Mutter panner | Panner peas masala

Paneer and peas combined together also tastes awesome. If you have less paneer, you can prepare this. This is a Jain recipe with no root veggie. For more gravy, I added cashew and almond paste. If adding onion, the cashew paste can be skipped. A very rich flavorful gravy can be served with pulkhas or any simple pulao.

Vada curry

This is a simpler version of vada curry. If vada is prepared, the curry is so easy to prepare. I like this as the side with appam. Best with idli too. For healthier version of vada, it can be steamed.

Keerai masiyal | Mashed spinach

Keerai masiyal is very popular in Tamilnadu. But each one has their own style. I don't like adding dal to spinach since it loses color. If you want more quantity but you have less spinach, cooked toor dal can be added. :) Adding garlic and onion is for flavor. A very simple and quick recipe that can be done in minutes. You can mix with plain rice or drink as a soup too....

Tomato rice with coconut milk

One of my neighbor in India used to prepare tomato rice with coconut milk only. Then I too started doing this method. This really enhance the taste and have a rich flavor. If using canned tomatoes, add 1 or 1.5 cup of diced tomatoes and use the juice as puree. This will have a nice color too.

If you are interested you can add red bell peppers and green peppers. I used peas here so that your rice will not be plain. For more flavor mint leaves can also be added.

kathirikai murungakkai kootu | Brinjal drumstick kootu

kathirikai murungakkai kootu is prepared with toor dal.  This has a special aroma because of the veggies. Unfortunately I did not have any aroma because I used frozen drumsticks.  Drumstick and brinjal kootu taste very nice if  the veggies are good. A very simple kootu which can be done quickly if you have cooked toor dal. HEY!!!! No blender for this kootu. Just mixing and stirring for a  protein rich kootu.

Vegetable badam curry

Thinking of side dish is a big job.I don't like dry subzi's more with chapathi. If there is a dry side dish, for sure I need raitha. This way of gravy tastes best and can be taken with plain rice too.

Coconut bring a nice gravy consistency. But I  avoid adding more coconut. A nice twist with nuts to avoid coconuts, that give you a good texture and taste too. Try almonds or cashews. Both taste good. Recipe adapted from Mrs.Mallika Badrinath recipe book.

Potato lemon mix

The first greek recipe I tried was spanakopita, it tasted awesome. Again a Greek recipe, got from a "one world vegetarian cookbook". I made little changes. The real recipe called for parsley with no spice. I added cilantro and added pepper to taste.

This potato dip can be served with pita bread or chips. If you like mashed potatoes you will really love this.  A very simple recipe which takes less time to do.