Background:
Quick and easy. My favorite snack and at times dinner. Packs in goodness of colorful veggies and the crunch of desi sev and puris. Lends itself to infinite customization and can be made with as many or as less ingredients on hand.
Stuff you will need:
2 cups bhel mix or a combo of thin sev, murmura […]
Continue reading about Chaat - Bhel Puri a.k.a crunchy colorful spicy salad
Background:
Considering parupu usili is a favorite in our household and morkuzhambu is often spoken of in the same breath, it is only natural that I feel the need to record my way of making this no fuss side.
Stuff you will need:
Thick curds - 1 cup
Coconut gratings - 2 handfuls
Green chillies - 5
Ginger - 1/2 […]
Continue reading about Morkuzhambu - Buttermilk gravy spiced with coconut and cumin
Background:
For a twist in the regular vatral kuzhambu, my mom adds ground nuts or kabul channa. As kids this was one of our favorite dishes. So, with amma visiting I figured this was the best time to record the recipe for later.
Stuff you will need:
Tamarind - the size of a small lemon soaked and juice […]
Continue reading about Kadalai Kuzhambu - Spicy tamarind soup with groundnuts
Background:
K and I love the Paruppu Usili/Morkuzhambu combo. So much so it is our weekend ritual. It defines our idea of a good Saturday or Sunday. Feast on this exotic combination and wrap up the afternoon with a siesta. Because usili takes a good amount of work compared to the other dry curries we make, […]
Continue reading about Beans Paruppu Usili - Dry curry with lentils and string beans
Background:
A good way to use up small amounts of dhals leftover. It is wholesome, nutritious and pretty filling. Goes well with rotis and or parathas. Also good as a hearty soup.
Stuff you will need:
A handful each of the following mixed, washed and soaked overnight or through the day.
Masoor dhal
Channa dhal
Kabuli channa
Cow eyed peas
Black whole urad […]
Continue reading about Rang birangi dhal - Mix of lentils simmered in a tomato onion gravy
Background:
Days when I have had enough of quick and easy upmas and pongals, I turn to this favorite. Easy enough to whip up and a novel change from the rice based dishes, K and I love it with a side of peanut chutney
Stuff you will need:
Wheat flour - 2 cups
Rice flour - 1 cup
Salt - […]
Continue reading about Godhuma Dosai - Wheat flour crepes/pancakes with green chillies and ginger
Background:
Lemon rice for me is like a quick fix. A last minute resort when I can’t think of what to make to supplement what I already have. The dish I make when I have a get-together and get this sinking feeling food is not going to be enough.
Stuff you will need:
Rice 1 cup
Lemon/Lime - 2 […]
Continue reading about Lemon and rice make for a spicy lunch
Background:
I bake this cake whenever I am in the mood for a bread like cake that goes well with chai/coffee or as an evening snack or even may be as breakfast. I got this recipe from my friend Akay who I believe in turn got it from another friend who in turn got it off […]
Continue reading about Eggless Dates and Walnut cake - Flavorful and nutritious
Background:
Snowy, icy bad weather days lend themselves to hot pakoras and spiced sweet chai. Today was one such day and I made molagai bhajji. These mildly spicy light green colored peppers make excellent fritters.
Stuff you will need:
Mild green colored peppers - 8 cut into half or into thirds
Bengal gram flour - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - […]
Continue reading about Pakoras/Bhajji - Deep Fried Vegetable Fritters
Background:
This is a staple in our home. If we are very hungry and really need to eat NOW, I make this. If we have plenty of guests at home and not all of them enjoy cereal or bread, I make this. It is versatile and most important quick.
Stuff you will need:
1 cup rava
2 green chillies […]
Continue reading about Rava upma - cream of wheat seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves
