Garlic – 5 cloves (grated) Bell peppers (I have used 3 colors of bell peppers) – 1/2 cup each color (thinly sliced) Cabbage – 1 cup (thinly sliced) Carrot – 1 ( 1″ thinly sliced) Beans – 10 (1″ thinly sliced) Soy sauce – 2 tsp Green chilli sauce – 3 tsp (you can replace red chilli sauce...

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Instant Korma for Idly / Dosa

Posted by on Jun 10, 2013 in Breakfast Menu | 5 comments

Thinking of a quick side dish for Idly/Dosa other than chutneys???…Here is the recipe for Instant Korma..Yeah Korma without grinding or without any veggies. I have never heard of Kormas without grinding any ingredient until I got this recipe from my Mother-in-law recently. But it tasted absolutely like Korma. I tried this and it tasted awesome :). Time of Preparation : 20 minutes Spice level : 3 out of 5 No of Servings : 2 to 3 Ingredients: Onion (preferably red) – 1 1/4 cup (thinly sliced) Tomatoes – 1 cup (chopped) Green chillies – 2 (slitted lengthwise) Garlic – 5 (crushed) Bay leaf – 1 Cinnamon stick – 1″ Cloves – 2 Fennel seeds – 1 tsp Oil – 1 tbsp Salt – to taste Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Sambar powder – 1 tsp Besan flour –...

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Aloo Poha (Batata Poha)

Posted by on Jun 8, 2013 in Breakfast Menu, Snacks | 4 comments

Aloo Poha or Batata Poha is a traditional Maharashtrian recipe made using flattened rice or Poha (aval) and potatoes. A simple and delicious recipe served for dinner or a healthy breakfast. It can also be made during Navaratri festival for serving your guests. You can use thin or thick poha for making this dish except that the soaking time varies. Preparation time: 30 minutes No. of servings: 4 Spice level: 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Poha (flattened rice or beaten rice) –  2 cups Big potato – 1 (boiled, peeled and cubed) Chopped onion – 1 cup Green chilies – 3 to 4 A few curry leaves Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds – 1 tsp Urad dal – 1 tsp Peanuts – 3 tbsp Dried red chili – 1 Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp Oil – 3...

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Cabbage Stir Fry (Version 2) / Cabbage Poriyal

Posted by on Jun 4, 2013 in Veggie Entrees & Sides | 2 comments

This version of Cabbage poriyal is the basic version of the poriyal but it will be very tasty and healthy. When we want to eat something light and healthy, this version of cabbage poriyal is a good choice. Time of Preparation : 20 minutes No of Servings : 2 Spice level : 3 Ingredients: Cabbage – 4 cups (thinly chopped) Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp Asafoetida – a pinch Split Urad dal – 1 1/2 tsp Green Chillies – 2 (slit lengthwise) Grated ginger – 1 tsp Curry leaves – a few Grated coconut – 1 tbsp Oil – 1 tsp Salt – to taste Method of Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds followed by the asafoetida, curry leaves, split urad dal, green chillies and grated ginger. Fry for a minute and add the...

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Vegetable Bread Sandwich – Iyengar Bakery Style

Posted by on Jun 2, 2013 in Sandwiches, Slideshow | 7 comments

Most of you from Tamilnadu would have heard about Iyengar Bakery and their popular Vegetable Bread Sandwich. It is one of my favorite among the other dishes from the bakery. It is simple and very tasty. My father in law is an expert in making this sandwich and we all love it. He is here with us and now I get to eat it for breakfast on almost everyday. I can’t wait to share this simple sandwich recipe with you. Keep the vegetables chopped the night before and make it for a quick breakfast or even for lunch pack. It tastes great even after so many hours of making. All you need to do is wrap it in an aluminum foil and it will stay fresh until evening. It even tastes better. I am not exaggerating!!! It is healthy,...

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Keerai Masiyal (Version 2) / Spinach Masiyal

Posted by on Jun 1, 2013 in Healthy Eats, Veggie Entrees & Sides | 1 comment

If you are bored of cooking greens with dal, this recipe is an easy one without adding dal. My mom used to make Keerai Kadayal with Mulai Keerai by adding just chillies and garlic. For Spinach Masiyal, adding onions and tomatoes gives more taste. I got this recipe from my cousin and she said this recipe will be good for Arai Keerai and Siru Keerai too :). Time of Preparation : 20 minutes No of Servings:2 Spice level : 4 out of 5 Ingredients: Onions – 1/3 cup (chopped) Tomatoes – 1/3 cup (chopped) Green Chillies – 2 (adjust according to spice level) Garlic – 2 cloves Spinach – 2 cups (tightly packed) Oil – 1 tsp Salt – to taste Time of Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and add the onions and fry till they become soft....

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Manitaropita / Greek Mushroom Pie

Posted by on May 23, 2013 in Multi Cuisine, Snacks | 2 comments

I told my cousin in Canada that I made Spanakopita  recently. Then she suggested this Manitaropita which is is similar to the Spanakopita recipe. She said that she had some frozen Manitaropita which is made mushroom and feta cheese in some wine sauce. I did this Manitaropita in my own style and that too tasted good. Here is the recipe for this easy and tasty snack. Time of Preparation : 40 minutes No of Servings : 4 Spice level : 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Onions – 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Mushrooms – 150 grams (chopped to small cubes) Green chillies – 2 (finely chopped) Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp (according to taste) Salt – to taste Parsley leaves – a handful (chopped) Garlic – 2 cloves (finely chopped) Olive oil – 1 tsp and for...

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Elavan Mathan Pachadi – Pumpkin and Melon Curry

Posted by on May 23, 2013 in Kootu/lentil Stew, Onam and Vishu, Veggie Entrees & Sides | 4 comments

Elavan Mathan Pachadi is again a simple and traditional Palakad dish which is generally served with rice and Milagootal. Winter Melon (ash gourd) and Pumpkin are known as “Elavan or Kumbalanga” and “Mathan or Mathanga” respectively in Malayalam. This pachadi can also be served with any type of rice or roti. Both pumpkin and ash gourd are nutritious vegetables. So this is a perfect way to add these vegetables to your daily diet. Preparation time: 30 minutes No. of servings: 6 Spice level: 3 out of 6 Ingredients: Elavan (winter melon) – 1 cup Mathan or parangikkai – 1 cup Whole tamarind – small lemon size Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Shredded coconut – 1/4 cup Mustard seeds – 1 tsp Green chilies – 1 Oil – 1 tsp Dried chili – 1 A few curry leaves Salt to...

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Coriander Idly

Posted by on May 14, 2013 in Breakfast Menu | 1 comment

Coriander Idly is one of the easiest and tastiest dishes from leftover Idly. I got this recipe from my sister. If we are bored of having Idly Upma, this Coriander Idly is a good choice which can prepared under 15 minutes :). Time of Preparation : 15 minutes Spice level : 2 No of Servings : 1 Ingredients: Idly – 5 Coriander leaves – 25 strings Coconut – 3 tbsp Red Chilly – 1 Garlic -1 Split dhalia – 1 tbsp Onion – 1/4 cup (finely chopped) Idly Podi – 1 tsp (optional) For Seasoning: Oil – 1 tsp Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp Split urad dal – 1 tsp Red chilly – 1 Curry leaves – a few Method of Preparation: Grind coriander leaves along with, split dhalia, coconut, garlic red chilly and salt to a slightly coarse...

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Grilled Paneer Bhurji Sandwich

Posted by on May 9, 2013 in Paneer Recipes, Sandwiches, Slideshow | 4 comments

Are you looking for a quick and delicious sandwich recipe for breakfast/lunch/dinner, then you are at the right place. When you make this sandwich with whole wheat bread, it tastes so  good. The protein and fiber from paneer and bread fills you up and is very healthy. It is kid friendly and easy to make. You can prepare the paneer bhurji the previous day and store it in the refrigerator. For more sandwich recipes, check here. Preparation time: 30 minutes No of servings: 4 Spice level: 2 out of 5 Ingredients: Whole wheat bread – 8 Grated fresh paneer – 2 cups Chopped onion – 1 cup Chopped ginger – 1 tbsp Tomato – 1 Green chili – 1 or 2 (adjust to taste) Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Salt to taste Method of Preparation: Heat oil in a...

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Baked Kale Chips

Posted by on May 7, 2013 in Healthy Eats, Veggie Entrees & Sides | 2 comments

Kale has very high nutritional value. It is very rich in calcium vitamin K and Vitamin C. Kale has been found to contain a group of resins known as bile acid sequestrants, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and decrease absorption of dietary fat. I had these Kale chips at my sister’s place and I loved it. It is very simple to prepare too. This is a simple kale roast with a touch of garlic. Time of Preparation : 5 minutes Cooking Time : 20 minutes No of Servings : 2 to 3 Ingredients: Kale leaves – 1 bunch Olive oil – 1tbsp Garlic powder – 3/4 tsp Salt – to taste Method of Preparation: Remove the leaves from the stem and wash them. Dry them completely and mix them with olive oil, garlic powder and salt. Preheat...

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Mambazha Pulissery – Ripe Mango in a Yogurt Curry

Posted by on May 4, 2013 in Kootu/lentil Stew, Onam and Vishu, Veggie Entrees & Sides | 10 comments

Mambazha Pulissery is an authentic Kerala style curry in which ripe mangoes are cooked in a yogurt and coconut based spicy curry. It is sweet, sour, spicy and a little tangy. It is a tradition to make this dish on Vishu and Onam festival. It tastes more like Mor Kootan or Mor Kuzhambu except for being a little sweet. Mango season is here, so try this delicious curry and serve as a side to chapathis, rice and also as raitha to pulao or biryani. Ingredients: Ripe mango – 1 Grated coconut – 3 tbsp Dried red chilies – 2 Fenugreek seeds (methi) – 1/2 tsp Thick buttermilk – 1.5 cups Oil – 2 tsp Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp A few curry leaves Salt to taste Method of Preparation: Peel the skin and cut mango into big pieces. Boil it...

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