Beetroot Kichadi

What I read today and What I am inspired by

Train our minds not to think bad about others. Always give excuses for them because in all fairness, we never know what the true story is.

(Mufti Ismail Menk)

Todays Recipe : Beetroot kichadi

Traditional South indian dish which adds the lovely ambience to our Kerala Sadya.

Ingredients :

1. Beetroot(Grated) : 1 medium
2. Coconut : 1/4 cup
3. Curd : 1 cup
4. Green Chilly(slitted) : 2-3
5. Mustard seeds : 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp
6. Cumin seeds : 1/4 tsp
7. Shallots : 2-3
8. Curry leaves : 1 spring
9. Salt
10. Coconut Oil

Method :

• Grind coconut, 2 shallots,mustard seeds 1/4tsp and cumin seeds together into a smooth paste
• Mix curd with the ground paste
• Cook the grated beetroot with green chillies and salt in little water.
• When it cooks add the ground paste mixed with curd and just heat.
• Heat oil in another pan,splutter mustard seeds,saute shallots and curry leaves and pour into the curry

Ready!!!!Serve!!!Enjoy

Papaya Thoran/Papaya Coconut Stirfry

Everyday I read many things. Some of them stay in my mind while the rest I forget completely. I am planning to add a new segment 'What I read Today and What i am inspired by' in the coming blog posts along with the recipes, where i will share the inspirational,motivational or informative things which help us to succeed in our life. The other thing is that i think it serves as a repository  where we can look back and read. May Allah help me to do efficiently and effectively in my humble attempt.Ameen

What I read Today and What i am inspired by'

"Specialize in a talent or a skill and use our knowledge to make a difference. Don't sit idle. Don't lead astray by the temporary pleasures of this world.Do something with your time and do GREAT for God's sake" (Dr.Bilal Philips)

Today's Recipe :

Today I am sharing a simple thoran aka stirfry using raw papaya. This Papaya thoran is very easy to make and a great side dish for hot rice

Ingredients :

1. Raw Papaya minced : 1 Cup
2. Grated Coconut : 1/2 Cup
3. Shallots : 3
4. Green Chilly : 2-3
5. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
6. Coconut Oil : 1 Tsp
7. Mustard Seeds : 1/2 tsp
8. Salt
9. Curry Leaves : 1 Spring

Method

• Crush coconut with shallots,green chilly and turmeric powder.
• Heat oil in a pan , splutter mustard seeds and curry leaves
• Add the minced papaya,salt ,stir gently and cover(medium flame)
• Add the crushed mixture in it after 3-4 minutes ,cover again
• Wait for 2 minutes,open the cover , mix and stir well
• Switch off the flame

Ready,Serve,Enjoy

Chena Porichath / Yam Fry

Here's a tasty, healthy and very simple side dish for lunch.

Ingredients :

1. Chena/Yam (sliced ) : a small one(250 gm)
2. Chilly Powder : 1-2 tsp
3. Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp
4. Salt
5. Garlic (crushed with skin) : 3-4
6. Curry leaves : 2 springs
7. Oil

Method :

• Remove the outer cover and slice the yam(as seen in the pic). wash well and drain
• Marinate the pieces with the powders and salt.
• Shallow fry them till crispy(medium flame)
• At the end,add the crushed garlic and curry leaves, stir for 1-2 minutes.
• Take out from the oil and serve.

Ready!!!!!!!!1Serve!!!!!!!!!Enoy

Pavakka theeyal/Kaipakka theeyal

A delicious, traditional kerala vegetarian curry for lunch. The bitterness of the bitter gourd can be hidden by the fresh aroma and taste of the roasted coconut and spices..

Ingredients :

1. Bitter gourd(Pavakka) : 1 (cut into medium thin slices)
2. Shallots /Pearl Onions : 7-8 (cut into halves)
3. Green Chilly slitted: 2-3
4. Curry Leaves : 2 springs
5. Dry Red Chilly: 2
6. Fenugreek seeds : 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp
8. Grated Coconut : 1 Cup
9. Red Chilly powder : 1 tsp
10. Coriander powder: 1 tsp
11. Turmeric Powder : 1/4 tsp
12. Tamarind water : taken from a gooseberry sized ball of tamarind : 1/4 cup
13. Salt
14. Coconut Oil

Method :

• Dry roast the grated coconut till brown colour in medium flame.
• Add the powders one by one and roast in very low flame for 1 minute.
• switch off the flame and keep aside.
• When it cools, grind the mixture  into a fine paste without adding water.
• Heat oil in a pan, add fenugreek seeds and allow to splutter
• Add the shallots,green chillies , 1 spring curry leaves,sliced bittergourd pieces and saute well.
• Now add the tamarind water ,salt and allow to boil.
• When the tamarind water reduces to its half ,add the ground mixture and allow to boil.
• Cover and cook for 10 minutes in medium flame.
• Heat oil in another pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• Add curry leaves,dry re chillies, saute and pour into the curry
• Switch off the flame,cover well.

Try this, enjoy the flavour and taste.....

Potato Mezhukkpuratti

This stirfry is my all time favourite and it is very easy to make.

Ingredients :

1. Potato(cubed into small pieces) : 2 medium
2. Red Chilly Powder : 1 tsp
3. Coriander Powder : 1/2 tsp
4. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
5. Ginger Garlic Paste : 1 tsp
6. Tomato(chopped): 1 small or 1/2 of a big one
7. Water : 2-3 tbsp
8. Salt
9. Curry Leaves
10. Coconut Oil : 1 tsp

Method :

• Add all the ingredients except oil and curry leaves in a deep bottomed pan and crush using our hand.
• Switch on the flame ,cover and cook in low flame.
• Open the cover frequently and stir.
• When the water evaporates completely and cook the potatoes well add the coconut oil,curry leaves and mix them well.
• Now the pan remain open for 2-3 minutes in medium flame and stir gently to make the delicious potato stir fry

Ready!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!!

Chena/Yam Thoran

Here's a nutritious and yummy thoran/stirfry using yams.

Yam is a good source of energy,which composed of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.These soluble dietary fiber found in yam helps reduce constipation and lowers the bad cholestrol.

So make it and be healthy!!!!!

Ingredients :

1. Yam(cut into small cubes) : 1 cup
2. Grated coconut : 1/4 cup
3. Onion(chopped): 1 small
4. Green Chillies(slitted) : 2-3
5. Mustard seeds : 1/4 tsp
6. Curry Leaves: 1 spring
7. Pepper powder: 1/4 tsp
8. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
9. Salt
10. Coconut Oil : 1 tsp

Method :

• Cook yam pieces with turmeric powder,pepper powder,salt in 1/4 cup of water 
• Heat oil in a pan,splutter mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Add chopped onion , green chillies and saute them well
• When the onions get transluscent ,add the cooked yam and  mix well.
• Now add the grated coconut and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes in medium flame.
• Open the pan and combine them well.
• Stir for 2-3 minutes and switch off the flame.

Ready!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!!!!

Eggplant Mezhukkupuratti /Stir Fry

Here's a delicious stirfry using eggplant and it's a great side dish for our lunch.

Ingredients :

1. Eggplant/Vazhuthananga/Kathrikka(slice into medium thick pieces ) : 1 Cup
2. Onion(sliced) : 2
3. Chilly Powder : 1 tsp
4. Turmeric Powder : 1/4 tsp
5. Mustard Seeds : 1/2 tsp
6. Curry Leaves : 2 springs
7. Salt 
8. Oil

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Method :

• Heat oil in wide pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• Add curry leaves and onion sliced,saute for 4-5 minutes
• Add chilly powder,turmeric powder ,salt and saute till the raw smell goes.
• Now add the cleaned,drained eggplant pieces and mix well.
• Cover and cook in medium flame for five minutes.
• Open the lid,cook uncovered by stirring frequently for another 5 minutes.
• Switch off the flame..

Ready!!!!!Serve!!!!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Payar Mezhukkupuratti / Long Beans Stir Fry

This is one of the easiest and tastiest versions among vegetarian stir fries and so it is a regular visitor in my dining table.

Ingredients :

1. Achinga Payar/Long beans : 500g(washed,drained and cut into 1 inch long pieces).
2. Water : 1/4 cup
3. Shallots : 4-5
4. Garlic : 3-4
5. Dry red chillies : 5
6. Curry Leaves : 2 springs
7. Mustard seeds.
8. Salt
9. Oil

Method :

• Crush the shallots,garlic and red chillies together.
• Cook the long beans in a closed pan with 1/4 cup water in medium flame.(Do not overcook.just like sauteing)
• Heat oil in another pan,splutter mustard seeds and add curry leaves.
• Add the crushed mixture and saute for few seconds.
• Add the cooked beans into it , mix well and saute for few more minutes in low flame.
• Switch off the flame.

Ready!!!!!!Serve!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!

Kadumanga Achar - An Onam Delicacy

Wish you all a very happy and prosperous onam.

Kadumanga Achar

This spicy and tangy pickle is a must have in Kerala Sadya menu and is very popular too...

Ingredients :

1. Raw mango(cut into small cubes) : 2
2. Ginger (julienned) : a medium size piece
3. Garlic (sliced ) : 10
4. Red chilly powder : 3 tsp
5. Fenugreek powder : 1/2 tsp
6. Mustard powder ; 1/4 tsp
7. Vinegar : 1 tsp
8. Salt
9. Gingelly oil: 1 tbsp

Method :

• Mix the cubed mango pieces with salt and set aside for 8-9 hours.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• After spluttering , add ginger and garlic and saute well.(do not saute till brown colour)
• Add the powders,salt,.1/4 cup of water and allow to boil (low flame).
• While boiling add the mango pieces and combine well.
• Cook till,the water get evaporates and the mango pieces are coated well with the gravy.
• Switch off the flame and add vinegar.

Linking this to Foodabulous Fest Event of Simply Tadka organised by The Big Sweet Tooth 

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is really easy to prepare and perfect with any kind of Indian breads especially with batura and puri. It is one of my favourite Indian side dishes and here I'm serving this for you ..............

Ingredients :

1. White Chickpeas(soaked overnight in water) : 1 cup
2. Onion(chopped) : 2-3
3. Ginger Garlic paste : 1 tsp
4. Green Chillies : 2
5. Tomato(chopped) : 2
6. Red Chilly Powder : 1 tsp
7. Coriander Powder : 1/2 tsp
8. Turmeric powder : 1/4 tsp
9. Cumin powder : 1/2 tsp
10. Cumin seeds : 1/4 tsp
11. Cooking Oil
12. Salt
13. Coriander Leaves :a handful

Method :

• Cook the soaked chickpeas in pressure cooker for 4-5 whistles in medium flame and keep aside
• Heat oil in a kadai and splutter cumin seeds.
• Add chopped onions,green chillies and saute till the onions get transluscent.
• Add ginger garlic paste and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Now add all the powders,salt and saute till the raw smell goes.
• Now add the chopped tomatoes ,mix well and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes in medium flame.
• Stir and combine well till the tomatoes become soft and pulpy.
• Transfer the whole masala into the same pressure cooker and combine well with the cooked chickpeas.
• Add some water,close the lid and allow it for one whistle in medium flame.(This step is for coating the chickpeas well with the gravy.No more whistles,because the chickpeas are already cooked)
• After releasing the steam,open the cooker and put the chopped coriander leaves ,mix well.

Ready!!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!!Enjoy!!

Zucchini (Kousa) Pachadi

Pachadi is an essential part of Kerala Sadya Cuisine.Different kinds of vegetables  like cucumber,beetroot,mango etc are used for making this delicious,creamy side dish...Here I use Zucchini (kousa)..Any other names for this soft vegetable???

Ingredients :

1. Zucchini (cut into small cubes) : 2 medium size
2. Green Chilly : 3(slitted lengthwise)
3. Salt
4. Coconut : 3/4 cup
5. Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp
6. Cumin seeds : 1/4 tsp
7. Curd : 3/4 cup
8. Coconut Oil
9. Curry Leaves : 1-2 springs
10. Dry red chilly :2

Method :

• Cook the chopped zucchini in 1/4 cup of water with salt and slitted green chillies.
• Grind the coconut with mustard seeds and cumin seeds into a fine paste.
• Add the ground coconut into the cooked zucchini and mix well.(Do not boil)
• Beat the curd well and pour into the curry and switch off the flame.
• Splutter mustard seeds,curry leaves and res chillies in coconut oil .
• Pour into the curry.

Ready!!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!!!

Muringakka Thoran (Drumstick stir Fry)

Actually I'm not a drumstick lover.Whenever it comes in my plate accidentally from a sambar ,definitely I will make it jump to the next plate...Last day 'H' brought some drumsticks and told me to make thoran with them..I was surprised to hear this,because at the very first time I hear about  thoran with drumsticks..He was telling that mom used to make this,it is very delicious,nutritious and so on and directed me to call her for the recipe. I did not get the line..But I had to make it with his own explanations and here's the outcome!!!!!!

It was very delicious,very easy to make and I started loving them.....

Ingredients :

1. Drumsticks/Muringakka : 4-5 
2. Onion (chopped) : 1
3. Green Chilly (chopped) : 2-3
4. Coconut(Grated ) : 3/4 cup
5. Salt
6. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
7. Oil
8. Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp

Method :

• Cut the drumsticks lengthwise and remove the inner part using a spoon.
• Wash them properly.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• Add the chopped onions and green chillies and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the inner fleshy part ,salt,turmeric powder and mix well.
• Now add the grated coconut above the vegetables and cover for sometime(4-5 minutes) in low flame.
• Open the lid and combine altogether and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Switch off the flame..

Ready!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!!

Vazhappo/Vazhachund-Cherupayar Thoran (Banana Flower-Green Gram Stir Fry

Here comes a nutritious,simple vegetarian stir fy with green gram and banana flower/banana buds

One interesting, useful and attractive info I got from Google about green gram is one of its health benefits .ie, weight control....

Green gram contains very low amount of calories. So it makes-up a very fine and effective remedy for losing those hefty kilos.(courtesy :Google)

Health Benefits of Banana Flower:

The banana flower’s health benefits are numerous. 

-The flower’s extracts combat pathogenic bacteria growth, and may also inhibit malarial bacterial growth as well.

-Banana flower’s chloroform extracts were found to stabilize blood sugar levels, which may help those suffering from diabetes.

-The high antioxidant content of banana flowers prevents oxidation and inhibits molecules from destabilizing DNA. This prevents heart diseases and strokes.

-A Himalayan Home Remedies article touts the banana flower for reducing the flow of menstrual blood.

-The banana flower’s high level of magnesium boosts mood and reduces anxiety.(Courtesy :LIVESTRONG.COM)

Ingredients :

Banana flower(Vazhachund) : 1 cup(chopped)

Green Gram(cooked) ; 1/2 cup

Coconut : half cup

Pearl onions : 4-5

Green Chilly : 2-3

Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp

Oil

Salt

Preparation :

Remove 3-4 outer peels of vazhachund.Grate this into a bowl of water.Wash well (3-4 times), drain and apply some coconut oil. Crush the ingredients from 3-5

Method:

• Heat a pan
• Add the chopped  vazhachund ,2-3 tbsps of water ,salt and cover for 5-10 minutes(low flame)
• Open the lid and add the cooked green gram and mix well
• Put the crushed coconut mix into it and cover again.
• Wait for 3-4 minutes
• Open the lid and combine well
• Switch off the flame.
• Drizzle 2-3 drops of oil.

Ready!!!!Serve!!!!!!!

Easy Chena(Yam) Stir Fry

Aaahhh!!!!Finally reached in a veggie.............After posting every entries  I plan that next one will be definitely a vegetarian...But again it comes to a meat or fish recipe...I know my space has no veggie followers....What to do? My family is a carnivorous one...This chena mezhukkupuratti is an easy to make ,delicious and healthy  side dish for rice...And this vegetable can be prepared in many different ways..
I have been loving this classic side dish since my childhood...There were plenty of these round brown balls in our backyard...And it is such a beautiful scene , the leaves of it  spread like big green  umbrellas........

Ingredients :

1. Yam(Chena ) : small one (cut into small cubes)
2. Garlic :2 (Crushed with its outer peel)
3. Chilly Powder : 1 tsp
4. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
5. Curry leaves: 1 spring
6. Mustard Seeds : few
7. Salt
8. Oil

Method :

• Cook the yam pieces in a pan with little water,salt and turmeric powder .Otherwise you can steam it also.
• Heat oil in another pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• Add crushed garlic and curry leaves.
• Stir for 5-10 seconds and add chilly powder (this stage the flame should be at the lowest.otherwise the chilly powder get burnt)
• Add the cooked yam pieces just after adding the chilly powder and mix well.
• Stir and combine for 1-2 minutes.Switch off the flame

Ready!!!!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!!!

Green Peas Masala

Yummy vegetable curry that goes well with appam,idiyappam, chapati or pulao..I rarely make this,but it's my favourite and I love the restaurent version so much.

Yet another easy to make vegetable curry for your breakfast or dinner...

Ingredients :

1. Green Peas: 1 Cup(Soaked in water overnight)
2. Onion:2
3. Green Chillies: 2
4. Ginger Garlic paste: 2 tsp
5. Tomato:1
6. Curry Leaves: 1 spring
7. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
8. Chicken Masala: 3 tsp
9. Garam Masala : 1 tsp
10. Mustard Seeds
11. Cumin Seeds
12. Salt
13. Oil

Method :

• Cook the soaked green peas with turmeric powder and salt in half cup of water
• Heat oil in a pan.
• Splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds
• Add the sliced onions , gree chillies and curry leaves together.
• When the onions turn transluscent add the ginger garlic paste followed by sliced tomato.
• After sauteing well add chicken masala powder and garam masala.
• Now add the cooked green peas and combine well.

Ready!!!!Serve!!!!!!!

Vazhakka(Raw Banana) Thoran

A simple union of raw banana with grated coconut and some additions lead to this delicious vazhakka thoran..It is a usual item in our sadya menu too..And it gives me a lot of nostalgic memories ...There were plenty of bananas in my home backyard...and we had the bananas in all of its possible varieties like curries, thorans, ripe bananas ,pazham poris etc..etc...

Ingredients :

1. Raw Banana: 2 (cut into small cubes)
2. Coconut grated : 1/2 cup
3. Pearl Onions : 2-3
4. Garlic:1-2
5. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
6. Green Chilly-3
7. Salt 
8. Oil
9. Mustard Seeds

Method :

• Put the cubed bananas in a bowl of water containing a little turmeric powder and wash well.
• Cook them with salt and turmeric powder.
• Crush the grated coconut with Pearl onions,garlic and green chillies.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds.
• Add the cooked banana pieces along with the crushed mixture.
• Combine well into a dry texture.

Serve with Rice.............

Cherupayar Mezhukkupuratti(Greengram Stir Fry)

Very tasty and delicious stir fry usually served with rice or kanji ,but we can make it a good combo for appam,puttu etc...

Ingredients:

1. Cherupayar (soaked in water for 1 hour) : 1 cup
2. Pearl Onions : 4-5
3. Garlic: 2-3
4. Dry Red Chillies ; 3-4(as per your spice level)
5. Curry Leaves
6. Salt
7. Oil

Method :

• Pressure cook the gram for one whistle in medium flame.
• Crush the pearl onions,garlic and dry red chillies together.
• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
• When it splutters add curry leaves,the crushed mixture and saute for few seconds.
• Add the cooked green gram,salt and combine well.

Ready!!!!!!!!!Serve!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheera Mezhukkupuratti and Spicy Fish Fry

A delicious, nutritious and easy to make side dish with cheera (spinach) for a simple lunch

Ingredients :

1. Spinach Chopped : 1 Cup
2. Onion: 1
3. Green Chillies : 2-3
4. Curry Leaves : 2 springs
5. Salt
6. Oil
7. Mustard Seeds
8. Coconut Grated : 1 tsp(optional)

Method :

• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds
• Add curry leaves , chopped spinach, sliced onion, and chopped green chillies
• Stir well 
• Sprinkle 2-3 tsps of water and salt
• Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• When the water completely evaporates open the lid .
• Stir well and add the grated coconut(not as much as for thoran, 1 teaspoon only)

Ingredients :

1. Fish : 4 pieces
2. Red Chilly Powder : 2tsp
3. Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
4. Ginger Garlic Paste : 1 tsp
5. Pepper Powder : 1 tsp
6. Lemon Juice : from half of a lemon
7. Salt
8. Oil

Method :

• Marinate fish pieces with all the ingredients and let it rest for 1 hour.
• Shallow fry them in medium hot oil

Serve!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful lunch with these delicious guys...............