Ramblings of a cluttered mind..

Oven Baked Okra (Ladies finger) Fry

2012-02-06T08:45:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
15-20 Baby okra
1/2 medium sized onion - sliced
2 Tbsp besan
1 Tbsp rice flour
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1-2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/4 tsp pepper powder
3 Tbsp oil
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
2 Tbsp dessicated coconut
Salt

Method:
1) Preheat oven at 200 C
2) Remove the ends of bhindi. Cut lengthwise into 4 quarters. Mix all of the above with 2 Tbsp oil. Place it in a baking tray
3) Drizzle remaining oil and bake it in the oven until its done. (Took me an hour)
DONE!!!

Bonda

2012-01-26T12:43:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 onion - thinly sliced
1 medium sized potato - thinly sliced
3 Tbsp besan
1 Tbsp rice flour
1 tsp cumin seeds
Salt
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2-1 tsp red chilli powder
Baking soda (optional)
Oil for deep frying
Water

Method:
1) Mix all the ingredients except oil. Consistency should be like thick yoghurt.
2) Heat oil for deep frying on a high. When it is hot enough, dip about 8-10 onion slices in the batter and carefully put it into the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, add a few more. Deep fry until it turns golden brown. Remove and place it on a plate lined with paper towel to soak excess oil.
3) Similarly, for potato - dip individual slices in the batter and deep fry.
DONE!!!

Khara Pongal

2012-01-17T08:33:00.000+11:00

Ingredients: (Serves 1):
1 Tbsp Oil
1 Tbsp Ghee
1/2 cup rice
3-4 cups water
2 Tbsp moong dal
2 Tbsp dessicated coconut
5-6 pepper corns
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Salt

Method:
1) Boil rice and moong dal with 3 cups of water until done. I microwaved it for 15 minutes. Note pongal will be watery.
2) In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add pepper corns, cumin seeds, curry leaves and turmeric powder.
3) Add cooked rice and moong dal, dessicated coconut and stir. If you want it more watery add another cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes. Keep stirring once every minute or two.
4) Check for salt. Add ghee.
DONE!!!
Serve with coriander-mint coconut chutney :)

Mango milkshake

2012-01-02T07:39:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 big ripe mango
1 cup cold milk
1/4 cup cold water
1 tsp cream/ vanilla ice cream
3 cardamom pods - seeds crushed
1-2 tsp sugar

Method:
1) Cut the mango into slabs and scoop the pulp out.
2) Put the pulp and the rest of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy.
3) If you want it more cold, use a couple of ice cubes instead of water while blending or chill it in a fridge.
DONE!!!

Pineapple kesaribath

2011-12-24T08:26:00.001+11:00

Ingredients:
1/2 cup semolina
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup water
3 pineapple slices - diced
7-8 strands of saffron - soaked in 2 tbsp water
1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on pineapple juice sweetness)
Pinch of salt
10 cashew nuts
5 raisins
4 cardamom pods - seeds crushed
Ghee

Method:
1) Take 1 tsp of ghee in a frying pan and roast semolina. Stir until it starts to turn brown. Keep aside
2) Take pineapple, pineapple juice, water, sugar, salt, 1 tsp ghee, cardamom powder, saffron strands in a pan. Bring it to boil.
3) Add semolina and stir. Make sure no lumps are formed. Keep stirring until semolina completely absorbs the water. Check for sugar.
4) In a small skillet, take 2-3 tsp of ghee. Add cashew nuts and fry until it starts to change colour. Take it off heat. Add raisins. After 10-15 seconds add it to the kesari baath. Stir again.
DONE!!!

Peanut Onion paratha

2011-12-17T07:20:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 4):
3 cups atta - wheat flour
1 cup peanuts
1 medium sized onion - 3/4 of it finely diced, rest chopped
2 dry red chilli
1 clove garlic
1/2 inch ginger
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp ajwain seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp amchur powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida
Water
Salt
Oil
Ghee

Method:
For the stuffing.
1) In a pan, dry roast peanuts.
2) In a pan, heat a Tbsp of oil, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, chopped onion, chopped garlic, ginger, asafoetida, red chilli. Fry for a minute. Mix with garam masala powder, amchur powder, turmeric powder and peanuts. Allow it to cool. Once cool, grind it without adding water
3) In a pan, heat 2 Tbsp oil. Add ajwain seeds, fennel seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds and finely chopped onion. Fry until onion starts to turn brown. Mix the ground peanut paste.Check for salt. Allow it to cool

For the paratha.
1) Mix atta with water, 3 tbsp oil. Check for salt.
2) Take a lime-sized dough and roll it into a 3 inch small disc.
3) Take 2 Tbsp of the stuffing and place it at the centre. Seal it by pulling the edges of the dough together and make a ball.
4) Roll it into a circular disc.
5) Heat a pan, place the paratha. Add a few drops of ghee. Flip over to the other side after a minute.
6) Add a few drops of ghee again. Once the under side is done, flip again to the other side and remove when done.
DONE!!!
Serve with yogurt and pickle :)

Wheat dosa

2011-12-11T13:52:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 cups wheat flour
5-6 cups water
Oil
2 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp asafoetida
1 sprig of curry leaves - chopped
1 green chilli
1/4 tsp pepper powder
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Salt

Method:
1) In a skillet, heat 2 Tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida. Add this to the wheat flour. Add turmeric, pepper and red chilli powder as well.
2) Add water. Mix to remove any lumps. Consistency should be like that of thick butter milk - more watery than dosa. Check for salt
3) Heat a pan(tava). Once hot, take a ladleful of batter and pour it on the pan in a spiral motion. Note that you cannot spread the batter like a typical dosa but you'll need to pour it like a rava dosa.
4) Add few drops of oil on the dosa. Wait for 2 minutes and flip to the other side and wait again for 2 minutes.
DONE!!!

Appam with vegetable stew

2011-11-13T13:18:00.000+11:00

Ingredients(Appam):
2 cups rice
1 cup steamed rice
Water
1 tsp Yeast
Salt
1/2 cup grated coconut
1 tsp sugar

Ingredients(Stew):
2 cardamon
2 cloves
4-5 pepper corns crushed
2 green chilli
Ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cup thick coconut milk
3 cups water
2 potato - peeled sliced
1 onion sliced
2 carrots sliced
1 cup beans sliced
2 tsp sugar
Oil
Salt

Method (Appam):
1) Soak rice for 5-6 hours. Grind to smooth paste along with steamed rice, coconut, sugar and yeast.
2) Cover and allow it to ferment overnight. (Note: Use a big vessel as the batter is going to raise 4-5 times)
3) Next day, check for salt
4) Heat a pan on high. Take a ladle full of batter and spread it into a disc. Cover and cook for a minute or two. Remove from pan once done.

Method (Stew):
1) Boil the sliced vegetables except onion. Keep aside
2) Heat oil in a pan. Crush cardamom, cloves, pepper corns and add it to the pan. Wait for it to splutter.
3) Add green chilli, onion, ginger garlic paste, cinnamon powder and fry until onion turns translucent
4) Add the veggies, water, sugar and 1/2 cup coconut milk. Bring to boil.
5) Add the rest of coconut milk. Check for salt.
DONE!!!!

Oven roasted potato mushroom curry

2011-11-06T11:30:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
3 potatoes - diced
1 onion - diced
4 shiitake mushrooms - diced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ajwain
1 tsp garam masala
3/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp sugar
1-2 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 Tbsp Oil
Salt

Method:
1) Preheat oven to 200 degree Celsius. Oven roast potatoes. When they begin to change colour, roast shiitake mushrooms and 1/2 of diced onions too. Once done, remove from the oven.
2) Heat oil in a frying pan (medium heat). Add cumin seeds, ajwain, diced onion. Fry for 2 minutes. Add turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste and garam masala powder. Fry for a minute.
3) Add roasted vegetables and sugar. Check for salt. Fry for a minute or two.
DONE!!!!!

Ukkarisida akki rotti

2011-10-30T09:32:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
2-3 cups rice flour
4 cups water
Salt to taste
Oil

Method:
1) Take 4 cups of water and bring it to boil. Add 2 cups of rice flour. 1/2 tsp salt. Cover and cook for 8 minutes. Every two minutes mix it up.
2) Allow it to cool. Mix it up removing any lumps. Check for salt. Take a fistful of this dough. Take a drop or two of oil and spread it over the dough. Flatten it (cookie shape) and generously apply rice flour on it.
3) On a baking paper, spread few drops of oil. Roll it into a circular disc. Note that this dough is softer than chapathi - so, the pressure applied should be lesser
4) Heat up a pan on high flame. Place the rotti on it. After 2-3 minutes when the under side is done, flip over to the other side. Remove when this side is done too.
Serve with any spicy yummy curry or spicy chutney :)
DONE!!!!

Baingan Bartha

2011-09-10T18:39:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
1 large egg plant
1 medium sized onion - finely chopped
2 tomato - finely chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1-2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
Salt

Method:
1) Pre heat oven to 200 degree Celsius. Place eggplant in a tray and roast it in oven for forty minutes. Every ten minutes change the sides. Once done, peel the skin and mash the insides
2) Heat oil in a frying pan, add cumin seeds. Add onion and fry.
3) Once it turns translucent, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, garam masala powder and mix.
4) Add tomato and fry for 2-3 minutes.
5) Add mashed eggplant, check for salt. Cover and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat.
DONE!!!

Thai vegetarian green curry

2011-09-03T12:01:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
2 cup tofu
1 capsicum - cut into slices
1 cup broccoli - cut into chunky florets
2 Tbsp basil leaves - chopped
2 kaffir lime leaves
1 can coconut cream
Oil

For paste:
1 Tbsp coriander seeds
2 Tbsp cumin seeds
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup coriander leaves
3 green chilli
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 onion
1 Tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 kaffir lime leaves
1/2 stalk lemon grass
1 tsp sugar

Method:
1) Grind all the ingredients meant for the paste into a fine paste ;)
2) Take oil in a pan and fry the paste for a minute or two.
3) Add tofu and fry for a minute. Add coconut milk. Cover and cook for 2 minutes
4) Add a kaffie lime leaf, chopped basil, capsicum and broccoli. Check for salt. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

DONE!!!
Serve with Jasmine rice :)

Dhokla

2011-08-29T22:30:00.000+10:00

Ingredients (Serves two):
1 cup semolina - coarse
3/4 cup thick yoghurt
3 green chilli - minced
1 Tbsp coriander leaves - minced
1 tsp ginger - grated
2 tsp yeast
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp pepper powder
2 sprigs of curry leaves - chopped
1/2 tsp asofoetida
Water
Oil

Method:
1) In a pan, dry roast semolina until its characteristic aroma wafts out. Allow it to cool and mix it with yoghurt, turmeric powder, coriander leaves, ginger paste, pepper powder, green chilli, yeast. Add water to get a thick batter like consistency. Check for salt. Cover and let it ferment for an hour.
2) Take a pan and oil its insides. Pour the batter into it and place it in a steamer. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes on medium heat
3) Once done, heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, asofoetida, curry leaves. Spread it over the dhokla. Cut it into squares.
Serve with coriander-mint chutney and date-tamarind chutney
DONE!!!

Pineapple kairasa

2011-08-26T07:55:00.001+10:00

Ingredients:
10 slices of Pineapple - cut to chunks
1/2 cup grated coconut
2 Tbsp roasted chana dal
1 Tbsp black gram
1 Tbsp toor dal
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1-2 Tbsp red chilli powder / rasam powder
1-2 tsp tamarind concentrate
2 sugar
1 Tbsp oil
2 tsp mustard seeds
2 sprigs curry leaves
1 tsp asofoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 dry red chilli
2 Tbsp oil
Salt
Water

Method:
1) Dry roast toor dal, black gram, cumin seeds, coriander seeds in a skillet.
2) Allow it to cool and grind along with chilli powder, coconut and 1/2 cup of water
3) In a sauce pan, heat 1 cup of water, add pineapple chunks, 1 tsp tamarind concentrate, 2 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp chillli/rasam powder, turmeric powder. Boil it until pineapple becomes soft.
4) Add the paste and 1-2 cups of water depending on consistency. Bring to boil.
5) Check for salt. Add more tamarind/chilli powder if you want it to be more tangy/hot.
6) Heat oil in a frying pan, add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, reduce heat to medium and add asofoetida, curry leaves, dry red chilli and fry for a minute. Add it to kairasa
DONE!!
Serve with rice or ragi mudde

Red Lentil dosa

2011-08-09T21:15:00.001+10:00

Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils - soaked overnight
2 Tbsp urad dal - soaked for an hour
3 Tbsp rice flour
Salt
Oil
Water

Method:
1) Grind red lentils and urad dal with water to a thick milkshake like consistency. Add rice flour. Check for salt.
2) Heat a frying pan (on full)Take a ladleful of batter and spread into a circular disc. Add few drops of oil on top. After a minute or two, flip to the other side and cook for a minute.
Serve with chutney :)
DONE!!!!

Aloo Gobi

2011-07-31T12:44:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
4 medium sized potato - diced
1 medium sized onion - diced
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup peas
2 Tbsp Oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ajwain seeds
2 Tbsp curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp grated ginger
2 green chilli
1 tsp red chilli powder
2 bay leaf
1 tsp amchur powder
1 tsp finely diced coriander leaves
Salt

Method:
1) Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cumin seeds, ajwain seeds, ginger, curry leaves, green chilli. Add onion and fry until it turns translucent
2) Add turmeric powder, garam masala, red chilli powder. Remove bay leaf.
3) Add potato cover and cook until potato is half done. (I microwaved it potatoes for 4 mins to quicken the process)
4) Add cauliflower florets, peas, salt. Cover and cook until potato and cauliflower is done.
5) Mix in coriander leaves and amchur powder
DONE!!!

Palak Paneer with Pistachio

2011-07-23T15:29:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
1 bunch Spinach - coarsely chopped
1/2 onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - finely chopped
1 tsp grated ginger
1 medium sized tomato
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Ghee - 2 Tbsp
Paneer - 10 to 15 cubes
Roasted Pistachio - 1/2 cup
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Green chilli - 3
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
2 tsp lemon juice
Salt

Ingredients:
1) Take about 1 tsp of oil in a frying pan. Add green chilli and spinach and fry until spinach has wilted. Allow it to cool and grind it into fine paste.
2) Boil tomato until the skin can be removed. Squash it once skin is removed
3) Grind pistachios coarsely
4) In a frying pan, heat ghee add chopped garlic and fry until it begins to change colour. Add cumin seeds ginger and onion fry for 2 minutes.
5) Add turmeric powder, pistachio fry for a minute. Add spinach paste. Cook it for 5 minutes on medium heat
6) Add paneer and lemon juice. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes
DONE!

Dahi bread upma

2011-07-18T19:47:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp thick yoghurt
4 Tbsp water
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp amchur powder
6 slices of bread
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp ghee
1 green chilli
1 sprig of curry leaves
2 tsp coriander leaves for garnishing
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 potato boiled and chopped (optional)
Salt

Method:
1) Mix yogurt, water, 1 tsp salt, sugar, chilli powder, pepper powder, turmeric powder and amchur powder.
2) Cut bread slices into cubes and mix it with above.
3) Heat up oil in a frying pan, add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, green chilli and onion. Fry until onion changes its colour
4) Add boiled potato and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add bread and ghee, fry for 5-7 minutes. Check for salt.
5) Garnish with coriander and serve hot :)
DONE!!!

Rava dosa

2011-07-05T20:41:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
1 cup semolina - fine
2 Tbsp maida
3 Tbsp rice flour
2 sprigs of curry leaves - minced
4 sprigs of coriander leaves - minced
2 green chilli - minced
1/2 small sized onion - minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Water
Oil

Method:
1) Mix all the ingredients above except oil - Consistency should be like that of milk. Leave aside for 15-20 mins, add more water if semolina soaks up water
2) Heat a frying pan. Take a ladleful of batter and spread it. It's not possible to spread it like a normal dosa batter - I tilt the pan a bit and work from top to bottom, allowing the batter to flow downwards.
3) Sprinkle few drops of oil, after a minute or two flip to the other side and heat it for a minute.
DONE!!!

Serve with sambar/chutney pudi/chutney :)

Quinoa upma

2011-06-25T13:42:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups quinoa
3 cups water
2 cups mixed vegetables diced
1/2 onion sliced
3 green chilli finely diced
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp pepper powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1-2 tsp mustard seeds
1 sprig of curry leaves
2 Tbsp coconut
2 Tbsp finely chopped coriander
1/2 tsp asofoetida
2-3 Tbsp Oil
Salt

Method:
1) Add 3 cups of water to 1 1/2 cups of quinoa in a pan. Cook until water totally evaporates.
2) In a frying pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, asofoetida, green chilli, pepper powder, turmeric powder, onion and coconut. Fry until onion starts to change colour.
3) Add mixed vegetables, salt and cook until the veggies are tender.
4) Mix in the quinoa, check for salt.
DONE!!!

Oyster mushrooms in carrot sauce

2011-06-12T09:44:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
10-15 oyster mushroom - oven roast
1 carrot
1/2 onion - finely diced
1 garlic pod
1 tsp garam masala powder
2 red/green chilli - finely diced
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
Salt to taste
Oil 2 Tbsp

Method:
1) Cut carrot into pieces, boil until tender and grind to smooth paste with chilli powder
2) Heat oil in a frying pan. Add garlic and onion, fry until it starts to change its colour. Add green chilli
3) Add carrot sauce, oyster mushrooms, garam masala and salt. Bring to boil

DONE!!!
Serve with hot chapathi :)

Curry with oven roasted vegetables

2011-04-02T10:02:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 garlic pod
1/2 inch piece of ginger
2 green chilli
2 tomato - cut into large chunks
1 onion - cut into large chunks
7-8 mushrooms - chopped
1 cup cauliflower florets
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp cumin seeds
3 tsp coriander seeds
2 Tbsp yoghurt
Salt
Oil
Water

Method:
1) Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli in a baking tray. Roast until it gets crunchy and begins to turn brown. If not using an oven, take about 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Roast these vegetables on high heat until it starts turning brown.
2) Take 1 Tbsp of oil in a frying pan. Add cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Fry for a minute. Add onion and fry for a minute. Add tomato and fry for 4-5 minutes. Allow it to cool
3) Once cool, grind the above with chilli, cinnamon powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, garlic and ginger
4) Mix the paste with oven roasted vegetables, yoghurt. Add water to get the required consistency. Adjust salt to taste.

DONE!!!

Beetroot pulao

2011-03-27T09:34:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup basmati rice
1 medium sized beetroot - finely diced
1 medium sized onion - finely diced
1 cup mixed veggies -finely diced
1/2 cup peas
2 Tbsp mint leaves - finely chopped
1 Tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
4 green chilli - finely chopped
2 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp ghee
8-10 cashewnuts
1/2 cup water
Salt to taste

Ingredients:
1) Cook basmati rice and keep aside
2) Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds. Once it starts to change colour - Add onion and fry for a minute
3) Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilli, turmeric powder and garam masala powder . Fry for another minute.
4) Add mixed veggies, peas and beetroot. Cover and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
5) Add mint leaves, salt. Cover and cook for a minute.
6) Lower the heat. Add cooked basmati rice and mix. Check for salt. Add 1/2cup water if needed. Cover and cook for a minute.
DONE!!!

Uddina vada

2011-03-20T14:12:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
1 cup black dal (uddina bele)
2 Tbsp shredded coconut
1 tsp crushed pepper
3 green chilli - finely diced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 Tbsp finely chopped curry leaves
1 Tbsp rice flour
Salt
Pinch of baking soda
Oil for deep frying

Method:
1) Soak black dal in water for 2-3 hours. Remove excess water and grind it into fine paste. Do not add more than 3 Tbsp of water while grinding
2) Mix this with the rest of the ingredients. Check for salt.
3) Cut a baking paper into a square 4x4 inch square and oil it. Take about 2-3 tbsp of the paste and press it into a circle. Make a hole in the centre
4) Gently drop this into heated oil and fry until golden brown.

Serve with sambar and coriander chutney

Papdi chaat

2011-03-13T18:45:00.000+11:00

Chickpea and potato mash:
Ingredients:
3 medium sized potatoes
1/2 cup of chick peas
2 tsp Kasoori methi
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp finely grounded pepper

Method:
1) Soak chickpeas overnight. Boil along with potato until tender. Peel the skin off the potato and mash it.
2) Place kasoori methi on one palm and rub it with your thumb. Brings out the aroma and flavor (Thanks Praveena aunty for the tip!). Mix this with potato mash, chickpeas, salt, pepper
DONE!!!

Tamarind date chutney:
Ingredients:
15 pitted dates
1 cup water
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp black salt
1 lemon sized tamarind

Method:
1) Soak tamarind in a hot water for 5 minutes
2) Add about 1/2 cup of water to the dates and microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften it. Else boil it on a stove until soft.
3) Squeeze the juice out of tamarind and add it to the mashed dates. Mix with chilli powder, black salt remaining water.
4) Microwave for another 2-3 minutes. Refrigerate it.
DONE!!!

Green chutney:
Ingredients:
1 cup coriander leaves
1/2 cup mint leaves
3 green chilli
1 tsp cumin
1/2 cup water
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp lemon juice

Method:
1) Grind the ingredients above

DONE!!!! :)

Sweetened curd:
Ingredients:
2 cups curds - If using thick yoghurt dilute with water
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garam masala

Method:
1) Mix all the ingredients above
DONE!!! :)

Papdi and sev:
Buy it! ;)

The final ensemble:
Ingredients:
All of above
1/2 onion - finely diced

1) Arrange 4-6 papdi in a plate. Place about 1 Tbsp of chickpea-potato mash on it.
2) Add 1 tsp of tamarind date chutney on each of the papdi. Add more to sweeten
3) Pour 2-3 Tbsp of sweetened curds
4) Drizzle with green chutney.
5) Garnish with onion and sev

DONE!!! :)

Vegetable noodle soup

2011-03-05T13:43:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
2-3 cups chopped mixed vegetables
1/2 cup soy
1 shallot - sliced
3 garlic pods - chopped
1 can creamed corn
3 green chilli - chopped
1-2 cups vegetable stock
2 cups water
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 bay leaves
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp grated galangale
2 tsp chopped coriander
Salt to taste

Ingredients:
1) Heat oil in a wok, add garlic and fry until it turns golden brown. Add onion and fry until it turns translucent. Add green chilli, cumin seeds, bay leaves and fry for 2 minutes
2) Add vegetable stock, water, creamed corn and mixed vegetables. Bring to boil.
3) Add soy sauce, check for salt. Boil for another 5-10 minutes
4) Add noodles and wait for it to be done as per instructions.
5) Remove from heat, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve
DONE!!!

Pumpkin curry

2011-02-27T11:44:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 6):
1/2 pumpkin - skin peeled and cut into chunks
1 capsicum - deseeded, cut into chunks
2 onions - cut into chunks
2 tomato - cut into chunks
2 garlic pods - finely diced
2 cloves
2 cardamom
1 tsp coarsely crushed pepper
2 green chilli
1 tsp chilli powder
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp amchur powder
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Heat oil in a frying pan. Add clove and coriander and wait for them to pop. Add garlic and fry until it starts to change its colour. Add pepper, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, green chilli.
2) Add onion and fry until it starts turning translucent. Add turmeric, red chilli powder and amchur powder.
3) Add capsicum and tomato and fry for a minute.
4) Add pumpkin and toss around. Add water and salt. Cover and cook until the pumpkin is soft. (Takes about 20 minutes)
5) Garnish with lemon juice

DONE!!!!

Makai Palak

2011-02-13T12:08:00.000+11:00

Just a fancy way of calling Palak paneer if you substitute paneer with sweet corn ;)

Ingredients: (Serves 6):
1 bunch spinach - coarsely chopped
2 tomato - coarsely chopped
1 large onion - coarsely chopped
3-4 sprigs of coriander (optional)
1/2 cup peas (optional)
1 cup corn (boiled or microwaved for 3 minutes)
4 green chilli
1 Tbsp yoghurt/cream (optional)
1 Tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp corainder seeds
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Water

Method:
1) Take oil in a frying pan once heated add cumin seeds and coriander seeds and fry until it starts to change colour.
2) Add onion, ginger garlic paste, chilli and fry until onion turns translucent.
3) Add tomato and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add spinach and fry for 2-3 minutes.
4) Remove pan from the stove add coriander leaves and wait for it to cool.. Once cool grind it into fine paste
5) Transfer the paste back to the pan. Add yoghurt and sugar. Add water to get the desired consistency. Add corn. Check for salt. Reheat again
DONE!!!

Bhindi besan fry

2011-02-08T20:21:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 medium sized onion - chopped
2 cups ladies finger - chopped to 1 to 2 inches in length
4 Tbsp gram flour - besan
2 Tbsp rice flour
2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/3 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 Tbsp oil

Method:
1) In a frying pan heat 1 Tbsp oil. Fry onion when it turns translucent add coriander powder, turmeric, red chilli powder and fry for a minute
2) Add ladies finger, gram flour and rice flour and fry for 5 minutes.
3) Check for salt. Lower the heat and add about 1/2 Tbsp of oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes without tossing. Add the remaining oil, toss the curry and fry for 3-4 minutes. Let bits of ladies finger and besan turn brown - adds to the taste. Toss one final time and let it fry for another 3-4 minutes
DONE!!!

Ragi dosa

2011-02-01T20:58:00.001+11:00

Owe this awesome recipe to Krupa (Sastry)!!!! :) Thanks kane :)

Ingredients (Serves 4):
1 cup black dal (urad) - soak in water for 1/2 an hour
2 cups ragi flour
1 1/2 Tbsp rice flour
2 Tbsp soy (optional)
Salt
Oil
Water

Method:
1) Grind urad dal with soy into a fine paste adding sufficient water
2) Mix with ragi flour, rice flour, salt and water to get dosa like consistency
3) Heat a frying pan - Take a ladleful of dosa batter and spread on the pan like a disc.. Add 2-3 drops of oil After a minute or two flip to the other side for 10-15 seconds
DONE!!!

Gnocchi in tomato-mushroom-basil sauce

2011-01-23T10:43:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
Gnocchi 1 pack - 300g
2 tomato finely diced
10 mushrooms finely diced
3-4 sprigs of basil finely chopped
2 garlic pod - finely diced
2 Tbsp olive oil
Vinegar - 2 Tbsp (just felt like! ;))
pepper powder
salt
grated cheese - 2 Tbs

Method:
1) Heat olive oil in a sauce pan. Add garlic and wait until it turns golden brown.
2) Add tomato and fry for a minute. Add mushroom. Fry for another minute. Cover and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat
3) Add basil and vinegar. Add pepper and salt as needed.
4) Prepare gnocchi as instructed on the packet ;) Duh! :) Mix with sauce, garnish with cheese (i skipped this) and serve!

DONE!!!

Poori Saagu

2011-01-17T19:45:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Saagu):
Mixed vegetables - 2 cup boiled
1/2 onion - chopped
1/2 tomato - chopped
1/2 cup grated coconut
5 green chilli
2 Tbsp hurigadale (roasted chickpea)
1 garlic pod
2 tsp poppy seeds
5-6 sprigs of corainder - chopped
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
2 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp asafoetida
2-3 sprigs of curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric
Water
Salt
1 Tbsp oil

Method:
1) Grind cumin seeds, coriander seeds, garam masala powder, coriander leaves, poppy seeds, green chilli, hurigadale, coconut, garlic with 1/4 cup of water
2) Heat oil in a frying pan, add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add asafoetida and curry leaves. Fry for a minute. Add onion fry until it turns translucent. Add turmeric and tomato - fry for a minute.
3) Add the grinded mix and fry for a minute. Add about 1 cup of water and the mixed veggies. Check for salt. Bring it to boil.
DONE!!!

Ingredients: (poori)
3 cups wheat flour
Salt
4-5 Tbsp oil
Water
Oil for deep frying

1) Mix all the ingredients with sufficient water. Check for salt
2) Take a pingpong ball size dough and roll into a circular disc
3) In a deep frying pan, once the oil is heated - gently drop the poori. Once the pooru raises, flip to the other side.
DONE!!!

Shavige idli

2011-01-08T08:02:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
2 cups vermicelli
6 Tbsp yoghurt
1 carrot grated
1/2 onion finely chopped
3 green chilli chopped
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
2 sprigs curry leaves
1 pinch turmeric powder
1 pinch asofoetida
1 tsp salt
1-2 cups of water
Oil

Method:
1) Take 1 Tbsp oil in a frying pan. Roast vermicelli until it begins to turn reddish brown.
2) Take 1Tbsp oil in another frying pan. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves and asofoetida.
3) Add onion and chilli, fry until it turns translucent. Add grated carrot, coriander powder and turmeric powder.
4) Mix this with roasted vermicelli, water and yoghurt. Check for salt. Leave aside for 30 minutes
5) Oil the base of idli moulds and add the shavige mix. Steam to cook for 20-30 minutes until done on medium heat
DONE!!!

Mooli(radish) paratha

2011-01-03T15:48:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
4 cups grated white radish
1/2 onion - finely diced
2 green chilli - finely diced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp asofoetida powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
5 cups atta (wheat flour)
Water
Salt
Oil
Ghee

Method (for the stuffing):
1) Take grated radish in a frying pan to remove its moisture. Fresh radish holds a lot of water and its very important to get rid of it. Water begins to separate out and every 5 minutes drain it. Do this for 20 minutes until the radish starts to turn golden brown
2) In a frying pan(low heat) grease the bottom with 3-4 drops of oil. Fry cumin and fennel seeds. Add onion, green chilli and ginger and fry for a minute.
3) Add turmeric powder, garam masala powder, asofoetida, 1 tsp salt and mix.
4) Add radish and fry for 2-3 minutes. Check for salt

Method (for the dough):
1) Add 1 cup of water, 1 tsp salt and 3 Tbsp oil to the atta and keep aside for a few minutes. Knead the dough. Add more water to get the right consistency (as that of chapathi dough)

Method (for the paratha):
1) Take a small ball of the dough. Pat it into a small circular disc on wheat flour and roll it into a small chapathi (approximately 10cms in diameter). Make two of these.
2) On one of the chapathis - spread the stuffing (about 1-2 Tbsp). Place the other chapathi and roll again.
3) Place this on a pan(medium heat), sprinkle a few drops of ghee. After a 2 minutes - flip to the other side. Sprinkle a few drops of ghee on this side too. Keep it on the pan until both sides are done.

DONE!!
Goes well with yoghurt and chilli pickle... :)

Avrekaalu Akki rotti

2010-12-18T11:20:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup rice flour
1 cup avrekaalu - boiled
1/2 onion - finely diced
2 Tbsp yoghurt
1 Tbsp oil
4 green chilli - finely diced
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp pepper powder
2-3 sprigs of curry leaves - finely chopped
Pinch of turmeric
Water
Salt (1 1/2 tsp approximately)

Method:
1) Mix all the above ingredients with sufficient water to get the desired consistency
2) Place a fistful of dough on an oiled baking paper and pat it into thin circular disc. Sprinkle a few drops of oil on it when done.
3) Place the uncovered side of the rotti on a heated pan (along with baking paper). Remove the baking paper after a minute. Flip to the other side after another minute. Roast on both sides until parts of the rotti starts turning golden brown..
DONE!!!

Menthe tambli

2010-12-12T09:12:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp yoghurt
2 Tbsp coconut
1/2 cup water
3/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2-3 dry red chilli
1 Tbsp oil
1/4 tsp turmeric
Salt
1 tsp Mustard seeds
8-10 curry leaves
1/2 tsp asofoetida

Method:
1) Heat 1/2 Tbsp oil in a small wok. Add fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds. Fry until they start to change their colour
2) In a blender, grind the above with coconut, turmeric, salt and red chilli
3) In a mixing bowl, mix yoghurt, water and the paste above. Check for salt. Add more water to get the required ocnsistency.
4) Heat the remaining 1/2 Tbsp oil in a small wok. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Add asofoetida and curry leaves. Mix it with the tambli prepared above

Pav Bhaji

2010-12-03T23:31:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 medium sized onion - finely chopped
1 medium sized green capsicum - finely chopped
3 medium sized tomato - finely chopped
1 1/2 cup mixed veggies - finely chopped and boiled
1 medium sized potato - boiled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves - minced/crushed
3 green chilli - minced/crushed
2 Tbsp butter/ghee
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 1/2 Tbsp Pav Bhaji masala
1/2 tsp black salt
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp salt
4-5 sprigs of corainder - finely chopped
1 sprig of dill - finely chopped (optional)

Method:
1) Heat butter/ghee in a frying pan. Butter is typically used in Pav Bhaji - I had to make do with ghee as i had no butter at home :-)
2) Add onion and capsicum and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add minced green chilli and garlic. Fry for a minute.
3) Add tomato and fry for 3-4 minutes.
4) Add turmeric, red chilli powder, pav bhaji masala, black salt, salt and fry for a minute.
5) Add mixed veggie and potato. Fry for a minute. Check for salt. Reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes(While doing so, every minute or two do give it a stir)
6) Remove from heat. Mash it for a minute with a potato masher
DONE!!
Serve with finely chopped spring onion, coriander and a wedge of lemon.

Udaka

2010-11-27T08:45:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup toor dal
6-7 cups water
1 large brinjal - cut into large chunks
4 green chilli (1 finely chopped)
7-8 sprigs of dill (sabbasige soppu)
2 garlic pods - chopped
2 tomato - cut into large chunks
1 large onion - cut into large chunks
1/2 large onion - finely chopped
1 inch ginger
2 Tbsp Oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
3-4 sprigs of curry leaves
1/2 tsp asofoetida

Method(Udaka):
1) In a large saucepan, boil toor dal in water for 15-20 minutes. 5 minutes before the dal would cook - Add brinjal. Let it boil for 4 minutes. Add 4-5 sprigs of dill(remove the roots) and 3 green chilli (whole) and let it boil for a minute.
2) Separate brinjal, dill, chilli into another container. Separate dal from the water into (yet!) another container
3) Take about 1 Tbsp oil in a frying pan. Add garlic, ginger, and onion(the one cut into large chunks) and fry until onion turns translucent. Add tomato and fry for 4-5 minutes. Let it cool.
4) Grind garlic-ginger-tomato fry with boiled brinjal-dill-chilli. Add salt as per taste. Udaka is done.

Method(Toor dal palya):
1) Take about 1 Tbsp oil in a frying pan. Add mustard seeds - wait for it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, finely chopped chilli, asofoetida, curry leaves and fry for 1/2 a minute
2) Add onion and fry until it turns translucent. Add turmeric and the boiled toor dal. If dry add about 1/4 cup water. Fry for 2-3 minutes
3) Finely chop the remaining dill and use it for garnishing the toor dal palya.

DONE!!!

Best served with ragi mudde :) Goes well with rice too..

Ghee rice

2010-11-21T14:54:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Ghee
2 cardamom pods
2 clove
1 garlic - minced
1 inch ginger - minced
1 tsp crushed pepper
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp cashew nuts
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 cup mixed vegetables
1 medium sized onion - diced
1 cup rice
2 1/2 cup water
Salt (appr. 1 tsp)

Method:
1) Heat ghee in a pressure cooker (low heat). Add cardamon, cloves, bay leaf, garlic, ginger, pepper and fry for a minute. Add cumin and fennel seeds and fry until it turns golden brown. Add onion and fry until it turns translucent.
2) Add mixed vegetables and rice - fry for a minute. Add water and salt. Close the cooker and switch off after 2-3 whistles.
DONE!!!

Pesarattu

2010-11-14T21:03:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup moong dal. Soaked overnight.
1 inch ginger
5 green chilli
1/4 tsp Turmeric
5-6 coriander sprigs
Water
Salt to taste (appr. 1 1/2 tsp)

Method:
1) All the ingredients mentioned above to dosa batter like consistency. No need to for it ferment
2) Heat a non-stick pan (on high). Take a ladle-ful of batter and spread it into thin circular disc. After 2 mins, flip to the other side.
DONE!!!
Serve with any kind of coconut chutney.. yum!!! :)

Mangalooru gole bajje

2010-11-06T15:15:00.000+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 4):
6 Tbsp Maida
1 Tbsp besan (chickpea flour)
1 Tbsp rice flour
2 green chilli - finely diced
1/2 medium sized onion - finely chopped
2 sprigs of curry leaves - finely chopped
1 tsp ginger - finely grated
4 Tbsp yoghurt
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of asofoetida
1 tsp salt
Water (if required)
Oil for frying

Method:
1) Mix all the above ingredients and knead. Consistency should be like that of a dough. Add water if yoghurt is thick.
2) Heat oil in a frying pan (medium heat). Once, oil has heated up sufficiently, take a lemon-sized dough and drop it into the pan. Fry until it turns golden brown. Do the same for the rest.
DONE!!!

Serve with chutney..

Chole masala

2010-10-30T13:47:00.007+11:00

Owe this delicious recipe to Archana's (Urs) MIL :) Thanks aunty! :)

Ingredients(Serves 6):
3 tomato -chopped
2 medium sized onion - chopped
1 cup chickpea - Soak overnight.
1/2 tsp ginger - chopped
1 Tbsp kasoori methi
1 tsp garam masala
3 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 Tbsp oil
1 cup water
Salt (~1tsp)

Method:
1) Cook chickpeas until soft
2) In a wok, heat 1Tbsp of oil. Add ginger abd fry for a minute. Add onion fry until it turns translucent. Add tomato fry for 3-4 mins.
3) Once cool, grind this into a smooth paste along with 2 Tbsp of boiled chickpeas, 1 cup water, salt, chilli powder. Add more water if you need the garvy to be more thin.
3) Add 1 Tbsp oil in a wok. Fry cumin and fennel seeds. Add the paste and remaining chickpeas. Bring it to boil
4) Garnish with kasuri methi
DONE!!!
Serve with hot chapathi.. :)

Methi Thepla

2010-10-26T20:35:00.001+11:00

Ingredients: (Serves 2)
2 cups wheat flour
1/2 to 1 cup methi leaves
4 green chilli - finely diced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp asofoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chilli powder
1 inch garlic - grated
1 clove garlic - grated
1 Tbsp kasuri methi
1 Tbsp oil
Salt (appr 1 tsp)
Water
1 Tbsp ghee

Method:
1) Mix all the above ingredients with sufficient water to get consistency like a chapati dough.
2) Take a small lemon sized dough and roll it into a circular disc.
3) Heat non stick pan (on high). Place the thepla on the pan sprinkle ghee on it. Flip to the other side after 2 mins. Sprinkle ghee on the thepla again. After 1-2 mins flip to the other side. Remove after 1/2 a minute.
DONE!!!

Serve with yoghurt and pickle..

Akki rotti

2010-10-23T22:43:00.000+11:00

Ingredients: (Serves 2)
2 cups rice flour
1 medium sized onion finely chopped
1 small carrot - grated
2 Tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
5 green chilli - finely chopped
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 Tbsp yoghurt
1 Tbsp oil
Salt to taste (Appr. 1 1/2 tsp)
Water

Method:
1) Mix all the above ingredients into a paste.
2) Take a baking paper and oil it. Take a fistful of this mix and spread it into a disc.
3) Heat a non stick pan (on high). Put the exposed side of rotti on the pan (along with the baking paper). Remove baking paper after a minute. After 1-2 mins flip to the other side and add a few drops of oil. Flip it again after a 1-2 mins. Remove from pan after 1/2 a minute.
DONE!!
Serve with chutney/chutneypudi :)

Pani puri

2010-10-20T19:36:00.018+11:00

Bought the puris off-the-shelf ;) So this is pretty much the rest thats required and is fairly simple :)

Tamarind chutney:1/2 cup tamarind
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 tsp pepper powder

1) Take tamarind in a cup and soak it in hot water filled to the brim. Wait for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze the pulp. Strain it into a container. Repeat the process thrice.
2) Take the dates in a microwave container add about 1/2 a cup of water. Microwave for 2 minutes. If the dates are not soft and mushy - microwave for another minute.
3) Mix tamarind juice, date paste and powders mentioned in the tamarind chutney ingredients
DONE!!

Pani:
2 Tbsp of tamarind chutney
1/2 cup mint leaves
1 cup coriander leaves
1 Tbsp cumin powder
6 green chilli
1 Tbsp rock salt
1 Tbsp amchur(dry mango) powder
1 tsp salt
5 cups water

1) Blend everything mentioned in the Pani ingredient list (except water) into a fine paste.
2) Add 5 cups of water and refrigerate.
3) While serving, add boondi to the pani (else it gets soggy)
DONE!!!

Stuffing:
4 medium sized potatoes - boiled and mashed
1 Tbsp green chutney (strained from the pani)
1 tsp tamarind chutney
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp salt

1) Mix all the ingredients for the stuffing,
DONE!!!

Garnishing:1 medium sized onion - finely diced
4-5 sprigs of coriander - finely diced

Stuff the puri with potato stuffing, finely chopped onions. Garnish with coriander leaves. Finally fill with paani and enjoy! :)

Gobi Manchurian

2010-10-09T18:37:00.001+11:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
For the gobi:
3 cups cauliflower florets (Soaked in hot water for 5mins)
6 Tbsp all purpose flour (maida)
3 Tbsp corn flour
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
Oil for deep frying

For the gravy:
1 Tbsp oil
1 medium sized onion
3 green chilli
4-5 coriander sprigs - finely chopped
2 garlic cloves - finely diced
1 chickpea sized ginger finely diced
1 Tbsp chilli sauce
1 tsp sweet chilli sauce
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp tomato ketchup/pizza sauce

Method:
1) Mix corn flour, maida, salt and chilli powder in a bowl. Add sufficient water to make the batter like dosa batter.
2) Heat oil in a deep bottomed frying pan (medium heat). Dip the cauliflower florets in the batter and fry until golden brown.

Gravy:
1) Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok. Add garlic and fry until they turn golden brown. Add ginger, onion, green chilli and fry for a minute or two.
2) Add all the sauce mentioned above - let it cook for a minute. Add the cauliflower florets and fry for a minute.
3) Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
DONE!!
For crispier Gobi Manchurian - a pinch of soda can be added.

Groundnut chutney pudi

2010-10-07T19:13:00.000+11:00

Ingredients:

1 cup groundnuts
2 Tbsp roasted chickpeas (puttani)
6 dry red chilli
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp dry dessicated coconut
1 chickpea size tamarind
3-4 sprigs of curry leaves
Salt to taste (appr. 1 tsp)
1 tsp sugar

Method:
1) Dry roast groundnuts on medium flame. Allow it to cool
2) Dry roast chickpeas, red chilli, cumin seeds, coconut, curry leaves on medium flame. Allow it to cool. Take these in a blender along with tamarind, sugar, salt and grind it into smooth powder.
3) Add groundnuts. Grind it coarsely for 3-4 seconds. Check for salt. Grind it again coarsely for 3-4 seconds.
DONE!!!

Masala Dosa

2010-09-22T21:16:00.003+10:00

Masala Dosa:

Method:
1) Heat a nonstick pan on high. Wait for 3-4 minutes for the first dosa. Take a ladle-full of dosa batter and spread evenly into a circular shape.
2) Add 2-3 drops of oil on the dosa.
3) After 2-3 minutes flip the dosa over to the other side and roast it for a minute
4) Transfer the dosa to a plate. Spread 1 tsp of chilli-garlic chutney, place potato palya at the centre and close the dosa.
DONE!!
Serve with coriander-mint chutney
Recipe for coriander-mint chutney, potato palya, chilli-garlic chutney and dosa below.

Coriander mint chutney:
Ingredients (Serves 4)

For coriander-mint chutney:
1 Tbsp roasted chanadal (puttani)
1 Tbsp grated coconut
3-4 green chilli
1 Tbsp coriander
1/2 Tbsp mint
1 cup water
1/2 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 sprigs of curry leaves
1/2 tsp asofoetida
1 tsp cumin seeds
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Grind roasted chana dal finely. Add grated coconut, chilli, coriander leaves, mint and grind.
2) Add water and blend. Add salt to suit taste.
3) Heat oil, add mustard seeds. Wait for it to splutter. Add asofoetida, curry leaves and cumin seeds. Add this to the chutney and mix!

Red chilli garlic chutney:
Ingredients:
1/4 tsp warm water
6 dried red chilli
1 garlic pod - sliced

Method:
1) Soak chilli in warm water for 20 mins.
2) Grind red chilli, garlic, water
DONE!!!

Potato palya (Courtesy: Sujay :-)):
5 medium sized potato - boiled and mashed
1/2 cup peas
1 onion - sliced
1/2 large lemon juice
2 fresh red chillies - diced
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
2-3 sprigs of curry leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 cup water
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Heat oil in a deep bottomed frying pan. Add mustard seeds - once they start spluttering- add curry leaves, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, onion.
2) Once the onion start to turn translucent, add peas, turmeric powder, chilli, garam masala powder. Fry for half a minute
3) Add mashed potato, water and mix well. Cover and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
4) Add salt and lemon juice. Mix well and cover.
DONE!!!

For Dosa:
1 1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup urad dal
1 Tbsp thick rice flakes
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
Water
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Soak the above ingredients for 5-6 hours. Grind into fine paste adding sufficient water to get the dosa like consistency. Add salt to taste.
2) Let it ferment overnight

(The humble)Gojjavalakki

2010-09-19T18:55:00.002+10:00

Ingredients(Serves 2):
1 1/2 cup of thick avalakki (poha)
2 cups water
3 tsps rasam powder
1 tsp tamarind paste
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp chanadal+uraddal
2 Tbsp groundnuts
1 sprig curry leaves
1 tsp asofoetida
2-3 sprigs of coriander - finely diced

Salt to taste
1 Tbsp oil

Method:
1) Grind avalakki coarsely in a blender. Keep it aside in a mixing bowl.
2) Add water, rasam powder, tamarind paste, sugar, 1 tsp salt, turmeric in a container and heat it on low heat for 4-5 mins.
3) To the avalakki in the mixing bowl add the spiced up water little by little.. and mix.. Cover it with a lid and let it stay for 20-30 mins
4) Take oil in a skillet - add ground nuts - after a minute, add the chanadal+uraddal mixture, mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves and hing.
5) Add the tadka to the mixing bowl and mix.
6) Garnish with coriander leaves.
DONE!!!

Serve it with a dash of yoghurt :)

Pakchoy broccoli vegetable curry

2010-09-18T11:58:00.001+10:00

Ingredients:

1 bunch of pakchoy

2 cups broccoli florets

1 medium sized onion - sliced lengthwise

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 garlic pod - minced
1/2 tsp minced ginger
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/4 tsp coarsely grounded pepper
1 Tbsp corn flour

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1/2 Tbsp vinegar

Salt to taste

Method:

1) Cut the base off pak choy. Cut the stem and keep the leaves and stem aside.

2) Add cornflour, soy sauce and vinegar in a bowl.

3) Add oil in a pan and heat it. Add garlic. Once it starts turning golden brown, add ginger, grounded pepper, sliced onions. Let it cook until the onions start to turn translucent.

4) Add chilli powder, pakchoy stem, broccoli - Stir for a bit. Cover and let it cook for 2 minutes.

5) Add pakchoy leaves - Stir for a bit. Cover and let it cook for 2 minutes

6) Add the cornflour soy sauce paste. Stir for a minute. Adjust salt to taste.

DONE!!!

ambode

2010-09-12T13:09:00.000+10:00

Ingredients(20 pieces):
1 cup chana dal (kadle bele)
1/3 cup coconut
7-8 sprigs of coriander
1 dried red chilli
4-5 pepper corns
1 tsp hing
1/4 tsp turmmeric
3 green chilli
1 tsp cumin
1/4 onion finely diced - optional
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Method:
1) Soak chana dal, red chilli and pepper corns together in water for 4-5 hrs. Drain excess water
2) Take coriander, green chilli, cumin seeds, coconut, soaked pepper corns, soaked red chilli, 1/2 of soaked chana dal, hing, turmeric in a blender and grind it into a fine paste. Do not add water. Keep this paste aside
3) Take the remaining soaked chana dal and grind it coarsely.
4) Add this along with onion to the fine paste and mix. Check for salt.
5) Heat sufficient oil in a frying pan.
5) Take small lumps of this mix, pat it into thin patties and fry.
DONE!!! :)

Couscous upma

2010-09-04T13:54:00.000+10:00

Ingredients(Serves 2):
1 garlic pod
1/2 medium size onion - diced
1 medium size potato - diced
1 cup mixed vegetable(carrot, beans, peas, sweet corn, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) - diced and boiled
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp asafoetida
4 green chilli - finely chopped
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1 sprig of curry leaves
1 scallion (spring onion) - chopped
1 Tbsp oil
1/2 cup water
Salt to taste

Preparing couscous:
2/3 cup couscous
2/3 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp ghee/butter
1 tsp oil

Method:
1) Prepare couscous as per the directions on the pack. This is the way i prepared it. Add oil and water in a wok and bring it to boil. Add couscous, salt and cover the wok and steam for 2 mins.
2) Reduce the heat to minimum. Add ghee/butter and stir the couscous using a fork to separate the grains for a minute. Keep it aside.
3) Heat oil in a frying pan - Add garlic and mustard seeds.
4) When the mustard seeds start to splutter - add onion, cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, chilli powder, green chilli, curry leaves. Fry for 2 mins
5) Add potato, mixed vegetables, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup water. Reduce to medium heat. Cover and let it be for 3 mins.
6) Once the vegetables have softened - add couscous. Stir it through for a minute. Garnish with chopped green onion. Add more salt if needed.
DONE!!! :)
Serve with a dash of yoghurt on the side.

Sweet and sour vegetable

2010-08-31T20:41:00.000+10:00

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 medium size onion - Sliced
1 can pineapple
1 can bamboo shoots
1 cup stir-fry veggies (beans, carrot, broccoli..)
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp corn flour
1 Tbsp sugar

Method:
1) Mix soy sauce, vinegar, corn flour and pineapple juice (from the can) in a bowl and set aside.
2) In a wok - heat oil. Add onion. Fry until it turns brown.
3) Add veggies and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add bamboo shoots and fry for 3-4 minutes.
4) Dice pineapple into chunks. Add pineapple and fry for 2 minutes
5) Add the sauce mix made in step 1. Stir until it thickens.

Veg Fried Rice

2010-08-29T21:52:00.000+10:00

Ingredients (Serves 2):
3/4 cup rice
1 Tbsp oil
2 garlic pods - finely diced
1/4 onion - finely diced
1 can sweet corn kernels
3/4 cup peas - boiled
2 tsp coarsely ground pepper
1 tsp chilli powder - optional (For that extra spice! :))
1 red chilli - finely diced
1/4 cup water
Salt

Method:
1) Boil the rice and keep aside
2) Heat oil in a wok(medium heat). Add finely diced garlic. Wait for it to turn golden brown.
3) Add onion, pepper, chilli powder and fry for a minute
4) Add corn kernels, peas, finely diced red chilli, water. Fry for a minute
5) Add rice and salt. Toss it around for a minute or two.
DONE!!!

Serve with sweet chilli sauce / Sweet and sour Vegetables.

Avarekaalu Ragi rotti

2010-08-26T21:13:00.001+10:00

Ingredients:
Ragi flour - 2 cups
Avrekaalu(Lima beans) - 1 cup - cooked
Onion - 1 - finely chopped
Carrot - 1/2 - grated
1Tbsp - Yoghurt
Green chilli - 6 - finely chopped
Coriander - 4/5 sprigs - finely chopped
Cumin - 2 tsp
Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Water
Oil

Method:
1) Mix all the ingredients by adding sufficient water. Add salt as required
2) Take a baking paper and oil it on one side. Take a fistful of the dough and pat it into a circular shape.
3) Place this on a heated pan(along with the baking paper) such that the baking paper is on top. Remove the baking paper in 1-2 minutes.
4) After about a minute flip and heat the other side for 2-3 minutes.
DONE!!!

Serve with chutney/chutney-pudi :)

Mensinkaayi bajji

2010-08-22T08:37:00.001+10:00

Ingredients:
6 long green chilli
6 Tbsp Besan (chickpea flour)
2 Tbsp Rice flour
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric (Why not - when its healthy!!! :))
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Water

Method:
1) Add besan, rice flour, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder in a mixing bowl. Add water to get the desired consistency (like thick yoghurt) and mix well
2) Slit the green chilli vertically on one side and deseed it. Soak in water. Add salt to it. (Not sure why this is required but mum says it reduces how hot the chilli is).
3) Heat the oil for frying (medium heat)
4) Dip the green chilli in the mix. Ensure all sides are covered. Fry it. Remove when it turns golden brown. Do the same for the rest.
DONE!!!

1/4 tsp of baking soda can be added for a more fluffier covering.

Veg fried wonton

2010-08-19T20:17:00.001+10:00

Why so serious!!! :)

Ingredients (Serves 2):
10 Wonton wrappers
1 cup capsicum - finely diced
1/2 shallot - finely diced
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Method:
1) Mix capsicum, shallot, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste in a bowl
2) Add salt as required
3) Heat oil on medium heat.
4) Wrap the vegetable mix with the wanton wrapper and deep fry.
DONE!!!

Serve with hot chilli sauce :)

Capsicum shavige pulao

2010-08-15T17:24:00.003+10:00

Plagiarising amma's recipe :)

Ingredients(Serves 4):
1/2 green capsicum - Sliced
1/2 yellow capsicum - Sliced
1/2 red capsicum - Sliced
1 onion - Roughly diced
1 cup vermicelli
3-4 coriander sprigs
1 Tbsp grated coconut
4-5 green chilli
1 clove
1 garlic pod
Small piece of ginger
2-3 peppercorns
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp oil
1 and a 1/2 cups of water

Method:
1) Roast vermicelli in a frying pan. Once it begins to turn brown add water.Vermicelli should cook to tender in 3-4 mins. Add more water if needed. If water is in excess - drain it.
2) Add 1/2 a Tbsp of oil into frying pan. Add mustard seeds to it and wait for it to splutter
3) Add clove, peppercorns, garlic, green chilli and ginger. Fry it for 1/2 a minute
4) Add cumin seeds and onion. Fry it till onion turns brown.
5) Add turmeric, grated coconut and coriander. Stir it once and set it aside
6) Wait for it to cool and grind it into a fine paste
7) Add the remaining oil to frying pan and fry the capsicum for 2-3 minutes(More if you'd like it softer).
8) Now, add the paste and vermicelli. Stir it for another minute or so.
DONE!!!

Goes well with a dash of yogurt on the side.

Green Masala for idli

2010-08-14T13:07:00.003+10:00

On our recent trip to India, we tried the green masala idli at New Krishna Bhavan, Malleswaram, Bangalore.. It was unlike anything that i've ever had!!! And this coming from someone who would sprint a mile away at the sight of idlis... :) Here's an attempt to recreate that magical green sauce/chutney/curry!! :)

Ingredients (Serves 6):
1/2 bunch spinach
4-5 mint sprigs
9-10 coriander sprigs
1 green capsicum (Finely dice 1/4 of this, coarsely dice the remaining)
1 onion (Finely dice 1/4 of this, coarsely dice the remaining)
1/2 cup frozen peas
5-6 green chilli (add to suit your taste)
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1 Tbsp Oil
Salt to taste
Water if needed

Method:
1) Heat 1/2 Tbsp oil in the frying pan. Add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter
2) Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, green chilli and coarsely chopped onion
3) Once onion begins to turn brown - Add chilli powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, asafoetida.
4) Add coarsely chopped capsicum and peas - wait for 2-3 minutes.
5) Add spinach and mint leaves. Stir until it wilts.
6) Turn off the heat and add coriander leaves
7) Wait for it to cool - before grinding it into a smooth paste
8) Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan. Add the finely diced onion and capsicum. Fry for a minute.
9) Add the paste. Add water to get the desired consistency. (I added 1/2 a cup of water)
10) Add salt to suit your taste. Heat for a minute or two.
DONE!!!! :)

Goes well with idli, dosa, dhokla. :)