where recipes are made …
Vegetable cutlets are a favorite snack from kids to adults. I made this a few months back for my LO’s school potluck. I made it less spicy for the children and they liked it. Its an easy snack and can be made ahead and refrigerated. Once we have guests at home, it can be deep-fried …
Rava Kesari – a simple, noble, and easy to prepare South Indian delicacy. A quick fix dessert that comes in hand when we have unexpected guests around. Also called sooji ka halwa or sheera in the northern parts of India, this subtle sweet just differs in its consistency, though their ingredients are the same. While KesariAdd …
Channa | Garbanzo bean| Chickpea |வெள்ளை கொண்டக்கடலை is a protein-rich dry bean that is highly recommended. Though the Punjabi chole masala is my favorite, I mean to make this sundal every year during Vinayagar Chaturthi and Navratri. We prefer to have this white-colored chickpea over the brown. It is a myth that most of us …
A sweet beginning for this Diwali. I am sure that everyone around the globe is gearing up for Diwali celebrations. With Diwali around the corner, the busy ladies will be hitting the kitchen to bring out the flavors for their family and friends. It might not be easy for all the moms to make elaborate …
Ribbon pakoda/ ola pakoda/ ribbon murukku – All mean the same. I am pretty sure that it has got more such names in different areas of Tamil Nadu. This is an easy snack for this Diwali, provided you have the murukku press with the ribbon pakoda stencil. I know that making murukku is a big …
Pottukadalai Murukku is one of the tasty members in the murukku dynasty.:-) The basic ingredient is the rice flour and is combined with powdered roasted gram dal. The color of this murukku is definitely a treat to the eyes. With the addition of roasted gram dal powder, the murukku renders a cream color. They are …
You may wonder why I have this post now. Is there any festival or occasion that is lined up? Yes, it is!!! Of late I realized that I am almost with my 25th post in my personal space. Really!!! I am giving a gentle pat to myself and say Go gurl!! For a person like …
Firstly, a week-long gap in my posts is due to the turmoil of the Chennai floods. Though this post was scheduled to be posted in the mid of last week, I didn’t have an interest in doing that after watching videos and talking to people about the disaster to my wonderful city. How ever, Chennai …
Vazhaipoo Vadai (A.k.a) Banana flower vadai is a traditional Chettinad recipe. the mild flavor of fennel seeds along with slight bitterness from the banana flower makes this lip-smacking vadai. The banana flower is full of nutrients. The medicinal value of the banana flower is such that it can regulate insulin levels in the blood. It is …
A sandwich is a quick and hearty one for a breakfast or as a snack. However, loads of butter and other stuff that goes into it is definitely needed to be watched. The mom in me makes to look into the calories of it and make it a healthy one for the family. While I …
The Tamil month of Aavani brings in festive flavors to the household, Starting from Krishna Jayanthi, it is continuous to Vinayagar Chaturthi, Diwali, and Karthigai Deepam. Of all this, Diwali is one funfilled festive that is close to my heart. When I begin to pen down the Snacks for Diwali, Thenkuzhal is the default recipe …
Navratri is all about prayers, fun, dance, and leave it not – Food too. Irrespective of our geographical placement, we Indians try to pass our traditions to our family by all these. Food plays an integral part of any festival. Though we have evolved to try new recipes and techniques in our meal each day, …
The blogosphere is full of festive recipes. I love savories over sweets. South- Indian savory list is endless. Some are very spicy and some are very subtle, yet tasty. One such less spicy savory that are kid-friendly and elderly-friendly is – Omapodi. Omapodi is made with gram flour and rice flour with the star ingredient …
Today is the official first day of Winter. But don’t ask me, its been snowing crazily over every weekend and we have been making snowman the third time until now. Come winter and here is the holiday season. Holidays call in for baking, and here is a basic foolproof recipe of shortbread cookie. This basic cookie …
Semiya / Vermicelli is one kitchen ingredient that I love a lot. Yes, in my household, I am the only one who loves semiya upma. Basically, my H is not fond of Semiya at all. I usually buy the smallest pack that is available in the grocery store just for myself. The least I do …
Steamed foods are always a hit in our household. It is less in fat, softer, yet tasty and can be gulped without any guilt 😃. Kozhukattai is one of our favorite steamed foods. We have them as a snack and also sometimes as dinner. The other day, we were back after a tiresome grocery shopping …
After school snack is always important when there are school going kids at home. Most of the days there is some fruit along with crackers on weekday evening since our dinner time falls over quickly. The scenario is not the same on weekends, especially on a Friday, where the schedule changes over. So Friday snack …
Evening snacks have become an essential one when kids are at home. Fried snacks are fine once in a while, but not often. I made these bread pizzas when I had half pack of bread that was nearing its expiry date. It was easy to make when you chop ingredients and have things available at …
Pearl millet is also called Kambu(Tamil), Sajje / Sajjalu (Kannada / Telugu), and Bajra (Hindi). Pearl millet / Kambu is one variety of millet that is loaded with good nutrients like Calcium and magnesium along with fiber. Kambu is also a boon to fight against type 2 diabetes. I usually make dosas, idlis, and rotis …
If you like the Kanda Poha or Lemon Aval, this is similar to them with a Bengali twist to it. This very famous Bengali Chirer Polao makes use of winter vegetables along with a generous addition of raisins/kishmish, peanuts, and cashews flavored with mild spices. The addition of sugar and raisins along with vegetables gives …
If you have been to Chennai Marina beach, you might not have definitely missed tasting this. Masala Puri is very famous at Marina beach in the evening hours. The piping hot masala puri combined with the cool sea breeze is definitely to live for. I have recreated this Masala Puri at home with dried green …
Thattai is a traditional recipe that is made in Tamil households for Krishna Jayanthi and Deepavali. Thattai can be stored and consumed for two weeks. The right mix of rice flour and roasted gram flour or besan flour and seasoned with pepper or red chili powder for the spiciness. Thattai is also called as Nipattu …
Vella Seedai is one of the mandatory deep-fried South- Indian Snack during Krishna Jayanthi. It is one underrated snack because of the labor it goes into making this and also the risk it involves preparing it. Yes, it requires an immense amount of skill and practice to making this most delicious Vella seedai. The proportion …
Kozhukattai is the main neivedhyam for Vinayagar Chaturthi. It is the favorite of Lord Ganesha. Kozhukattai is a simple steamed food with an outer covering of rice flour and an inner filling which may be sweet or savory. In southern parts of India, this is mandatory for Vinayagar Chaturthi. The sweet filling for Kozhukattai can …
Evening snacks were a great part of our childhood as well now with kids at home. I remember our Appa used to get those jam buns, cream buns, open sandwiches, and Khara buns from the Iyengar bakery when coming back home. of all these, my little brother loved the cream buns while Amma, Appa, and …
Nankhattai is a very famous Indian short cookie that is loaded with Indian flavors. The name Nankhattai origins from the words, “Naan” meaning shortbread and Khattai meaning “Biscuit”. Nankhattai is very famous in North India and Pakistan. Nankhattai is made with refined flour / Maida, Sooji, and Besan flour. I am not a great fan …
Sweet Pongal or Sakkara Pongal (சக்கரை பொங்கல்)is a famous sweet in south India, especially Tamil Nadu. This is cooked with newly harvested rice from the field at the juncture of the Pongal/harvest festival, which is predominantly celebrated in all parts of the state with great pomp and show. Marking the commencement of the year to …
Proso millet is one of the millet variety commonly found in Europe, Indian and United States. In the United States, this millet is also used as bird feed. It is approved as human food too. Being non- glutenous and it is an appropriate food for people who are allergic to wheat. Proso millet has a …
Ragi / Finger Millet is a popularly known millet to many of us. Ragi has immense amount of goodness with it . Being rich in fibre, it helps in controlling diabetes, weightloss and help reduce cholesterol levels. Ragi is immensely rich in calcium and is a great coolant for this hot summer. From Idli, Dosas, …
Vadai / Vada is a well – known snack in South- India. These deep fried indulgence are made with lentils like Urad Dal, Channa Dal and Toor Dal. Maddhur Vada is a vada that can be made under 15 mins and does not need any soaking. Maddur is a small town in the state of …
Mathri or Mathari is a very famous snack in the North India made during Diwali and Holi festivals. The key ingredients to make Mathri is Maida and ghee which is seasoned with carom seeds, basic spice powders and ton loads of kasoori Methi if you are making a methi Mathri like me. I love the …
Diwali means there is some deep frying that is mandated. Though sweets are super delicious, I just love the crunchy, crispy savories. From Murukku, thattai, and karasev, the savory list is my preference. How about some vegetable factor added to these crunchy savories for some goodness? Yes, I tried this SPINACH MURUKKU some days back …
Kozhukattai is a famous South-Indian food that can be had as a snack or a fulfilling dinner recipe. Kozhukattais are very versatile and can be made with any grain from rice, wheat, ragi, or any millet variety. I try to include millets in our family diet regularly, mainly because they are complex carbs that are …
Karamani Vadai (Lobia/காராமணி பயிறு) is an attempt to infuse bean into our diet. I made this vadai last year during the Navratri season. I was a bit hesitant during the process of making this vadai, fearing its outcome. Surprisingly it turned out very crunchy like our normal masala vadai. The kids liked it very much …
Idli is a tiffin for many. But to me, Idli is an emotion. Every day mornings are made bright with these healthy, beauties accompanied by chutney or sambar. It is a staple food at my house and kids love them even in their school lunches. They stay fresh as packed and taste yummy too. As …
If you are a 90’s kid, you must have definitely tasted this at least one time in your childhood. After-school snacks are also important after a full day at school. During our school days, there was a bakery that we pass through every evening after school. Cream buns, puffs, and many other flavorful goodies would …
Saathur is a small town in the southern part of Tamilnadu. It comes under the Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu. Saathur is very famous for its cottage industries that are many source of income for its residents. Apart from these cottage industries, Saathur is very famous for its Karasev. If you belong to Tamilnadu, you might …
Evening Tea/Coffee time is very important for many families, as it is the time every one gets back from work and school. After the early lunch and the travel back from home, a hot cup of tea/coffee with a warm cake will do good until dinner time. We love mildly sweet cakes for tea time …
Summer is for fresh and easily digestible foods, that must be filling too. We always love our salads and juices made with fresh vegetables and sprouts and fruits. While the sprouts are very healthy to eat and highly nutritious for all, they are also very highly priced in grocery stores, for a small quantity. Trust …
Vinayagar chaturthi is all about Kozhukattais. All Pillayar loves this simple and easy steamed food. There are many kozhukattais/ modakams made in sweet and savory versions. While making modakam is a bit lengthy process, beginners those who stay way from home can bring a festive feel with this simple savory/kara pidi kozhukattai. It is so …
It is that time of the year, where we don’t might on the calories. Diwali is an important festival celebrated all over India with great joy. While I try making different sweets and savory every year, there are some standard recipes, that are very special and brings nostalgic memories. One such is the karaboondhi that …
Deepavali is all about celebration. when theres celebration, theres definitely good food. How about a quick sweet recipe that does not take much time and can be made with easily available ingredients at home? Heard it right! Rava and Coconut are easily available . Add in sugar and a bit of ghee to bring in …
Kara Sev is a variation of murukku which is usually spiced with pepper or red chilli powder along with flavors from different combination of spices. While I love pepper kara sev, specially the thick ones, I also equally love this garlic /Poondu kara sev for it outstanding flavors. The combination of garlic/poondu with omam just …
Paneer is a favorite ingredient for many from kids to adults. We can make any number of dishes with Paneer from paratha to curries, sandwiches and incorporate them into rice. It is so versatile, that it can be used in any cuisine. Being rich in protein, Paneer is a very filling one. While Paneer is …
Gobi/ Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various cuisines and in different forms from soups to curries to fry. Gobi Tikka is a very traditional dish made from fresh spices and cooked in a tandoor. I have used the air fryer to make this Gobi Tikka with only one tablespoon of …
Beetroot is one vegetable that is rich in folate, and fibre. They have a variety of health benefits improved blood flow and maintaining the blood pressure. Oats is a whole grain that is rich in fibre. Fibre rich foods always keep you full for a long time and they are easily digestible. I paired Oats …
Masala Peanuts are very addictive snacks. It is a very flavorful snack and this can be made very healthy by airfrying the masala peanuts instead of deep frying. The ingredients are very easily available and you need only a few teaspoons of oil to make this delicious and healthy snack. Peanuts are high in protein …