Karela Fry – Bitter Gourd Fry
This is a simple South Indian dish in which bitter gourd is marinated with salt and spices and then fried. It is served with rice and sambar/rasam. Because of its bitter taste many of us don’t cook this vegetable often. But when you soak it in tamarind water or salt and turmeric, you can reduce the bitterness to a certain extent. It is good have it once in a while because of its nutrition and medicinal values. Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes No. of servings: 2 to 3 Ingredients: Bitter gourd – 4 (medium size) Sambar powder – 1 tsp Chili powder – 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Salt to taste Oil – 2 tbsp Method of Preparation: Wash bitter gourd and slit it. Remove the seeds and pith. Cut into thin slices...
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Baingan Masala – Stuffed Eggplant Curry
Stuffed Eggplant Curry is a spicy, tangy and peanutty curry in which eggplants are slit and stuffed with a spicy masala and cooked in a spicy nutty curry. This is generally served with rice or roti. This is my favorite dish and it makes you lick your fingers till the last bit. Also try our Ennai Kathirikkai which is another exotic eggplant dish. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 60 minutes No. of servings: 5 Spice level: 4 out of 5 Ingredients: Small or medium Indian eggplants (brinjal) – 6 Chopped onion – 2 cups (one big onion) Garlic – 5 cloves Roasted Peanut powder – 1/3 cup Cinnamon stick – 1″ piece Cloves – 2 Red chili powder – 2 tsp (adjust to your spice level) Coriander powder – 1 tsp Garam masala – 1/2 tsp Methi seeds...
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Quinoa Biryani
I just joined in weight watchers in the last couple of months, so I started calculating my points in my daily eating habits. I’ve always wanted to make Quinoa for a very long time but never got a chance. I just tried making Quinoa Biryani yesterday and I must say the flavor and aroma tasted almost like basmati rice. You don’t see a bug difference in biryani. The cooking technique of Quinoa is just like cooking any rice. Wash it and always soak quinoa for atleast 15 minutes before you use. You will see a white tail in quinoa after its fully cooked and that’s the sign it’s completely cooked. A little information about Quinoa from Wikipedia: Quinoa a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is...
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Palak Paratha
Palak Paratha is an easy way to give spinach to the kids. We can make this paratha either by stuffing the spinach like how I did for Methi Paratha or we can just mix the spinach to the dough. I did the Spinach Paratha by mixing it to the dough. Here is the recipe for delicious Green Parathas :). Time of Preparation : 40 minutes Resting Time : 2 hours No of Parathas : 9 Spice level : 2 Ingredients: Wheat Flour – 1 1/2 cups Spinach / Palak – 1 cup Garlic – 3 cloves Green chillies – 2 Sambar Powder – 1/2 tsp Garam masala – 1/2 tsp Coriander powder – 1/2 tsp Salt – 1 1/4 tsp Yogurt – 1/2 cup Oil – as needed Method of Preparation: Grind the spinach, garlic and green chillies in...
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Cabbage Peas Stir Fry / Cabbage Peas Poriyal
The Cabbage Peas Poriyal is the one which is served in all the special occasions in Southern India. This is the easiest stir fry and adding peas to the cabbage gives extra taste to the dish. Time of Preparation : 20 minutes No of Servings : 3 to 4 Spice level : 2 Ingredients: Oil – 2 tsp Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp Asafoetida – a pinch Curry leaves – a few Split Urad dal – 1 tbsp Channa dal – 2 tsp Green Chillies – 4 (slitted lengthwise) Onions – 1/4 cup (finely chopped) Cabbage – 3 cups (thinly chopped) Peas – 1 cup (Ive used frozen peas) Salt – to taste Method of Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When it splits add the asafoetida, curry leaves, channa dal, urad dal and...
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Sorakaya Poriyal / Bottle Gourd Stir Fry
I generally make kootu with Bottle gourd. Today I enjoyed my meal with Vathakuzhambu, Paruppu Thuvayal and Sorakaya Poriyal. This stir fry is a very simple dish and it is tasty too. Generally it goes well with any spicy curry. Time of Preparation : 30 minutes Spice level : 3 No of Servings : 3 Ingredients: Bottle (small size) – 1 (chopped into small cubes) Onion – 1/4 cup (finely chopped) Green Chillies – 4 (slitted lengthwise) Channa dal – 4 tbsp Salt – to taste Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp Oil – 1 tbsp Asafoetida – a pinch Urad dal split – 1 tsp Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Coconut (grated) – 2 tbsp Method of Preparation: Soak the channa dal for 1 hour. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds followed by urad dal, asafoetida,...
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Spicy Mushroom Curry
As the name indicates this is a spicy dish which is a perfect combination with roti or pulao or ghee rice. I wanted to try a different version of mushroom curry. So I mixed up a couple of different recipes and tried this dish and it turned it out so good. My husband (GS) and I liked it so much. I used baby bella mushrooms which is my favorite. Try this dish and let me know how it turns out. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes No. of servings: 5 Spice level: 4 out of 5 Ingredients: Mushroom – 250 gram (1/2 lb) One big onion chopped Tomatoes – 2 One Jalapeno (cut into big pieces) Ginger – 1 “ Garlic cloves – 3 Dried long red chilies – 8 Cashew nut – 2 tbsp (soaked in water)...
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Onion Tomato Chutney (Version 2)
We can make Onion Tomato Chutneys in so many ways by giving slight variation and this one is the easiest. Adding Split Dhalia gives a wonderful taste to the chutney. My mom used to make this chutney for Dosa and I love it. Here is the recipe for the simple Onion Tomato Chutney. Time of Preparation : 15 minutes No of Servings : 2 to 4 Spice level : 3 Ingredients: Red Onion (medium size) – 1 (chopped) Tomato – 1 cup (chopped) Red Chillies – 4 Split Dhalia – 2 tbsp Salt – to taste Oil – 1 tbsp Garlic – 1 clove (optional) Green Chilly – 1 (optional) For Seasoning: Mustard Seeds – 1/4 tsp Curry leaves – a few Oil – 1 tsp Method of Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and fry the red chillies...
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Parangikkai Karamani Kootu – Butternut Squash and Lentil Curry
Butternut Squash is a type of winter squash which is pear shaped, has a yellow skin and an orange flesh inside. It has a sweet and nutty taste. It contains many important nutrients such as vitamin A and C, potassium, fibre, iron and magnesium. Since it has a sweeter taste, generally many of us don’t use this vegetable often in Indian recipes. But when it is not ripe it is not that sweet and can be used in making Sambar (Lentil Soup) and Kootu (South Indian Curry) or other dishes. It has a thick skin and it is generally peeled, stalks and seeds are removed before cooking. Their seeds are edible and contains oil and protein. You can serve them toasted as a healthy snack. Coming to Azuki beans (karamani or red chori), it is a good source of...
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Pattani Kurma – Peas Korma
Kurma (or Korma) is a popular South Asian dish which is basically braised vegetables or meat in a creamy curry. There are different styles of kurma. Pattani Kurma is a popular South Indian dish which is served along with idli/dosa or roti or variety rice. Shredded coconut and cashew nut along with various spices are used for the kurma. I prefer to use dried peas. You can also substitute it with fresh or frozen green peas. The rich and creamy kurma is definitely a crowd pleaser. Easy to make for parties or get together. Try and let me know your comments. Preparation time: 8 hours (soaking time) Cooking time: 45 minutes No. of servings: 4 to 5 Spice level: 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Dried green or yellow peas – 1 cup (Soaked over night) One big onion chopped...
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Podalangai Poricha Kuzhambu (Snake Gourd Lentil Stew)
Poricha Kuzhambu is a traditional dish from Tamil Nadu which is prepared from lentils, spices and vegetables and served with cooked rice. There are different versions of this dish. This one is a simple and yummy recipe from my mom and one of my all time favorite dish. Different type of lentils such as toor dal, moong dal and channa dal can be used for this dish. Today I am going to make it with channa dal and moong dal (protein rich). The perfect combination for this dish would be paruppu usli or potato fry (urulai fry). My mouth waters when I imagine that… Ingredients: Snake Gourd – 500 gram (1.1 lb) Channa dal – 3/4 cup Moong dal – 1/4 cup Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Oil – 1 tsp Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp Dried red chilies...
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Egg Puff
Puffs are the easiest snack to make and this is the first time I have tried Egg puffs. Whenever I make veg puff my husband asks for Egg puff. The egg puffs came out really good and he liked it a lot. 🙂 Time of Preparation : 1 hr 10 minutes No of Servings : 9 to 12 puffs Spice level : 3 Ingredients: Puff pastry sheet – 1 (I have used pepperidge farm puff pastry sheet. 2 sheets will be there) Eggs -5 Onion – 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Capsicum – 1/4 cup (finely chopped) Tomatoes – 1/3 cup (finely chopped) Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp Red chilli powder – 3/4 tsp (according to spice level) Coriander powder – 3/4 tsp Chaat masala – 1/4 tsp Oil – 1 tbsp Salt – to taste Method of Preparation:...
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Soy Chunks Fry
My husband is a huge fan of Soy chunks. I had never tried any recipe with soy chunks until recently since I do not like them :). I tried this Soy Chunks fry for the first time and my husband liked it a lot. Time of Preparation : 30 minutes No of Servings : 2 Spice level : 4 Ingredients: Soy Chunks – 1 cup Onion – 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Tomatoes – 1/2 cup (chopped) Garlic – 2 tsp (grated) Ginger – 2 tsp (grated) Fennel seeds – 1 tsp Sambar powder – 1 tsp (according to spice level) Green chillies – 2 (finely chopped) Mutton masala powder – 1 tsp Garam masala – 1/2 tsp Salt – to taste Oil – 1 tbsp Method of Preparation: Put the Soy chunks in hot water for 20 minutes. Heat...
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Simple Brussels Sprouts Fry
Brussels Sprouts are leafy green vegetable and they look like a small cabbage bud. They are rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin A and C and said to contain sinigrin, which protect against colon cancer. Learn more about Brussels sprouts from Wikipedia or here. Today I have prepared a simple fry in Indian style which can be served with rice and sambar or rasam or even as a salad with chapathi. Do not over cook the vegetable since it will become too soft and releases an odour which some people may dislike. It is not ideal for people with thyroid dysfunction to eat this vegetable on a regular basis, although a reasonable intake once in a while wouldn’t hurt. Preparation time: 25 minutes No. of servings: 3 to 4 Spice level: 2.5 out of...
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Carrot Poriyal / Carrot fry
Generally I prefer to eat fresh carrots rather than making any fry. But my mom used to make this carrot fry for my lunch box. Even those who hates carrot fry will like this. Time of Preparation : 20 minutes Spice level : 3 No of servings : 2 Ingredients: Carrots – 3 (cut into very small cubes) Onions – 1/3 cup (finely chopped) Cumin seeds – 1 tsp Curry leaves – a few Asafoetida – a pinch Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp Sambar powder – 2 tsp (according to spice level) Salt – to tatse Oil – 2 tsp Besan flour – 1 1/2 tsp Method of Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds followed by asafotida and curry leaves. Then add the onions and fry till they become translucent. Add the turmeric powder,...
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Methi Malai Paneer
Methi Malai Paneer is a delicious Indian gravy cooked with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and fenugreek leaves in a creamy sauce. It is served along with roti or anyIndian breads. This is a simple recipe and can be prepared quickly for a party or for everyday dinner or lunch. Whenever I go to the Indian store, I don’t forget to pick a bunch of methi or fenugreek leaves. I love to make some methi dal or a gravy for my roti and rice. It has a lot of medicinal values and is nutritious. Enjoy the curry with roti or phulkas. Preparation time: 40 minutes No. of servings: 5 to 6 Spice level: 3 out of 5 Ingredients: Chopped onions – 2 cups Puree from 2 big roma tomatoes Fresh methi leaves (Fresh fenugreek leaves) – 3 cups Fried paneer...
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Spicy Poondu Kuzhambu (Spicy Garlic Curry)
This is my mom’s signature dish and a favorite for everyone in my family. She makes it almost every other weekend for us and it gets over fast. If you are looking for a simple and spicy kuzhambu recipe, then you are at the right place. You can serve this dish with rice as well as dosa/idli. It stays good for upto a week in the refrigerator. Mix a couple of tablespoon of this kuzhambu with rice along with a tsp of sesame oil and serve it with papad. Preparation time: 60 minutes No. of servings: 8 to 10 Spice level: 4 out of 5 Ingredients: Garlic pods – 3/4 cup Medium size eggplants (Indian eggplant) – 4 Tamarind – one lemon size Coriander seeds – 2 tsp Dry red chilies – 5 to 6 Channa dal – 1...
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Cauliflower Soup
This cauliflower soup is a nice substitute for rasam. When we feel bored of having rasam, we can have this dal soup. This is very simple and to make and can be served as regular soup with crushed pepper. Time of preparation : 30 minutes No of servings : 2 to 3 Spice level : 3 Ingredients: Cauliflower florets (washed and cut)- 1/2 cup Toor dal – 1/3 cup Water – 2 cups Onion (finely chopped) – 1/3 cup Tomato (chopped) – 1/2 Green chillies – 4 (according to spice level) Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp Salt – to taste Oil – 1 tbsp For Seasoning: Cinnamon stick – 1/2″ Cloves – 2 Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds – 1/2 tsp Garlic – 4 (crushed) Curry leaves – a few Asafoetida – a pinch Method of Preparation:...
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