Red Bell Pepper Chutney[Side dish for Idlis, dosas, chapathis and more]

We make different types of chutneys as side dish for idlis and dosas, here is another simple and delectable chutney in that same list. Red bell pepper chutney is very easy and quick to make, just try it out friends you will surely love it.  Check out other delectable chutneys here.

Here’s how to make Red Bell Pepper Chutney with step by step photos…

Ammini Kozhukattai/Mani Kozhukattai/Ganesha Chathurthi Recipes

The first thing that comes to mind when it is Ganesha/Vinayagar Chathurthi is Modhakam which we prepare as special offering for Lord Ganesha. We also prepare different types of kozhukattai’s like paal kozhukattai, kaara kozhukattai, pidi kozhukattai etc. When we make modhakams or kozhukattai we always tend to have some dough left, this mani kozhukattai is usually prepared with that dough only. But nowadays we all prepare this mani kozhukattai separately as offering to Lord Ganesha. Not only for Ganesha Chathurthi, I make this mani kozhukattai as evening snacks for my kids and they love it because they are cute and tasty.

Here’s how to make Ammini Kozhukattai/Mini Kozhukattai with step by step photos…

Rice Flour Puttu With Idli Cooker/Arisi Maavu Puttu/Rice Flour Puttu Recipe/How to make Rice Flour Puttu with step by step photos

Rice flour puttu is a very traditional puttu made in Southern India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rice flour for puttu is usually prepared in the house. But now I used the branded rice flour from the shop. Puttu is a very healthy and filling breakfast or as evening snack for kids. I have earlier posted Ragi puttu and Rava/Sooji puttu, check it out for step wise instructions with photos. Similar to Ragi puttu  and Rava/Sooji puttu I have made earlier I have used the Idli cooker to make this Rice puttu, but you can use the puttu maker as well. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

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

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry Recipe/Sweet & Sour Chicken Fry Recipe/How to make Sweet & Sour Chicken Fry with step by step photos

I am happy to be part of IFC – International Food Challenge initiated by Mrs. Saraswathi Tharagaram of Saras yummy bites and Mrs. Shobana Sekar of Kitchensecrets and snippets. The objective of this challenge is to explore the world cuisine, try and taste international recipes and learn about different heritage and food in other parts of the world. Thank you very much Sara and Shobana for this wonderful challenge.

The very first challenge in IFC for this month is the Cantonese Cuisine which is one of the main cuisines of China.

For this challenge I chose to do the Chinese Scallion Pancake and the Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry. It was really exotic  and I am sharing Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry in this post and check out the Chinese Scallion Pancake here. 

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 Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry with step by step photos…

Event Announcement with A Give Away – Walk Through Memory Lane For Sep 2013

Hello Friends,

I am happy and excited  to announce the very first event I am hosting at my space. It is none other than  Gayathri’s“Walk Through Memory Lane” event [WTML event] at Priya’s Virundhu all through this month. WTML is a wonderful concept organized by Gayathri of Gayathri’scookspot. We all know Gayathri is a lovely lady and a versatile blogger. Do check out her amazing blog with innovative recipes at Gayathriscookspot.

WTML event is to cherish the lovely memories associated with recipes learnt from our loving parents, grandparents, neighbours, relatives and friends. I am sure there are many recipes shared by your loved ones to you, which we are clue less about. Jog your memory and recreate those wonderful recipes and share it with us.

Chinese Scallion Pancakes Recipe/How to make Chinese Scallion Pancakes

I am happy to be part of IFC – International Food Challenge initiated by Mrs. Saraswathi Tharagaram of Saras yummy bites and Mrs. Shobana Sekar of Kitchensecrets and snippets. The objective of this challenge is to explore the world cuisine, try and taste international recipes and learn about different heritage and food in other parts of the world. Thank you very much Sara and Shobana for this wonderful challenge.

The very first challenge in IFC for this month is the Cantonese Cuisine which is one of the main cuisines of China.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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 here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

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

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…

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....

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.

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

Wishing all friends and readers “A Very Happy 67^th 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…