Month: January 2020

TENDER COCONUT JELLY PUDDING

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I happened to come across a newly opened

health drink shop near my house.

It tasted too good , so I asked them what’s in it,

but they were not able to answer .

Fortunately I heard a voice in the crowd ,saying

it’s just tender coconut water with Jaggery.

Anyway, facts apart ,the idea of mixing tender

coconut water,created the spark to this recipe.

I have posted a recipe of tender coconut

pudding with sugar before, but this dessert is

purely made with country sugar.

First, I made the jelly with agar agar, tender

coconut water,country sugar , cardamon ,and

dropped in cubes of the jelly into the pudding.

No eggs,no sugar,so do try this dessert and post

in your valuable comments!

Note: You could try with gelatine instead of agar agar if you like,

To the recipe

INGREDIENTS

For the jelly

2 cups tender coconut water

Country sugar to taste

a pinch of powdered cardamon

25 gm agar agar or 2 -3 tsp gelatine

METHOD

Prepare the agar agar as per the instructions in

its box.Mix in tender coconut water and heat 2

minutes.Add cardamon powder and sugar to

taste.

Allow to set in refrigerator till firm. Cut into

cubes and add to pudding.

You can also pour into individual bowls.The

jelly can be poured in layers ( if you have time)

or as base or topping for the pudding .

For the pudding

INGREDIENTS

1-2 flesh of tender coconut ( ground)

3 cups of milk

1/4 tsp cardamon powder

Country sugar to taste

75 gm agar agar ( I used the strips not powder)

A pinch of salt

METHOD

Prepare the agar agar as directed in the box.

Mix in milk , ground tender coconut,sugar

cardamon powder and heat till no pieces of

agar agar remain.

Pour into mould and add the pieces of jelly and

allow to set. Serve with praline.

Cashew praline with jaggery

Heat a little jaggery till thick and bubbling.

Add in cashewnuts and mix till coated.

Remove from fire and allow to cool.

Crush it and use to serve!

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ONION PICKLE

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The ‘onion’ the only vegetable which makes you

cry,has numerous health benefits.

Rich in VitaminC,aids in immunity building.

Onion has anti-inflammatory,and anti-bacterial

properties and many health benefits the

human body needs, so do compulsorily hit the

search button to study the benefits of onion.

Once you know the goodness, you will never

stop to make pickles like this!

To the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

250 gm small onions peeled

1-2 tsp chilli powder ( I used only 1)

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tblsp.powdered mustard

1 tblsp.salt

1/4 cup mustard oil

1 tsp sugar/ jaggery

METHOD

Heat the oil,and add the onions and sauté for a

minute.

Add the spices and cook for another 3 minutes.

Add the vinegar, and cook for 3 minutes.

Remove from fire.

Allow to cool and store in a sterile jar for 3

days.

Don’t forget to shake the bottle everyday and

use after 3-4 days.

MILLET PONGAL

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Millets known of use,in pre-historic ages and

originated from Africa was a forgotten grain,till

recent lifestyle changes.

Rice and wheat having history after the millets,

did overtake the millets in the consumption

graph.

The present farmers are educated on millet

farming ,and the wave in inclusion of millet

diets is increasing day by day .

Today I’m going to share a Pongal recipe, which

could be served for breakfast or any meal you

like.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup millet ( washed well and soaked for 10

minutes)

3/4 cup split moong dal ( pasiparuppu)

3-4 tblsp.ghee

Few cashewnuts

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

Curry leaves

2 dry red chillies

1/4 tsp asafoetida powder

Coarsely grind

2 green chillies

1 small ginger

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp cummin seeds

1/4 cup milk/ coconut milk ( optional)

Salt to taste.

METHOD

Heat ghee in a pressure cooker / pan.

Add the mustard seeds,curry leaves,dry

chilies,cashewnuts asafoetida and sauté for 2

minutes.

Next add the coarse ground masala,soaked

millets and dhal .

Add 3 cups of water with sufficient salt, and

cook on a medium flame for 2 whistles or 15-20

minutes.

Heat a little ghee and pour over cooked Pongal,

You could add cashewnuts at this stage too

Serve with coconut chutney .

WHEAT RUMALI/VEECHU ROTI

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This dough is prepared only with wheat flour.

Easy to make ,less hassle of avoiding dipping in

oil,and resting time.The texture is also good.

I was so happy with the texture, I made stuffed

egg roti with the same dough.

Let me share this recipe with you all now..

INGREDIENTS (8-10 rotis)

2 heaped cups of wheat flour (atta)

2 tsp oil

Salt to taste

a pinch of baking soda

1/4 cup curd

1 tsp sugar

1-2 tsp ghee to apply

Enough milk to bind the dough(water and milk

can be used)

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients,in a bowl except the

flour and milk till sugar is dissolved.

Next add in the flour and enough milk to bind

the dough.

Apply ghee on the dough, and allow to rest for

30-45 minutes.

Now divide into desired portions and roll out

each portion very thin . (Dust with flour)

Heat a big griddle or pan. Smear oil and slowly

put on the rolled dough . Once you see bubbles

popping up , flip over and lightly cook on the

other side.

You can smear ghee, sprinkle a little flour,fold once into four and roll out again for a richer texture.

For the egg stuffing

Just add an egg with a little pepper and salt .

Fold the edges inwards and seal, and cook on

medium flame . Cook on both sides.

Smear with ghee or butter.

RADISH & CARROT PORIYAL

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This a lovely side dish with rice and rotis.

Everyone knows the benefits of carrot and

radish,and I think I needn’t get into the topic.

Well, both are highly nutritious and I thought

to mix both root vegetables.The combination

was indeed lovely.

For the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

2 radish peeled and chopped

2 carrots ( I used the red carrots )

I onion chopped

1 chopped garlic

1/2 tsp mustard

1/2 split urad dal/ gram dal

2 red chillies

1/4 tsp.turmeric

1 tblsp.oil

Curry leaves

1/2 coconut,2 green chillies,1/2 tsp cummin seeds ( dry ground)

Salt to taste

METHOD

Heat oil,add mustard,dry chillies,urad dal and

curry leaves.

Next add the chopped vegetables with turmeric

and salt and cook with a little water on a slow

flame.

Once the vegetables are cooked add the ground

coconut and mix well.

Remove from fire.Serve with rice .

MILLET DOSA

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Millet is gluten free,nutritious grain.The

growing awareness in food has lead to the

recognition of this grain, erasing the context of

‘bird feed’. There are many types of millets and

many types of food innovations to impress the

present generation.

These little grains are powerful

nutrients,which help in relieving coronary

blockages,and improving heart health.

Rich in magnesium helps to control sugar

levels,improves digestion,aids in building

immunity. Enriched with iron,calcium,fibre this

tiny wonder contributes goodness in health.

So,find out many more details what nature

avails, and include in your diets.

Just few hints how millets could be used in

your diets.

*Powdered/ whole made to a Porridge

*Millet Iddli

*Millet Dosai

*Millet rotis

*Millet bread

*Millet in baking biscuits,muffins

*Pancakes

*Pongal ( sweet /salt)

*Uppuma/Khichidi

Today I will be giving you the recipe for Millet Dosa

INGREDIENTS

1 cup urad dal (ulundhu)

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

4 cups any millet of your choice

1/4 cup Sabudana/Sago

A Handful or rice flakes (optional)

METHOD

Soak all the lentils and grain separately.

Please,do wash well and then soak to get good quality dosa.

After 4-6 hours of soaking wash again and grind urad dal and fenugreek first .

Transfer batter and then add the rest of the ingredients and grind fine.

Mix in salt and leave overnight or till batter ferments.

Add 1/4 tsp baking soda,and adjust the consistency with water if the batter is too thick.

The same batter ( without pouring much water) can be used to make iddlis.

Do try this healthy dosa compulsorily and send in your valued comments!

Tip: You could use coconut water to grind the

millets

CRAB CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK

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Crab curry ….tempered with moringa leaves is

irresistible!

Tops my favourite in seafood list.The aroma it

creates when it is cooking is really excellent.

Finger licking curry…also has health benefits.

A crab soup is a good cure for cold ,and for

treating long settled phlegm .

To the recipe now…

INGREDIENTS

1 kg any crab

2-3 onions chopped

2-3 green chillies

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

2-3 tomatoes

1-2 potatoes cut

2-3 cups coconut milk

1/2 cup tamarind extract ( adjust to your taste)

1/2 tsp garam masala powder

1/2 tsp.turmeric powder

1 tblsp chilli powder

1.5 tblsp coriander powder

1 cup moringa leaves

2-3 tblsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp mustard

1 tsp methi seeds/fenugreek seeds

METHOD

Heat 2 tblsp oil, add mustard seeds.Next add

chopped onions and sauté till light brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste,tomatoes,spice powders

and sauté till tomatoes are soft.

Add the cleaned crabs and potato,let it cook in

the masalas for few minutes. Add tamarind

extract.

Add the coconut milk and cook till required

consistency.(if you need thick consistency

mix 1 tsp.rice flour and add to curry)

In another vessel heat the remaining oil and

sauté moringa leaves for just 2 minutes and

pour over the curry . Cook on a slow fire for 5

minutes and remove from fire.

COFFEE FALOODA

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Summer is dawning in Chennai , so cold drinks

are the need of season.

Got the idea from yesterday’s post on coffee

jelly pudding.

Who doesn’t love ice coffee?Everybody does,

and that too with a scoop of ice cream is

irresistible . Yesterday’s post and this post is

interlinked,so do try this and post in your

comments and suggestions!Those who love

liquor , can add a tsp.of brandy or rum!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)

1 cup ice coffee

1 cup cut pieces of chocolate jelly pudding

1 tblsp chia seeds ( soaked)

Few nuts ( optional)

1tsp.brandy/ rum

A scoop of vanilla/coffee/chocolate/mocha ice

cream

METHOD

Mix all together,top it with your favourite ice

cream and serve!

COFFEE JELLY PUDDING

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This is a simple pudding ,innovated to beautiful

I always try to keep the ingredients simple,

healthy, and tasty!

This pudding is one like it….simple and

exquisite!

So ,let’s move to the recipe now.

INGREDIENTS

For the coffee jelly

1 sachet gelatine ( 2-3 tsp)

2 cups water

1 heaped tsp. instant coffee powder

Sugar to taste.

Method

First soak the gelatine in a little water .

Heat the water ,add the sugar .

Next add the bloomed gelatine ,and heat for 5

minutes .Remove from fire.

Next add the coffee powder and mix well.

Allow to set ,cut into cubes .

For the coffee pudding

2.5 cups milk

1 tblsp cornflour

Sugar to taste

2 tsp instant coffee powder

1 sachet gelatine

Method

Soak gelatine.

Heat milk and sugar.

When it has reached boiling point, add the

cornflour , coffee mixed in little water.

Next add the gelatine into the boiling mixture.

Lower the flame and cook for 3 minutes .

Pour into moulds and when partially set,add

the coffee jelly .

Allow to set well and serve .

Preferances of serving with praline /chocolate

shavings,is yours.

I love it without any additions.

So ..do try and post in your comments!

GREEN PEAS IDDLI

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Breakfast should contain lot of protein to

keep you lively throughout the day .

Green peas contain heart healthy minerals,and

should be included in the form soup,salads,in

rices, vegetables ,pastries,cutlets whatever way

your family likes.

Today, I’m bringing you an iddli recipe with

green peas.

Looking at the photo I have uploaded you will

observe, there are 2 Colors of iddli .

3 iddlis are darker and the lighter ones are

mixed with left over iddli batter ( trial).

Both were very soft and tasty .So do try both

Iddlis and send in your comments.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup fresh green peas

1 cup roasted rawa/semolina

1/2 cup curd

2-3 green chillies

1/4 coconut grated

1/2 tsp cummin seeds

Salt to taste

1/4 tsp.soda bicarbonate

METHOD

Grind the coconut,green chillies,cummin,green

peas to a coarse paste.

Mix the rest of the ingredients,and set aside for

20-30 minutes.

After 30 minutes pour into iddli moulds,and

steam for 7-10 minutes or till done.

With remaining iddli batter.

The above mixture mixed with basic iddli

mix. (2:1 ratio)

SPINACH “N”POTATO POORI

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This poori is made with cornmeal and wheat

flour with a mixture of veggies.

Looking at the ingredients, it may seem to be

time consuming.If only, you have a dough

press, just an oil paper, or your oil packets slit

in between it’s too quick .

Whenever I buy packeted oil,I store it it in my

freezer rack,and use for dishes like this.

So to the recipe now..

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cornmeal

1-2 cups wheat flour ( atta)

2 tblsp curd/ yoghurt

2-3 boiled and mashed potatoes

1 cup thinly cut spinach

1 tblsp coarsely ground cummin seeds

1 tsp. chillie powder

2-3 tsp oil

Salt to taste

Oil for frying

You could add 2 tsp amchur powder if you like.

METHOD

Mix all the listed ingredients to a soft dough.

Cover and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

Divide into portions.

Flatten into medium( not thin)circles and deep

fry in oil till golden brown.

Can be served with raita,mint chutney…..

Tip to soft chappathi and poori

*Before resting the dough apply a little curd

after preparing the dough

*Always fry poori on high heat.

*Add a pinch of salt to the oil to get no oil

effect on the poori after frying.😀

MUSHROOM ‘N’CASHEW PULAO

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This I would say that it’s one of the best vegan

Pulao recipe I have made.

So to the recipe right away

INGREDIENTS

1 cup seeraga samba rice / basamati rice

1 pkt.button mushrooms sliced

15-20 cashewnuts

1 tsp.chilli powder

1/4 cup curd

1 tsp. whole peppercorns

1/2 tsp garam masala

1 cup fried onions ( see note below)

2-3 cups coconut milk

Sauté in a little oil and grind the flowing ingredients

3-4 green chillies

1 inch piece ginger

5-6 pips garlic

A handful of mint leaves

A little coriander leaves

1 tsp shahjeera/ saunf/ perumjeeragam

3 cardamons

3 cloves

1-2 pieces cinnamon

1 onion chopped

1/4 cup ghee

salt to taste

METHOD

Wash the mushrooms, slice and marinade with

curd and chilli powder.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker or biriyani pot .

Add a little fried onions , the mushrooms and

cashews and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Next add the ground masalas with salt and

cook till raw smell is gone.

Add the washed and soaked rice and sauté well

for 2-3 minutes.

Next add the coconut milk ( 2 inches above rice

level ) and cook on a slow fire till done.

Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. garam masala .

Garnish with rest of the fried onions, mint and

coriander leaves . Serve hot with raita or side

dishes of your choice

TOMATO PURI

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This recipe is an addition to ‘ fusioned’ puri/ poori.

The culinary world,is now on the discovery

mode, in finding new dishes,new innovations.

This indeed, is one in line to the list.

To list a few on savoury puri alone, as there are

many on the sweet list too .

Palak / Spinach puri, Stuffed potato puri,Stuffed

lentil puri ,pani puri , methi puri and many

more….

India can proudly say,that they are the only

country which has more than 14 cultures , and

cuisines .

Each cuisine is unique, and has it’s own

authenticity and taste.

So .. today my recipe will be on tomato puri.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all purpose flour/ wheat flour

( if you are adding wheat flour , add a handful of all purpose flour )

2 tsp rawa / semolina ( optional)

2 tblsp oil

2-3 tomatoes ground

1 tsp coarse cummin powder

1/4 tsp chilli powder

Salt to taste

Enough oil to fry

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients and bind to a soft dough

with sufficient water. Rest the dough for 10-15

minutes.

Divide into portions ,roll into round shapes and

deep fry on high flame .

Serve with channa curry or chole ( chick peas masala).

Tip: Always fry puris on high heat , for good

texture and puffed puris

KAJADA SWEET (South Indian bakery snack)

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This is a sweet snack crispy outside,and a cake

like texture inside . A quick dish,to be served at

tea . This can be made and stored too.Fried like

Donut , and the authentic ‘Kajada ‘should have

cracks on the top .

Expert hands make this to get cracks to

resemble a flower .

Well, I tried this for tea today . The taste is like

a tiny muffin but crispier .

Let’s get into the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all purpose flour

2 tblsp.semolina

2 tblsp rice flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 egg beaten well

2 tsp curd

1 tblsp heated ghee/butter

Milk / water for binding

A pinch of baking soda

a pinch of salt

1/2 tsp cardamon powder/ vanilla essence

Oil for frying

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients together . The result will

be a sticky dough .

Cover the dough, and allow to rest for 20

minutes .

After the resting time,grease the palm of your

hands and make individual ball like portions.

Deep fry on a medium flame till golden brown

and crisp .

Enjoy the simple, and delicious snack at tea,

and post in your comments!

VANILLA SPONGE CUPCAKES

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The word cupcakes is a delight to children’s

ears mostly .

Today’s recipe will be a vanilla sponge which

could be made into many flavours with the

change of the essence.

To list a few, chocolate sponge ,coffee

sponge,pista sponge,mint sponge, caramel,

almond sponge,butterscotch,orange,lemon.,,,

*The only changes will be the essence if your

using only essence for the change of flavours.

*Part of the flour has to be substituted when

using nutty flours like almond and pista.

*When adding chocolate reduce the amount of

flour to the cocoa your recipe calls for.

*Coffee and caramel can be added in liquid

form mixed in warm milk.

*Curd or vinegar can be added to enhance the

texture.

So,for now I have given points which popped in

my mind . Moving to the recipe now…

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs

1/2 tsp vinegar

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup cornflour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup sugar

A pinch of salt

1/4 cup olive oil/ melted butter

3 tblsp milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

METHOD

Mix the dry ingredients together in a separate

bowl.

Separate yolks from whites of eggs.Beat egg

whites with vinegar till stiff and add sugar and

essence.

Fold in the flours,oil,milk using a spatula.

Scoop into cup cake liners, and bake in a

moderate oven (180C) for 25-30 minutes.

Allow to cool and pipe your favourite butter

icing.

For the vanilla butter icing: 1 part unsalted

butter : 2 parts icing sugar.

Milk mixed to get desired consistency

Vanilla essence.

Method: Beat all together till creamy and pipe

on cake.

CHILLI GRAVY ( MIRCH KA SALAN)

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This is a famous dish from the Hyderabadi

cuisine served with biriyani or pula is.

Even, though chilli is the key ingredient, it isn’t

hot and spicy . The heat of the chillies, can be

tolerated and enjoyed .

You could use julienned capsicums to substitute

for chillies

This recipe can be tried with baby brinjal,onion

cherry tomatoes….

So do try this awesome recipe, and post in your

comments!

INGREDIENTS

Green chillies/ capsicums

1 tsp mustard seeds

2 dry chillies

1/2 tsp cummin seeds

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

Curry leaves

1/4 cup tamarind water

1 tblsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp roasted cummin powder

3-4 tblsp oil

Dry roast and grind to a paste

1/4 cup peanuts

1 tblsp coriander seeds

2 tblsp sesame seeds

2 tblsp poppy seeds

1/4 coconut/2 tblsp copra / desiccated coconut

1-2 tblsp jaggery

Salt to taste

Coriander leaves

METHOD

First dry roast the bold listed , grind to a paste

and set aside.

Heat oil in a pan , add mustard seeds,cummin

seeds,fenugreek seeds,dry chillies . When the

mustard seeds starts to splutter add the green

chillies and sauté till the chillies turn color .

Next add the spice powders, and tamarind

water and let it boil.

Next add the ground peanut paste , jaggery and

cook on a low flame till oil separates.

Garnish with coriander leaves