Vendakkai/Okra/Ladies finger Curry

I am great fan of Vendakkai, we used to grow them in our own back yard in Chennai in our school holidays. It used to be so much fun and golden memories. My Aathaa(grandma) usually says eat lots of vendakkai it improves your memory power, that is what the ancient Ayurveda also says. Vendakkai has other benefits like boosting your immunity, getting rid of body toxins, controlling blood sugar etc.

Now let’s see how to make a simple Okra curry/vedakkai curry with photos…

Paanagam

Paanagam is a special beverage made on auspicious days like Sri Rama Navami and for Amman as nivedhyam. Back in my native place (Nagapattinam – Thanjavur district), paanagam, neermore and rice kanji is made during the “Theru Thiruvizha” (Chariot Festival) which falls during the month of May and also during August (Aadi). This thiruvizha is really fun, there will be lots of folk and traditional dances like the oyil attam, mayil attam, garagattam etc. We need more than two eyes to see everything and enjoy at the same time. Paanagam, Neermore and Rice kanji are all  made in big barrels and distributed by volunteers to all devotees and to people pulling the “Theru”. The “Theru” starts from the main temple early morning and goes around the town (4 mada vidhi’s) and comes back to “Theradi” by late noon. All along the way, paanagam and neermore is given to public to boost energy to pull the Theru [chariot].

I still remember those days as a kid running along with the “Theru” and drinking paanagam and neermor with my brothers and sister. The paangam is a superb instant energy booster that can be had in any other day and also it helps to cool your body during the hot summer days.

Now coming back to paanagam, let’s see how it’s made …

Vazhai Poo Kootu/Plantain flower Kootu

Each and every part of Vazhai maram(banana tree) is useful and consumed in one way or another. There are several dishes made out of vazhai poo, like the vazhai poo vadai, vazhai poo kuzhambu, vazhai poo poriyal etc especially made in Southern Part of India. Here is a very simple vazhai poo kootu which is a very healthy and comforting dish. Check out other delicious sambar & kootu varieties Sambar and Dal varieties here.

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

Urad dhal Vadai Recipe/Medhu Vadai Recipe /Ulundhu Vadai Recipe/Ullundhu Vadai Recipe for Festivals & Neivedhyam/Ullundhu Vadai Recipe with step by step photos

Urad dhal vadai is a very common snack in Southern India. It is made on all special occasions and festivals. It is a perfect evening snack with hot piping tea or coffee. One vadai is always never enough for anyone. Once you start eating it you always want more. Do check out other Vadai Varieties here and Starters/EveningSnacks/Appetizers here.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Rava Kesari / Sooji Kesari/Rava Kesari Recipe- How to make Rava Kesari

Rava kesari is a very traditional dish made for all festive occasions in Southern Part of India especially Tamil Nadu. It is very quick dessert that can be made in no time. Kids love this rava kesari for its flavor and color. Rava kesari is also made in marriages with variations by adding fruits like pineapple, apple etc. It is very easy so just go ahead and try it and you will surely love it. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other interesting Diwali Sweets & Snacks here.

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

Ragi Kanji/Ragi Malt/Kelvaragu Kanji Recipe

Ragi kanji is a very healthy way to start your day. This is a perfect porridge even for small babies. I used to give this to my girl when she was 6 months, she was lactose intolerant. So I used to substitute milk with yogurt (thayir) and no sugar, just salt. When you start for your babies, give small quantities and gradually increase the amount. Later on when they turn older like 12 months or above you can start with the sathu maavu kanji available in shops or make it at home as well.

I grew up on ragi kanji when I was a kid, now my kids are having it. Even now me and my husband have it at least two or three times a week for breakfast.

Here’s how to make Ragi Malt…

Mango Pachadi Recipe/Maangai Pachadi - Tamil New Year's Day Special/Maangai Vellam Pachadi with step by step photos & Video/மாங்காய் பச்சடி

Mango pachadi is a must on Tamil New Years day, it is so special because it has all the six taste “arusuvai” [Innipu, uppu, pullippu, kasappu, urrapu and thuvarpppu]. Do try out this Mango Pachadi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out the Tamil New Years Day Special Recipes & Menu here.  Also check out the video for the recipe in Tamil & English

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Iniya Chithirai Thirunaal Vaazthukkal

Wish you all a “VERY HAPPY TAMIL NEW YEAR’S DAY” and "HAPPY VISHU TO EVERYBODY".

I thought of sharing a few facts about Tamil New Year with you all…

The “Tamil Puthaandu” or “Chithirai Thirunaal” symbolizes the new and prosperous beginning. The first day of the Tamil Calendar month “Chithirai” falls on the 14^th of April which is celebrated as the New Year. Chithirai marks the beginning of Spring, when the neem trees start blooming and the first batch of mangoes grow. 

On this special day, the tradition goes by making food with six different taste innipu(sweet), pulipu(sour), kasapu(bitter), oovarpu(salty),thuvarpu(astringent), kaarpu(hot). This reminds that life is a mixture of different experiences like sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprises and has to be treated equally.

The Tamil Calendar follows the 60 year cycle, and this year is the “Vijaya Varudam”.

 “Iniya Chithirai Thirunaal Vaazhthukkal.”

Thank you all for reading this post and wish you all very great success in all aspects of life.

 See you all with Tamil New Year's day special menu...

Here's the menu, but you can choose any one paruppu payasam and do either paruppu or veppam poo rasam[which ever is available in the place you reside]

Mango Pachadi
Moong Dhal Payasam/Pasi Parrupu Payasam

Rava Kesari
Drumsticks & Brinjal Sambar
Potato Fry
Kathirikkai Murungaikkai Poriyal
Urad Dhal Vadai/Medhu Vadai
Paruppu Rasam
Veppam Poo Rasam/Neem Flower Rasam
Kadalai Paruppu Payasam/Channa Dal Payasam
Arisi Paruppu Payasam
Rice
Appalam
Fruits

Ragi Vadai Recipe/Kezhvaragu Vadai Recipe/Finger Millet Vadai/கேழ்வரகு வடை/ராகி வடை-Video Recipe in Both English & Tamil

Anyone ready for healthy and delightful vadai, here it is – Ragi Vadai. Once you start eating it you cannot stop eating this. Do check out other Vadai Varieties here and Starters/EveningSnacks/Appetizers here. Check out the video for recipe in Tamil

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Mutton/Goat Meat Pepper Gravy Recipe/Mutton Pepper Kuzhambu Recipe/How to make Mutton Pepper Kuzhambu with step by step photos

This mutton gravy does not need much of an introduction. This is my mom’s version of mutton pepper gravy, which is mouth watering and finger licking. Try it  and you will not regret. 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 it with step by step photos…

Kelvaragu/Ragi Ladoo

Now that my kids have no school and are at home, they wanted some thing sweet. So I was thinking something healthy as well delicious. That is when I wanted to make ragi ladoo.  I came across my friend Preethi’s blog. I found her ragi ladoo very interesting, she had used almond milk powder. I skipped that part and  added cardamom powder. The ladoos came out fabulous, my kids loved it. Thanks a lot Preethi. So I thought I will share it with you all. 

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Potato Bajii/Fritters

Potato Bajii/Fritters is a very famous and delicious evening snack that nobody can resist. Serve hot bajii on cold evening days, it is totally striking. One bajii is never enough, you will keep going for more and more of it.

Here’s how to make it with  photos…

Oats & Mango Smoothie

Oats & Mango Smoothie, here’s another healthy breakfast smoothie. Delightful, quick and filling drink to keep your day going. So why not start your day with a healthy smoothie...

Here's how to make it...

Karunai Kizhangu Fry/ Yam Fry

Karunai Kizhangu Fry/ Yam Fry is totally an irresistible side dish. It looks like fish fry comes in very handy on veg only days.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Mango Phirni/Kheer

Mango phirni, the name was new to me, after I searched found out it is a dessert more like pudding or kheer. I have not made this before but phirini was very interesting and very easy, so I gave it a shot. After I made this and served it to my girl, she said “Wow mummy!!! It is mangolicious …”. I asked her what??? She said like delicious, it is mangolicious. I was very happy. We get lots of delicious mangos and kids are also at home around this time of the year, so I thought I will share this phirni with you all.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Black Chickpea Masala/Karuppu Kondakadalai Masala/Kala Channa Masala

Black Chickpea Masala/Karuppu Kondakadalai Masala/Kala Channa Masala is a yummy and healthy side dish for rotis. It is fully packed with protein and fiber.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Ven Pongal Recipe/Ven Pongal Recipe/Kara Pongal Recipe/How to make Ven Pongal with step by step photos

Ven Pongal is a simple and popular South Indian dish served as breakfast in all most all the homes especially in Tamil Nadu. Ven Pongal and Sakkarai pongal are two special pongals made on Pongal festival (Harvest festival) as neivedhyam to Sun god. It is very simple and easiest break fast to make. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

Here’s how to make ven pongal with step by step photos…

Black Chickpea Sundal Recipe/Kondakadalai sundal Recipe/Kala channa Sundal Recipe - Navaratri Special Sundal

Karuppu Kondakadalai sundal is a very special sundal made for all special occasions like vinyagar chaturthi, during navarathri and many more. Not only special occasions it makes a very healthy and filling evening snack. It has lot of anitoxidants and filled with protein and fiber. So, I make sure that I make at least one type of sundal twice a week. You check my other sundal varieties here

Here’s how to make it…

Aval Payasam/Rice Flakes Payasam/Poha Payasam - Krishna Jayanthi Special/Gokulashtami Special Payasam

Aval Payasam/Rice Flakes Payasam/Poha Payasam is a very simple payasam made with aval and milk. It is lord Krishna’s favorite and I make it during Krishna Jayanthi and many other occasions. It is especially served in Guruvayur as prashad to everybody. It is our families all time favorite payasam.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos...

Chicken Vindaloo Recipe/Chicken Vindaloo/Kozhi Vindaloo/Chicken Vindaloo Recipe with step by step photos

Chicken Vindaloo is a very popular dish in Goa. I used to make this dish but never knew why it has the name vindaloo. But I searched it now to find that it has derived its name from the Portugese dish “Carne de Vinha d Alhos” which uses meat, vine and garlic. This dish has been modified with the substitution of vinegar and spices. 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 vindaloo with step by step photos…

Instant Rava Dosai/Semolina Dosa/Instant Rava Dosai Recipe

Instant Rava Dosai/Semolina Dosa is easy and simple dosa, can be made in minutes. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Event Announcement

My friend Viji is celebrating her blog's first anniversary with a give away. For more details click Virunthu Unna Vaanga

Do participate and happy blogging...

Sura Puttu Recipe/Shark Puttu Recipe - Tamil Nadu Special Sura Puttu

Sura Puttu/Shark Puttu is a very simple and famous dish in South India. This is one of my mom’s best recipes and I always follow the same without any modifications. It is my all time favorite. Puttu  is one easy way to get the kids to eat fish. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Mutton Recipes, Fish Recipes and Chicken Recipes here.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Semiya Payasam/Vermicelli Payasam/Vermicelli Kheer

Semiya Payasam/Vermicelli Payasam/Vermicelli Kheer is a very common and famous dessert in South India. No Tamil feast is complete without a payasam, it is so simple and can be made within minutes. It is one traditional sweet that is made on all auspicious and festive occasions.

Here's how to make it with step by step photos...

Rava Upma /Semolina Upma/Sooji Upma/Rava Upma Recipe with step by step photos

Rava Upma/Semolina Upma is very simple and easy breakfast to make. Here I made a very simple basic upma with onions and green chillies. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

Here’s how to make it with step by step photos…

Quick & Simple Egg Bhurji /Spicy Scrambled Eggs

Egg Bhurji/Spicy Scrambled Eggs is very simple and easy dish which can be made within minutes. It can be made with variations like adding green bell pepper, red bell pepper etc, but here I have made it very basic just with onions and green chillies.

Here's how to make it with step by step photos...

Pesarattu Recipe/Green Gram Dosa Recipe/Pesarattu Recipe/How to make Pesarattu with step by step photos and Video

Pesarattu is a very unique and a delicious dosa/crepe from Andhra Pradesh. It is made with whole green gram, the kids fall in love with this pesarattu  for its green color. It is very healthy and protein packed breakfast. This dosa does not need fermentation, can be made immediately after grinding.

Health benefits: It is highly rich in  fiber and protein. One cup of cooked green gram contains about 15 g of fiber and 14 g of protein. It has both insoluble and water soluble fiber. The water soluble fiber helps in reducing the cholesterol level. It digests slowly and gradually releases glucose, there by stabilizing the blood sugar level. Now lets see how to make pesarattu. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here. 

Here's how to make it with step by step photos and video...

Mutton Biryani in Oven Recipe [Layered Mutton Biryani]/Mutton Biryani Recipe/How to make Mutton Biryani In Oven with step by step photos

I am happily posting my 100^th post, layered mutton biryani in oven. Try out this biryani you will never forget the taste of it. I usually prefer to make biryani in oven when it is for large crowd, it is simple and easy as well. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s the yummy mutton biryani with step by step photos…

Beautiful Prize

I am happy to announce that I participated in a beautiful event "Passion on Plate" conducted by en iniyaillam and won a cute "Velvet Purse". Lots of  my fellow bloggers also participated and won lots of others prizes. Congrats to all the winners and congrats to all of them who participated in the event. 

There were totally 260 recipes, of which 70 recipes were contributed by me and I am honored for the same. To know more about the event and the result visit en iniyaillam

Thank you all for the encouragement and support. I thank "en iniyaillam" for conducting  such a wonderful event and for the cute prize.

Sweet Potato Fry/Sakkravalli Kizhangu Fry

Hello everybody, I am back from my vacation. We had  great time in Paris. The six days, we stayed there was fabulous. I am planning to share everything about my trip in another post. For now I am sharing with you a very simple traditional sweet potato fry/sakkravalli kizhangu fry(spicy).

Sakkravalli kizhangu is a root vegetable rich in carbohydrates and sweet in taste. We usually make this during Pongal (Tamil Nadu’s Harvest Festival). The kids love the sweet potato because of its taste.

Here’s how to make it with photos…

Going on Vacation

Hai Friends,

I am going on my dream vacation to Paris - France, will be missing you all. But will be back soon. I am going to miss my baby(blog) as well, do keep visiting.

Thank you and see you soon.