Varagu Arisi Ven Pongal Recipe/Varagu Arisi Khara Pongal/Kodo Millet Pongal/Pongal Recipes/Kodo Millet Recipes/How to make Varagu Arisi Ven Pongal

As I promised earlier, I am trying to more post millet/sirudhaaniya vagaikal recipes. For today, I am going to share a very healthy, filling and flavourful Varagu Arisi Ven Pongal. Pongal is a very common South Indian Breakfast made with raw rice and  moong dal  and tempered with green chillies, ginger, black pepper cumin etc. To make this pongal more healthy you can replace the raw rice with varagu arisi and make a tasty and healthy breakfast. Varagu Arisi is loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Varagu when consumed regularly helps to keep diabetes under check and controls obesity. This tiny grain is highly nutritious and is “gluten free”. Have shared some of the benefits, I think it’s time to move on to the recipe. Do try out this healthy and delicious VenPongal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Millet/Sirudhaaniya recipes here.

Here’s how to make Varagu Arisi Ven Pongal with step by step photos…

Masala Paratha/How to Make Masala Paratha/Masala Paratha Recipe

Today I am going to share a very simple, tasty and tempting Masala Paratha. It is a very flavourful paratha made with different spices like cumin powder, garam masla powder, red chilli powder etc. This Masala Paratha is good all by itself, but it extremely delicious when served with a cup of Yogurt/Curd. Do try out this Masala Paratha and post your comments here. Do check out other interesting and delicious chapathis andparatha varieties here.

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

Keerai Vadai/Arai Keerai & Siru Keerai Vadai/Keerai Vadai with Channa Dal/Keerai Masala Vadai/ Mixed Keerai Masala Vadai/Kadalai Paruppu Keerai Vadai

Today I am going to share a very tempting Keerai Masal Vadai. Keerai vadai can be made with either urad dal or channa dal. I have already posted keerai vadai made with Urad dal. This Keerai vadai is made with channa dal along with Arai keerai and Siru keerai. You can choose Keerai Variety of your choice and this surely is one short cut method to get your kids to eat greens. Do try out this Keerai Vadai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other Evening Snacks and Vadai Varieties here. Also do not forget to check out other interesting Keerai Varieties and Keerai Recipes here.

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

Kambu Idli/Pearl Millet Idli/Bajra Idli/Kambu Idli Recipe with step by step photos

Kambu/Pearl Millet/Bajra is a very common and abundantly available millet, because India is one of the largest producers of Kambu. I have posted earlier Kambu recipes like Kambu Dosai, Kambu Puttu and now I going to share with you all a very healthy and tasty Kambu Idli. Kambu is loaded with proteins and minerals. It is a great source of phosphorous, which plays an important role in the structure of body cells. Consumption of Kambu/Pearl Millet helps in minimizing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The high fibre content in Pearl Millet/Kambu helps in weight loss. It has other important nutrients like magnesium, zinc, folic acid, calcium, sodium and phytonutrients. Yes, friends why not try something healthy and new? Do try out this healthy and tasty idli and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other Millet Recipes here.

Here’s how to make Kambu Idli with step by step photos…

Inji Thuvaiyal/Ginger Chutney/Spicy Ginger Thogayal/South Indian Thogayal Recipes/Sides Dish for idlis, dosas etc/Adrak Chutney

Priya’s Virundhu wishes you all a very Happy New Year, hope you all had a wonderful vacation. May the New Year bring joy, peace and happiness to each and every one of you. Now coming to the post, today I am going to share a lovely, spicy, tasty and healthy Ginger chutney which is a wonderful accompaniment for any breakfast dishes like idlis, dosas, rotis, pooris etc. Not only that, it is generally served along with a cup of rice during lunch. This chutney is very healthy because the ginger helps in settling down all the digestive problems. Yes friends do try out this spicy and tangy Inji thuvayal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other interesting and tempting Chutney/Thogaiyal varieties here.

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

Homemade Roasted Cumin Powder/How to make roasted cumin Powder at home/Varuthu Araitha Jeeraga Podi/Cumin Powder

Hello friends,

Today I am going to share a very basic recipe – making of aromatic cumin powder/Jeeragam Podi at home. This post is especially for beginners. When it comes to basic masala powders and paste, I make it only at home. The main reason is the freshness and aroma of the home made cumin powder is unbeatable when compared to the ones bought from shops. Cumin/Jeeragam has numerous health benefits and in Indian cooking they are used generously in most of all the recipes either as whole seed or in powdered form. 

Here’s how to make Cumin Powder at home ….

Vazhakkai Puttu Recipe/Raw Banana Podimas/Green Plantain Stir Fry Recipe

Today, I am going a share a very simple, healthy and easy to make Vazhakkai/Raw plaintain Puttu or Podimas. Vazhakkai/Raw Plaintain is a versatile vegetable, we can make several recipes with this vegetable. Raw Plantains are excellent source of vitamin B6, B3, B5, vitamin C, E, K and a good source of magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. Ok, friends do try out this traditional and tasty vazhakkai puttu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetable Poriyal/Varuval varieties here.

Here’s how to make vazhakkai puttu with step by step photos…

Kalyana Rasam/How to make Kalyana Rasam at home/Wedding Style Rasam/Kalyana Rasam Recipe

Kalyana Rasam is a rasam served in South Indian weddings for lunch and dinner. Though we make different types of rasam at home, kalyana rasam has unique, distinct, exotic taste and flavor. When I go for marriages, if I am not able to have Kalyana Rasam with Rice, then I prefer to drink at least a glass of rasam without fail; the only reason is my love for this rasam. Kalyana rasam is spicy, tangy and flavourful rasam with all the taste perfectly balanced. Do try out this kalyana rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting RASAM VARIETIES I have posted earlier.

Here’s how to make Kalyana Rasam with step by step photos….

Kambu Maavu Puttu Recipe/Pearl Millet Flour Puttu/Bajra Puttu/Pear Millet Recipes/Kambu Puttu in Idli Cooker - How to make Puttu In Idli Cooker

Today I am going to share a very healthy and filling breakfast recipe made with Kambu/Bajra/pearl millet – none other than delicious Kambu Puttu. Kambu/Bajra is a very common millet variety in India. Nowadays all the millet varieties have gained back their importance. People are becoming health conscious and are using lot of millets in their food which was earlier the staple food for our ancestors.  As far as kambu/Bajra is concerned it has very high fiber content, loaded with vitamin, minerals and amino acids. The high fiber content in turn aids in weight loss. Kambu/pearlmillet/bajra is easy digestible and has very low possibility of causing allergic reactions. Kambu is great alternative to rice for diabetic patients. It helps in maintaining good cardiovascular health and reduces acidity problems. Ok friends, I have said enough about kambu/bajra/pearl millet, now its time to move on to the recipe. Meanwhile do check out about all the Millet varieties I have posted earlier and MilletRecipes here.

Here’s how to make Kambu Puttu with step by step photos…

Capsicum Rice/Bell Pepper Rice/Kudaimilagai Saadam/Easy Capsicum Rice for Lunch Box/How to make Capsicum/Bell Pepper Rice

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very colorful, vibrant, tasty, flavorful and delicious capsicum/bell pepper/kudaimilagai rice. This rice is a perfect lunch box item for school and office.  The rice is perfectly blended with Indian spices along with crunchy and colorful capsicum which makes it taste heavenly. Not just the color, capsicum is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C. They have low calories and helps in speeding up the metabolism.  Capsicum has found to have good effect on gastrointestinal problems like flatulence, stomach upset, abdominal cramps etc [info source:the health site]. I have used all the three colors of capsicum [red, green and yellow]. You can just use whichever is available at home. Do try out this delectable capsicum rice and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Rice Varieties and Non Vegetarian RiceVarieties here.

Here’s how to make Capsicum Rice with step by step photos…

Peanut Laddu/Groundnut Ladoo/Kadalai Urundai/How to make Peanut Laddu

Hello friends,

Earlier today, I posted a very healthy Peanut ChaatSalad, and now I am going to share a very easy, healthy and easy to make Peanut Laddu. Peanut laddu is made with just three ingredients – peanuts, jaggery and elachi. These laddus are very soft and melts in your mouth. My kids love these laddus, so I pack it for snacks to school. These laddus give them lot of energy to play and is loaded with iron and other nutrients like protein, vitamin E, B1, B3, folate, biotin, phosphorus, manganese, copper etc. Any way friends do try out this healthy peanut laddu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting laddu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Peanut Laddu with step by step photos…

Peanut Chaat/Masala Peanut Chaat/Peanut Chaat Salad/Peanut Chaat Recipe/How to make Peanut Chaat Salad

Hello friends,

Today, I am going to share a very healthy and flavorful Peanut Chaat Salad. It’s a wonderful, filling and refreshing salad that can be made in less than 15 minutes. This salad makes a lovely evening snack for kids after school. Do try out this Peanut Chaat Salad and post your comments here. Do check out other healthy salad varieties here.

Here’s how to make Peanut Chaat Salad with step by step photos…

South Indian Lunch Menu – 7/Lunch Menu Ideas

Hello friends,

Today, I am going to share a very simple and healthy vegetarian lunch menu.Please check out this simple and filling lunch menu, try it out and post your comments. Mean while do not forget to check out interesting other lunch menu ideas here.

Here’s the South Indian Lunch Menu/Thali...

Cheese Chapati/Triangle Cheese Chapati/Grated Cheese Chapati Recipe

Today I am going to share and a very simple Cheese Chapati from my kitchen. My kids love chapatti/roti and when it has cheese in it they just go crazy.  Do try out this interesting Cheese Chapati and post your comments. Meanwhile do check out other Chaptati/Paratha/Roti varieties here.

Here’s how to make Cheese Chapati with step by step photos…

Cucumber Lassi/Cucumber Lassi Recipe/Salted Cucumber Lassi/Namkeen Kheera Lassi Recipe/Easy Indian Lassi Recipes/How to Make Salted Cucumber Lassi/Summer Special Recipes

We all must have come across this healthy, light and refreshing Cucumber Lassi in all most all the North Indian restaurant menus. Lassi is an Indian yogurt drink with thick and creamy texture. Lassi can be made either sweet or savoury. Today I am going to share a savoury cucumber lassi, which is perfect body coolant and super refreshing. If you are on diet or on weight loss regimen then you should consume this cucumber lassi to improve your metabolism. Try out his lovely Cucumber Lassi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other lassi’s and beverages here.

Here’s how to make Cucumber Lassi with step by step photos…

Cucumber & Tomato Salad/Weight loss Recipes/Diet Recipes/Easy and Quick Salad Recipes/Vellarikkai Thakkali Salad

We are always on the lookout of healthy and easy to make recipes. Here’s one such lovely, healthy and a wonderful salad that can be made in jiffy. This salad can be served to kids as evening snacks which is so refreshing and colorful. If you are diet conscious, then this salad is a must in your menu. Do try it out friends and post your comments. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Salad and Soup recipes I have posted earlier.

Here’s how to make Cucumber & Tomato Salad with step by step photos…

Murungai Keerai Soup/Drumstick Leaves Soup/Murungai Keerai Soup Recipe

Murungai Keerai/Drumstick Leaves soup is a simple and healthy vegetarian soup that can be made in a jiffy. Drumstick leaves have wonderful medicinal properties.  They contain all essential amino acids for the healthy functioning of our body. Regular consumption of drumstick leaves is highly recommended for anemic people. They are rich sources of antioxidants, proteins, potassium, vitamin A, C, B3, B2, iron and magnesium. Drumstick leaves helps in managing blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of drumstick leaves powder/murungaikeerai podi consumed regularly helps in managing blood sugar level. Do try out this healthy and flavourful soup and post your comment here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy murungai keerai recipes here.

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

Gnocchi with Fresh Tomato Sauce/Gnocchi Recipe with step by step photos

Gnocchi’s are a sort for pasta for potato lovers. They are small Italian dumplings made from potatoes, flour[all purpose flour, buck wheat flour], egg and shaped into small ovals with ridged pattern on one side. Alternatively they can also be made from semolina flour[info source:BBC].  Gnocchi is eaten as an alternative to soup or salad. They are usually home-made in Italian households. But they are also available in packets in supermarkets. I have made store bought Potato Gnocchi and accompanied with fresh tomato sauce, but it can also accompanied with freshly prepared Pesto Sauce as well as various other sauces.

Here’s how to make Gnocchi & fresh tomato sauce with step by step photos…

Paruppu Keerai Pasiparuppu Kadaiyal/Purslane With Dal/Verdolaga[Mexican Parsely] cooked with Dal

Before going into the recipe I would to share a little about paruppuKeerai/Purslane/Verdolagas which I googled and read about in various websites[specialityproduce, Wikipedia, nutrition and you etc]. Though I have been eating this paruppu keerai since I was a kid, I was really surprised to read a lot of interesting facts and how it’s been used all over the world. The greens which I am sharing here is called as Paruppu Keerai in Tamil, Purslane in English and Verdolagas in Spanish and is very common in central Mexico. The stem, leaves and  the beautiful yellow flowers of paruppu keerai/verdolagas are all edible and have a slightly salty, slightly tangy and acidic flavor. The slight tangy taste adds up great taste when we make soups and stir fries, and its juicy leaves can be used to add texture to salads.

 Purslane/Paruppu Keerai is very common around world, in Mexican cuisine they are commonly paired with pork, tamales, stews and eggs. In Japan it is commonly pickled and served with rice. In Russia, Turkey and Lebanon it is used in a variety of salads ranging from tabbouleh to potato salad. It has long been used in Chinese medicine. In South India, they are cooked with dals, stir fries, soups etc. Paruppu Keerai/Purslane is rich in potassium and magnesium. The soft, succulent leaves are rich in Omega -3 fatty acids which help in lowering blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels. This wonderful green leaves are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A , C and some B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and carotenoids as well as dietary minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese. With this, I think it’s time for me to move on to the recipe. Do try out this Paruppu Keerai/Verdolagas pasiparuppu kadaiyal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interestingKeerai recipes and different varieties of Greens/Keerais here.

Here’s how to make Paruppu Keerai Kadaiyal with step by step photos…

Saamai Vegetable Biryani/Little Millet Vegetable Biryani/Saamai Vegetable Biryani Recipe

Today, I am going to share a very healthy and filling Saamai Biryani/Little Millet Biryani. Saamai is called as kutki in hindi, sama in telugu, saame in kannada and chama in malayalam. Little millet/saamai is smaller in size when compared to other common millet varieties. It is rich in fibre, helps in reducing fat and is good for bones and muscles. Saamai has lot of iron and has high antioxidant activity. It helps in controlling the blood sugar level and helps in healing diseases related to stomach. I have already blogged about millets in deatail here. Do not forget to check "all about millets" and other interesting millet recipes in the links. Meanwhile do try out this healthy and delicious Saamai Vegetable Biryani and post your comments.

Here’s how to make Saamai Vegetable Biryani with step by step photos...