Pirandai Chutney

Pirandai is a wonderful medicine with lot of health benefits. It treats Indigestion and its a best worming medicine.  I have given the recipe for preparing a tasty chutney with Pirandai. I assure everyone will love this chutney for sure. It tastes so good with Chapathi, Roti or Dosai. A must given food to toddlers.. The recipe Follows..

Recipe For :2

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Pirandai             - 200 gm
Grated Coconut - 1/4 cup
Urad Dal            - 2 tsp
Dry Red Chili    - 3
Garlic Pods        - 2
Tamarind           - 1 tsp
Salt                    - As required

For Seasoning:

Mustard Seeds  - 1/4 tsp
Urad Dal           - 1/4 tsp
Curry Leaves    - few

Procedure:

• Wash pirandai. Chop it into two. Take out inner flesh and seeds from it. After that chop it into little pieces. Only this is little time consuming process in the whole preparation. Always select pirandai which is young and tender. This is how pirandai looks like

• Heat oil in a pan. Add urad dal and dry red chilies to it.
• When they turn golden brown add garlic pods to it.
• Saute for a minute and after that add chopped pirandai.
• Cover with a lid and cook well pirandai. You can see it changes it color. It will turn little pale. It will take about 7 to 10 minutes for the pirandai to get cooked completely.
• After pirandai has been cooked, switch off the flame and add tamarind. let it cool.
• After it has cooled down completely, grind it along with coconut adding little salt and water.
• Heat some more oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and urad dal to it.
• When they splutter add curry leaves and add it to chutney.
• Enjoy your chutney with Chapathi/Roti or Dosai. 

Birthday Celebration

Its a special day for us; our kid turned five today. We hosted a small party at home to celebrate his birthday. We invited around 20 of our friends and their kids. Really felt happy to cook for my beloved friends. Today's post is all about the party menu and the best part is all the recipes are already in blog.. Check it out!!

White Forest Cake  - I had given recipe for 1 cup of flour whereas i prepared with 4 cups of flour.

Pulkha Roti        - Want to know how to prepare soft chapathi?? Click the link.. These rotis stayed very soft throughout the party

Navarathna Kuruma       -  Very healthy and best  vegetarian side dish for chapathi/ Roti

Mee Goreng        - This is Malaysian style  noodles.  It literally means fried noodles. One of the easiest and tastiest noodles.

Vegetable Dum Briyani   -  Vegetables are cooked with spices and masala. Rice is cooked separately. Then both are put 'Dum' together. I served it with Onion Raita

Malligai Poo Idli          - This Idli was the Show stopper. Everyone appreciated the softness of this Idli.. It was really soft.. Most of them asked for the recipe and tried it too.

Varuthu Aracha Sambar     - Very much flavorful sambar which is prepared with freshly roasted and ground spices.

Coconut Chutney       - Chutney prepared with coconut and fried gram

Curd Rice            - A trick for preparing curd rice. Add lot of milk and just few drops of curd.

Ice cream with Fruit Salad  - I added cut fruits like apple, banana, grapes and pineapple to homemade Icecream

P.S : Write back to me for party menu ideas!!

Mirchi Ka Salan

Mirchi Ka Salan is a special dish , prepared with Bajii chilies. It tastes so good with Chapathi, Roti and also with Briyani. Such aromatic and interesting recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Bajji Chilies                - 3
Big Onion                    - 1
Ginger- Garlic Paste    - 2 tsp
Yogurt                          - 1/4 cup
Tamarind                      - small lemon size ball
Turmeric Powder         - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder              - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder         - 1/2 tsp
Salt                                - As required
Mustard Seeds               - 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds                  - 1/4 tsp (Seeragam)
Fenugreek Seeds            - 1/4 tsp (Vendhayam)
Kalonji Seeds                 - 1/4 tsp (Karunjeeragam)
Dry Red Chili                 - 1
Curry Leaves                  - few
Jaggery                           - 1 tsp

Dry Roast And Grind:

Grated Coconut      - 3 tbsp
Peanut                     - 2 tsp
Sesame Seeds         - 2 tsp (Ellu)

Procedure:

• Wash chili. Cut chili into two and remove the seeds. Chop the chilies into big size pieces. Chop Big onion lengthwise. Dry roast and grind everything under ' To Dry roast and Grind' adding little water. Extract juice from tamarind. 
• Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped chilies to it. Saute for some time, till it is cooked and after that take it out in a bowl.
• Add some more oil to the pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, kalonji seeds, fenugreek seeds and dry red chili to it.
• When they splutter, add chopped onions and curry leaves.
• After the onions turn translucent, add Ginger-Garlic paste.
• Saute till raw flavor goes off, and after that add ground masala. Add also salt, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder and coriander powder.
• After the raw flavor of masala powders go off, add yogurt.
• Mix everything well and add tamarind extract . Add enough water and cook the gravy in medium flame.
• When it boils, add sauteed chilies to the gravy.
• Cook the gravy in medium flame for some more time, till gravy thickens and it reaches needed consistency. Add jaggery and then switch off the flame.
• Enjoy with Briyani or Chapathi or roti..

Chettinadu Kozhi Milagu Varuval (Chettinadu Chicken Pepper Fry)

Today's recipe is double spicy, extra flavorful and super tasty Chettinadu Kozhi Milagu Varuval. It tastes good with almost everything. You can have it with plain rice or pulao or even with Chapathi/Roti. What ever the main dish is, this recipe will turn it to a ultimate hit.. The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 40 minutes + Marination time for chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken                      - 1/2 kg
Big Onion                   - 2
Tomato                       - 2
Ginger - Garlic paste  - 1 tbsp
Salt                              - As required
Turmeric Powder        - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder       - 2 tsp
Pepper Powder            - 2 tsp
Whole Garam Masala  - Each 2
Lemon                          - 1/2
Curry Leaves                - few
Oil                                 - 2 tbsp

For Chicken Marination:

Ginger- Garlic paste     - 1 tbsp
Salt                                - As required
Turmeric Powder          - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                 - 1 tsp

Procedure:

• Wash chicken and marinate with  the ingredients under ' For Chicken Marination' for about an hour. Chop finely Big onion and tomato.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add whole garam masala to it. Whole garam masala includes cinnamon stick, cloves, star aniseeds and green cardamom.
• After a minute add chopped onions and curry leaves.
• After the onions turn translucent add Ginger-Garlic paste.
• Saute till raw flavor goes off and after that add chopped tomatoes.
• Add also salt and turmeric powder. Cover with a lid and cook till both onions and tomatoes are cooked well.
• Add marinated chicken after that. Add also coriander powder and pepper powder.
• Cover with a lid and cook in medium flame. You can see chicken oozing out water. saute in between and cook until chicken is cooked completely.
• Add lemon juice and switch off the flame. Enjoy your Chettinadu Kozhi Milagu Varuval with either rice or with chapathi/roti.

Green Vegetable Kuruma

Today's recipe is healthy and tasty green vegetable kuruma. Vegetables are cooked in coriander, coconut and spices masala. One of the best side dishes for Chapathi/Roti. Over to the exciting recipe...

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Carrot                            - 1
Potato                            - 1
Fresh Peas                     - 1/4 cup
Butter Beans                  - 1/4 cup
Cauliflower florets        - 1/4 cup
Big Onion                      - 1
Curry Leaves                 - few
Salt                                 - As required
Turmeric Powder           - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                  - 1/4 tsp
Garam Masala Powder   - 1/2 tsp
Whole Garam Masala     - Each 2
Oil                                   - 1 tbsp

To Grind:

Chopped Coconut       - 1/4 cup
Chopped Ginger          - 2 tsp
Chopped Garlic           - 2 tsp
Green Chili                  - 2
Fennel Seeds               - 1/4 tsp (Sombu)
Poppy Seeds                - 1/4 tsp (Khas-Khas)
Cashew Nuts               - 6 to 8
Coriander Leaves        - 2 handful

Procedure:

• Chop carrot, potato and cauliflower into medium size pieces. Chop Big onion lengthwise. Boil all the vegetables. Grind everything under ' To grind'.
• Heat oil in a pan. When its hot add whole Garam Masala to it. Whole garam masala includes cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, star aniseeds etc.
• Add chopped onions and curry leaves after a minute.
• After the onions turn translucent, add ground masala.
• Add enough salt, turmeric powder and chili powder. Saute till raw flavor goes off and after that add boiled vegetables along with its water. 
• Add water if needed and cook kuruma in medium flame till it reached needed consistency. Switch off the flame and add Garam Masala Powder.
• Enjoy your kuruma with Chapathi/Roti of your choice.

Oats Roti

Today's recipe is another alternative to Oats Porridge. This roti is prepared with powdered oats. Little whole wheat flour is added to bind powdered oats. Very much healthy recipe indeed. Try this recipe once, instead of regular roti. Over to the recipe..

Yields : Around 6 roti

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Oats                              - 1 cup
Whole Wheat Flour     - 1/3 cup
Salt                               - As needed
Water                            - For Kneading
Oil                                 - For Roti

Procedure:

Powder Oats. Take a bowl. Add powdered oats , whole wheat flour and enough salt to it. Add hot water and start kneading the dough. This roti will absorb more water than that of whole wheat flour roti. Cover the dough and rest it for 10 minutes. After that take a lemon size ball and roll it with the help of flour.

Heat Dosa pan.. place rolled out chapathi.. Cook it on both sides and serve with side dish of your choice. If you want spray some oil or ghee

Here is the link for veg side dish gravies

Here is the link for Non veg side dish gravies

Capsicum Masala

Today's recipe is easy Capsicum masala which you can prepare within 10 minutes and its also a perfect healthy and tasty side dish for Chapathi/Roti. A small capsicum could provide up to three times more of the recommended daily need of vitamin C.

Why don't you try this exciting recipe with healthy capsicum?? The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 1

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Capsicum             - 1
Mustard Seeds     - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves       - few
Salt                       - As required
Oil                        - 1 tbsp

To Grind:

Chopped Coconut    - 2 tbsp
Dry red chili             - 2
Cumin Seeds            - 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

• Chop capsicum into little bigger pieces. Grind everything under ' To Grind'.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds to it. When they splutter add curry leaves.
• After a second add chopped capsicum.
• Cover with a lid and cook it. After the capsicum is half cooked, add ground masala and enough salt.
• Add also needed water and cook the gravy for five more minutes in low flame. Your Capsicum masala is ready by now. Enjoy with Chapathi/Roti.

Harya Chicken Masala

One of my good friends and neighbor's mom visited her last month. We had a great time during her visit. When ever she cooked something special, she used to send it in a big box for us too.. Really enjoyed her love and care.

She also gave me a handful of wonderful recipes.. I will be posting all her recipes in coming days. One such recipe is Harya Masala which means Green masala or pachai masala because of its color. She gave this recipe for mutton, whereas i prepared chicken gravy with that..

Thank you for the recipe amma!! Here is her first recipe..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Chicken                     - 250 gm
Salt                            - As required
Oil                             - 2 tbsp

To Grind:

Tomato                      - 2
Chopped Ginger        - 2 tsp
Chopped Garlic         - 2 tsp
Green Chili                - 4 to 6
Black Pepper             - 8 to 10
Coriander Leaves      - 2 handful

Procedure:

• Wash well chicken. Make sure chicken is with bones and also in medium size.
• Grind everything under ' To Grind' coarsely.
• Heat oil in a cooker. Add washed chicken to it. Saute for 2 minutes and then add ground masala.
• Saute till raw flavor goes off. After that add salt and turmeric powder to it. Add also enough water to it. Cook it for a whistle and after that reduce the flame to low and cook it for 10 more minutes.
• After the pressure subsides, transfer the gravy to a pan. Cook it in a low flame until the gravy thickens.
• Enjoy Harya masala with Chapathi/ Roti of your choice.

Brinjal Masala

Consumption of Brinjal (Aubergine) reduces the risk of many life style related health conditions such as Diabetes, Obesity and Heart diseases. Today's recipe is spicy brinjal masala which you can enjoy with Chapathi/ Roti.  One of the best ways to include healthy brinjal in our diet in a tasty way. The recipe continues..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Brinjal                           - 4
Big Onion                     - 1
Tomato                         - 1
Ginger-Garlic paste      - 2 tsp
Salt                               - As required
Turmeric Powder         - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder        - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1/4 tsp
Whole Garam Masala   - Each 2
Oil                                 - 1 tbsp

Procedure:

• Chop finely Big onion and Tomato. I have used small green brinjals for the recipe. If you are using big brinjal, reduce the number to 2. Chop Brinjal into bigger pieces. 
• Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, add Whole Garam Masala. Whole Garam Masala includes cloves, cinnamon stick, star aniseeds, green cardamom and bay leaf.
• Saute for a minute and then add chopped onions to it.
• Cover with a lid and saute till onions turn translucent.
• After that add Ginger- Garlic paste. Add chopped tomatoes as soon as the raw flavor of ginger-garlic paste goes off.
• Add also Salt, Turmeric powder, Chili powder and Coriander powder. Cook in a medium flame with a lid till both onions and tomatoes are blended together.
• After that add cut Brinjal to it. It will take around 10 -15 minutes for the brinjal to get cooked fully. Add Garam Masala Powder and switch off the flame after the brinjal is cooked well. 
• Enjoy your Brinjal Masala with Chapathi/Roti of your choice.

Soya Chunks Gravy

I have already posted some recipes using Soya Chunks.  Today's recipe is Soya Chunks gravy which tastes divine with Pulkha Roti. Soya Chunks are cooked in onion- tomato paste and with spices powder. One of the simplest and tastiest gravies. Don't forget to give it a try.

The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 40 minutes

Ingredients:

To Grind:

Fennel Seeds             - 1 tsp (Sombu)
Dry Red Chili            - 2
Cashew Nuts              - 4 to 6 (optional)

Big Onion                  - 2 (medium size)

Tomatoes                   - 2 (medium size)
Green Chili                - 1
Ginger- Garlic Paste  - 2tsp
Kasthuri Methi           - 2 tsp (Dry Fenugreek Leaves)

For the Gravy:

Soya Chunks                       - 1/2 cup
Whole Garam Masala         - Each 2
Salt                                      - As required
Turmeric Powder                - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder               - 1/2 tsp (Malli Thool)
Garam Masala powder        - 1/4 tsp
Oil                                        - 2 tbsp

Procedure:

• Soak Soya chunks, in hot water for 10 minutes. After that squeeze out excess water. This is done to soften the chunks. If the soya chunks are big in size, chop  it to two. If its small, use as such.
• Chop Big Onions and tomatoes finely. Slit Green Chili.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add Fennel seeds, Dry red chili and Cashew nuts  to it. When they splutter add chopped onions and slit green chili.
• After the onions turn translucent, add  Ginger- Garlic paste.
• Add chopped tomatoes after the raw flavor of Ginger-Garlic paste goes off.
• Cover with a lid and cook until both onions and tomatoes are cooked completely. 
• Switch off the flame and let it cool. Grind it after it  has cooled down completely.
• Heat oil in a cooker. when its hot add Whole Garam Masala.
• After a minute add ground onion-tomato paste.
• Add enough water, salt , turmeric powder and Coriander powder to it.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste. Add softened soya chunks also to the gravy and cook it for a whistle.
• When the pressure subsides,  open the cooker and add Garam Masala Powder the gravy. Mix it well.
• Your Soya Chunks gravy is ready now!! Enjoy with either Chapathi or Roti.

Mushroom Makhani Gravy

I was having a  pack of Button Mushroom at home. I Wanted to prepare something with it for the dinner. This was the first thing which came to my mind. This gravy is  much similar to Paneer Butter masala. Instead of paneer, we are using Button Mushroom for this recipe. One of the rich veg side dishes for Chapathi / Roti.. The recipe follows!!!

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 40 minutes

Ingredients:

For Grinding:

Cumin Seeds                                               - 1 tsp

Big Onion                                                     - 2

Medium Size Tomatoes                               - 3

Green Chilli                                                  - 1

Ginger-Garlic paste                                     - 1 tbsp

Cashew nuts                                                - 5

Salt                                                               - As required

Red Chilli Powder                                         - 2 tsp

Coriander Powder                                        - 2 tsp

Kasthuri Methi ( Dried Fenugreek Leaves)   - 2 tsp

Oil                                                                 - As required

For Gravy:   

                                                           

Button Mushroom                                        - 250 gm

Butter                                                           - 2 tbsp

Oil                                                                - 1 tbsp

Garam Masala Powder                                - 1 tsp

Sugar                                                           - 1/2 tsp

Tomato Ketchup                                           - 2 tsp

Fresh Cream                                                 - 1/2 cup ( Around 120 ml)

Procedure:

1. Cut Button Mushroom into bigger pieces. Saute them in less oil and take it out.  Chop onions and tomato.  Slit Green Chili.
2. Add oil to  the same pan. To that add Cumin seeds. When they splutter add chopped onions, Cashew nuts and slit green chilli.  When the onions turn translucent add Ginger - Garlic paste. Saute for a minute and then add chopped tomatoes. Cover with a lid and cook it.
3. When onions and tomatoes are half cooked add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder,  and kasthuri methi. Saute till everything cooks well. Switch off the flame and  Let the mixture cool.. Blend it after the mixture cools down.
4. Then add Butter + oil to the same pan.. Add blended   masala.. Add some water if needed. After the raw flavor of masala goes off add sugar and ketchup. Ketchup is used for the color.  
5. Add  also fresh cream.  Fresh cream is nothing but 'aadai' or 'malai' which forms over the boiled milk.  Just take it out daily and keep it in a airtight box in fridge. The day when you are going to prepare, just take malai from the fridge. Whisk for some time and your Fresh Cream is ready.. After adding fresh  cream, gravy will get thick a little. Add water accordingly. Then at-last add Garam Masala powder.
6. Add mushroom and switch off the flame after five minutes. and serve it with chapathi or roti..

Restaurant Style Plain Salna

Today's recipe is restaurant style Plain Salna recipe. It needs just basic ingredients.. You can prepare an extra ordinary gravy which meets restaurant standards, just with the things which are easily available at home. One of the tastiest and easiest gravy for Chapthi / Paratha/ Roti. The recipe follows!!

Recipe For : 1

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Big Onion              - 1
Tomato                  - 1
Green Chili            - 2
Fennel Seeds          - 1/4 tsp (Sombu)
Turmeric Powder   - a pinch
Chili Powder          - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder  - 1/4 tsp (Malli Thool)
Salt                         - As required
Oil                          - 2 tsp

To Grind:

Chopped Coconut    - 1/2 tbsp
Cloves                      - 1 (Krambu)
Cinnamon Stick       - 1 (Pattai)
Cardamom               - 1 (Yelakkai)
Cashew Nuts            - 2 (optional)
Poppy Seeds             - 1/4 tsp (Khas-khas)

Procedure:

• Chop finely Big Onion and Tomato. Slit Green Chili. Grind everything under ' To Grind'.
• Heat oil in a pan. When its hot add Fennel Seeds.
• When they splutter, add chopped onions and slit Green chili.
• Cover with a lid and cook till onions turn translucent, After that add chopped tomatoes.
• When the tomatoes are half done, add enough salt, Turmeric powder, Chili Powder and Coriander Powder.
• Add also ground masala and enough water. Cover with a lid and cook the gravy in low flame until it thickens.
• Enjoy your Plain Salna with Paratha/ Chapathi/ Roti of your choice.

Spicy Chicken Curry

Today's recipe is Spicy Chicken Curry, which goes very well with Chapathi, Roti and Paratha.. Best curry to try on.. Its a no fail curry.. The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Chicken with Bone         - 1/2 kg
Big Onion                       - 2
Green Chili                     - 2
Salt                                 - As required
Turmeric Powder           - 1/4 tsp
Curry Leaves                 - few
Oil                                  - 2 tbsp

To Roast And Grind:

Dry Red Chili           - 4
Coriander Seeds        - 1/2 tsp (malli)
Black Pepper             - 6 to 8 (milagu)
Cinnamon Stick         - 1 (pattai)
Cloves                        - 2 (Krambu)
Cardamom                 - 2 (Yelakkai)

Procedure:

• Wash well chicken. Finely chop Big Onion and Green Chili. Roast in oil and grind everything under ' To Roast And Grind'.
• Cook chicken with about 2 tbsp of chopped onion, salt , turmeric powder and enough water for 5 whistles.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add remaining chopped onions, green chili and curry leaves.
• After the onions turn translucent, add cooked chicken along with its water to the pan.
• Add also ground masala. Give everything a full stir and simmer the curry. 
• Switch off the flame, when the gravy thickens. Enjoy your spicy curry!!

Vellai Pattani Kuruma (Dry White Peas Kuruma)

Always this kuruma has been my favorite.. There is a unique taste for this Dry white peas. And it comes to rescue when you run out of vegetables.  You can prepare this tasty kuruma with very few basic ingredients..

Dry white peas are packed with fibers and excellent amount of Minerals and Vitamins, all with virtually no fat. Perfect to have with Chapathi/ Roti.. The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 30 minutes + Time for soaking

Ingredients:

Kaindha Vellai Pattani           - 1/2 cup (Dry White Peas)
Big Onion                               - 2 (small)
Green Chili                             - 1
Whole Garam Masala             - Each 2
Fennel Seeds                           - 1/4 tsp
Salt                                          - As required
Turmeric Powder                    - 1/4 tsp
Garam Masala Powder            - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Leaves                    - few
Oil                                            - 1 tbsp

To Grind:

Chopped Coconut        - 3 tbsp
Chopped Ginger          - 1 tsp
Chopped Garlic           - 1 tsp
Dry Red Chili              - 3
Fennel Seeds                - 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

• Soak Dry white peas overnight. The next morning pressure cook the Dry peas until its soft. I used to cook Dry peas in high flame for a whistle and after that will cook in low flame for 15 more minutes.
• Chop Finley Big onion. Slit Green chili. Grind everything under 'To Grind'.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add whole Garam Masala and Fennel Seeds.
• When they splutter add chopped onions and Slit Green chili. 
• After the onions turn translucent, add ground masala. Add also salt and Turmeric powder.
• Saute till raw flavor of masala goes off. After that add cooked Dry peas along with its water.  Add some more water if needed.
• Cook in a low flame for 5 more minutes so that everything gets mixed up well. 
• Switch off the flame and add Garam Masala Powder.Garnish with Coriander Leaves and serve with Chapathi/ Roti of your choice. 

Baby Corn Butter Masala

Baby Corn is extremely low in fat, and thus helps in weight loss. It has loads of Potassium and Folic Acid, which is very essential for women's health. Today's recipe is exciting gravy with Baby Corn..

Here is the recipe for Baby Corn Butter Masala!!!

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 40 minutes

Ingredients:

For Grinding:

Cumin Seeds                                               - 1 tsp

Big Onion                                                     - 2

Medium Size Tomatoes                               - 3

Green Chilli                                                  - 1

Ginger-Garlic paste                                     - 1 tbsp

Cashew nuts                                                - 5

Salt                                                               - As required

Red Chilli Powder                                         - 2 tsp

Coriander Powder                                        - 2 tsp

Kasthuri Methi ( Dried Fenugreek Leaves)   - 2 tsp

Oil                                                                 - As required

For Gravy:   

                                                           

Baby Corn                                                    - 8 to 10

Butter                                                           - 2 tbsp

Oil                                                                - 1 tbsp

Garam Masala Powder                                - 1 tsp

Sugar                                                           - 1/2 tsp

Tomato Ketchup                                           - 2 tsp

Fresh Cream                                                 - 1/2 cup ( Around 120 ml)

For Baby Corn Marination:

Salt                        - As required

Turmeric Powder   - a pinch

Chili Powder          - 1/2 tsp

Cumin Powder       - 1/2 tsp

Coriander Powder  - 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

1. Cut Baby Corn into bigger pieces. Marinate Baby Corn with everything under ' For Baby Corn Marination' for 1 hour. After 1 hour, shallow fry Baby corn in a pan. Chop onions and tomato.  Slit Green Chili.
2. Add oil to  the same pan. To that add Cumin seeds. When they splutter add chopped onions, Cashew nuts and slit green chilli.  When the onions turn translucent add Ginger - Garlic paste. Saute for a minute and then add chopped tomatoes. Cover with a lid and cook it.
3. When onions and tomatoes are half cooked add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder,  and kasthuri methi. Saute till everything cooks well. Switch off the flame and  Let the mixture cool.. Blend it after the mixture cools down.
4. Then add Butter + oil to the same pan.. Add blended   masala.. Add some water if needed. After the raw flavor of masala goes off add sugar and ketchup. Ketchup is used for the color.  
5. Add  also fresh cream.  Fresh cream is nothing but 'aadai' or 'malai' which forms over the boiled milk.  Just take it out daily and keep it in a airtight box in fridge. The day when you are going to prepare, just take malai from the fridge. Whisk for some time and your Fresh Cream is ready.. After adding fresh  cream, gravy will get thick a little. Add water accordingly. Then at-last add Garam Masala powder.
6. Add Baby Corn and switch off the flame after five minutes. and serve it with chapathi or roti..

Meal Maker Kuzhambu

Want a rich vegetarian gravy for Chapathi??? Tried this Meal Maker Kuzhambu before???  Best interesting side dish for Chapathi/Roti.. Very easy to prepare too..
 Here goes the recipe..

Recipe For : 1

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Meal Maker              -  8 - 10 (Soya Chunks)

Small Onions            - 6 to 8

Salt                            - As required

Turmeric Powder      - 1/4 tsp

Oil                             - 1 tbsp

To Grind:

Coriander Seeds     - 1/2 tsp (Malli)

Dry Red Chili        - 1 (Milagai Vathal)

Cumin Seeds          - 1/2 tsp (Seeragam)

Pepper                    - 3 to 5

Chopped Coconut  - 2 tbsp

Procedure:

• Soak Soya chunks, in hot water for 10 minutes. After that squeeze out excess water. This is done to soften the chunks. If the soya chunks are bigger chop into two. If its small, use as such.
• Finely chop small onions. If you couldn't find small onions, can also use Big onion.
• Dry roast Coriander seeds, dry red chili, cumin seeds, pepper and grind it to a smooth paste along with coconut.
• Heat oil in a cooker. Add chopped onions to it. Saute it for some time. After they turn translucent add chopped meal maker.
• Add also ground paste, salt, turmeric powder and enough water.
• Mix everything well and cook for a whistle. If you think the gravy is very much watery, simmer the gravy for some time.
• Enjoy your Meal Maker Kuzhambu!!!

Chicken Tikka Masala

Today's recipe is Restaurant style Chicken Tikka Masala!! It involves only two steps.  Preparing Chicken Tikka and another step is preparing a gravy and adding Tikkas to  the it. You  can also have Chicken Tikka as Appetizer. Here is the link for preparing Chicken Tikka...

                                          How to prepare Chicken Tikka??

You can prepare this tikka even on stove top. So don't ever hesitate to prepare it.  Enjoy this Chicken Tikka Masala... Here is the recipe..

Ingredients:

For Grinding:

Medium Size Tomatoes                               - 2

Cashew nuts                                                - 5

For Gravy:                                                              

Chicken Tikka                                              - 200 gm

Cumin Seeds                                               - 1 tsp

Big Onion                                                     - 2

Green Chilli                                                  - 1

Salt                                                               - As required

Red Chilli Powder                                         - 2 tsp

Coriander Powder                                        - 2 tsp

Kasthuri Methi ( Dried Fenugreek Leaves)   - 2 tsp

Butter                                                           - 2 tbsp

Oil                                                                - 1 tbsp

Garam Masala Powder                                - 1 tsp

Sugar                                                           - 1/2 tsp

Tomato Ketchup                                           - 2 tsp

Fresh Cream                                                 - 1/2 cup ( Around 120 ml)

Procedure:

1. Prepare Chicken Tikka using the link How to Prepare Chicken Tikka??. Chop onions and tomato. Grind Tomato and Cashew nuts to a smooth paste.
2. Add oil+butter to  a pan. To that add Cumin seeds, chopped onions, green chilli. When they are translucent add ground tomato paste.
3. When both onions and tomatoes are cooked, add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder,  and kasthuri methi. Cover with a lid and cook the gravy well.
4.  Add some water if needed. Add sugar and ketchup. Ketchup is used for the color. Add fresh cream. After adding fresh  cream, gravy will get thick a little. Add water accordingly. Then add Garam Masala.. 
5. Add Tikkas and after five minutes  switch off the flame and serve it with chapathi or roti..
6.  Fresh cream is nothing but 'aadai' or 'malai' which forms over the boiled milk.  Just take it out daily and keep it in a airtight box in fridge. The day when you are going to prepare, just take malai from the fridge. Whisk for some time and your Fresh Cream is ready.
7.  Enjoy your Chicken Tikka Masala!!

Navarathna Kuruma

Following is the dish which is perfect for Chapathi/ Roti. Here is the healthy and nutritionally rich Vegetable Kuruma, Navarathna Kuruma..

Here is the recipe..

Recipe For  : 1

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Whole Garam Masala    - Each 2
Carrot                             - 1 (medium size)
Potato                             - 1 (medium size)
French Beans                 - 8 to 10
Peas                                - a handful
Big Onion                       - 1
Salt                                 - As required
Turmeric Powder           - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                  - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder   - 1/2 tsp
Oil                                   - 2 tbsp
Coriander Leaves            - for garnishing

To Grind:

Chopped Coconut      - 1/4 cup
Chopped Ginger        - 1 tsp
Chopped Garlic         - 1 tsp
Green Chili                - 2
Fennel Seeds             - 1/2 tsp
Poppy Seeds              - 1/4 tsp

Procedure:

• Chop all the vegetables into little bigger pieces. Chop Big onion lengthwise.
• Cook Fresh peas. Grind everything under 'To Grind'.
• Heat oil in a cooker. Add whole Garam Masala.
• After a second, add chopped onions.
• After they are translucent, add chopped carrot, potato, french beans and Peas. You can add also Tomatoes and Soya chunks.
• Saute them for a minute and then add masala, enough salt, turmeric powder and chili powder.
• Add enough water and cook it for a whistle.
• When the pressure subsides, open the cooker and add Garam Masala Powder. Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Enjoy with Chapathi/ Roti of your choice.

Keppai Roti (Ragi Roti)

Keppai Roti (Ragi Roti)

Keppai Roti is one of the very healthy breakfast recipes. It can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. Its a natural source of Calcium supplement thus it increases Bone strength. To make it nutritionally high, i have also added vegetables. 

Here is the wholesome healthy, filling Breakfast..

 

Makes   : 5 Rotis

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Ragi Flour                   - 1 cup

Grated Carrot              - a handful

Grated Cabbage          - a handful

Big Onion                   - 1 (small)

Green Chili                 - 1

Curry Leaves              - few

Salt                              - As required

Oil                               - for Rotis

Procedure:

• Chop Big onion, Green chili and curry leaves finely.
• Take a bowl. Add flour, vegetables, onion, curry leaves and salt to it.
• Add water in small instances and start kneading the dough. The dough should be of Chapathi dough consistency.
• Take a plastic sheet and grease it with oil. Grease your hands as well. Take a lemon size dough and place it on  a sheet. Tap it well with your hands.
• Greasing the sheets with oil is must. since it helps with easy transfer of roti to dosa pan. 
• And the roti should be very thin or else roti will be very hard to eat.
• Heat Dosa pan. Transfer rotis from sheet to the pan. Heat in high flame.
• When its done on one side, flip to other side and cook well on both sides. Add little oil.
• Serve it hot when roti is fully cooked. From my personal experience it tastes good with Moong Dal Sambar.

Chettinadu Mushroom And Peas Gravy

Chettinadu Mushroom And Peas Gravy

This is the Gravy, which all Mushroom lovers must try. Adding Chettinadu Masala, makes the gravy spicier and tastier.. I have also added Peas for enhancing the gravy..

I have used King Oyster Mushroom for this Gravy. You can also any other Mushroom .

Here is the recipe..

Ingredients: (Recipe For 2)

Mushroom                      - 250gm

Green peas                     - 1/4 cup

Big Onion                       - 2

Tomatoes                        - 2

Salt                                 - As required

Turmeric Powder           - a pinch

Chili Powder                  - 1/2 tsp

Pepper                            - 6 to 8

Curry Leaves                 - few

Oil                                  - As required

To Grind:

Chopped Ginger          - 1 tsp

Chopped Garlic           - 1 tsp

Cashew Nuts               - 5

Poppy Seeds                - 1/4 tsp

To Roast:

Cinnamon Stick            - 1

Cloves                           - 2

Green Cardamom         - 2

Coriander Seeds           - 1 tsp

Cumin Seeds                - 1/2 tsp

Fennel Seeds                - 1/2 tsp

Red Chili                      - 1

Chopped Coconut        - 1 tbsp

Procedure:

• Chop Mushroom into little bigger pieces. Cook Green Peas.
• Chop Finely onions and tomatoes.
• Soak Cashew nuts and Poppy seeds in water.
• Grind Pepper coarsely.
• Roast everything under 'To Roast' in oil and grind along with chopped Ginger, Garlic and soaked cashew nuts and poppy seeds.
• Heat oil in  a pan.
• Add chopped onions and curry leaves to it. 
• After the onions are translucent, add ground masala.
• Saute till raw flavor of masala goes off, and then add chopped tomatoes.
• Add also salt, turmeric powder and chili powder.
• Saute till both onions and tomatoes are cooked. Add chopped mushrooms and close with a lid.
• Mushroom will cook on its own water. When the mushrooms are half cooked, add cooked peas.
• Cook till the mushroom is completely cooked. Switch off the flame and add ground pepper.
• Serve it with Chapathi/Roti or even with Rice.
• We had it with Chapathi.