Saturday 31 August 2013

Ribbon Pakoda/Nada Pakoda/Ola Pakoda

Ribbon Pakoda is another delicious, crispy, crunchy and a traditional snack prepared during Diwali and Krishna Jayanthi. The name is really very interesting because these pakodas are long like a ribbon(nada in Tamil) and also in most of the houses it is also called ola/ottu pakoda because they are crispy and crunchy. There are different variations in making this ribbon pakoda, this is the easiest version that can be done easily and quickly. I am planning to share the other variations with garlic and sesame seeds in my future post hopefully before Diwali. My mom prepares murukkus, ribbon pakoda, oma podi etc during Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi and other special occasions.  I carry out the same tradition of making all these during these special days and see to that I don’t break this tradition every year. Meanwhile, do check out other interesting Diwali Sweets and Diwali Snack varieties here.

Here’s how to make Ribbon Pakoda/Nada Pakoda with step by step photos…

Thursday 29 August 2013

Murukku/Thenkuzhal-South Indian Delight/Diwali Special/Gokulashtami Special

Murukku is a very famous and authentic South Indian[Tamil Nadu] snacks prepared during special occasions like Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi etc. Murukku means twisted in Tamil and made from rice and urad dal flour. There are different varieties of murukku like mullu murkku, thengai paal murukku(coconut milk), Kaara murukku, butter murukku etc.

This murukku is especially prepared in large quantities and shared with friends and families during Diwali. It stays fresh and crunchy for 3-4 weeks when properly stored in airtight containers. Whenever I make murukku, I get reminded of days when my mom prepares snacks during Diwali. Usually Diwali preparation starts a week before with shopping and making an array of sweets and snacks. I made this simple and quick Murukku for Krishna Jayanthi yesterday, so I am sharing it with you all. Meanwhile, do check out other interesting Diwali Sweets and Diwali Snack varieties here.

Here’s how to make Murukku/Thenkuzhal with step by step photos…


Wednesday 28 August 2013

Rava Ladoo/Rava Laddu/Gokulashtami/KrishnaJayanthi Recipes

Wishing you all a very Happy Krishna Jayanthi/Gokulashtami - இனிய கிருஷ்ணஜெயந்தி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்.....


I know it should be really a very busy day for all of you preparing for pooja and making all delightful sweets and snacks. I am also preparing simple and quick snacks for Krishna Jayanthi, because I came back very late from my vacation. I always have a special place in my heart for this maaya kannan from my childhood days. The usual dishes prepared for Krishna Jayanthi includes Murukku/thenkuzhal, Uppu Seedai, Vella Seedai, Thattai, Aval payasam,Paasi Paruppu Payasam, Ladoos, Gulab Jamuns, Badam Kheer, Uraddal/Medhu Vadai, Rava Kesari, Sukku Vellam etc.

Here’s how to make Rava Ladoo with step by step photos…

Friday 23 August 2013

Rice Kanji – Special Kanji Made for Amman/Rice Kanji Recipe

Friends, I will not be in town for another 5 days, I am taking a short break, will be missing you all. Before going on break, I wanted to post my favourite and delicious “Rice Kanji” which I prepared for amman and sharing it with you all. Om Shakthi…

There are different types of rice kanji prepared in South India like the roasted rice kanji, rice kanji with vegetables, rice kanji made with brown rice and so on. But this is a very special “Rice Kanji – Prepared for Amman” as neivedhyam in Nagapattinam and nearby districts.  This rice kanji is prepared in large scale instead of kezhvaragu koozh and distributed to everyone after the special prayers are done to amman. Along with this kanji the other neivedhyams prepared for amman are paanagam, neermor, maavilagu, thullu maavu etc. Since my parents are from Nagapattinam and Thanjavore we follow the same tradition of preparing rice kanji during the month of Aadi and offer it to amman and do the special prayers. I had mentioned about this rice kanji in few of my earlier post, but it is time for me to post this recipe as well. I will very soon be posting other types of kanji in my future post. For now...

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

Thursday 22 August 2013

Chickpea Biryani Recipe/Kondakadali Biryani/Chana Biryani –Quick & Easy in Pressure Cooker/How to make Chickpea/Kondakadalai Biryani wtih step by step photos

We make different kinds of vegetarian biryani, this is yet another biryani with chickpeas, a very healthy and flavourful biryani. Chickpeas are very versatile legumes that have nutty and a buttery taste. When combined with all the masalas and cooked with rice, it makes a perfect protein packed meal for us. This also serves a healthy lunch box recipe. Do try it out guys you will surely love it.

Here’s how to make Chickpea Biryani with step by step photos…

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Red Chilli Coconut Chutney/Thengai Chutney with Vara Milagai [Side dish for Idlis, dosas, paniyarams & bondas]

Red chilli coconut chutney is yet another delectable chutney prepared in South India as side dish for idlis, dosas etc. Earlier I had posted coconut chutney made with green chillies. I also have many other variations in chutneys that I am planning to post in the future. Please check my other  Chutney Varieties here..

Here’s how to make Red Chilli Coconut Chutney with step by step photos….

Monday 19 August 2013

Chicken Fajita Recipe– Mexican Delight/Chicken Fajita/How to make Chicken Fajita with sep by step photos

Yesterday I posted a very easy and a quick Mexican/Spanish rice. Today I am posting another Mexican delight – Chicken Fajita[Pronounced as fahHEEtah]. Fajita is a Mexican term or Tex –Mex for little meat (chicken/beef) strips, grilled and served with mexican rice, onions, bell peppers, sour cream, slasa and guacamole. The chicken/meat fajita is served sizzling hot in an iron skillet to our table in restaurants. The sizzling sound, hot steam and wonderful aroma will just want us to complete the whole skillet. These fajitas are wonderful party food and when you have lot of friends come over to your place. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc hereMutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s how to make Chicken Fajita with step by step photos…

Sunday 18 August 2013

Mexican Rice/Spanish Rice - Method 1/Mexican Rice with step by step photos

I am very fond of Mexican food, may be because it is spicy and hot like the South Indian food. Living outside India I have got wonderful opportunities to try different cuisines in these past 10 years. Whenever I get a choice of cuisines, my first choice will be Mexican followed by Thai food, and then Italian.

Spanish rice is also known as Mexican rice is a very common side dish in Northern Mexico. In Mexico this rice dish is referred to as “Arroz” which translates to “rice”. In Northern Mexico the rice is cooked with chicken broth, tomato, onion and garlic, it is the Mexican way to flavor the rice. So the “Mexican Rice” is nothing but the rice is cooked in the Mexican style.  Today I made Mexican rice and Chicken Fajitas for lunch and chicken fajitas is coming up in my next post.

Here’s how to make Mexican/Spanish rice with step by step photos…

Saturday 17 August 2013

Cucumber Raita - A Perfect Cooler

Raita is nothing but a simple dip prepared with yogurt/curd/dahi and different combinations of vegetables or spices. Here I have made a cucumber raita a perfect cooler to settle down our stomach and bring down the heat in our body.

Cucumber belongs to the gourd family and is believed to be the oldest cultivated vegetable originated in Northern India. Cucumbers has various health benefits, it is low in calories and fat.

Here's how to make Cucumber Raita with step by step photos....

Friday 16 August 2013

Exciting Prizes That I Won

Hello Friends,

Mrs. Priya Srinivasan of  EnVeetuKitchen conducted an interesting event Meal in 30 min with a give away, my self and lot of my fellow bloggers participated in the event. Please click here for the event details. Mrs. Priya Srinivasan has a neatly organised blog with lovely and interesting recipes. I love her authentic and traditional recipes in her blog. This week she announced the winners of the event and I was selected as one of the winners and the prize was Rs.500 gift voucher from cuponation. For the winner announcement and the round up, please click here. Thank you very much conducting such a wonderful event Mrs. Priya Srinivasan and thanks a lot for selecting me as one of the winners. Congrats to other winners Sapana and Babitha as well.

Thursday 15 August 2013

Paal Kozhukattai with Vellam/Sweet Rice Dumplings with Jaggery – Vinayagar Chathurthi Special

Wishing all friends and readers “A Very Happy 67th Independence Day”. On this special day I am sharing with you Paal Kozhukattai a traditional South Indian Sweet…

Vinayagar Chathurthi/Ganesha Chathurthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesha celebrated all over India and many other parts of the world by Hindus. On this auspicious day, delectable neivadyams are made for Ganesha and special poojas are performed as a mark of celebration. Kozhukattai is a very special dish prepared for Vinayagar Chathurthi. But there are different types of kozhukattai’s like the modhagams, Kaara Kozhukattai, sweet kozhukattai etc. Paal Kozhukattai is one among them, which is nothing but small rice dumplings cooked in coconut milk along with either jaggery or white sugar. I always prefer to make it with jaggery/vellam as it is healthier than the white sugar.

Here’s how to make Paal Kozhukattai  with step by step photos…

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Spinach Pakoda/Palak Pakoda/Pasalai Keerai Pakoda

Spinach/Palak Pakoda is a very quick and easy tea time snack or a starter which can be made in no time. I am just not going to give a very elaborate introduction for this pakodas, just try it out guys you will surely love it. Check out Onion PakodasMedhu Pakodas and other Starters/Evening snacks  here.

Here’s how to make Spinach/Palak pakodas with step by step photos…


Lemon Rice/Elumichai Sadham –South Indian Special

Lemon rice/Elumichai Sadam is a very common, traditional and authentic dish prepared in all most all South Indian homes. This heavenly tasting lemon rice is always paired with Potato Masala/Fry, it is like they are made for each other and is totally unbeatable. Lemon rice is a very simple and quick dish to prepare and comes in handy for lunch box. Not only just lunch box but also for travel, it does not get spoilt because of the lemon juice which acts as a natural preservative. Lemon rice is also prepared during special pooja days, Seemandhams and Valaikappus(Baby shower). In my earlier post I had mentioned about the valaikappus . In Valaikappu’s/Seemandham’s 5 or 7 or 9 different types of variety rice is prepared for the occasion and lemon rice plays a vital role in it. Check out my other Valaikappu Rice Varieties here, I will be updating all the rice varieties one by one in my future posts.

Usually Lemon rice is prepared with Potato Masala/Fry but today I prepared Spinach Pakoras and served it as side dish.

Here’s how to make Lemon rice with step by step photos…

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese/Garlic Cheese Pasta Recipe/Garlic Cheese Pasta with step by step photos

Today I was in no mood to do an elaborate cooking, so made a very quick and simple garlic and herbs penne pasta with parmesan cheese. Actually the name says it all; it can be made in no time with very less ingredients. I made this pasta and served them with fresh zucchini stir fry. It was an elegant and heavenly Italian lunch which just made our day. My kids love pasta and they got excited and finished them all.

Here’s how to make Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese with step by step photos…

Monday 12 August 2013

Hyderabadi Chicken 65 Recipe/Chicken 65-Hyderabadi Style/How to make Hyderabadi Chicken 65 with step by step photos

Hyderabadi Chicken 65 is a mouth-watering and delicious dish I tried in my friend’s house long time back. I made it several times at home, never got a chance to click some pics. Since the weather is getting cold, I made this scrumptious Hyderabadi chicken 65 for our snacks with a hot cup of tea. So I am sharing my friend’s Hyderabadi chicken 65 with you all. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc hereMutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s how to make Hyderabadi Chicken 65 with step by step photos…

Sunday 11 August 2013

Baby Corn & Mangetout Stir Fry Recipe /Snow Peas Stir Fry Recipe/Baby Corn & Mangetout Stir Fry with step by step photos

Stir fry is a very popular cooking method originated in China. It is a very convenient, easy and quick way to cook food. This is a very simply and healthy baby corn & mangetout stir fry. Mangetout peas is similar to the snow peas and snap peas which cooks really fast but still crunchy and tasty. Though I have cooked snow peas a lot, after having come to UK, I came across mangetout peas which looks and taste same as snow peas. When I searched about mangetout peas came to know that it is a French word meaning “eat the lot” a phrase for the sort of peas that is eaten pod and all. I thought of making just baby corn stir fry, but since I had the mangetout peas I added them as well and it tastes great. If you don’t get mangetout peas you can replace them with snow peas or snap peas or do the same recipe with just baby corns.

Here’s how to make Baby corn & Mangetout/Snow Peas stir fry with step by step photos…

Saturday 10 August 2013

Garlic & Parmesan Pull Apart Bread/Monkey Bread

I am happy to say that I am part of Home Bakers Challenge started by some of the fellow bloggers , initiated by Mrs. Priya Suresh and hosted by Mrs. Manjula of DesiFiesta . The objective of this challenge is to learn and bake together.A special thanks to  Mrs. Manjula and Mrs. Priya Suresh for this wonderful challenge.

Mrs. Manjula challenged 4 different breads Rainbow swirl bread, Monkey bread, Chocolate marble bread and Anadama bread. Of all these breads I chose the Monkey/Pull apart bread and did the savoury version of it. We all love it so much the bread was gone in no time as soon the bread was baked.

Though I don’t know why this bread gets its name, I found some info in Wikipedia that says “The origin of the term 'monkey bread' is uncertain. Possible etymologies include that the bread resembles the monkey puzzle tree. It consists of soft pieces of bread with cinnamon sprinkled on it. It is served at fairs and other parks as a treat.” Ok guys now all that said, let’s see how to make the monkey bread/pull apart bread

Here’s how to make Garlic & Parmesan Pull Apart/Monkey Bread with step by step photos…


Friday 9 August 2013

Grape Juice Popsicle/Kuchi Ice/Ice Lolly

We all love popsicles, it brings back lot of memories for everyone. It has different names in different countries like Popsicle/Ice pop in USA, Ice lolly in UK, Kuchi Ice in India, Icy pole in New Zealand etc. But whatever the name may be it is all time favourite among all age groups. Popsicles are nothing but water-based frozen snack. It is very very easy to make, it is made by freezing fruit juices or flavoured liquid in a mold. Now that I had one big box of grapes, I made grapes popsicle for the kids and I am sharing it with you.

Here’s how to make Grape Juice Popsicle with step by step photos…

Thursday 8 August 2013

Sweet Pidi Kozhukattai/Rice Dumplings with Jaggery for Amman/Ganesha Chathurthi

Hello Friends,
“Aadi” is a very special and auspicious month in Tamil calendar, when special poojas are done for Amman. Special neivedhanams are done for Amman like sweet pongal and beautiful decorations done and special poojas conducted throughout the month. During the month of Aadi, the tradition of making Kezhvaragu Koozh  for Amman and distributing to everybody is very famous in Tamil Nadu. Since my parents are from Thanjavore, the tradition goes by making rice kanji, paanagam, neer mor, maavilakku, drumstick leaves poriyal and offering special prayers  to Amman and then distributing them to everybody.

But in my MIL's house the tradition goes by making Kezhvaragu Koozh, pidi kozhukattai, mochai kottai kara kuzhambu with karuvadu, drumstick leaves poriyal, thullu maavu and offered to Amman as neivedhyam. We do special prayers and then distribute to everybody. Usually the Kezhvaragu Koozh and rice kanji are all prepared in large scale and distribute to atleast 30 to 50 people or even more.

As this is the month of “Aadi”  and tomorrow being Friday I thought  I will share this pidi kozhukattai with all of you and also this is special request from one of my readers Deepa. Not just for neivedhyam you can make this healthy and delicious pidi kozhukattai for your kids as evening snacks. So what are guys waiting for, enjoy…

Here’s how to make Sweet Pidi Kozhukattai with step by step photos….



Aloo Gobi Masala/Potato & Cauliflower Masala

Hello Friends,
Yesterday I posted a delectable and a very tasty squid masala, today I have a heavenly tasting North Indian cuisine Aloo Gobi Masala. This Aloo Gobi masala is very simple, yet the awesome combination of potatoes and cauliflower along with Indian spices is unbeatable. It is a very common dish we can find in all the Indian restaurants so here is Aloo Gobi for all of you…

Here’s how to make Aloo Gobi/Potato & Cauliflower Masala with step by step photos…

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Squid Masala/Kanavai Masala/Calamari Masala/Koonthal Masala

This Squid Masala/Kanavai Masala is  a very famous Kerala cuisine of South India. Squid is consumed in many parts of the world. In India and Srilanka squid is eaten in coastal areas like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are either fried or made in to squid gravy. This squid masala is one of my favourite dish. It is very delicious and the most interesting part is, it can be cooked in 15 to 20 min.

Here’s Squid/Kanavai/Calamari/Koonthal Masala with step by step photos…

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Thalichha Thayir Sadam/Curd Rice/Bagala Bath Recipe

Dear Readers,
Here is the very tradional South Indian recipe “Thalichha thayir sadam/Curd Rice”. It is very simple, yet very delectable and a comforting dish. We make this thayir sadam very often at our homes, but still I love the way they are served in the temples in dhonnai. Ok guys, try out this thayir sadam just the like the Perumal temple ones…

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

Monday 5 August 2013

Chicken Tawa/Pan Fry Recipes – in two simple steps/Chicke Tawa Fry Recipe/How to make Chicken Taw Fry with step by step photos

This is a very quick and easy chicken tawa/pan fry that can be made in 2 simple steps. Chicken tawa fry serves as very good appetizer, kid friendly and lovely side dish for any meal. So why wait, just check it out and try it, you will surely love it. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc hereMutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes.

Here’s how to Chicken Tawa/Pan Fry with step by step photos…

Sunday 4 August 2013

Chana Masala/Chole Masala

Hello Friends,
Wish you all a very “Happy Friendship Day”, I hope you all are having a great day and a great week end. Here’s a very famous chana masala/chole masala which we find in all the Indian restaurants. It is very healthy and protein packed dish that can be served with rotis or just with a bowl of rice.

Here’s how to make Chana/Chole Masala with step by step photos…


Friday 2 August 2013

Beetroot Halwa Recipe/Beetroot Halwa/Beetroot Halwa - Easy Diwali Sweet/How to make Beetroot Halwa with step by step photos & Video in English & Tamil

Today’s special in my kitchen is Beetroot Halwa, is anything special? Yes, it is my hubby’s star birthday. We all had a bowl of halwa and enjoyed it. Beetroot Halwa is a very easy sweet which can be made with very less ingredients.

Beetroots have “N” number of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and the high fibre content helps fighting cholesterol and reducing them. Beetroots are full of iron help in treating anaemia and fatigue. Studies have shown they reduce the blood pressure and any risk associated with heart attack and strokes. Bearing all these health benefits in mind, I made a very tasty and delectable halwa. Meanwhile check out other interesting and delightful Diwali Sweets & Snacks here. Do not forget to check out interesting and fingerlicking Halwa Recipes here

Here’s how to make Beetroot Halwa with step by step photos…

Thursday 1 August 2013

Quick Peas Masala Rice

Yesterday I posted a quick and simple egg rice, today I have come up with a simple peas masala rice. It is a perfect lunch box item for the morning rush, one best thing about this rice is no soaking and no grinding. I always prefer recipes fast and quick and this peas masala rice is one among them. Check out my Peas Pulav Here...

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