Idli Varieties, Snacks

GREEN MASALA IDLI

I had this Green Masala Idli for the first time when I came here to Bangalore about 13 years back in Sri Krishna Bhavan Restuarant. I was so much hooked by the taste that I would have it each time we visited there.I was tempted to make this last week with the small amount of idli batter that was left over.The greens needed for the recipe was also available at home and as an enthusiastic blogger I sprang in to the kitchen and started for the preparation.This recipe has palak or spinach included in it and can be fed to…

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Kuzhambu Varieties, Traditional Recipes

MANGO DRUMSTICK SAMBHAR

After Navarathri festivities I am sure all of you will be needing a simple yet tasty lunch options.I made this Mango Drumstick Sambhar today and it was as tasty as ever.I wanted to make plain Mango Sambhar but ended up with adding drumstick as well.Raw Mango Sambhar adds the rice to a new taste and imparts a special flavour.As you might know here you should keep the tamarind extract a bit less as we are adding mango which will make the sambhar sour.The mango when cooked tends to get softer and tastier.You can add brinjal or capsicum also in place…

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Diwali Sweets, Indian Festival Recipes, Kesari Recipes, Navarathri Recipes, Sweets

BANANA SHEERA

Banana Sheera is a tasty dessert made from semolina,sugar,milk and banana.South Indians call it Kesari whereas in North it is called suji ka halwa. Normally I make kesari for various occasions for offering it to GOD.I have also seen here in Bangalore people making it for Satya Narayana Pooja. Whatever may be the occasion,it is a tasty desert that can be made in no time.One of my friends said she used to feed her infant with this Banana Sheera and as it is quite easy to swallow and soft.Here in Karnataka this is called Kesari Bath and is usually served…

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Indian Festival Recipes, Millet Recipes, Navarathri Recipes, Neiveidhyam Recipes, Payasam/Kheer Recipes, Traditional Recipes

SAMAI PAYASAM

Samai or Little Millet is a long forgotten Millet variety which was in use since old times.Nowadays due to the growing importance of health benefits of these grains.I have made a few varieties of recipes using millets and since this is Navatri season,thought of posting this simple recipe of payasam or kheer.I have made it with jaggery but you can replace it with sugar too.Similarly palm sugar can also be substituted for jaggery.Samai is good for diabetics and has low glycemic index. Samai has fibre content and helps in digestion too.The payasam turned super delicious and we all enjoyed the…

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Indian Festival Recipes, Millet Recipes, Navarathri Recipes, Neiveidhyam Recipes, Sweets, Traditional Recipes

SAMAI VELLA PUTTU/LITTLE MILLET PUTTU

I am making use of millets these days in my recipes not only to add them to the blog but also to add a healthy touch to the diet in our day to day food.As today is NAVATATHRI’s first day thought of sharing with you all this easy and tasty jaggery based sweet recipe which can be offered to GODDESS for the celebrations.I have Arisi Vella Puttu already in my blog,but this one I made with my own innovation.The process is simple and the ingredients even simpler. Puttu is usually made on Fridays during Navarathri celebrations.You can try this for…

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Dosa Varieties, Millet Recipes

VARAGU DOSA

Dosa is a favorite at home,be it any type.I make it for Breakfast,Dinner and at times pack for lunch too.This Dosa is made from Varagu,tamil name for Kodo Millet.As we all know millet recipes are becoming increasingly popular due to their health benefits these days.As you might have seen in my blog I have made a few Millet recipes and plan to post more in the near future.These millets can easily be substituted for rice and many recipes can be made with this.Besides dosa ,idli,pongal,payasam,pulao or biryani can be made with these wonder millets.One of my friend who is a…

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Avani Avittam Recipes, Indian Festival Recipes, Snacks, Traditional Recipes, Vada

AAMA VADAI

Aama Vadai or Paruppu Vadai as it is called is a bengal gram and tur dal based fritter usually made during festivals in Tamil Nadu.It is specially made during Weddings,Boghi and Avani Avittam. Avani Avitttam or Upakarma is a vedic ritual practiced by Hindus of Brahmin caste.It is conducted once in a year during the month of Shravana when Brahmins change their Upanayana thread. This day is also important as Brahmins worship Rishis and offer libation of water to their ancestors. Amongst other delicacies Paruppu Poli and Paruppu Payasam is also made.The vadai is a no garlic no onion recipe,since…

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Indian Festival Recipes, Salads

CARROT CUCUMBER KOSUMALLI

Kosumalli or Kosambari is a south indian salad made with soaked mung dal and vegetables like cucumber,carrot etc.Usually this is made during Rama Navami,marriages and some festivals.I make this once a week since all at home are fond of salads and is a favorite to Ravi.It was during last week’s weekend menu I hade made this and as promised writing this post now.As cucumbers and carrots are available all round the year and are easily available this is a simple recipe which can be mae in a jiffy and you can be rest assured that it is nutritious too. You…

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Breakfast Recipes, Idli Varieties

OATS IDLI

We all know of oats as a breakfast which has innumerable health benefits.Normally at my home porridge is made with it and is not touched by my daughter.As I was thinking a good way to make her eat this wonder cereal,the idea of making idlis came to my mind.It would be a great breakfast or dinner option also.Oats,I came to know has a very good source of fibre and are rich in minerals,fibres and anti oxidants.They also lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.It also has some starch and carbohydrates.It is filling,yet light on the tummy.As I set out to make…

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Snacks, Vada

RASAM VADA

Rasam Vada is a popular snack or starter which is filling and light on the stomach. Vadas are made crisp and soaked or dunked in spicy hot rasam. To make this make vadas first and then rasam. Normally urad dal vadas are made for rasam vadas,but you can make dal vadas and soak them in rasam too.I plan to make the rasam with dal vada soon and post in it in the near future.I am sure you will all like the soft and melt in the mouth consistency of these vadas. The vadas have to be soaked well,but at the…

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Curry with Coconut, Indian Festival Recipes

VAZHAIKAI PODIMAS

Vazhaikai is Plaintain or Raw Banana in Tamil.Raw banana occupies a distinct place in the cooking of South Indian households.Normally anything with raw banana is made on certain fasting days,festivals and ceremonies.Also it is made without the addition of onion and garlic,which makes it apt to eat during these days.As today being the Aadi masa porappu,i.e. the first day of the Tamil month of aadi,I made today,Vazhaikai Podimas. It is a very easy recipe involving minimal ingredients and a typical Tambrahm Menu was made.I will post the full Thali tommorow as part of the Lunch Menu Plan I am planning…

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