Thiruvathirai Kootu/7 Kari Kootu/EzhuKari Kootu/Pongal Kootu – Thiruvathirai Special Recipes/Pongal Special 7 Kari Kootu

Thiruvathirai Kootu is a special kootu made with country vegetables [Nattu Kaikarigal] during thiruvathirai festival and offered to Lord Shiva along with Thiruvathirai Kali and steam cooked white rice. This kootu is also prepared on Pongal and offered to Sun god along with Sakkarai Pongal, Ven Pongal and Paal Pongal. This kootu is made with a minimum of 7 different types of vegetables and increase the number up to 21, but always odd number of vegetables only must be used. Try to add as many as country vegetables which available abundantly during this season. I have made this kootu with 9 different types of vegetables like Avarakkai, Mochhai, karnai kizhangu, white pumpkin, yellow pumpkin, brinjal, Do try out this Thiruvathirai Kootu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Dal/kootu/kuzhambu varieties and Thiruvathirai Kali here.

Here’s how to make Thiruvathirai Kootu with step by step photos…

Dhuvadasi Rasam/Poricha Rasam /Poricha Saathamudhu – Rasam Without Tamarind, Tomatoes or lemon/ Special Rasam for Fasting days

In South India we make different types of Rasam, but this is, one special type of rasam prepared without tamarind or tomatoes or lemon. This rasam is called the Dhuvadasi Rasam or Poricha Rasam prepared on Dhuvadasai which falls after Ekadasi thithi. Ekadasi vratham is observing total fast [suddha upavasam] on Ekadasi Thithi. After fasting on Ekadasi day, people have a special food or thali called “Dhuvadasi Paranai” which is devised by our ancestors for breaking the fast and balance the acidity levels. So in this Dhuvadasi special meal, tamarind is totally avoided, since tamarind consumed on an empty stomach can cause ulcers and stomach problems. The freshly prepared masala has grated coconut and added to the rasam which is makes this rasam divine. Generally the Dhuvadasi menu consists of Mor Kuzhambu, Poricha Rasam, Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi, Agathi Keerai Poriyal, Poricha Kootu, Sundakkai Vatral fried in ghee, white rice, ghee, mango pickle, yogurt/thayir. I will be posting more of Dhuvadasi recipes in my future post.Do try out this Poricha Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and lip smacking Rasam Varieties here and other Vegetarian dals/Kootus/Sambar/Kurma varieties here.

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

Double Beans Curry/Double Beans Fry/Lima Beans Fry

Double Beans Curry/Fry is a very flavourful and aromatic side dish with freshly prepared masala. I came across this healthy and tasty side dish in one of the cookery shows and gave it a try. It is one healthy and delectable side dish with perfect blend of spices. Do try out this Double Bean Curry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Vegetarian Side dish recipes here.

Here’s how to make Double Beans Curry with step by step photos…

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma Recipe/White Chickpea Kurma - How to make Kondakadalai Kurma

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma is kurma variety made with Kondakadalai and coconut paste as main ingredients along with other spices. It is one healthy and great alternative when you run out of vegetables in your refrigerator. This kurma can be made with black kondakadalai or white kondakadalai. This kurma is a delectable and protein rich kurma that can be served with white rice or with idlis, dosas, chapattis/rotis etc. Do try out this Kondakadalai kurma and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Gravies/Dhals/Kootu varieties here and KurmaVarieties here.

Here’s how to make Kondakadalai Kurma with step by step photos…

Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu/Vendakkai Kuzhambu/Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu with Coconut/LadiesFinger Tamarind Gravy/Okra Puli Kuzhambu

Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu is very popular spicy and tangy gravy served for lunch along with steam cooked white rice in South India. This puli kuzhambu is my favourite because it is made fresh ground masala paste, but if you are in a rush and running out of time, you can very well replace it with red chilli powder and coriander powder. Usually this vendakkai puli kuzhambu is done with shallots/sambar vengayam, but with sky rocketing prices of onions, I have used the regular onions to make the gravy. Do try out this tangy and delicious Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tasty South Indian Kuzhambu/Gravy varieties here.

Here’s how to make Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Potato Biryani/Urulai Kizhangu Biryani/Potato Dhum Biryani – How to make Potato Biryani

Potato Biryani/Urulai Kizhangu Biryani is a very flavourful and tempting biryani that is usually made with basmati rice, but I have replaced it with seeraga samba rice. Seeraga Samba Rice is naturally very flavourful rice that gives added taste and aroma to the potato biryani. Do try out this delectable Potato Biryani and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Veg Rice Varieties/Biryanis/ Pulavs/One pot Meals here.

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

Soya Chunks Kola Urundai/Soya Keema Kola Urundai/Meal Maker Kola Urundai/Vegetarian Kola Urundai

Soya chunks kola urundai is an easy evening snack/starter which is loaded with protein. It is a very good alternative for vegetarians and extremely tasty. Do try out this super tempting Soya Chunks Kola urundai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Starters/evening snacks here and vazhaipoo kolaurundai and vazhakkai kola urundai here.

Here’s how to make Soya Chunks Kola Urundai with step by step photos…

Mutton Fry/Goat Meat Fry

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very easy and totally irresistible Mutton Fry which my mom makes on Sundays. Though, I make this mutton fry very often, I was really surprised to see that I have not shared one of the best mutton fry with you all. So for today’s special it is going to be my mom’s –Mutton Fry. Do try out this super tempting Mutton fry and post your comment here. Meanwhile do check out interesting mutton recipes here and other Non-vegetarian recipes here.

Here’s how to make Mutton Fry with step by step photos…

Green Mutton Chops/How to make Green Mutton Chops/Spicy Green Mutton Chops

We can make Mutton Chops in different ways, it can be made either dry or semi gravy. This version of mutton chops is semi gravy one, loaded with cilantro/coriander leaves and mint leaves. The perfect blend of ground greens infused in mutton chops, cooked with black pepper and ghee makes this, an irresistible gravy. Do try out this scrumptious and tempting Green mutton chops and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and mouthwatering Non-Vegetarian recipes here.

Here’s how to make Green Mutton Chops with step by step photos…

Squid Fry/Kanava Meen Varuval/Kerala Squid Fry/Kanava Fry/Calamari Fry/Koonthal Varuval

Squid is cooked and eaten in many cuisines all over the world. The common culinary name for squid is Calamari and is often used for squid dishes. The direct source of the English name calamari is disputed, with Spanish calamari, Italian calamaro and Modern Greek Kalamari being cited. Ultimately, all of these terms derive from the Late Latin calamarium, “pen case” or “ink pot”, itself from the Latin calamarius. “pertaining to a writing-reed”, after the resemblance in shape and the inky fluid that the squid secrete[Souce:Wikipedia]. Now that we saw how interesting the squid is known throughout the world, the squid fry is equally interesting like the name itself. Do try out this interesting, authentic and tempting Squid Fry and post your comments here.

Here’s how to make Squid Fry with step by step photos…

Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai/Banana Flower Fritters

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very interesting, addictive and tempting Vazhai poo Kola urundai. Vahai poo/Banan flower kola urundai is an all time favorite of mine, can be had as evening snack/appetizer or as side dish for lunch or dinner. The most tedious part of making this kola urundai is cleaning the vazhai poo/banana flower. But by the time any one starts eating these kola urundai they will forget about the tedious job. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Vadai/appetizers in the link. Do try out this Vazhai poo kola urundai and post you comments here.

Here’s how to make Vazhai poo Kola Urundai with step by step photos…

Peanut Rice/Verkadalai Sadham/Easy Lunch Box Recipe –Peanut Rice/ வேர்கடலை சாதம்

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very flavorful, easy and quick Peanut Rice/ வேர்கடலை சாதம். This is one excellent lunch box recipe that can be made in jiffy and packed for lunch. So without much delay, I am moving on to the recipe, do try out this Peanut Rice and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Rice Varieties, NonVegetarian Rice varieties here.

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

Carrot Rice/Simple Carrot Rice – Easy Lunch Box Recipe/Carrot Sadham

One tedious job is to pack lunch for kids, of which the best challenge is to make them an attractive meal both healthy and colorful. Another big challenge which all the moms face is to make them finish their lunch. Here’s one such recipe which is both colorful, nutritious and the best part is that you can make it in less than 15 minutes. This carrot rice is very simple and can be made with either freshly cooked rice or with left over rice as well. Do try out this healthy Carrot Rice recipe and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Rice Varieties, NonVegetarian Rice varieties here.

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

Kollu Rasam/Horse Gram Rasam/கொள்ளு ரசம்

Hello Friends,

Today I am going to share a very healthy, flavourful and delicious rasam – Kollu/Horsegram Rasam/கொள்ளு ரசம். Intake of Kollu/horsegram on regular basis helps in getting rid of fat in our body, maintain blood sugar level and reduces cholestrol. Kollu/Horsegram is one type of bean that is rich in protein, high in fiber, low in calories and easy to digest. Earlier I have posted some kollu recipes like Kollu idli podi, Kollu Salad andkollu sundal. Do check out other interesting and flavourful Rasam/ரசம் Varieties here. Meanwhile try out this Kollu Rasam and post your comments here.

Here’s how to make Kollu/Horsegram Rasam with step by step photos…

South Indian Lunch Menu – 9/Lunch Menu Ideas

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very simple, elegant, tasty and tempting lunch menu idea. I have posted many South Indian Lunch Menu Ideas earlier, do check that out also and have a great day.

Here’s the South Indian Lunch Menu/Thali…

Green Mutton Biryani/Green Chilli-Mint-Coriander Mutton Biryani

Hello friends,

Today I am going to share a very interesting and tempting Green Mutton Biryani/Green Chilli-Mint-Coriander Mutton Biryani. This is very flavourful Green Biryani made with mint, coriander leaves, green chillies, black pepper paste and coconut milk. Do try out this Green Mutton Biryani and post your comments. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Non-Veg Biryanis and Veg Biryanis here, also check out Non-Veg Gravies here.

Here's how to make Green Mutton Birynai with step by step photos...

Thayir Oats/Curd Oats – Oats with Yogurt

Thayir oats is nothing but curd rice version in oats. It is one of my favourite comforting food and great to have during summer. In South India, thayir sadam is generally served at the end of the meal. It is also offered as neivedhyam in temples and distributed as prasadam to everyone. When making curd rice, we usually do not add onions, but here I have added onions for extra taste. You can very well skip the onions and make the Thayir Oats as well. Do try out this healthy Thayir oats and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Oats Recipes and other Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Thayir Oats with step by step photos…

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

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….

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

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...