Just not finding time to blog with lot of stuff going on .... However found time to bake a Chocolate chip banana cake with white chocolate shavings on top for R. :) Hopefully will blog in detail soon ! See ya till then.
Friday, July 27, 2007
My sister's handiwork
R surprised amma with Chappathi / Kurma and Pal-Adai Pradhaman for her B'day. Fantastic for someone first time even entering kitchen with "cooking" in mind. :)
You go Girl !!
You go Girl !!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
What is your definition of " Healthy Eating " ?
Things that drive me crazy :
1) A local donut shop, out of a blue has a huge flyer that reads " No Cholestrol, No Trans Fat, Healthy Donuts". Ok now are they thinking " Who will know about the saturated fat and sugar ? ... the foolish customers " ?
2) Any recipe that calls for a pound of butter or loads of cheese and claims it is " good for you " just beacuse of the trivial amount of veggies in the dish.
3) Any recipe that calls for instant noodles like the Top Ramen variety (if you are not aware, these contain very high amount of saturated fat as they are fried over and over again in the same oil!) and again gladly claims that it is heart healthy, just because you can spot that tiny broccolli floating.
4) When AHA ( American Heart Association) has given the permission to use their label on diet that just meets these standards - Low in Saturated fat and cholestrol plus high in fiber.
How can this label be applied if a cereal is high in fiber and low in cholestrol & saturated fat but contains High Fructose Corn Syrup and 17 grams of sugar per serving be, for God's sake heart healthy ?? Hello... diabetes... ringing a bell ? anybody ? Even a normal healthy person having such high amount of sugar every single day has increased probablity of diabetes . Excuse me if Iam terribly wrong. Iam not a nutritionist but I think Iam sane.
5) Resturant that uses vegetable shortening and plain enriched flour and calls " Healthy Whole Wheat Breads " !
6) Smother a bottle of Olive Oil in the pan and say it is good for your heart and skin. Skin may be but NO... it does have calories and any fat used in high amounts is certainly may not be the best.
Give me a break !
I keep telling myself that I need to calm down and just ignore such things that ticks me off. I say to myself - people are free to say what they want and free to choose what they eat. But when you know the most valuable thing on earth is human life and when humans themselves act so irresponsibly , I lose my sanity. I am not sure if it is my obessesion or passion for health. Call me crazy but please let us refrain from sending wrong signals !
When you don't know DON'T CALL IT HEALTHY. Of course Iam not saying that home cooks should start using some gadget to get the nutrition measured but if you are in doubt be a little conservative in what you claim.
And always remember the golden words that your mom taught you when you were young - Eat your veggies, Exercise, Go less on junk food. You will be fine. You need not depend on the media or the hoopla created around nutrition labels.
Eat Healthy ...Live Happy !
1) A local donut shop, out of a blue has a huge flyer that reads " No Cholestrol, No Trans Fat, Healthy Donuts". Ok now are they thinking " Who will know about the saturated fat and sugar ? ... the foolish customers " ?
2) Any recipe that calls for a pound of butter or loads of cheese and claims it is " good for you " just beacuse of the trivial amount of veggies in the dish.
3) Any recipe that calls for instant noodles like the Top Ramen variety (if you are not aware, these contain very high amount of saturated fat as they are fried over and over again in the same oil!) and again gladly claims that it is heart healthy, just because you can spot that tiny broccolli floating.
4) When AHA ( American Heart Association) has given the permission to use their label on diet that just meets these standards - Low in Saturated fat and cholestrol plus high in fiber.
How can this label be applied if a cereal is high in fiber and low in cholestrol & saturated fat but contains High Fructose Corn Syrup and 17 grams of sugar per serving be, for God's sake heart healthy ?? Hello... diabetes... ringing a bell ? anybody ? Even a normal healthy person having such high amount of sugar every single day has increased probablity of diabetes . Excuse me if Iam terribly wrong. Iam not a nutritionist but I think Iam sane.
5) Resturant that uses vegetable shortening and plain enriched flour and calls " Healthy Whole Wheat Breads " !
6) Smother a bottle of Olive Oil in the pan and say it is good for your heart and skin. Skin may be but NO... it does have calories and any fat used in high amounts is certainly may not be the best.
Give me a break !
I keep telling myself that I need to calm down and just ignore such things that ticks me off. I say to myself - people are free to say what they want and free to choose what they eat. But when you know the most valuable thing on earth is human life and when humans themselves act so irresponsibly , I lose my sanity. I am not sure if it is my obessesion or passion for health. Call me crazy but please let us refrain from sending wrong signals !
When you don't know DON'T CALL IT HEALTHY. Of course Iam not saying that home cooks should start using some gadget to get the nutrition measured but if you are in doubt be a little conservative in what you claim.
And always remember the golden words that your mom taught you when you were young - Eat your veggies, Exercise, Go less on junk food. You will be fine. You need not depend on the media or the hoopla created around nutrition labels.
Eat Healthy ...Live Happy !
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Birthday Thoughts - Jabber or Wise ? You decide...
Why do we celebrate Birthdays ? Iam not trying to be clever or something but these thoughts swept by as I was driving the other day. Well for one it marks the day we entered this world. Thats the most reasonable and straight forward answer I could come up with. What did we do - JUST POP OUT from Mom's womb. Thats it ! For anything it should be Mommy's day. So for every child's Birthday we should congratulate his/her mom (Happy Mommy's day!) and may be give her flowers ... let her cut the cake ... for all she underwent to get us out into this world.
Well Well... I know by now you must be muttering .. " Oh there she goes ... trying to say something smart ". Actually no... While I understand we do have one universal Mothers day for celebration... I just thought it would be a nice day to be that extra kind and acknowledge mothers. :)
Anyway to be honest like everyone I enjoy that day every year. Special treatment, gifts, cakes, flowers... C'mon who doesn't like it. This year I was not very particular about it just because I realised - Iam not getting any younger! Ouch... that hurts. But still it is nice to feel that extra special. This year I wanted to go a bit further- Thought to seize the day to check out how life is going. Do a little introspection. Come up with some resolutions. Forgive my mistakes, be proud of my achievements and ofcourse look for improvements. Afterall this is the day you came in and it does leave a special mark as it is YOUR new year. Don't you think it is more meaningful than a calender new year?!
Go ahead feel that extra special, but take a step further and see how you can make your life more meaningful to you and lastly never forget your mother amidst all the fun as she is the reason you are seeing this day !
Well Well... I know by now you must be muttering .. " Oh there she goes ... trying to say something smart ". Actually no... While I understand we do have one universal Mothers day for celebration... I just thought it would be a nice day to be that extra kind and acknowledge mothers. :)
Anyway to be honest like everyone I enjoy that day every year. Special treatment, gifts, cakes, flowers... C'mon who doesn't like it. This year I was not very particular about it just because I realised - Iam not getting any younger! Ouch... that hurts. But still it is nice to feel that extra special. This year I wanted to go a bit further- Thought to seize the day to check out how life is going. Do a little introspection. Come up with some resolutions. Forgive my mistakes, be proud of my achievements and ofcourse look for improvements. Afterall this is the day you came in and it does leave a special mark as it is YOUR new year. Don't you think it is more meaningful than a calender new year?!
Go ahead feel that extra special, but take a step further and see how you can make your life more meaningful to you and lastly never forget your mother amidst all the fun as she is the reason you are seeing this day !
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Idli Disaster
We all have good days, bad days and "the usual routine" days. But sometimes bad days hits you in a way as if it was designed to be the worst - whatever you do has a negative impact. I have had bad days at work - I even remember the date November 27, 2006 - Monday : every thing I did , talked , reported was error ! Well.. you learn, and move on.Last night was a disaster. I made the worst idlis in the world. May be I could have been awarded - " Best prize for the most awful idlis anyone can make". Well... we all have disasters in the kitchen, especially when we start a fresh. I have had my bad days in kitchen but I shrug those off because of the excuse " It is my first time". First time it was for me with idlies. But my ego doesn't allow me to shrug this one - Hello... Iam a South Indian for God's sake ! How can a " thachi mammu" (curd rice) like me go wrong with idlies ? This is like a North Indian making bad phulkas or Italian making bad tasting pasta !
To be honest, in my 2 years of cooking record, I have not made Idlis. I did not have idli cooker / moulds at home till now. Yesterday I wanted to try my new idli cooker. Try I did - and ended up with half cooked idlis. Well , all I can think of now that may have gone wrong is my urad dal quantity and the consistency of batter. Hmmm... even a chocolate cake that R got for me at 11 PM last night to compensate did not pamper me. Anyway now that I have returnted to my sanity, I will surely give my try until I make idlies like my amma - soft , fluffy like a " mulla poo" ( Jasmine Flower) without any baking soda added ! I promise to follow up with a post. :)
We all write about the fancy dishes that we make, proudly showcase artwork, achievements, but c'mon... we are human beings and we make mistakes ! I thought why not vent out my frustration.
So much for my first post after blogging break !
Cartoon Credits: http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com
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Update:
Tip to use the leftovers:
As I mentioned the reason for my disaster was slightly more urad dal which made the dough overly fluffy. In case that happens to you, just add some roasted rice flour (or any rice flour) and make either dosa or Uttapam. I added some rice flour, grated carrots, onions , green chillies, made some mini uttapam, gave it a new look and the dough was over in 30 minutes !
Also I disguised the half cooked idlis too - you wanna know ?! - I cooked them for a longer time in the cooker, till they were holding their idli shape, then I put them in the fridge overnight. Next day, I mashed them, took a nonstick skillet, seasoned it with a teaspoon of oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, sauted some chopped onions, added the mashed idlis, a teaspoon of molagai podi (spice powder), sauteed for a while and devoured it with a dollop of yogurt!
Did you think I will give up and waste food ! Sorry, No wasting entertained . :)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Weekend Venture Series: Recipe for Banana Cake
This is a follow up post to my Banana - Almond Cake. I tweaked the original recipe taken from Simply Recipes. I will post the original and my twist to it. You can follow any one or modify as you like it. There is no limit to creativity !
Original Recipe from Elise:
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup of flour (Maida)
Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
My little twist to the above:
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup Almond Butter (or Canola Oil if you don't get or like Almond Butter)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
No eggs
Cardomom powder - 1/2 tsp
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup of Multi grain Pancake Flour or You can also use Whole grain pastry flour
You can also crush some nuts like almonds or raisins and add to the cake batter before baking.
Follow the same method stated above.
Hope you enjoy your cake !
Original Recipe from Elise:
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup of flour (Maida)
Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
My little twist to the above:
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup Almond Butter (or Canola Oil if you don't get or like Almond Butter)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
No eggs
Cardomom powder - 1/2 tsp
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup of Multi grain Pancake Flour or You can also use Whole grain pastry flour
You can also crush some nuts like almonds or raisins and add to the cake batter before baking.
Follow the same method stated above.
Hope you enjoy your cake !
Friday, June 08, 2007
A quick peek into the strange list
I have always wondered what those ingredients mean ? Iam talking about the long list of strange sounding ingredients on the flap of your frozen burgers. We don't welcome Frozen / Packed foods to our home very often. But I do have maybe a pack of noodles or burger for any emergency ( that happens when my mood is sour ! ). But I think a lot before getting them. I have purchased such veggie burgers from TJ twice in last 2 years. But Iam always skeptical and lost when it comes to the list of ingredients. This article explains the unknown. Looks like once a while should be okay if not highly nutritious. At least I won't collapse eating this ! :)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Hunger Attack ... Binge Eating and a Rip off....
It is 4:30 PM , you are at work. There is a feeble grumbling noise. Very feeble that you don't notice. The clock is ticking and you are working your way through. It is 6 PM now. You are almost done for the day. You realise that you hear another grumble and for this time it is more powerful. You become aware - Your stomach is grumbling with hunger ! All you can think of now is FOOD. Just about anything.
Iam positive that every human being goes through this Snack Attack every single day. It happens to me . I come back home frantically searching for some food. Tear apart the refrigerator. Iam usually good when it comes to eating consciously . But this is the time my brain just doesn't listen to me. It becomes a slave to the tummy.
Today when I was going through this hunger battle - I ended up going to a Mexican joint . Ordered a burrito in a bowl (lots of beans , veggies and low on fat) . I ate like a glutton. When my stomach calmed down and my brain got back to normalcy . It all came back to me. I paid $ 7.99 for a bowl of not so fresh veggies , old beans that is soaked in preservatives and rice which God knows when it was cooked ! Was this all necessary ? How do I handle this ?
I should do something to attack the Snack attack ...!
Iam positive that every human being goes through this Snack Attack every single day. It happens to me . I come back home frantically searching for some food. Tear apart the refrigerator. Iam usually good when it comes to eating consciously . But this is the time my brain just doesn't listen to me. It becomes a slave to the tummy.
Today when I was going through this hunger battle - I ended up going to a Mexican joint . Ordered a burrito in a bowl (lots of beans , veggies and low on fat) . I ate like a glutton. When my stomach calmed down and my brain got back to normalcy . It all came back to me. I paid $ 7.99 for a bowl of not so fresh veggies , old beans that is soaked in preservatives and rice which God knows when it was cooked ! Was this all necessary ? How do I handle this ?
I should do something to attack the Snack attack ...!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Going down the memory lane with Jackie !
Chakka Chips (Jackfruit Chips) - My entry to JFI hosted by Jugalbandi
The word Jackfruit or Chakka as we call it, takes me down the memory lane. My grandparents who lived in a remote village (Kidangoor) in Kerala, had farms that grew coconut , rubber , jackfruit and various other trees. Summer vacation means going to Thatha / Paati's ( Grandpa / Grandma) place. My sister, our cousins and I used to have a great time .. storytelling, playing in waters, going around the farm with Thatha. Oh and we used to have cows ( actually my dad says thatha even had elephants, well I was not so lucky to see them).
Coming back to Chakka, my thatha had someone go up the Jackfruit tree to get all the ripe ones and even the unripe ones for cooking. And then it was the royal chakka time - well more like a ritual I would say. While we kids ran around, all the ladies of the house got to business. Hands moisturised with coconut oil, a huge knife,few old newspapers and a cloth were the tools required to get to the sweet goodness. One would not think of this as something fun. But let me tell you, nobody in the room would have cared any less - it was the mid day gossip time for the women!
For this month JFI, it is Jackfruit , hosted by Jugalbandi. The day I came to know this , I have been thinking about various delicacies that my amma prepares - Chakka Thoran ( A dry curry prepared using the unripe fruit) , Chakka Kuru Thoran (A dry curry made of the seeds from Jackfruit), Chakka Puzhukku ( A side dish made from the unripe fruit), Chakka Mezhukuperatti (a variation of dry curry), Chakka Varrati (Jam) and Chakka Payasam (Sweet Porridge).
Well, for some reason , I was not comfortable buying the canned version in brine or sugar syrup. I know that is closest we can get to Jackfruit being in the US , but I chose to cherish my memories sipping a hot cup of masala chai (Tea) and a plate of Chakka Chips (that I got from India this time). :)
Dedicated to my beloved Thatha (most lovable and adorable person) and my dear Paati. Will always miss you...
Monday, May 28, 2007
Banana Almond Cake - A Healthy Treat !
Who says cakes cannot be made healthy ? And who says healthy cakes do not taste good or they do not come out soft and fluffy ?
Fresh Baked Cake out of the oven...
Soft , moist and fluffy ....
Want to sink your teeth into this wholesome goodness ? Recipe will be posted soon !Sunday, May 20, 2007
Our Sunday Lunch
Spicy Lentil Pulao with Channa Mattar in Sesame Sauce and Raita.
Microwaved Veggie Omlette made of Egg Substitute
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Mildly Spiced Buttermilk Oatmeal and Memories !
I had previously written on Oats and its goodness. To be very honest , I had trouble keeping up with my resolution of having Oatmeal for breakfast. Not having any fancy for sweet , having something sweet for breakfast is far from possible. Try I did , but gulping down my throat was morning battle everyday.
Then this happened ....
I stumbled upon a lovely blog and I instantly liked it . Reason - I could so very well relate and appreciate everything Dr. Nandita had written. I tried one of her Oatmeal recipe for breakfast. And let me confess , it was so good , I have been having it not only for breakfast but sometimes even for dinner when I yearn for something light for my tummy.
Well , I did not have any intentions to blog about this, as the recipe is already in Saffron Trail and Iam way too lazy to reiterate. :) Last night I was chatting with my sister and I happened to talk about this Oatmeal ( as I was slurrping away to glory ) . And it so happened that the taste of this dish was very similar to the vadam dough ( Vadam mavu or Koozhu ) that my amma used to perpare in our summer holidays.
Well you know the rest --- all the nostalgia began ... about how we used to gobble up the koozhu even before it could get promoted to the next step of being a vadam , we also used to fight about who will guard the vadams (from crows) when it was getting dried up in the mottamadi (terrace) . Let alone scaring away the crows the reality is we used to be busy eating the half dried vadam ( Yummo ! ). Oh boy... will those days ever come back ?!
So here Iam with my heart filled with lot of happy memories, writing about oats. The recipe is pretty much the same as given in Saffron Trail except a few additions of spices - Added chilli powder and a pinch of hing(asafoetida) .
This post is dedicated to my little darling sister who is my best friend and a budding (first) Doctor of our family. Love you and miss you sweetie !
****************
Then this happened ....
I stumbled upon a lovely blog and I instantly liked it . Reason - I could so very well relate and appreciate everything Dr. Nandita had written. I tried one of her Oatmeal recipe for breakfast. And let me confess , it was so good , I have been having it not only for breakfast but sometimes even for dinner when I yearn for something light for my tummy.
Well , I did not have any intentions to blog about this, as the recipe is already in Saffron Trail and Iam way too lazy to reiterate. :) Last night I was chatting with my sister and I happened to talk about this Oatmeal ( as I was slurrping away to glory ) . And it so happened that the taste of this dish was very similar to the vadam dough ( Vadam mavu or Koozhu ) that my amma used to perpare in our summer holidays.
Well you know the rest --- all the nostalgia began ... about how we used to gobble up the koozhu even before it could get promoted to the next step of being a vadam , we also used to fight about who will guard the vadams (from crows) when it was getting dried up in the mottamadi (terrace) . Let alone scaring away the crows the reality is we used to be busy eating the half dried vadam ( Yummo ! ). Oh boy... will those days ever come back ?!
So here Iam with my heart filled with lot of happy memories, writing about oats. The recipe is pretty much the same as given in Saffron Trail except a few additions of spices - Added chilli powder and a pinch of hing(asafoetida) .
This post is dedicated to my little darling sister who is my best friend and a budding (first) Doctor of our family. Love you and miss you sweetie !
**************** Recipe: Mildly Spiced Buttermilk Oatmeal
Ingredients
1/2 cup of Old Fashioned Oats ( I used Quaker Brand)
1 to 1.25 cup of water
Spices: A pinch of Turmeric powder , chilli powder and Hing(asafoetida).
Salt to your taste
Tbspn of green peas / corn or any small cut veggie of your choice.
Method
Take a saucepan and add all of the ingredients above.
Heat on high for 5 minutes or until the oats is fully cooked . ( I don't allow it to go soggy , so i take it when it is just about done).
Turn off the gas . Add 1-2 Tbspn of buttermilk. Enjoy it with a spicy pickle . Vadu Manga goes very well with this.
*************
Isn't it amazing how food not only fills your tummy , pleases your palate but brings back all those happy memories . Enjoy !
Monday, May 14, 2007
All that Glitters is not Gold !
( From a very frustrated human being )
Ok here is the deal - I made a very simple dal with chopped onions and veggies for lunch. I kept wondering " Oh dear ,Did I go wrong with anything . Well , how can I - it just is a dal" . But I constantly thought there was something missing. This would not leave my brain. It just dawned on me that when I was back home (in India) , I found that veggies tasted different . The legumes , spices , flavour and aroma of rice , all tasted so very different. Iam not sure if this would be something anyone would notice , but a picky eater like me will sure agree.
When I was a newbie to this country , I was amazed at the fresh vegetables - huge with not a glitch or flaw. As if someone crafted each and every tomato , cauliflower , onion , apples and all other veggies / fruits. I was singing praises to my parents back home , about how healthy it is here in the US. Well... the day wasn't too far when I realised all that glitters is not gold - DEFINTELY NOT.
The closest that I can find is the organic produce and the locally grown produce at the farmers market. Sure is a bit expensive - but I would rather spend a few extra bucks for what goes inside my tummy.
I miss my home sweet home ! :(
Ok here is the deal - I made a very simple dal with chopped onions and veggies for lunch. I kept wondering " Oh dear ,Did I go wrong with anything . Well , how can I - it just is a dal" . But I constantly thought there was something missing. This would not leave my brain. It just dawned on me that when I was back home (in India) , I found that veggies tasted different . The legumes , spices , flavour and aroma of rice , all tasted so very different. Iam not sure if this would be something anyone would notice , but a picky eater like me will sure agree.
When I was a newbie to this country , I was amazed at the fresh vegetables - huge with not a glitch or flaw. As if someone crafted each and every tomato , cauliflower , onion , apples and all other veggies / fruits. I was singing praises to my parents back home , about how healthy it is here in the US. Well... the day wasn't too far when I realised all that glitters is not gold - DEFINTELY NOT.
The closest that I can find is the organic produce and the locally grown produce at the farmers market. Sure is a bit expensive - but I would rather spend a few extra bucks for what goes inside my tummy.
I miss my home sweet home ! :(
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Mother's Day Tribute
Like every living being on this planet earth, my amma ( mother) holds a very special place in my heart. She is my source of strength and inspiration .
She is one woman who has never ceased to amaze me in every aspect of life. From sending us to school , coming up with delish food to her very hungry kids , helping us with our homework , and after a tiring day at her office making fresh , healthy dinner ... and all this without a single word of complaint. I can't help but wonder how she managed it all !
Need I tell, to me ,she is the most amazing cook on earth. Getting recipes out of her is never easy. When I go to her with my little recipe book , and try to note down , it never was a success. She says - "Just go by your intuition , feel the taste in your head and work the proportions". She just trots into the kitchen , and comes up with delicious stuff on the table in no time with whatever is on hand.
Amma - Love you and Wish you a very Happy Mother's day ! On this special day , featured are just a few of the wonderful delicacies that my amma prepared when we were at home for vacation :
Special Uttapam....
Uttapam , Chutney and Molagai Podi
Aappam...
Aappam , Stew and Pazham....
She is one woman who has never ceased to amaze me in every aspect of life. From sending us to school , coming up with delish food to her very hungry kids , helping us with our homework , and after a tiring day at her office making fresh , healthy dinner ... and all this without a single word of complaint. I can't help but wonder how she managed it all !
Need I tell, to me ,she is the most amazing cook on earth. Getting recipes out of her is never easy. When I go to her with my little recipe book , and try to note down , it never was a success. She says - "Just go by your intuition , feel the taste in your head and work the proportions". She just trots into the kitchen , and comes up with delicious stuff on the table in no time with whatever is on hand.
Amma - Love you and Wish you a very Happy Mother's day ! On this special day , featured are just a few of the wonderful delicacies that my amma prepared when we were at home for vacation :
Special Uttapam....
Uttapam , Chutney and Molagai Podi
Aappam...
Aappam , Stew and Pazham....
Scrumptious Lunch.... Molagootal , Mango Pachadi , Stew , Pulli Inji and Pappadums
Puttu , Kadalai Curry and Pazham
Monday, April 02, 2007
Keerai Molagootal - A Family Classic and our all time favourite
(A Spinach stew, blended in Coconut , lentils and spices )
It is funny how mother nature reminds us the law of Karma .. sometimes through very trivial things.
I have been very unfair and shown extreme emotions towards this dish. There were days when I threw tantrums and drove my amma crazy when she lovingly packed my lunch with Keerai Molagootal sadam. Well a day came when I had to eat it EVERY SINGLE DAY without uttering a word . Oh , what else a newly wed Bahu ( Daughter in law ) could do other than to impress her MIL . Not only did I have to embrace the hard fact that my MIL could come up with molagootal from any vegetable under the sun but also to pleasingly sing praises for it ! :)
After an interesting welcome to the world of molagootal, I started to love this classic dish and is now often made at my home. Believe me this is such a tasty , versatile 3 step dish , you wouldn't want to miss it for the world ! This is one of those authentic delicacies which is an often occurance in Indian homes but hardly finds its way to any fancy resturant.
When Indira from Mahanandi announced JFI-WBB Event: Green Leafy Vegetables , I couldn't think of better way to pay tribute to Molagootal. Folks , presenting to you my family treasure and a wonderful recipe which NOW is close to my heart - Keerai (Spinach) Molakootal which is actually combination of two words Molagu (Spices)+ Kootu (Stew). This is NOT made very spicy . The idea is to have a fiery side dish . It is always presentated with its better half - Thogayal ( Chamanthi ) or chutney. :)
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Recipe:
Ingredients:
Spinach - 2 bunches
Coconut - 3/4 cup
Cumin Seeds - 2 teaspoons
Red Chillies - 3 ( 2 for grinding and 1 for seasoning )
Urad Dal - 2 teaspoons
Toor Dal - 1 Cup
Salt and Turmeric Powder to taste
Method
Step 1:
Pressure cook 1 cup of Toor Dal.
Step 2
While step 1 is in progress :
Wash and finely chop the spinach .
Add salt and turmeric powder
Add little water ( just a sprinkle ) and steam cook it till the greens get tender. ( You can also boil it. ) Mash the Keerai and keep aside. Alternatively , you can pulse it in the mixer . ( Do not make it to a smooth paste . Just a coarse grind will do.
Step 3:
Last but not the least !
Fry 1 teaspoon of Urad dal and red chillies.
Grind 3/4 cup of coconut , 2 teaspoon of cumin seeds along with the fried urad dal and chillies
And for the grand finale...
Mix the ground paste and the cooked dal with the greens. Boil for a minute just to blend the flavours. Finally a simple seasoning - Fry a teaspoon of mustard seeds , couple of red chillies and curry leaves . Add it to the bowl full of steaming goodness.
****************
Enjoy it with steamed rice and a spicy pickle or chutney . Crispy Pappadums also add wonders !
Note:
This can be prepared with any vegetable.
My MIL also sometimes uses moong dal instead of Toor dal and boy , it adds a special taste.
Molagootal needs to have a consistency thicker than sambhar . Add water only if it is required.
This is very special and unique in a way , that it belongs to both Tamil cusine and Kerala Cusine (mostly done by Kerala Iyers and Palakkad Vasis).
Easy to make , quick and versatile dish that satisfies your taste buds ! Enjoy....
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Snack at your finger snap - Fresh Green Sundal (Pacha Sundal)
A truth just dawned on me - My productivity , performance & creativity is at its best when I have limited resources!
It is the same story when it comes to cooking . I noticed that when my refrigerator is filled with veggies and my pantry has all possible ingredients that one could think of , I end up abandoning them and going to a resturant ! Yes - Iam that bad sometimes . Well , when I am under pressure to empty my pantry ( usually when we go out of town and Oh.. Iam dead against WASTAGE) , I promise myself to be good and think of various ways to cook with what I have at hand.
This morning when all I had was few tomatoes , onions and frozen Soycutash , I ended up making a sundal. Sundal is something we both never get bored . It is easy to make , healthy , tasty and flexible ( You can modify as you like , you can never go wrong ) need I say more ? :)
Recipe in a snap ...
1.5 cup of Soycutash (It is a mix of sweet corn, Edamame Beans and Red bell pepper)
Salt to suit your taste
Chilli powder (1/2tsp)
1/4 tsp of Amchur ( Dried Mango Powder)
Finely chopped red onions (1/2 onion or 1 shallot)
Finely chopped tomatoes ( 1 small )
chopped coriander leaves
2 tsp lemon juice ( if needed - Amchur gives some tang , so you can skip either of the two or if you dare add both !)
Method ( Do I even need to write ? ) :)
Microwave the Soycutash for 2 minutes . Add all the ingredients , mix well and enjoy . It is good as a snack or even as side dish for your main course .
Oh well , some might think , whats the big deal .. it is just sundal . Well .. call me crazy , but Iam in love with veggies , cooking and Iam a freak when it comes to GOOD EATING !
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tomato & Basil - The Perfect Marriage !
Tomato - Basil Rasam (My entry to Jihva for Tomatoes) They say marriages are made in Heaven , but I believe that this marriage was made in Italy - well , at least to my knowledge , and ofcourse thanks to the hoopla created on Food Network / media about Italian cusine .
We do admire Italian cusine (minus the hype) and it occured to my hubby the other day that Tomato and Basil IS a magical combination - just the two of them . Have you tasted the Pizza Margherita , or just Tomato Basil Sandwich or any Pasta with Tomato Basil ? Do you notice what we did -Iam sure you would agree with me , Tomato and Basil are made for each other ! :)
Well ...so why not add a twist to the ...one and only , the unbeatable and queen of comfort food - our good old Rasam and make it Tomato Basil Rasam ? Considering the diversity and variety of Indian cooking , somewhere , in some corner of my home country , Iam sure this Tomato - Basil (Basil aka Holy Tulasi) Rasam exists .
There are some foods that just emanates - comfort and pleases the palate. It is like having a shoulder to cry on . Rasam is one such dish that we always count on - when we need a break from the life's rat race , a break from a stressful day or just a simple meal to give a break to our poor digestive system which most of us forget (also needs rest) . Rasam also is a quick home remedy for common colds , fever and the likes. Well , Iam not going to conclude raving about the ingredients , before peeking at what they have to offer - Did you know this ?
So Folks , here I come with my super simple Rasam with a Twist , my entry to Jihva for Tomatoes.
Recipe: Tomato-Basil Rasam
Starring...
2 ripe and juicy Roma Tomatoes
Fresh Basil leaves - 5 leaves ( depending on how strong you like the flavour )
Fresh squeezed Tamarind juice (from lemon sized tamarind)
1/2 cup Toor Dal
Salt to your Taste
Turmeric Powder
1.5 tsp of powdered Jaggery (my secret ingredient)
1 tbsp Rasam Powder ( Home made is what I use ,but you also get this in Indian Groceries )
For Seasoning:
2 Red Chillies
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1tsp Mustard seeds
1/4tsp of Hing (Asafoetida)
1-2 sprigs of curry leaves
1 tsp of minced garlic (optional)
1tsp of Ghee or Canola oil
Finely Chopped Coriander leaves (added at last)
Now the magic begins...
Pressure cook Tool Dal . Mash it and keep separate.
Heat a tsp of oil / ghee - add the mustard seeds , cumin seeds , chopped curry leaves , Hing , minced garlic (optional). Once the seeds splutter , add the chopped tomatoes and fry for a minute . Add the squeezed tamarind juice , salt , turmeric powder, Jaggery and Rasam powder. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes , until all flavours get absorbed and the raw smell of spices vanish... ( Add water if the tamarind juice is thick ). Once all the spices and flavour is well incorporated , add the mashed toor dal. Add the basil leaves and boil for a minute . Switch off the stove once bubbles foam up . Add chopped coriander leaves and close the lid. Aromatic and flavourful rasam is ready to be slurrrrrped or also can be had with plain rice and pappad!
Note to Readers:
You can also add the seasoning at the end which means you can start with adding tamarind juice / tomatoes and spices and follow the same procedure as above. Add the seasoning (tadka) after you switch off the gas .
This is my first food blog entry . I wanted to take more pictures of the beautiful ingredients and also few steps in the cooking process , but I never got done and I apologise. On this note , my hats off to those passionate food bloggers who take the time and effort to showcase their recipes.
We do admire Italian cusine (minus the hype) and it occured to my hubby the other day that Tomato and Basil IS a magical combination - just the two of them . Have you tasted the Pizza Margherita , or just Tomato Basil Sandwich or any Pasta with Tomato Basil ? Do you notice what we did -Iam sure you would agree with me , Tomato and Basil are made for each other ! :)
Well ...so why not add a twist to the ...one and only , the unbeatable and queen of comfort food - our good old Rasam and make it Tomato Basil Rasam ? Considering the diversity and variety of Indian cooking , somewhere , in some corner of my home country , Iam sure this Tomato - Basil (Basil aka Holy Tulasi) Rasam exists .
There are some foods that just emanates - comfort and pleases the palate. It is like having a shoulder to cry on . Rasam is one such dish that we always count on - when we need a break from the life's rat race , a break from a stressful day or just a simple meal to give a break to our poor digestive system which most of us forget (also needs rest) . Rasam also is a quick home remedy for common colds , fever and the likes. Well , Iam not going to conclude raving about the ingredients , before peeking at what they have to offer - Did you know this ?
So Folks , here I come with my super simple Rasam with a Twist , my entry to Jihva for Tomatoes.
Recipe: Tomato-Basil Rasam
Starring...
2 ripe and juicy Roma Tomatoes
Fresh Basil leaves - 5 leaves ( depending on how strong you like the flavour )
Fresh squeezed Tamarind juice (from lemon sized tamarind)
1/2 cup Toor Dal
Salt to your Taste
Turmeric Powder
1.5 tsp of powdered Jaggery (my secret ingredient)
1 tbsp Rasam Powder ( Home made is what I use ,but you also get this in Indian Groceries )
For Seasoning:
2 Red Chillies
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1tsp Mustard seeds
1/4tsp of Hing (Asafoetida)
1-2 sprigs of curry leaves
1 tsp of minced garlic (optional)
1tsp of Ghee or Canola oil
Finely Chopped Coriander leaves (added at last)
Now the magic begins...
Pressure cook Tool Dal . Mash it and keep separate.
Heat a tsp of oil / ghee - add the mustard seeds , cumin seeds , chopped curry leaves , Hing , minced garlic (optional). Once the seeds splutter , add the chopped tomatoes and fry for a minute . Add the squeezed tamarind juice , salt , turmeric powder, Jaggery and Rasam powder. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes , until all flavours get absorbed and the raw smell of spices vanish... ( Add water if the tamarind juice is thick ). Once all the spices and flavour is well incorporated , add the mashed toor dal. Add the basil leaves and boil for a minute . Switch off the stove once bubbles foam up . Add chopped coriander leaves and close the lid. Aromatic and flavourful rasam is ready to be slurrrrrped or also can be had with plain rice and pappad!
Note to Readers:
You can also add the seasoning at the end which means you can start with adding tamarind juice / tomatoes and spices and follow the same procedure as above. Add the seasoning (tadka) after you switch off the gas .
This is my first food blog entry . I wanted to take more pictures of the beautiful ingredients and also few steps in the cooking process , but I never got done and I apologise. On this note , my hats off to those passionate food bloggers who take the time and effort to showcase their recipes.
Friday, March 16, 2007
"Light" Weekend Reading ...
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