Savoury Kugelhopf – Eggless

For this month’s IFC challenge we are exploring French cuisine chosen by Shobana. French cuisine is one of the most challenging vast cuisines of the world. In particular Alsace-Lorraine region is chosen for the challenge which inherits partly German and partly French Culture.

Alsace and Lorraine are separate regions in France’s North-Eastern corner, and share borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. Alsatian cuisine, is based on Germanic culinary traditions, is marked by the use of pork in various forms. Traditional dishes include baeckeoffe, tarte flambee, quiche lorraine, choucroute and fleischnacka. Southern Alsace, also called the Sundgau is characterized by carpe frite that also exists in Yidish tradition. Though there are many recipes to try from this region, we were asked to pick one from Tarte Flambee, Kugelhopf and Quiche Lorriane.

I chose to make Savoury Kugelhopf, which is soft yeasted cake. Kugelhopf is usually a sweet cake made with raisins, almonds etc but this Kugelhopf is a savoury bread filled with vegetables like onions, bell pepper, tomatoes and zuchhini.

Thengai Sadam/Coconut Rice - South Indian Special

Coconut rice/Thengai sadam is a very popular, common and authentic rice variety of South India. Thengai sadam is a delectable and flavorful rice prepared with freshly grated coconut, along with red and green chillies. Thengai sadam is perfect lunch box item which can be prepared in no time in the morning rush. Not only an lunch box item it is also one of the important rice varieties prepared during Valai kappu (Baby Shower) in South India. I have already posted lemonrice, bisebelabath, curd rice, tomato rice in Valaikappu menu and will be updating with other rice varieties in my future post.

Here’s how to Coconut rice/Thengai Sadam with step by step photos…

Walk Through Memory Lane – Round Up

Hello Friends,

Thank you very much to all my lovely friends and wonderful readers for making my event a grand success…

I have mentioned every one’s recipes, in case I missed anyone’s name and recipe, please let me know and excuse me for the same.

Before the going to the round up I would like to thank Gayathri for giving me this wonderful opportunity to host her event.


I received totally "138" lovely entries for the event of which "137" entries from bloggers and "1" entry from a Non blogger. Click here for the event details.

Here's  the mouth-watering and lip smacking recipes I received for the event… 

Chow Chow Kootu/Chayote Kootu

Chow Chows/Chayotes are a light green, pear shaped fruit with one large pit, edible skin and flesh. Chayotes are native to Meixco but cultivated in warm climates all over the world. The Chayotes are technically fruits, but very often used as a vegetable. In South India Chow chow/Chayote kootu is very common and a popular dish. Kootu is nothing but a dish prepared by adding vegetables and dals together with very mild spices and seasoned for flavouring. Chow chow is very commonly called a “Bangalore Kathrikkai” in TamilNadu. Chow chow/Chayotes have high fiber and water content and very less sugar. It is loaded with vitamin C, potassium and amino acids, when cooked with dals it becomes one whole dish packed with proteins as well. Check out other delicious kootu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Chow Chow/Chayote Kootu with step by step photos.

Simple & Versatile Vanilla Cake/Vanilla Cake Recipe/How to make Vanilla Cake with step by step photos

This is a simple and versatile vanilla cake, very easy to bake. Anybody can bake this soft and fluffy cake can be used for any birthday and party cakes. You can make this vanilla cake and apply butter cream frosting or cream cheese frosting or any kind of frosting. Here I have posted only the vanilla cake will be posting cream cheese frosting in my future post. You can enjoy this vanilla cake without any frosting as well.

Here’s how to make simply & versatile Vanilla Cake with step by step photos…

Kara Sev/Easy Diwali Snacks

Kara Sev is a traditional South Indian snack prepared during Diwali and also during other times as crispy and crunchy evening snacks. “Kara Sev” means “Spicy Sev”, you can very well adjust the amount of spice according to your taste buds, but the measurements I have given here will suite all age groups. Kara sev is usually made with kara sev karandi (big ladle with holes), but since I don’t have one of those I have used the regular murukku press. Kara sev is made with besan flour, rice flour and other spices perfectly blended together. The addition of freshly ground black pepper corns gives extraordinary taste to these Kara sev.

Here’s how to make Kara sev with step by step photos…

Kadalai Paruppu Sundal/Chana Dal Sundal [Navarathri Special]

We make different varieties of sundals as neivedhyam during Navarathiri. Each day one type of sundal is prepared and offered to goddess and given as prasad to friends and families. Kadalai paruppu sundal is a very easy and healthy sundal which can be prepared very quickly and offered as neivedhyam or as a healthy evening snack. Do check here for other Varieties of Sundal.

Here’s how to make Kadalai Paruppu Sundal with step by step photos….

Green Bell Pepper Chutney/Capsicum Chutney

Chutneys play a very important part in our day to day food, especially in South Indian cooking. We make variety of chutneys starting from green leaves to all kinds of vegetables. Today I am going to share “Green Bell Pepper/Green Capsicum Chuteny” with you all. I have posted other variety of chutneys before, do check it out here.

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

Avarakkai Poriyal/Broad Beans Stir Fry

I made simple avarakkai poriyal, which is a very common vegetable cooked in all most all the South Indian homes. A very simple and healthy poriyal, a perfect accompaniment for all kinds of rice or can be rolled in chapathi for lunch.

Here’s how to make Avarakkai Poriyal with step by step photos…

Karamani Kara Kuzhambu/Blackeyed Beans Gravy

Today,  Priya’s Virundhu special is authentic and traditional TamilNadu dish -Karamani Kara kuzhambu. “Kara Kuzhambu” means “spicy gravy”, you can adjust the spice level according to your taste. But the measurements I have given will surely suite for everybody. This gravy is my daughter’s favourite, she loves to add 1 tsp of gingelly oil to the hot steaming rice along with this gravy and enjoys it with rice vathal or appalam. Try it out friends you will all surely love it. One delicious, healthy and finger licking karamani kara kuzhumbu right from my kitchen to you all. Check out other delicious South Indian -TamilNadu special Kuzhambu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Karamani Kara Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Idli Milagai Podi/Idli Podi [Side dish for idlis, dosas, paniyaram etc]

I have been thinking of posting idli milagai podi for several days, but kept postponing. Idli milagai podi is my life saver, when I am not in a mood to make chutneys. This is my mom’s version of idli milagai podi, which we all love.

Here’s how to make idli milagai podi with step by step photos….

Kaara Pidi Kozhukattai – 2

Hello friends,

I have already made kaara kozhukattai/Uppu urundai earlier with red chillies and posted before, but now I made the same kaara kozhukattai with green chillies and ginger. This kaara kozhukattai is a wonderful and a healthy evening snacks for kids after school. I made this kaara kozhukattai for Vinayagar chathurthi and I am sharing it with you all.

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

Potato Wedges - A Guest Post for Sapana

My dear friend Sapana  of Cooking With Sapana is a wonderful person and a versatile blogger. I love the way she cooks. With her step by step cooking she always makes us think all the dishes are very easy to cook. I really admire that she can cook all kinds of food from easy to something that is really tedious and hard. I love lot of her recipes but I would like to mention a few Baklava, kesar peda, chole bhature, eggless carrot and almondcake, tandoori paneer tikka and many more. 

Blackberry Milkshake Recipe

Blackberries are available from the end of July through mid of October in UK. They are very delicate, shiny and purply black coloured berry. Blackberries are packed with antioxidants including vitamin C and ellagic acid, these help in protecting against cancer and other chronic diseases. Blackberries are very good source of fibre because they have a lot of tiny seeds, every 100 gm of blackberries have 5 gm of dietary fibre. Since it was hard to get my girls to eat Blackberries I made them the milkshake which I am sharing with you all. Thank you for visiting my blog, please come back again for cooling and refreshing drinks.

Meanwhile do check out other interesting, tempting, refreshing and lip smacking Smoothies/Ice-creams/Milkshakes/Juices here.

Here’s how to make Blackberry milkshake with step by step photos…

Kovakkai Poriyal/Tindora Fry/Ivy Gourd Fry

Kovakkai is a very popular and common vegetable prepared in all most all the houses in South India. It is very versatile vegetable with which you can make different varieties of dishes like stuffed tindora, tindora biryani etc. I make it a lot because it serves dual purpose as side dish for rice and can be rolled in rotis for lunch.

Here’s how to make Kovakkai poriyal with step by step photos…

Ellu Urundai Recipe/Sesame Seeds Ladoo Recipe/Sesame Seeds Ladoo with Jaggery/எள்ளு உருண்டை /Vinayagar Chathurthi Special/How to make Ellu Urundai with step by step photos& Video

 Ellu urundai/Sesame ladoo is a very healthy ladoo made with just two ingredients sesame seeds and jaggery. Sesame seeds have a nutty taste and are delicate yet crunchy. Before the making ladoos I would like to share some of the health benefits of sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, Vitamin E, zinc and dietary fibre. These dietary fibres help in lowering the cholesterol and helps in controlling blood pressure. This ellu urundai I prepared for Ganesha Chathurthi as neivedhyam for Lord Ganesha. Check out other interesting Vinayaka Chathurthi Recipes here.Please like, share and subscribe to our youtube channel Priya Virundhu-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTsVaemF70ifZPLfgtEvMjg

Here’s how to make Ellu Urundai/Sesame Ladoo with step by step photos and video...

Sago Payasam/Javvarisi Payasam/Sabudana Kheer

“Wishing all my lovely friends and wonderful readers a Very Happy Onam, Thiruvonam Aashamsakal”

Onam is the most important festival of the state of Kerala, India. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all the communities throughout Kerala. The festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. Once again I am wishing all you a very very Happy Onam.

I am sorry my friend’s I was not keeping really well for the past 3-4 days, so was not able to visit your pages. But since today is Onam I wanted to post something really sweet and celebrate this Onam with all of you.

Here's how to make Sago/Javvarisi Payasam with step by step photos...

Idli Fry - South Indian Delight/Idli Fry Recipe/How to make Idli Fry Recipe with step by step photos

Today I have come up with quick, simple and hassle free lunch box item, yes it is idli fry. I think the name says it all, I am not going to say anything more about this recipe. So without any delay. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

Here’s how to make idli fry with step by step photos…

Ullundhu Kali Recipe/Urad Dal Halwa Recipe/ How to make Ullundhu Kali with step by step photos & Video in both English & Tamil

Ullundhu Kali is an authentic and traditional dish of South India – Tamil Nadu. I am really sure all the girls from Tamil Nadu must be very very familiar with this ullundhu kali. The reason I say it is because this  ullundhu kali is given to girls when they attain puberty and throughout their teen age. Ullundhu kali is a must during this time because it strengthens the pelvic bone of the young girls and helps in strengthening the back. This dish is totally amazing it involves only three ingredients but loaded with proteins (urad dal), Iron & minerals (Jaggery) and vitamin E & Omega 6 (Gingelly oil). Even now the tradition of giving raw eggs and gingelly oil as a first thing in the morning for the first few days for the young girls during their first menstruation cycle continues in many families. They are considered to be very nutritious for the girls as they strengthen the uterus and prepare them for healthy child bearing later on in their adulthood. I still remember those days when I used to cry to eat the raw eggs so my grandma used to give boiled eggs, but I love gingelly oil.

Now coming back to Ullundhu kali, it must be made only with gingelly oil. Gingelly oil/Nalla ennai  is a cold pressed oil  derived from sesame seeds and has numerous health benefits. Cold pressed oils are produced through a combination of grinding and low heat without any addition of chemicals. Ongoing research also indicates that the rich presence of antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats could help to control blood pressure [source:Wikipedia]. Gingelly oil is called as “Nalla ennai” meaning “Good Oil” , so friends try to incorporate it in cooking as much as possible.

Honey Drizzled Semolina Cake Recipe/Basbousa/Rava Cake/Sooji Cake/How to make Sooji Cake with step by step photos

This Honey Drizzled Semolina Cake is for the Home Baker’s Challenge started by Mrs.Priya Suresh and hosted by Mrs. Shama Nagarajan. Thank you very much Mrs. Priya Suresh and Mrs. Shama Nagarajan for this wonderful and exciting challenge.

This month Mrs. Shama had chosen  5 different types of  cakes and muffins. Off all the five recipes I chose to do the Honey drizzled Semolina Cake. This cake is called as Basbousa/Hareesa in Arabic, Revani in Turkish, it is nothing but a sweet cake made with semolina  and soaked in a simple syrup. The basbousa or the honey drizzeld semolina cake is found in the cuisines of Eastern Mediterranean under different names. [Source:Wikipedia]

This cake is very easy to make, it is really soft, moist and spongy. Once you start you can never stop eating them. Try it out guys you will surely fall in love with it. Usually nuts are placed on top of the cake as part of decoration on each piece of cake, which you can do it before serving. My kids were in a hurry for the cake so could not place almonds before the clicks, even my clicks were in a rush.

Here’s how to make Honey Drizzled Semolina Cake with step by step photos…

Modakam/Kozhukattai –Ganesha Chathurthi Recipes

Slokam for Lord Ganesha/Pillaiyar

Mooshika vaahana modhaka hastha

Chamara karna vilambitha suthra

Vamana rupa maheswara puthra

Vigna vinayaga padha namasthe.

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…

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 Pakodas, Medhu 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…