Falafel

Falafel is a middle eastern deep fried balls or patties served with warm pita bread. It is a perfect vegetarian food made with white chick peas. I shallow fried this for low calories. Adding vegetables is your choice, I wanted it to be colorful :).  It looks like a list of ingredients but all are simple and lies most of the time in our pantry.

I have tried the instant falafel mix, but it seems to be little dry. But this version you will love to the core. The sesame seeds enhance the flavor, I was out of it and did not use. Do use sesame seeds for perfect falafels in the cool evenings. I didn't serve with pita bread used taco shells instead. Stay tuned for falafel tacos :)

Coconut ladoo

This is one of the easiest sweet done under 15 minutes with only two main ingredients. The highlight of this sweet is it is vegan. Coconut mixed with jaggery and rolled as ladoos. This recipe was shared by my aunt. When tasted could not believe there was no ghee in it. The jaggery in it gave a nice glossy look too. Try this simple recipe if you are out of time......

Milagu Thattai | Pepper thattai

At last, successfully I tried posting two sweet recipes for this Diwali. This was so long in my mind. This is milagu thattai different from elladai or normal thattai which we add sesame seeds. In this milagu/pepper is added for a different flavor. My MIL do this way, my mom does the other way. Will try to post the elladai soon.....

Besan ladoo

Besan ladoo is the easiest sweet. Sweet done under 15-20 minutes. Many dry roast the besan flour and then mix the hot ghee. But when besan flour is fried in ghee the flour enhance the flavor of ghee and taste really good. I was out of cashews so used chopped almonds. The almonds fried in ghee was a wonderful combination.

Stuffed gulab jamoon

Gulab jamoon is the popular Indian sweet liked by everyone. This Khova jamoon is also very easy to prepare as instant jamoons if you get khova in handy. Jamoon prepared with khova is really excellent and cannot be compared with anything....I did the stuffing for nutty and crunchy taste in between. You can avoid the stuffing and do the normal jamoon. 

Jamoon prepared with Khova or Khoya is also called as Kala Jamoon, this type of jamoon is little darker than the regular one. My sister prepares dry jamoon with instant powder and this way too, which is easy for packing and sending gifts. Do try as per your need and taste :)

Pattani sundal

So long this sundal was in my draft. Since Navarathiri is nearing, I do not want to delay. These type of sundal remembers sea shores in Chennai. Small boys hold a closed pail with sundal and sell, 'Thengai, mangai pattani sundal'. I never buy those sundal, will think of the water they use, and get back but I have tasted once. It would be warm sundal in the pleasant windy near the beach. 

I love to keep kolu. we don't have an tradition of celebrating. But never miss attending kolu. During navarathiri, sundal can be given in conned paper too. If they don't want to eat they may fold and take home :)
 

Ada pradhaman - Onam sadya recipes

This is one of the kerala payasam I did for Onam. I cannot post it on that day an do not want to drag for an year too, so posting it now. Do try for any festival or events, it tastes delicious with coconut milk and the rice ada in pradhaman feels like jelly. A rich dessert indeed :)

Beans mezhukkupuratti | Onam sadhya recipes

Beans mezhukkupuratti is an authentic side dish from Kerala. As Onam is nearing we enjoy everyday a sadya recipe. This is a simple dish with wonderful flavor of shallots and garlic with coconut oil and curry leaves. Without curry leaves flavor there is no Kerala recipe.

Kalan

You all may be wondering that I am off and on often. Please bare with me. Struggling to be in a schedule. I always love kerala festivals, may be Onam has inspired me to post some recipes :) This is a kind of morkuzhambu that we do in Tamilnadu. The vegetables and the ground paste are different as well as the taste. Try this for Onam sadya...

Tortilla soup (Vegetarian)

Vegetarian way of tortilla soup was shared from my friend. This is the wonderful soup I have ever tasted and such a filling soup. We indulged it for our dinner. This can be taken with some roasted bread or garlic bread and you are done with your dinner.

If using canned beans - tomatoes and frozen corn, your job is so simple. I wish I could have a oven for frying these tortillas. But to be true, even in stove top it turned out so crispier. I did not get black beans here. Try with black beans a wonderful  combination of colors with black bean, corn, color peppers and tomato puree. Do try this and leave your comments how the soup was to you :)

Stuffed okra | Stuffed ladies finger

Okra/Bhindi/Ladies finger goes well with rice and chapathis. Few years back, a gujarathi friend called us for dinner and served pulkhas with this hot stuffed okras. It taste wonderful when it is hot. With chapathi it would be a dry subzi, combined with dal it is a wholesome meal. I have done this with okra, you could try with brinjal or bitter guard.

Ukkali | Ukkarai

Ukkarai or ukkali is a traditional sweet done with lentils. Some of them have different versions. I have done with chana dal, some do with moong dal, and a combination of rice and dal. If rice is soaked and added the ukkali will not be that soft. A spicy version with toordal and rice is here.

Veg Dum Briyani

Vegetable dum briyani is slightly a dry version than normal vegetable briyani. I always do the latter, so for a change wanted to try dum briyani. I did the stove top method, you could try in oven too. Everyone has their own versions. This one does not have too many masalas. A mild version, if you want it to be strong add briyani masala, which has more flavor.

Lemon and lime soda

I took a long break.............. from blogging. Kids had vacation and some personal work was behind me. Back here......planning to continue without a break :) . Hope it works. Half of the summer has gone, but I hardly didn't have time to post it. Do try this and enjoy each sip!!!!

Lemon rice

I have already posted Cilantro lime rice which is as similar to this lemon rice. The main difference is lemon rice is yellow in color with south Indian spices. A wonderful yellow rice for travel and lunch boxes.

Neer more | Spiced buttermilk

Spiced buttermilk taste divine for hot summer. I wanted it to post for so long.., but was hunting for the clay glasses and jug. I got the jug with only one glass, but was OK for clicks :)  If you are buying buttermilk carton, add more water. Since the carton milk would be so thick. As the name suggests spiced buttermilk should be (neer - tamil word means water ) watery. Add chilled water and your taste buds would thank you for serving in this summer.

Neer more is done during Ram navami festival which falls on 6th of April 2014. And Panakam, vadapappu is also done during Ram navami.

Apple stuffed crepes

I wanted to post eggless pancake for a long time, but kept postponing for one or the other reasons. But before that thought, I tried crepes with stuffing. This eggless crepes is a wonderful breakfast with fruits and nuts filling. I added only dates, but you can add almonds, cashews, walnuts and raisins too.... Apple can be replaced with any of your favorite food.

Quinoa potato roll

We enjoyed this wrap to the core. A perfect filling dinner loaded with vegetables, grains, sour cream or yogurt, all in one wrap. Prepare potato mixture, quinoa ahead before, at the time of dinner warm the tortilla, fill and enjoy. A wonderful party recipe too, your guest are sure to be impressed by your skills when they bite your wrap. 

Thengai payasam | Coconut payasam

Happy New years day (Ugadi)!!!! We celebrate ugadi. So for this day my sil gave me a suggestion to do thengai payasam. I have seen in many blogs thengai paysam is prepared with jaggery. But in our house we used to add only sugar and sometimes with any food color. Any sweet prepared with coconut tastes good. This kheer tasted delicious with mild cardamon flavor.

Lemon sevai

Idiyappam is such a wonderful dish, that you can have plenty of varieties to do with it. Idiyppam can be taken as such with any side dish or prepared as sevai. Each sevai taste differently, I have posted only lemon sevai here. Sweet sevai, pepper sevai, vegetables sevai, coconut sevai it goes on..... Will try to update as much as I can. Mostly for guest we prepare sweet sevai and lemon sevai, which are very common. The ingredients list may be big, but very easy to prepare with common ingredients.

Panakam and vadapappu

Panakam/Panagam and vadapappu is prepared during Sri Ram Navami festival. It is celebrated in the mark of Hindu god Rama's birthday. I have heard my friends saying Ram festival is so easy that you don't have to prepare much, a simple festival. No cooking required for both the recipes except for the latter you have to temper. 

Panakam is generally a coolant for summer. Vadapappu is high in protein and a good salad, cucumber can also be added. If offering for god you can skip the vegetables too.

Hummus

I had a bunch of tortillas and planned to do some wrap. For wrap base I used hummus. Hummus is an excellent protein dip for pita bread or any tortilla chips. When prepared with fresh chickpeas it tastes wonderful. For instant preparation use canned beans. 

Peanut salad

I make sure I do a salad once in a week. I use to send salad for kids snack box. A very healthy and protein rich salad. If you are not allergic to peanuts try this salad and you will sure love it. Every bite taste so good and healthy too....

Pasta with sundried tomatoes

I was wondering what to do with sun-dried tomatoes by that time my sister send me this recipe. The taste was totally different with the usual pasta sauces. It turned out good with the herbs and olive oil in sun-dried tomatoes. If need, add vegetables of your choice.

Idiyappam | String hopper

Idiyappam or string hopper is a traditional dish in Kerala  prepared with rice flour. Steamed dishes are always good for health. When sick, the doctor suggest us to have idli or idiyappam in India, in other countries too the white bread or food is suggested when your tummy is upset or any kind of sickness. Food prepared with rice or easy to digest.

This can be taken as plain with any side dish or can be prepared as sevai.

Fruit kesari

I have a sweet tooth. During my childhood, whenever I feel like eating something I would say kesari, instant sweet that can be done in jiffy. Anyone can do it. No sugar consistency, no stirring too much, an simple dessert that everyone loves. The plain version has no fantasy but the fruit kesari is the fusion of fruits combined with kesari. Great for parties, festivals, weddings,...... 

A colorful combination for Holi festival. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi' and threw colors.

Happy Holi 2014 to all my friends and readers.

Karadaiyan nombu adai (sweet and salt)

Tomorrow Friday(14th of March) is Karadaiyan nombu celebrated by South Indians. We don't have a custom of celebrating this festival, but last three years I get this adai from my friends. So don't want to miss this year of eating :). For posting here, I prepared yesterday itself.

Masala chai | tea

Masala chai or tea is a flavored hot beverage, popular in India. It is made by brewing black tea with Indian spices. My mom used to prepare the best masala tea. Ginger is the herb used to cure cold and has a lot of medicinal values too.

Lot of variations can be done in this. Cardamon and ginger alone can be added for ginger tea. Dry roasting the masala is vital to enhance the flavor of spices. Do not skip that. Follow these simple steps to have a wonderful beverage......

Onion paratha

Onion paratha is just mixing and preparing, no stuffing involved. Sounds cool rite!!! When in hurry you can do onion parathas. If you are out of vegetables but carving for any parathas. Try this.....

Cucumber salad

Cucumber salad - to be true this is not a recipe, just an idea. A very quick salad for boring days. Whenever I have cucumber only I used to add pepper and salt and hint of lemon, for a nice accompaniment. I used mandolin slicer, knife can also be used. For more flavor drop some olive oil into the salad, gives a shiny effect too.

Vegetable kurma

Vegetable kurma is accompanied with rotis or pooris. A popular south Indian dish served in every restaurants with plain chapathis. There are lot of varieties in kurma with a combination of any 2 vegetables or paneer, likewise.....This one is very common mixed vegetable kurma.

I do with idiyappam too. I avoid coconut and grind nuts only for idiyappam kurma. A kind of rich and sweet taste with raisins. Will try to post soon...

Cheesy corn sandwich

I wish I could do different kinds of sandwiches regularly for breakfast, but end up something else. I have already posted potato sandwich, eggplant sandwich, grilled veg sandwich and nutella sandwich. Eggplant and grilled veg sandwiches are open sandwiches. 

If serving for adults, jalapeno or green chillies can be used. It gives a nice flavor and in between little spicy too. Prepare white sauce ahead, so it can be done in jiffy.  

Akkaravadisal

Akkaravadisal is similar to sakkarai pongal but very rich in taste. The main difference in akkaravadisal is adding more ghee and fully cooked in milk. I usually add more dal for this. This is mostly done during festivals. This can be done immediately for sweet carvings.

Spaghetti with homemade sauce

I have tried spaghetti with spinach balls, but this version is very simple with goodness of vegetable and homemade sauce. If you are in hurry you can use store bought pasta sauce. Try this simple version .... you'll love it.

Paneer Jalfrezi

Paneer jalfrezi and kadai paneer are similar in their ingredients and only vary in cooking method. Bell peppers and panner are wonderful combination. Jalfrezi is a simple stir fried method and can be stuffed in chapathi's and wrap in a foil for lunch boxes.

Homemade pasta sauce

Homemade are always better and a great satisfaction. I had never thought of doing homemade pasta sauce, until I was in need for it immediately. The pasta sauce turned out so good. Store bought pasta sauces are overloaded with sodium. If you are particular about your sodium levels do try homemade ones....infusing different flavors.

Moong dal | Simple dal (Jain)

Moong dal is the simple dal and a wholesome food. It is very easy to prepare. Jain cuisine is completely vegetarian which excludes onion, garlic and root vegetables which is similar to shojin-ryori cuisine of Japan. I have done according to Jain cuisine, as per your taste buds you can add onion and ginger.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate has lot of medicinal benefits. I usually mix with raitha or prepare juice. This is not exactly juice, because I have added milk in this. The milk gives creamy and thick texture to juice. 

By adding milk the juice turns to purple color and the kids will love this way....

Pasi paruppu payasam | Moon dal kheer

Pasi paruppu / Moong dal payasam is traditionally done in south India. During festivals or for afternoon feast this kind of payasam is prepared. Wherever possible I like to add jaggery or brown sugar which is good than white sugar. In Tamilnadu many of them do with milk, in Kerala they do with coconut milk. I combined coconut with milk for this kheer. 

The moong dal should be fried for flavor. This creamy and delicious payasam or kheer is good for health too.

Cabbage thoran

I love Kerala dishes. This is one of the simple side dish for rice with coconut flavor. Onam sadya menu is not complete without cabbage thoran. This thoran can be done with any vegetables. I have already posted cabbage peas stir fry, it is different version as well as different taste. Try this thoran, you will love cabbage in this way. 

Pasta recipes

Pasta is the great choice for dinner. If you have more time try preparing your own sauces listed below or go for store bought for easy dinner recipes. Choose the way you want with list of pastas and noodles.