Tomato Sevai/Thakkali Sevai/Thakkali Sevai Recipe/Easy Breakfast Recipe – How to make Thakkali Sevai/ தக்காளி சேவை செய்வது எப்படி

Today, I am going to share a very tasty, tangy and delightful Thakkali Sevai/Tomato Sevai. Sevai is made with rice flour and a very healthy breakfast which gives lot of energy but is very light. Tomato Sevai can be served for light evening snacks or even for dinner. Meanwhile do check out other sevai recipes like Lemon Sevai and Black Pepper Rice Sevai/Pepper Rice Sevai I have shared earlier. Also check out other healthy and tempting Breakfast Recipes here.

Here’s how to make Tomato Sevai with step by step photos…

Bombay Halwa Recipe/Karachi Halwa Recipe/Corn Flour Halwa Recipe/How to make Karachi Halwa with step by step photos

Today,  I am going to share a very easy and tempting halwa – Bombay Halwa/Corn Flour Halwa/Karachi Halwa. This halwa has a beautiful and glossy texture, nice crunchy nuts hidden inside the halwa, along with ghee gives it an extraordinary taste. You can use any food colour of your choice; here I have used yellow food color for the halwa. Do try out this super tempting and lovely halwa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Halwa recipes here and other tempting Indian traditional Sweets here.

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

Aval Upma/Poha Upma with Peas/Aval Upma Recipes/Aval Upma Recipe with step by step photos

Most of the days, I just don’t plan much about what is to be cooked for breakfast or to pack for lunch. It is always in the last minute I decide to make something and get things done with. Today was one among them, I was really tired, so woke up late, had to pack lunch and send the kids to school. I ended up making Aval/Poha upma in a jiffy and everything was done on time. To my surprise I could get some clicks, I could read my husband’s thoughts “what on earth is she doing…”. But it’s ok, jobs done, wait not just done but well done. This is mom's loving upma. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

 Ok guys, stories apart here’s  Aval/Poha upma with step by step photos…

Karuvepilai Podi/Curry Leaves Powder/How to make Karuvepillai Podi/Karuvepillai Podi

Karuvepillai podi/curry leaves powder is a boon to lot of bachelors living abroad and in hostels. I would say not just bachelors, when we are in no mood to cook and if we have karuvepillai podi handy, we can just pressure cook some white rice and enjoy the meals with chips or pappad. Karuvepillai podi, is available in most of the shops, but nothing can beat the fresh, homemade aromatic powder. Though I have shared the benefits of curry leaves several times earlier, I cannot stop myself from writing about it again. It is a nature’s gift to us right in our back yard, loaded with iron, calcium and vitamin A. Regular intake of curry leaves helps in preventing hair fall and greying of hair, not only that it also helps in the growth of healthy and beautiful hair. I think for now I will stop with this and let you know about another interesting recipe, I have shared earlier -  this instant  "Bachelor's Karuvepillai Kuzhambu” with this karuvepillai podi/curry leaves powder, which actually is a short cut and can be made in no time. I have also shared the regular karuvepillai kuzhambu where the curry leaves are ground freshly; do check it out in the corresponding links. I think it’s time now, I move on to the recipe. Do try out this karuvepillai podi friends and have a great day.  Do check out other South Indian Kuzhambu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Curry leaves Powder/Karuvepillai Podi with step by step photos…

Stuffed Potato Idli/Idli Stuffed With Potato/Stuffed Idli/Idli Sandwich/Stuffed Potato Idli Recipe

Idli is one of the staple foods in South Indian Breakfast. Though everybody loves to eat this healthy steam cooked idlis, a little variation in the recipe makes a whole lot difference. This is one such recipe which everyone will fall in love with immediately. This stuffed idli is one wonderful lunch box recipe which the kids will finish off completely. Meanwhile do check out Kambu Idli, Idli – South Indian Delight, Idli Fry, Kanchipuram idli, Oats idli in the links. Also check out other interesting breakfast and chutney/thogaiyal varieties here. Try out this super duper Stuffed Potato Idli and post your comments here.

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

Veppam Poo Rasam/Neem Flower Rasam Recipe/Veppam Poo Rasam Recipe/How to Make Veppam Poo Rasam/வேப்பம்பூ ரசம் செய்வது எப்படி – Tamil New Year Special Recipe

“Veppam Poo Rasam” is a special and traditional rasam made on Tamil New Year’s day in Tamil Nadu. The Veppam poo is abundantly available during the spring season, so we can make rasam with fresh veppam poo during that season, but in other times we can make it with dried veppam poo. Each and every part of Neem tree has innumerable medicinal properties. Veppam poo/Neem flower is loaded with antifungal and antibacterial properties. They help in preventing and curing stomach infections, in purifying the blood and helps in removing the toxins from our body. Do try out this healthy Veppam Poo Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and flavourful Rasam varieties here. Also check out Tamil NewYear’s Day special recipes here.

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

Karuvepillai Thokku Recipe/Curry Leaves Thokku Recipe/How to make Karuvepilai Thokku with step by step photos

Today, I am going to share a very healthy thokku, that’s comes in handy when you are actually tired of cooking. We have curry leaves tree/karuvepillai maram in my mom’s house, we trimmed down one branch of it, so I brought home a big bag of karuvepillai/curry leaves. I mdae this delicious and finger licking thokku which I am sharing with you all. Check out other karuvepillai recipes I have posted earlier in the links -  karuvepillai Poondu kuzhambu, karuvepillai podi, karuvepillai kuzhambu for bachelors [easy version],  Do try out this Karuvepillai thokku will taste exactly like the A2B one and have a great day.

Here’s how to make Karuvepillai Thokku with step by step photos…

Arachu Vitta Sambar

Arachu vitta sambar is a typical South Indian sambar found in Iyer & Iyengar restaurants and homes. They have a wonderful aroma and taste because, the spices are ground and added to the dhal freshly each and every time.  I have tried different recipes, but finally settled with, one of my friend’s recipe, and since then I have been making the same. Check out other South Indian Sambar and Dal varieties here.

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

Murungaikai Sambar/Drumsticks Sambar Recipe-How to make Murungaikkai Sambar

Almost all parts of Murungai/Drumsticks tree have  extraordinary nutritional and medicinal values. It is grown in most of the houses in Southern India, and we do have one in our backyard in Chennai. Drumsticks is used in curries, soups, gravies etc. Drumstick leaves are rich in calcium, iron and numerous amounts of vitamins and minerals. The drumstick leaves and pods, prevents vitamin A deficiency and improves eye health. Since it is rich in iron, it prevents iron deficiency and boosts immunity. Let us all eat healthy food and lead a healthy life with all that is available in our own back yards. Check out other South Indian Sambar and Dal varieties here.

Here I am sharing with you all a simple and healthy murungaikai sambar, with step by step photos…

Raw Mango Rice /How to make Mango rice/Maangai Saadham

Yes friends, as I promised earlier here is another mango recipe in the mango recipe series. Now that we are getting bags and bags of mangoes from our back yard, we are distributing a lot of them to friends, relatives and neighbours. We plucked some raw tangy mangoes from the tree and made mango rice. This rice is one special kind of variety rice, as it is prepared in Seemandham/Vallikappu [Baby Shower] Ceremony in Tamil Nadu. I have already posted Thengai Sadham/Coconut Rice, Lemon Rice/Elumichai Sadam, Thakkali Sadam/Tomato Rice, Curd Rice/Bagalabath, Bisibelabath/Sambar Rice etc. Do not forget to check out Vallikappu/SeemandhamRice Varieties here.

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

Ragi Semiya Upma/Ragi Vermicilli Upma/Ragi Semiya Upma Recipe/How to make Ragi Semiya with step by step photos

Hello Friends,

I am back after my vacation, we had great time back in Chennai. I hope you all had great Christmas and wonderful New Year celebrations. I was really missing you all a lot, thank you all friends, readers, subscribers and visitors for your continuous support and encouragement. I am blogging after about a month, so I thought of sharing with you all something very healthy, quick and yummy – Ragi Semiya Upma. Before going into the recipe I want to share a few things about Ragi.

Ragi/finger millet is a rich source of Calcium, Iron, Protein, Fiber and other minerals. The rich source of fiber in Ragi helps to lower cholesterol level and is very easy to digest. Ragi cools down our body temperature in hot days and helps in weight control as well. The rich natural source of calcium in Ragi helps in strengthening the bone in growing children, older people and keeps everyone healthy. Check out my other Ragi dishes like Ragi Koozh, Ragi Kanji, RagiVadai, Ragi ladoo, Ragi Dosai, Ragi Puttu, Ragi Adai in the respective links.

Here’s how to make Ragi Semiya Upma with step by step photos…

Red Aval Kozhukattai Recipe/Poha Kozhukattai/Sigappu Aval Kaara Kozhukattai/Red Aval Spicy Kozhukkatai /Flattened Rice Kozhukattai

We are always looking for some healthy, easy and quick evening snack for our kids and family members. Here’s one such delightful, healthy and tempting evening snack I would like to share with you all. It is none other than Red Aval Kara Kozhukattai. This kozhukattai is totally an irresistible and healthy recipe which you should never miss to try. Before going into the recipe, let me share a few things about Poha/Aval.

Poha/Aval is flattened/beaten rice. Rice is first parboiled, then flattened by pounding to remove the husk and dried. The drying process takes about 2 days. During this process partial fermentation takes place thereby bringing forth probiotic bacteria [which help in absorbing nutrients in the gut] and all the B-Vitamins.

Parboiled, flattened dried Red Rice is red poha/red aval. Red Rice is a concentrated source of nutrients such as vitamin E, folic acid, thiamine magnesium and zinc. They are also rich in fibre and manganese and aids in easy digestion. Red Aval  has all the nutrients present in the red rice and also is packed with iron which is essential for growing children, pregnant and lactating women. It is very low in gluten content. Using red poha/aval is beneficial in diabetics due to the slower release of carbohydrates due to all the nutrients present in it.

Ok friends, having shared a few things poha/aval [info:google,Wikipedia and other sources] I would like to move on to the recipe. Do try out this wonderful Red Aval Kara Kozhukattai which can be served as lovely evening snacks or as healthy breakfast and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Aval Recipes and Kozhukattai Varieties here.

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

Peanut Sundal Recipe/Groundnut Sundal Recipe/Verkadalai Sundal Recipe/Nilakadalai Sundal Recipe/Peanut Masala Sundal Recipe-Navaratri Special Sundal

 Today, I am going to share a very healthy, tasty and delectable Peanut Sundal/Verkadalai Sundal. I make different variations with Ground nut sundal, this is made with fresh ground masala bursting with flavours. Do try out this Peanut Sundal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other SundalVarieties here and All about Navaratri along with Sundals, Rice Varieties andNeivedhyam Recipes here.

Here’s how to make Peanut/Verkadalai Sundal with step by step photos…

All About Pongal- Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu/Menu for Pongal

Wishing you all a Very Happy Pongal/Thai Pongal...
Iniya Uzhavar Thirunaal Vaazhthukkal

Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu celebrated for four days from January 13 -16. The first day is called the Bhogi Pongal, second day is the Pongal/Thai Pongal, third day is the Mattu Pongal and the fourth day is the Kaanum Pongal/Kanni Pongal. Pongal is celebrated with great zest through out Tamil Nadu, a traditional occasion on which special thanks is offered to nature, Sun god, Rain god[Indra], cattle etc.

Baba Ganoush Recipe– Middle Eastern Delight/How to make Baba Ganoush with step by step photos

Baba Ganoush is a dish made out of Eggplant/Aubergine/Kathrikkai, along with tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. The Eggplant/Aubergine is baked or broiled over an open flame and the skin is peeled out. This is done to make the Eggplant pulp soft and to get a smoky taste. It is a very common and popular dip eaten along with kuboos/pita bread in the Middle East. I have had this Baba Ganoush several times in Lebanese restaurants when I used to live in USA. Another very similar and authentic dip/chutney made in Tamil Nadu [South India] is the Sutta Kathrikkai Chutney which also has the smoky taste along with Indian spices and seasoning. Do check out the Tahini Paste which is the base for the Baba Ganoush and also try out the Sutta Kathrikkai Chutney – South Indian version of Baba Ganoush.

Here’s how to make Baba Ganoush 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…

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…

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

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

Jeera Rice Recip/How to make Jeera Rice/Cumin Rice/Jeeraga Sadham/How to make Jeeragam Rice with step by step photos

Jeera Rice Recipe is a very popular, common and famous rice recipe from North India. We find in all most all the Restaurant menus. Jeera rice is a very flavorful rice and can be paired with any spicy vegetarian or non vegetarian gravies like Punjabi dumaloo, palak paneer, Lemon dal, butter chicken, palak chicken, paneer butter masalaetc. Do try out this wonderful and flavourful cumin rice/Jeera rice and post your comments here. Mean while do not forget to check out other interesting and tempting Vegetarian Rice Varieties and Non- Vegetarian Rice Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Jeera Rice with Step by Step photos…

Grilled Eggplant Salad – North African Delight

Hello Friends,

Today I will be sharing with you all a very vibrant, colourful and exotic Grilled Eggplant salad. I came across this recipe in Master chef South Africa and fell immediately in love with it. Anything healthy, quick and easy to make, then I try it right away and believe it or not this salad is surely mind blowing.

Here’s how to make Grilled Eggplant Salad with step by step photos…