Medhu Vadai without Onions/Medhu Vadai Recipe/Ulundhu Vadai Recipe for Pandigai/Festivals

Medhu Vadai/Ullundhu Vadai is a very popular and a traditional recipe made in South India in all most all the households especially on festival days for neivedhyam or as simple evening snacks or for breakfast. This vadai recipe is a no onion no garlic version, especially made for neivedhyam. I have posted Medhu Vadai with onions earlier which you can check out in the link. This medhu vadai is crispy, tasty and delectable all by itself, but it is usually served with sambar and coconut chutney. Do try out this Medhu Vadai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Starters/Appetizers/Evening Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Medhu Vadai with step by step photos…

Arisi Paruppu Payasam/Rice & Dal Jaggery Kheer –Tamil New Years Day Special

Arisi Paruppu Payasam is a traditional payasam made as neivedhyam/prasadam during festivals and special occasions. Arisi Paruppu Payasam is made by cooking rice & dals with milk and jaggery syrup is added for sweetness. Finally cashew nuts and raisins fried in ghee is added to the payasam. Today, I made this arisi paruppu payasam with boiled milk, but sometimes I make with coconut milk. When coconut milk is added the payasam will taste extravagant and rich. Do try out this Arisi Paruppu Payasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out Pasi Paruppu Payasam/Moong dal Payasam and other interesting Payasam varieties here. Also check out other Tamil NewYears day recipes here and about other Festival Recipes here.

Here’s how to make Arisi Paruppu Payasam with step by step photos…

Agathi Keerai Poriyal/Agathi Keerai Curry –How to make Agathi Keerai Poriyal/Humming Bird Tree Leaves Stir Fry

Agathi Keerai has numerous health benefits and loaded with vitamin A, E, C and other minerals like calcium, phosphorous, Iron etc.  It contains 8.4% of Protein, 1.4% of Fat and 3.1 % of Minerals. According to the Siddha School of Medicine, Agathi Keerai has 63 curative benefits. Mainly, it reduces body heat and cools the eyes, heals the wounds and is a wonderful remedy for mental depression and other illnesses. The terms “Agathi” refers to “fir inside”, it will ignite the fire inside all the organs and equalize the blood circulation throughout the body. Agathi Keerai helps in easy digestion, cures acidity related problems, regulates urination, cures stomach ulcer and reduces the stress to a great extent.[Content Source: Vikatan]. I have mentioned only few important benefits of Agathi Keerai, but still there are many more. Lets include Agathi Keerai atleast once a month in our diet and enjoy the benefits. This Agathi Keerai Poriyal is usually prepared on Dhuvadasi day[Next to Vaikunda Ekadasi] for meal after complete fasting, which helps in reducing the acidity levels. Do try out this healthy Agathi Keerai Poriyal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Keerai Recipes here and other vegetarian side dishes here. Also check out Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi, PorichaRasam/Dhuvadasi Rasam and Mor Kuzhambu prepared for Dhuvadasi in the links and Dhuvadasi Paranai/Thalagam here.

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

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…

Nellikkai Pachadi/Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi/Gooseberry Raita Recipe/Amla Raitha

“Nellikkai” is the Indian gooseberry is called the Power House of Nutrition. Neelikkai in Tamil is called as Amla in Hindi and Gooseberry in English. Nellikkai is a wonderful fruit is extremely good for the hair, immunity and a great remedy for cold, coughs and helps in fighting infections. Nellikkai pachadi is usually made on dhuvadasi which falls after the ekadasi fasting. This is a very easy thayir pachadi that can be made in a jiffy and is a perfect side dish with SundakkaiVatha Kuzhambu or any South Indian Kuzhambu variety and with Poricha Rasam. Do try out this healthy and tempting Nellikkai Pachadi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Raithas/Pachadis here.

Here’s how to make Nellikkai Pachadi 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…

Akkaravadisal/Akkara Adisil/Sweet Pongal Cooked in Milk and Jaggery/Sweet Milk Pongal/Iyengar Special Akkaravadisal –Pongal Special

Akkaravadisal is an authentic neivedhyam offered to Lord Perumal in Sri Rangam temple on Panguni Uthram and also in other Vishnu temples during festivals and special occasions. Akkaravadisal is similar to Sakkarai Pongal except it is fully cooked in Milk along with jaggery and generous amount of ghee which gives a creamy, rich and divine taste to it. Akkaravadisal is prepared on the “Koodaravalli day” which falls on the 27^th day of Margazhi [tamil month] and offered as neivedhyam to Lord Vishnu and distributed to devotees in small dhonnais[leaf cups].

A little about Koodaravalli day - Koodaravalli is celebrated to commemorate the acceptance of Andal by Perumal after her 26 days of penance. Sri Andal sang the Thiruppavai containing 30 verses – one verse for each day of Margazhi [December-January] in praise of Lord Narayana. On the 27^th day, while singing “koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…”, the Lord  fell for her divine love and blessed her with the boon of marriage. This occasion is celebrated in a very special way in Srivalliputhur Andal temple, where Akkaravadisal is made in 108 vessels along with butter and offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Andal is very beautifully decorated and kept in the Arthmandapam.  Make this super delicious rich and creamy rice milk pudding cooked with generous amount of ghee and offer it god and enjoy the prasadham with the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Sri Andal.  Meanwhile do check out other interesting Pongal recipes here and All about Pongal here.

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

Paalada Paayasam/Paalada Pradaman/Rice Palada Paayasam

Paalada Paayasam/Pradaman is a traditional and mouth watering dessert of Kerala and holds an important place in Sadya. Rice Ada is nothing but rice flakes which are then cooked with milk and sugar until it thickens and turns to light pink color. Originally rice ada/flakes are prepared by soaking the rawrice, grinding, making thin ada’s and steam cooking them. But here I have used the store bought Rice Ada and followed the instructions given in the pack. Do try out this rich and creamy Paalada Pradaman and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Paayasam/Kheer varieties here and other interesting sweet recipes here.

Here’s how to make Paalada Pradaman with step by step photos…

Red Rice Dosa/Sivappu Arisi Dosai/Healthy Sivappu Arisi Dosa –Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Red Rice/Sivappu Arisi is a special variety of rice loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins. This antioxidant gives a beautiful and rich red color to the rice. The anitoxidants in red rice helps in reducing symptoms of inflammation, helps in preventing cancer and weight loss management. This red rice is one healthy alternative to the regular idli rice. Red rice/Sivappu arisi has a nutty flavour and packed with nutrients such as Vitamin B, iron, calcium, zinc etc. This dosa has a beautiful pink color which will surely attract the kids. Do try out this red rice dosa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Breakfast recipes here and Red Rice Idli here.

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

Kal Dosa/Kal Dosai – How to make Kal Dosai

Kal Dosai is yet another delectable variety of dosa in the South Indian Cuisine. Unlike the plain dosa or uthappam this dosa is made with parboiled rice and urad dal, which yields a very soft and spongy dosa.  As the Kal dosa are soft  and spongy they are perfect for travel, you can just sprinkle some idli milagai podi and carry it along with you. Kal dosa has to cooked only on one side with the lid covered and should not be flipped. Do try out this delectable Kal dosa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Dosa Varieties & Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Kal Dosai with step by step photos…

Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu Ullundhu Urundai/Karuppu Ullundhu Ladoo/கருப்பு உளுந்து உருண்டை –Black Urad Dal Urundai with Jaggery with Video in English & Tamil

Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu Ullundhu Urundai is a very tasty and healthy snack that can be made in no time with very less ingredients. My grandma used to make it for me and my sister when we were small and now I am making it for my girls. If you have girl child or women at home this is one recipe that you must know to keep them hale and healthy. You must ask me why? Here it is, Black urad dal is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B which is essential for women. It is loaded with iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium which make this black urad dal a perfect health package for pregnant women.

 Another major ingredient in this urundai is jaggery. Jaggery we all know has numerous health benefits, its packed with iron and folate and prevents anaemia and boosts the hemoglobin level, helps in joint pain, is a wonderful blood purifier, controls blood pressure, prevents respiratory problems and is a wonderful alternative to white sugar. 

The third important ingredient is ghee. We all know ghee has incredible health benefits and is one of the treasured food in ayurveda. Ghee plays a vital role in balancing hormones and maintains a healthy cholesterol level. It is loaded with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids along with Vitamin A. Ghee is a good source of energy and one important thing to keep in mind is, it is a source of good fat, great for your heart and skin. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Ladoo Varieties here & other Diwali Sweets & Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu ullundhu Urundai with step by step photos…

Dosa Batter/How to Make Dosa Batter/How to make Dosai Maavu

Today, I am going to share a very basic dosa batter. To make this batter you don’t need a grinder, you can just grind it in mixer and still make perfect and tasty dosas. The key to make perfect dosa batter, is you need to choose good quality idli rice and raw rice. Urad dal also should be of good quality for perfect idlis and dosas. Add aval/poha when making the batter makes it easier to spread and make the dosa. Adding fenugreeks/vendhayam acts as natural coolant and makes a soft batter. Do try out this easy to make Dosa batter and post your comments here. This dosa can be served with thengai chutney or any chutney of your choice, sambar  or idli milagi podi etc. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and traditional Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Dosa Batter and Dosas with step by step photos…

Chettinad Masala Cheeyam Recipe/Masala Seeyam Recipe – How to make Chettinad Masala Seeyam Recipe

Today, I am going to share a very interesting and tasty Chettinad Masala Seeyam which I came across in a TV show several years back. It is one easy, tasty, fluffy evening snack, that can be done in no time and all your friends and relatives will love it instantly. Do try out this Chettinad Masala Seeyam recipe and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Starters/EveningSnacks/Appetizers here.

Here’s how to make Chettinad Masala Seeyam with step by step photos…

ThaenMittai Recipe/தேன்மிட்டாய்/Honey Candy/Sugar Balls – How to make ThaenMittai with step by step photos

Hello friends,

I am so happy to share with you all “Thaen Mittai/ தேன்மிட்டாய்” which will surely bring back our nostalgic memories of our childhood as my 700^th post. Though the name of this lovely little cute balls is “thaen mittai” it does not involve honey in it, it is just that the balls are crispy on the outside and juicy syrup on the inside which is like the honey dripping out and taste scrumptious. Whenever I see “thaen mittai” in the shop /potti kadai the first thing I remember is, me and my friends sharing and eating the thaen mittai after school. I just love it to the core, even now when I see it in the shop I buy it and my kids also love them. I know most of all the 90’s kids love “thaen mittai”.  Usually the Thaen mittai is made by adding red food color, so I have done two versions one by adding color and other with out color. Do try out this tempting “thaen mittai” and post your comments here. Thank you all friends, followers, bloggers and reader for supporting me all through the years. Please keep supporting and visiting Priyasvirundhu as usual for more and more delicious recipes from my kitchen. Meanwhile do check out interesting Sweets/Snacks here.

Here’s how to make “Thaen Mittai/ தேன்மிட்டாய்” with step by step photos...

Masala Sundal Recipe/Kondakadalai Masala Sundal/White Chickpea Sundal/Kondakadalai Sundal with Video in English & Tamil – Navaratri Special

Today, I am going to share a Vellai Kondaikadalai Sundal, which has perfect blend of ground spices with bursting flavours. This sundal taste heavenly and lovely. Do try out this super healthy and tasty Vellai Kondakadalai sundal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Sundal Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Chickpea Sundal with step by step photos…

Chettinad Kara Chutney/Kara Chutney Recipe/ChettinadOnion &Tomato Kara Chutney/Spicy Red Chutney Recipe

Chetiinad Kara Chutney is a lip-smacking chutney that is instantly loved by anyone and everyone. Kara means spicy, as the name implies it is a spicy and tangy chutney that goes very well with idlis, dosas, uthappam, kuzhipaniyarams, chapatti, rotis etc. Do try out this easy and quick Chettinad Kara Chutney and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Chutney and thogaiyal varieties here.

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

Red Rice Idli /Sivappu Arisi Idli /Healthy Red Rice Idli Recipe

Idli is a staple food of South India which is made by steam cooking the rice and lentil batter. This Red Rice Idli is another healthy alternative breakfast loaded with anti oxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Due to the presence of fibers, the sugar is absorbed slowly hence the blood sugar level does not rise. Including red rice in our daily diet helps in reducing cholesterol and hence controls weight gain. So, let include lot of red rice in our diet and lead a healthy life. Do try out this healthy and diabetic friendly Red Rice Idli and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Breakfast Recipes here.

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

Wheat Flour Halwa/Instant Wheat Flour Halwa/Atta Halwa/Godhumai Maavu Halwa-Diwali Sweets

Wheat Flour Halwa/Atta Halwa/Godhumai Maavu Halwa is very simple and easy halwa variety that can be made in very little time. This wheat flour halwa is a very popular and traditional dessert made in North India. Usually food coloring is added to the wheat flour halwa, but I have not added any food coloring, but have added caramelized sugar which has given a beautiful natural color to the halwa. Do try out this interesting Wheat Flour Halwa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Halwa varieties here and also other Diwali Sweets and Snacks here.

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

Ullundhu Murukku/Ullutham Paruppu Murukku/Urad Dal Murukku – Easy Diwali Snacks/Deepawali Special Murukku

Today, Iam going to share a very interesting Murukku variety – Ullundhu Murukku with a twist, yet crunchy, tasty, tempting and melts in your mouth. I have already posted the original version of Murukkumade with Urad dal flour, but this one is made by cooking the urad dal and then adding it to the flour. Do try out this irresistible Ullundhu Murukku and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Diwali Snacks andDiwali Sweets here.

Here's how to make Ullundhu Murukku with step by step photos...

Makhana Kheer/Phool Makhana Kheer/Lotus Seeds Kheer/Foxnuts Kheer

Today, I am going to share a very interesting Makhana Kheer which is a very popular kheer in Northern India. Makahana/Phool Makhana/Lotus seeds are very nutritious having high content of protein, minerals and fiber.  Makhana are low in calories, gluten-free and are packed with protein. Consuming Makhanan helps in preventing inflammation and ageing due to the presence of a natural flavoroids.So, it’s good to include these healthy Makhana in our diet, which is an excellent and a healthy snack as well. Makhana Kheer is prepared in North India during the festivals and is also consumed during fasting days. For now check out this tempting Makhana Kheer and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other delicious Payasam/Kheer varieties here and check out other interesting Diwali Sweets and Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Makhana Kheer with step by step photos…