Aval Urundai/Aval Ladoo/Poha laddu with Jaggery–Janmashtami Recipes/Krishna Jayanthi Recipes

Today I am going to share a very healthy and easy poha/aval ladoo. This laddu is prepared during Krishna jayanthi for neivedhyam as we all know aval is lord Krsihans favourite. The best part of this aval laddu is, it is prepared with jaggery, so it very healthy and tasty. This Aval Laddu can be made as quick evening snacks for kids, or for special occasions like Diwali, Navratri etc. Ok, friends do try out this delicious and healthy Aval laddu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other laddus like Bhoondhi Laddu, Roastedgram Laddu/PottukadalaiUrundai, Besan Laddu, Ragi Laddu/Kezhvaragu Laddu, Rava Laddu, Sesame seeds Laddu/Ellu Urundai which I have posted earlier.

Here’s how to make Aval Urundai/Laddu with step by step photos...

Drumstick Leaf Powder/Murungai Keerai Podi/Murungai Keerai Podi Recipe-How to make Murungai Keerai Podi At home

I started to post recipes with drumstick leaves/murungaikeerai, and promised to post more of murungai keerai recipes. As promised, I have come up with murungai keerai podi/drum stick leaves powder, which is a very healthy recipe and can be had with white rice or as side dish for idlis and dosas. Murungai keerai has n number of health benefits which I have shared here also. When drumstick leaves are consumed along with pure ghee, they stimulate the blood circulation in the body to induce the re-growth of hair folliciles. Consumption of drumstick leaves are advised for ladies and girls suffering from calcium deficiency and insufficient iron in the blood. These leaves improve the defence mechanism in our body and thus fight against many types of infections. The antimicrobial properties of drumstick leaves cure throat, chest and many types of skin infections. Having said all this now let’s move on to see this easy and healthy drumstick leaves powder/murungai keerai powder. Meanwhile do check out murungai keeraisambar and murungai keerai egg poriyal which I have posted earlier.

Here’s how to make Murungai Keerai Powder with step by step photos…

Murungai Keerai Sambar/Drumstick Leaves Sambar/Murungai Keerai Sambar Recipe

Today I am going to share a very healthy and loving recipe – murungai keerai sambar from my kitchen. We have Murugaikeerai tree[mom’s house] in our backyard, so I have decided to share lot more drumstick leaves recipe in the following post. If you have murugai keerai tree in your back yard it means you have a doctor at home. It has excellent medicinal values and is a cure for lots of diseases. It has the amazing healing power to cure wounds inside the stomach, reduces headache and bloody diarrhea. Murungaikeerai purifies our blood and excretes all the toxins out of our body. It is an excellent source of calcium and helps in building stronger bones and teeth. They also contain abundant amount of potassium which plays a vital role in brain development. I have shared a few benefits of murungai keerai in this post and will be sharing more benefits about the same in the upcoming post. For now, do try out this wonderful, traditional and authentic murungaikeerai sambar and post your comments here. Mean while do not forget to check out other sambar varieties here.

Here’s how to make Murungaikeerai Sambar….

Mudakathan Keerai Kara Kuzhambu/Mudakathan Keerai Puli Kuzhambu/Balloon Vines Leaves Gravy

Mudakathan Keerai/Balloon Vines Leaves is a very popular keerai variety in TamilNadu used for treating joint pains. Usually compresses are prepared using mudakathan keerai and applied on joints for the pain. Herbal hair oils are also prepared with mudakathan keerai which helps to fight dandruff. Other common recipes that are prepared are Mudakathan Keerai Dosai, Mudakathan Keerai Soup, Mudakathan Keerai Kuzhambu etc. For now I am sharing Mudakathan Keerai Kara Kuzhambu with you all, please try it out friends and reap the benefits of the same. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other interesting South Indian Kuzhambu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Mudakathan Keerai Kara Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Mixed Vegetable Paneer Curry/Paneer and Mixed Vegetable Curry

Hello friends,

I am back today with a very healthy and lovely vegetable paneer curry. I know it is really hard to get the kids to eat vegetables. But, when there is paneer involved in it, then it is easier for us to give the kids a healthy, filling and nutritious curry. This is a wonderful side dish for rotis, naan, chapathis, pulav, ghee rice etc. The best of it is, it can be made in a jiffy and does not involve grinding. Any way friends , do try out this recipe and post your comments.

Here’s how to make Vegetable Paneer Curry with step by step photos…

Red Rice Kuzhai Puttu Recipe/Siggappu Arisi Kuzhai Puttu/Red Rice Kuzhai Puttu Recipe/How to make Kuzhai Puttu

Today, Iam going to share a very healthy, super delicious and traditional Puttu recipe from my kitchen. Earlier I have posted rice/arisi puttu, ragi/kezhvarugu puttu, rava puttu/sooji puttu which I have steamed with idli cooker. So, today I have a detailed post of cooking the puttu with puttu kuzhai/puttu maker. Do try out this red rice kuzhai puttu and post your comments here. Do not forget to check out other puttu recipes here.

Here’s how to make Red Rice Kuzhai Puttu with step by step photos…

Araikeerai Puli Kadaiyal Recipe/Araikeerai Puli Masiyal Recipe/How to make AraiKeerai Puli Kadaiyal with step by step photos

Today I am going to share with you all a very healthy and nutritious Araikeerai Puli Kadaiyal. This puli kadaiyal recipe is super tasty, tangy and spicy, everything in right amount. Araikeerai/Amaranthus Tristis, like any other green is loaded with iron, calcium, anitoxidants and other vitamins and minerals. Araikeerai is an excellent remedy for cold, cough, immunity and builds strength in our body. It is said to play a vital role in helping people suffering from neuritis/nerve related problems. I have read in one of the Ayurvedic books which states that, if araikeerai is included in our diet everyday it helps in curing long term diseases like cervical spondylosis, nerve pain, head ache, migrane etc. For this a very strict diet containing araikeerai kadaiyal and pepper rasam has to be followed every day. [Ref from Book: Nattu Moolikaigal by Dr. Venkatesan]. With this short note let us move on to the recipe. Do not forget to try this araikeerai puli kadaiyal and post your feedback here. MEanwhile do check out other healthy and interesting Keerai Recipes here and All about Keerai Varieties & Recipes here.

Here’s how to make Araikeerai Puli Kadaiyal with step by step photos…

Karpooravalli Bajji

Hello friends,

Today, I am going to share a very aromatic, healthy and a wonderful evening snack – Karpooravalli Bajji. I have already posted karpooravalli thuvaiyal, which is another interesting and healthy recipe which you all must try. Do check it out in the link. Feeding the kids karpooravalli is a real challenge, but make this karpooravalli bajji and the kids will surely love it. Do try it out friends and have a great week end. Do check out other interesting appetizers/starters in the link and enjoy.

Here’s how to make Karpooravalli Bajji with step by step photos…

Masala Papad

Are you looking for a quick, easy and a refreshing appetizer?  Then, here it is – Masala Papad. The crispy papad is topped with freshly chopped vegetables and sprinkled with perfect blend of spices. I have fried the papad in oil, you can roast the papad directly on flame, or microwave for about 40 secs for a healthy alternative. I have used the lijjat papad, you can choose any urad dal papad of your choice. This masala papad is a perfect starter, you can also serve it to kids as snack after school. Mean while do not forget to check out other interesting starter/appetizer recipes in the link.

Here’s how to make Masala Papad with step by step photos…

Nenju Elumbu Soup Recipe/Maarkandam Soup/Mutton Bone Soup - South Indian Mutton Bone Soup/Perfect Soup For Cold & Cough/Mutton Bone Soup with step by step photos

Are you on the lookout for a comfort food, then yes here it is – Nenju elumbu soup/maarkanda ellumbu soup/mutton bone soup. My mom always makes soup during weekends and serves it as mid-morning snack. Not just this soup, she also makes nenju ellumbu sambar which I will be posting soon. You can add this soup to white rice, mix thoroughly and feed it for babies (above 8 months). I used to feed my kids mutton and chicken soup after they turned 8 months old, and they used to love it.  Just adjust the spice level if you are feeding it for babies, you can add few drops of ghee and feed them.  This is an excellent remedy for cold, cough, for people recovering from illness and builds strong immune system. Not just that it can be served during cold winter days which in turn refresh your mind and body. The perfect blend of spices cooked along with the bones makes it flavourful and irresistible. Do try out this traditional and authentic Nenju Ellumbu Soup and post your comments. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s how to make Nenju Elllumbu soup with step by step photos…

Manathakkali Keerai Thanni Saru Recipe/மணத்தக்காளி கீரை தண்ணி சாறு/Black Nightshade Soup with Coconut Milk/Solanum Nigrum Soup/Makoi Soup with Coconut Milk-Keeraithanni Recipe with Video in both English & Tamil

Manathakkali keerai/Black nightshade has numerous medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants, iron, vitamins, minerals and loaded with calcium. The amount of phosphorous present in it helps in the growth and development of brain nerves.  Manathakkkali Keerai is an excellent cure for mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers. In Tamil medicine it said that you should consume the manathakkali keerai raw leaves [7-8] in the morning in empty stomach. This is an excellent remedy and cure for stomach and mouth ulcers. This manathakkali keerai thanni, prepared with coconut milk is my grandma’s recipe. After I got married, when I made this recipe, my husband and my in-laws were surprised, it was really new to them and they loved it. Anyway friends try out this keerai thanni and post your comments. This keerai thanni or soup can be made with agathi keerai or murungai keerai which also has unique and wonderful taste. Do not forget to check out other keerai varieties & healthy Keerai Recipes here. Please check out the video for for both English & Tamil Recipe

Here’s how to make Manathakkali Keerai Thanni with step by step photos…

Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal Recipe/Brahmi Leaves Thuvaiyal/Indian Pennywort Thuvaiyal/Vallarai Keerai Recipe with Benefits/Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal with step by step photos

Vallarai is known for its brain boosting abilities and to cure many diseases in Ayurveda and Siddha treatment since the ancient period. Vallarai is used to revitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention and concentration, and combat aging. The extract from Vallarai is used in treating memory enhancement and neurodegenerative disorders. Vallarai has amazing medicinal properties which help in fighting many diseases. It plays a vital role in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and brain related problems like insomnia.

Vallarai has wonderful properties, which helps in curing skin problems like eczema, leprosy, psoriasis and ulcers. Vallarai helps in relaxing muscles and alleviates menstrual pain and disorders. It promotes youthful vitality and longevity and prevents early greying of hair. Hair fall and premature greying of hair can be controlled by using vallarai oil which is readily available in Ayurveda shops.

Vallarai acts as a great cure for joint pain or inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis etc. Not just the above mentioned benefits, vallarai has many other medicinal values and properties and the list goes on. The above information is collected from various websites like Wikipedia, ayurvedictalk.com etc. For people who live outside India can buy the vallarai tablets from Ayurveda shops when you visit Chennai and consume it. For now I am going to share Vallarai Thuvaiyal, do try it out friends and enjoy the benefits of Vallarai. Meanwhile friends, do not forget to check out other chuteny/thuvaiyal varieties here.

Here’s how to make Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal with step by step photos….

South Indian Lunch Menu -4 /Lunch Menu Ideas

Dear Friends,

I have posted few lunch menu ideas earlier, which is a typical South Indian Thali. But today I am going to share a very simple, elegant, easy and healthy lunch menu which surely will add a smile in everybody’s face. Also friends, do not forget to check out other Lunch menu ideas as well.

Here’s the simple and elegant South Indian Lunch Menu…

Varagarisi Upma/Kodo Millet Upma/Varagu Upma/Varagu Arisi Upma Recipe

I have been thinking about sharing with you all, millet recipes from my kitchen, but I was not blogging for quite sometime due to various reasons. But today I have something very special for all of you, it's nothing but Varagu arisi upma. Varagu arisi is gluten-free and is excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in fiber and digestive friendly. Studies have shown varagu arisi helps in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol. It is packed with nutrients and is great energy source for all the age groups. I have made a very simple varagu arisi upma but you can add a twist to it by adding a bowl of vegetable to make vegetable varagu arisi upma. I will post that recipe also very soon. For now try out this Varagu Arisi upma and post your comments. Mean while check out other millet recipes here.

Here’s how to make Varagarisi Upma with step by step photos…

Paruppu Keerai Chapathi/Chapathi with Dal & Greens/Keerai Chapathi Recipe/Paruppu Keerai Chapathi with step by step photos

Today I am going to share a very interesting chapathi made with dal and greens. The choice of greens is totally your’s, I have used araikeerai to make this chapathi. I always come across one problem when packing lunch, my husband and elder daughter prefer to have rice for lunch and my little one always will prefer to have chapathis or rotis etc. Whenever I make paruppu keerai masiyal or any other green varieties my little daughter never has it during lunch, and I used to feel very bad about it. But then whenever I make paruppu keerai during weekdays for lunch, I blend the prepared keerai and make chapathis for her. But for my husband and elder daughter I make rice, mix this dal and prepare some vegetables and pack the lunch. I think lot of moms must be coming across this kind of problem when packing lunch for your whole family, but when you go by my idea you will feel happy and satisfied. One best part of it is your kid will eat all the chapathis and she/he will get the greens also. Meanwhile friends, do not forget to check out other interesting and delicious breakfast varieties here.

Here’s how to make Dal & Keerai chapathi with step by step photos…

Ragi Porridge Powder Recipe/Ragi Kanji Maavu/Kezhvaragu Kanji Maavu – How to make Ragi Kanji Maavu at home/Ragi Kanji for all age groups

Today I am going to share with you all a very healthy Ragi Kanji Maavu/Powder suitable for all the age groups starting from 5 month old baby to adults. This kanji maavu is my mom’s recipe which involves just 5 ingredients and we all used to have this kanji for breakfast when we were kids. And now I give it for my kids and we all enjoy it a lot. It may have less ingredients compared to saathu maavu but this kanji maavu is packed with vitamins, minerals, builds your stamina and also digest really fast. So friends, try out this Ragi Kanji Maavu and post your feedback.

Here’s how to make Ragi Kanji Maavu with step by step photos….

Beans Paruppu Usili/Paruppu Usili with Beans – Tamil Brahmin Style

Beans Paruppu Usili is a traditional South Indian [Tamil Nadu] recipe made in all the Brahmin houses as a side dish for rice. Paruppu Usili is nothing but a dish prepared with lentils and vegetables. We can choose vegetables like vazhaipoo, avarakkai, cabbage, kothavarangai or even carrots along with the lentils. My husband loves to have Beans Paruppu Usili and I make it along with Vatha Kuzhambu, which always makes a great combo. Try out this healthy and delicious Beans Paruppu Usili and post your feedback. Meanwhile check out other Vegetarian Varuval/Poriyal varieties here.

Here’s how to make Beans Paruppu Usili with step by step photos…

Karpooravalli Thuvaiyal Recipe/Country Borage Thuvaiyal Recipe/Karpooravalli Thuvaiyal with step by step photos

Karpooravallli(Tamil) otherwise is called as  Country Borage plant. It has lots of medicinal benefits. The karpooravalli leaves are used for treating common cold, cough, sore throats, nasal congestion, indigestion, rheumatism and so on. The leaves of karpooravalli plant are quite fleshy and very aromatic. These leaves are very good source of vitamins and minerals. Karpooravalli plants are easy to grow and maintain. Cut a small piece of the plant from where it is available and plant it in soil with ample amount of water. It will grow and spread faster. I have karpooravalli plant in my balcony and I have made different recipes with it. For now I will share with you all a simple and aromatic Karpooravalli Thuvaiyal. Do check out other delectable chutney and thuvaiyal varieties here.

Here’s how to make Karpooravalli Thuvaiyal with step by step photos…

Cilantro Almond Pesto /Sauce – Bow Tie Pasta with Cilantro Almond Pesto/How to make Pesto Sauce/How to make Pasta with Pesto Sauce

Whenever I want to make a quick dinner, I immediately tend to make pasta. The main reason is, it is one quick wholesome meal and my kids love it. This cilantro almond pesto is a very easy to prepare but the taste is simply awesome. The almond pesto can be used as dip for any kind of breads or as spread for sandwiches. The pasta made with almond pesto is a very healthy when compared to the cheesy pastas but it still has the nutty and creamy texture because of the almonds. Do give it a shot friends and you will surely love it.

Here’s how to make Cilantro Almond Pesto – Bow Tie Pasta with step by step photos….

Jack Fruit Seed Masala/Jack Fruit Seed Dry Curry Recipe/Palakottai Masala

Jack Fruit Seed masala/Palakottai curry is perfect side dish for any South Indian Meals or rice varieties. Not just rice varieties, it can be had as side dish for rotis or type of bread varieties. Jack fruit seed recipes are prepared during the summer season in Tamil Nadu & Kerala. There are enormous benefits of jack fruit seeds/palakottai, it is loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. So don’t ever throw away the jack fruit seed, try out this jack fruit seed masala and enjoy your day.

Here’s how to make Jack Fruit Seed Masala/Palakottai Masala with step by step photos…