30 September 2014

GREEN PEAS (MASALAEDAAR) SUNDAL

For Navaratri each day different variety of sundals are made for Neivedyam and distributed to guests who visit the Golu. I love to try different flavors of Sundals for Navrathri. This year we are not celebrating as we lost one of dear one in our family.

Basically sundal is tempered with few spices and no new version are tried by orthodox elderly people. By my mother in law loves all the different flavors and combinations i try. Made a simple masalaedaar sundal variety for my bloggie dear. Since i used frozen once it is so damn easy and quicker to make.

What you need:
Frozen Green peas - 1 cup 
Mint leaves n Coriander leaves- 5 sprigs each
Coconut - 2 tbsp, scrapped
Green chilli -1 no
Ginger - a small piece
Curry Leaves - 1 sprig
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Uradh dhal - 1 tsp
Salt as reqd
Oil - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida - pinch
Lemon Juice - 1/2 tsp

How to make:
Grind mint, coriander, ginger, green chilli and coconut until coarse. 

Heat oil in a pan splutter mustard seeds, roast uradh dal once they start to turn golden add curry leaves, green peas mix well and add the ground mixture, salt, asafoetida  mix well switch off add lemon juice give a stir and do the neivedhyam and then offer to guests.

29 September 2014

BLACK OLIVES HUMMUS N BROWN BREAD VEG SANDWICH

I have an addiction right now, quick hummus n sandwiches for dinner. It also makes a perfect snack box for kids n elders too.. Making them at home brings in lots of healthier options like fresh veggies, wheat or multigrain breads n homemade spreads.

In Chennai sandwich sellers don't even know what is called as Brown Bread / Wheat Bread?? I question most of them who have set up Kiosks outside super markets n they seriously blink.. they still go wit the White breads which is not my take.. n with loads of old butter n un cleaned grills / toasters... 

The recently opened French Loaf comes as a saver for my weekly Bread pick ups. Thr wheat bread and Brown breads are the yummiest n softest (though thr prices are 100 % higher than the other ones in market) i still adore thr breads..

Made a quick BLACK OLIVE HUMMUS n WHEAT BREAD SANDWICHES for dinner!! Here is the recipe!!


What you need for Hummus:
1 cup - Garbanzo beans / chickpeas, cooked until soft
1/4 cup - Black Olives
1/2 tsp - Red chilli flakes
2 cloves - Garlic, minced
3 tbsp - Olive oil
2 tbsp - Lemon juice
Salt (not reqd) if reqd add a pinch

How to make:
Add all the ingredients in a processor and blend until creamy and smooth. 

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

What you need for Vegetable Sandwich:
8 slices - Wheat bread
1/2 - Cucumber, peeled n sliced
5 leaves - Lettuce, torn in small pieces
1 no - Carrot, peeled n sliced
1 no - Tomato, sliced
1 no, Onion, sliced
1/2 cup - Hummus 
Salt and Pepper as reqd
Olive oil

How to make:
Spread generous amount of hummus on a slice of bread arrange veggies, sprinkle salt n pepper, spread hummus on another slice of bread place on top and drizzle olive oil on a grill pan and toast the sandwich on both the sides until crisp and serve warm!!

Sending this recipe to to the Indusladies "Kids Lunch box recipes" event.


BURNT GARLIC N BROCCOLI RICE

Quick stir fry rice without sauces and masala's is my pref for lunch box. Packed some Burnt garlic n Broccoli rice for lunch box last week and SH kept watsapping me tat it was soo yumm...Since veggies are stir fried they turn to be crunchy and the flavor from the garlic to the oil makes the rice ore yumm.. 

I love to own a wok sooner.. I get awed seeing the sight at way the fried rice are made at fasts foods.. but a big no for the plate. The amount of salts, sauces added jus gives the taste and nothing more.. I prefer simple rice dishes to be packed for SH for lunch and one of my fav follows...

What you need:
1 cup - Cooked Rice
1 cup - Mixed veggies (Broccoli, cauliflower and green peas)
1 no - Onion, chopped
2 nos - Spring onions, chopped
4 pods - Garlic, sliced
small piece of ginger, chopped (Kwlie Kwong's secret)
1/2 tsp - Red chilli flakes
Salt and Black Pepper powder as reqd
1 tsp - Olive oil



How to make:
Heat oil in a pan add garlic and saute till its turns golden in color now add ginger, onions and white part of spring onions and saute well.

Add veggies, salt and fry until veggies are sauted well. Now add rice, green parts of spring onion and pepper powder, red chilli flakes. Mix well and serve hot!!


Sending this recipe to to the Indusladies "Kids Lunch box recipes" event.


26 September 2014

VRAT KA KHANA - SABUDANA VADA(PAN FRIED) N GREEN CHUTNEY

North Indians fast during these 9 days of Navrathri and Sago plays a major part of thr vrat ka khana / fasting food.

Sago / Sabudana is full of starch / carbohydrates so it provides quick boost of energy, and gives cooling effect on the body system. It is a pure veg processed food and so it is an integral part of the vrat. Vadas, khichdi and sweet dishes are made with Sago / Sabudana / Javvarasi.

We are not celebrating Navrathri at our place (keeping golu, making sundal, vada, sweets) this year. Missing the celebrations at our place. To overcome the feel made this Sabudana vada n Green chutney in a traditional Maharashtraian style.

What you need: Inspired from Veg Recipes of India
1 cup - Sabudana / Sago / Javvarasi
3 nos -  Potatoes
½ cup - Roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
3 tbsp - Buckwheat flour or amaranth flour (optional)
2 nos - Green chillies, finely chopped
1 tsp - Ginger, grated
1 tsp - Cumin seeds
2 tbsp - Coriander leaves, finely chopped
Sendha namak - as reqd (during fasts this salt is used, but my household salt s this one so i jus used it or else normal salt can be added)
2 tbsp - Oil for pan frying

How to make:
Soak the sago for 5 hours drain it and add boiled and mashed potatoes in a deep bowl.

Add peanuts, salt, ginger, green chillies, coriander leaves to the above mixture and mix well.

Heat oil in a medium frying pan take some portion shape em and cook until crisp on both the sides you can also deep fry them if reqd.

Serve hot with green chutney.

What you need FOR GREEN CHUTNEY:
2 cups - Coriander leaves
2 nos - Green chili
Sendha namak as required
2 tbsp - Water

How to make:
Grind all of the above until smooth and serve with hot vadas.

24 September 2014

FUNFETTI / SPRINKLES SHORTBREAD

My neices birthday is fast approaching n have to surprise her with colors and lots of colors. So on trial basis hv been making few sweet eats for her. This sooper easy recipe caught my eyes and they were sooper yummy n i jus loved it.. n it def goes to the do list for my lil muchinkin's Bday!!
What you need: Recipe from Cook Republic
1 cup - Wheat Flour 
2 tbsp - Unrefined Brown Sugar
1/4 cup - Cold butter
1/2 tsp - Vanilla essence
2 tbsp - Milk
2 tbsp - Sprinkles 

How to make:
Preheat oven to 160C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl add flour, sugar, butter and mix like it turns into bread crumbs. Add vanilla essence, sprinkles mix it add milk little at a time until dough forms.

Roll em cut into desired shapes and bake for 10 - 12 mins or until bottoms starts to turn brown. Remove from the oven cool it and have fun!!

Notes: Replace Wheat flour to Maida / APF and instead of brown sugar go with refined sugar which gives a better texture.

23 September 2014

INSTANT RAVA / SOOJI UPMA MIX

Upma(s) s one of the handy and saver tiffin variety for anytime of the day. SH loves em but implty wit more veggies.. at times in a hurry i don't find time to add veggies to my upma and jus make plain ones. This one made me to make some Instant Rava upma mix and freeze / refrigerate (depends on ur refrigerate condition.. mine def needs to be sent to freezer) for emergency use. 

With instant mix .. upma can be made in less then 5 mins. Boil 2.25 cups to 3 cups water to 1 cup mixture add salt and upma is ready!!
What you need: Inspired from Meethi life
2 cups - Roasted Sooji 
1 cup - Mixed veggies (carrot, beans, peppers n green peas)
1 tsp - Grated ginger
2 no - Green chillies, chopped
1 tsp - Mustard Seeds
2 tsp - Channa Dhal
2 tsp - Uradh dhal
1 sprig - Curry Leaves
Oil - 1 tsp
Asafoetida / Hing - 1/4 tsp
Salt as reqd 

How to make:
Heat oil in a pan add musard once it splutters, add uradh dhal, channa dhal, hing, curry leaves and saute till golden in coor. 

Add green chillies, ginger, veggies and cook for 1 min,

Now add rava / sooji mix well and transfer to a broad tray / plate to cool.

Once cooled down transfer to air tight box and freeze it.

Whenever you need upma boil 2.25 cups water to 1 cup instant upma mix add salt and serve hot, garnish with coriander leaves n lime juice.

Serve hot wit coconut chutney n sambar!!

Note: This keeps well for 2 - 3 weeks (totally depends upon the refrigerators power)

22 September 2014

RAGI BREAD

Friends and relatives keep questioning me "you have quit your job and you sit at home all day aren't you bored??" I don't share tat i blog coz it's not going to surprise em instead they r going to pitty me tat i do vetti velai which is of no use... but tat's never my concern its my passion n so am i.. Only blogging thot me baking at home s sooper fun, cost effective n hygiene too.. 

Baking bread at home is the best stress reliever you forget everything n the full concentration lies in jus baking tat loaf!!  Using of millet flours in baking have become recent favorite of mine n this sooper easy n gluten free finger millet / ragi bread. Which was def worth trying n i fell in love with this loaf. 

This is one no fail bread recipe from Lite bite.
 What you need: 
1/2 cup - Finger millet flour
1/2 cup - Whole wheat flour
2 tbsp - All purpose flour
1 cup - Warm water
1 tbsp - Honey
1 tbsp - Olive oil
1 tbsp - Sesame seeds
2 tsp - Instant dry yeast / 1 tsp - Active dry yeast
1 tsp - Salt 



How to make:
Take a large bowl and combine finger millet, whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp APF, salt, yeast, honey, warm water and make into soft dough.

Place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a lid and allow to rise for an hour or till it doubles. 

Grease a loaf tin. Pull out the dough from the bowl and punch it on a APF dusted floor. Knead it gently with the heel of your palm for 3-4 minutes and place the dough in the greased baking tin.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dough, cover with a lid and let it rise again for an hour.

Place the baking tin in hot oven and bake it for 20 minutes or till the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Let  the bread cool completely before slicing it.



17 September 2014

WHEAT SEMIYA / VERMICILLI VEG PULAV

Whole Wheat Semiya / vermicilli.. tis one adds up to SH's fav.. Not many are aware of wheat vermicilli's avbl in stores and they end up buying the ones made with maida. Vermicilli with fresh veggies makes up a perfect and wholesome meal for any time of the day.

Bored of repeating the usual upma style.. so attempted Vermicilli Pulav for lunch with raitha and they made a yummy meal. With few spice additions they made it really interesting.
What you need:
Roasted Wheat Semiya / Vermicilli - 1 cup
Onion - 1 no, thinly sliced
Vegetables - 1 cup (Peppers, peas, carrot)
Green Chilli - 2 nos, slit
Ginger n Garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
Salt as reqd
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala - 1/4 tsp
Hot Water - 2 cups
Oil - 1 tsp
Fresh Mint and Coriander leaves - 3 tbsp

How to make:
In a pan heat the oil add mustard once it splutters add green chillies, onions, ginger n garlic paste and saute until raw smell goes. 

Add chopped vegetables, salt, garam masala and cook for 2 mins.

Now add hot water and bring to boil, add vermicelli, mix well cover and cook for 5 mins or water is absorbed completely.

Sprinkle chopped mint and coriander leaves give a stir and serve hot with raitha.

15 September 2014

SCHEZWAN VEG FRIED RICE

Whenever i visit a restaurant i choose Schezwan veg fried rice for its fiery hot taste which is my all time favorite. With ready made sauces available in market making Chinese recipes at home is no big deal thou they don't match upto the resto taste....but still homemade s the best.. (costs savings naaaa!$@%) with no artificial colors i jus loved tis one..

This makes a perfect lunch box recipe.. it can be microwaved for a min and piping hot schezwan fried rice from home makes a grt lunch on a sooper sober day at work!!
What you need:
2 cups - Cooked Basmati rice
1 cup - Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, beans)
1 no - Onion, finelly chopped
3 nos - Garlic, finelly chopped
1 tsp - Ginger, finelly chopped
3 nos - Spring onions( greens n white parts, finely chopped)
3 tbsp - Schezwan Sauce
1 tsp - Soya sauce
1 tbsp - Sesame oil
Salt n Pepper powder as reqd

How to make:
Heat oil in a non stick pan add garlic, ginger, onions until they start to turn golden brown add white parts of spring onions and saute well.

Now add chopped veggies on high heat for 2 mins, add schezwan sauce, soya sauce and mix well. Check and add salt if reqd.

Add cooled rice mix slowly on medium heat and add green parts of spring onions and switch off the heat.

Serve piping hot!!  

08 September 2014

CABBAGE DHAL / SOUP

Cabbage a diet friendly veggie with very less calories, antioxidant rich and also helps in preventing osteoporosis and aids in controlling blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. 

This is improvised dhal turned into soup... a partially vegan soup for my afternoon meal. A warm bowl of tis dhal went for lunch with phulkas for SH and a bowl full for me as a soup with couple of  wheat bread  toasts which made a filling meal. 


What you need:
Cabbage - 2 cups, chopped
Masoor dhal / Moong Dhal - 1/2 cup
Onion - 1/2 no, chopped
Tomato - 1 no, chopped
Green chillies - 2 nos
Ginger - 1 tsp
Garlic- 2 pods
Red chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Dry Red Chilli - 1 no
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch
Turmeric powder as reqd
Salt as reqd
Fresh Coriander - 1/4 bunch, chopped 
Lemon juice - 1 tsp

How to make:
Soak dhal for half hour, in a pressure cooker add cabbage, onions, green chillies, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, salt  and cook for 3 hisses.

In a deep pan heat oil add mustard seeds and cumin seeds wen it splutters add dry red chilly, hing and saute add the cooked mixture and cook for a min and remove from heat.

Sprinkle lemon juice and fresh coriander and serve hot with any Indian Bread or have it as a soup.

03 September 2014

FLAX MEAL IDIL PODI

Flaxseed has high amount of Omega 3 fatty acid content which is 33 times higher than avbl on wheat germ. Consumption of ground flax seed meal in day to day food helps in slimming faster. Flaxseed also helps in lowering total blood cholesterol and LDL which helps reducing the risk of heart disease.

It's been couple of years i started including ground flaxseed in my everyday diet like a tsp to morning cereal breakfast, buttermilk, baked goodies n salads. But first time tried my hands on wit tis everyday necessity idli podi to my usual style idli podi added the roasted flax seeds which gave a wonderful flavor to the podi.

What you need:
Flax Meal - 1/4 cup
Uradh Dhal - 1/2 cup 
Channa Dhal - 1/4 cup
White Sesame Seeds - 1 tsp
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp
Red Chillies - 1 Handfull
Rock Salt - as reqd
Ginegelly Oil - 1/4 tsp

How to make:
Heat oil in a kadai and roast chillies until they turn crispy and set aside. Roast uradh dhal until lite brown and remove it, and then roast channa dhal until crispy and set aside at last add sesame seeds once they start spluttering remove and keep aside. Switch off the heat and roast asafoetida, rock salt and remove and set aside.

Cool it not completely add all of them in a mixie jar and grind until it reaches your desired consistency cool it and store in air tight container and enjoy with daily breakfasts with a gen drizzle of gingelly oil.

02 September 2014

VAZHAITHANDU (PLANTAIN STEM ) THOGAYAL

Plantain stem a wonder veggie which relieves from Kidney stones when taken regularly. Fresh juice extracted and taken in empty stomach will aid in eradicating Kidney stones n controlling weight loss.. 

Plantain stem is reg made at my place as kootu n poriyal bored with usual stuffs so tried tis thogayal it made a perfect accompaniment with idli n plain rice too.


What you need: Recipe inspired from Priya aks blog

1 cup - Plaintain Stem (chopped roughly n par boiled)
2 tbsp - Thoor dhal
1 tbsp - Channa dhal
1 tbsp - Urad dhal
6 nos - Dry red chillies
1/2 tsp - Tamarind paste
Salt as reqd
Asafoetida - pich
1/2 tsp - Oil 

How to make:

Heat oil fry the chillies n dhals one by one and cool it.

In a mixie jar add the chillies, dhal, asafoetida, salt, tamarind paste and grind it.


Now add plantain stem and add dash of water if reqd and grind until smooth.

01 September 2014

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ELIXIR

Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits majorly helps in controlling weight, regulating blood sugar, digestion, reduces sinus infections and on the whole gives a healthy body n skin!! This drink works wonder i swear..

Apple Cider Vinegar is full of enzymes and good bacteria. 
Lemon juice helps in regulating ph level.
Cinnamon is one spice for balancing blood sugar.
Honey an anti-cellulite increases metabolism.

Organic Apple cider vinegar is the best one since last month i could not find one i had to go with a normal one. Adding in organic honey, grated ginger n cinnamon makes it a perfect drink.

Try this and you will not stop from making it a morning routine!!

*All info from Google

RAGI WRAP RECIPE

Ragi chappathi has become one of the frequent favorite of mine. Leftover chappathis are always turned into wraps with some spread, spicy curry and fresh veggies for crunchiness... This makes my lunch as well as goes into my SH's lunch box. 

Wat's for lunch box is a head breaking n tiring tasks for me it cannot be rice, nor dhals or subzis with tomatoes so wat do i pack.. sometimes these wraps are such a saver.. 
What you need:
1 cup - Ragi Flour
1 and 1/2 cup - Wheat flour
Water n salt as reqd

How to make:
Mix all above into soft dough, roll into chappathis and cook on both the sides on a tawa. 

What you need for Bhindi n potato curry:
1 cup - Bhindi, chopped
1 no - Potato (chopped n half cooked)
1/2 tsp - Red chilly powder
1/4 tsp - Coriander powder
Pinch of Garam Masala
Fresh Coriander
1 tsp - Oil 
Salt as reqd

How to make:
Heat oil in a pan add bhindi saute well until crispy add potatoes, spice powders n salt sprinkle some water and cook in low heat. 

Once its done sprinkle coriander and remove.

What you need for rolls:
Ragi Wraps
Bhindi n potato curry
Onion, tomatoes, cabbage (thinly sliced)
Salt n black pepper as reqd 

Spread the hummus on the wraps place the curry, arrange sliced veggies sprinkle some salt n pepper n heat it in a tawa for a min n enjoy ur meal!!