Poondu Gravy (Garlic Gravy)    

Of late, I  have started a liking towards other gravies beyond Dal. I already have a recipe of Poondu Kulambhu in my blog, however, in this recipe you can incorporate lots of Garlic . I also find it visually appealing as the Garlic is Grinded and does not float which is something I am not too comfortable with.

                                                                                                            
                                   
Ingredients
Onion - 1 (Large, Peeled)
Tomato - 1 (Medium, Blanched)
Garlic - 20 -25 Pods (Peeled)
Oil - 2 Tablespoons (I used Gingelly Oil)
Red Chilly Powder - 1 Tablespoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Black Pepper Powder - A generous Pinch
Fenugreek Seeds - a Pinch
Tamarind Juice - 1/2 Cup (Made from soaking a gooseberry sized Tamrind in 1/2 cup of Water)
Currly leaves - Few Leaves
Salt - To taste

Method

• I have used a food processor for all the chopping work as I wanted them to be finely chopped. If you dont have a food processor you can Pulse them in mixer for a second and ensure that they are not completely pureed but it is chunky.
• Place the Onion and Garlic and pulse them in Food processor or Mixie so they are chunky.
• Puree the Tomato after removing the skin and I also added curry leaves to it and pureed.
• Now place a kadhai on stive and add the onion.
• Once the Oil is warm, add the fenugreek and immediately add the Onion - Garlic Mix and saute till they are cooked.
• This may take sometime between 5-8 minutes.
• Then add the Tomato puree and add the salt and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Once you add the Tomato the mixture will begin to boil so be careful.
• Once the Tomato is done, add the Dry masala Powders (Turmeric, Coriander nad red chilly powder) and saute.
• Saute till the raw flavour of the masala is gone or till the oil oozes out.
• Now add the Tamarind pulp and mix it well.
• Check for salt and cover it with a Lid.
• Cook till the Tamarind Juice is cooked and the Oil separates from the gravy.
• Add the Black pepper powder and serve with Rice and Appalam.
• It also goes well with Appam, Dosa, idli etc.

Lunch Menu 22- Rice with Senai Karamani Kuzhambhu ( Yam- Cow Peas Curry ), Keerai Masiyal ( Greens) and Vazhapoo Poriyal  (BananaFlower Dry)

This Lunch menu is very healthy with Greens, Yam and Banaflower.

Click on the links below for the recipe

• Senai Karamani Kuzhambhu ( Yam- Cow Peas Curry )
• Vazhapoo Poriyal  (BananaFlower Dry) - Coming Soon 
• Keerai Masiyal ( Greens) (I have replaced Palak with Amaranth Leaves, You can use any Country Greens) 

Ginger Rasam 

I use lots of Ginger and Asafoetida in my daily cooking as it aids in easy digestion. This Rasam recipe is something that I learnt from my mom. I love rasam , so she will make different varieties of Rasam. My Favorite is Paruppu Rasam, i will post the recipe for that soon. Now about this recipe, It has Ginger, Garlic etc that aids digestion.

 However, my mom always used to say, Ginger should be used in Moderation or else it could do harm to your health.

So I googled and found that we can consume 4 grams of Ginger /per day and it will work in favor, anything way beyond 4 Grams will cause harm to us. So I am sharing the recipe that I learnt from my mom to aid digestion.

I have also explained the method when to add Tamarind Pulp and water while Making Rasam. Try that Method and it will definitely enhance the Taste and Flavour.

Ingredients

Ginger - 2-3 Inch Piece (Peeled)
Garlic - 6 Pods (Peeled)
Red Dry Chillies - 2
Black pepper Corns - 1 Tablespoon (Adjust to Taste, I have made it spicy)
Cumin Seeds - 1 Teaspoon
Tamarind - Gooseberry Sized Soaked in a cup of Water.
Curry leaves - Few Leaves
Coriander Leaves - Few Sprigs
Tomato - 2 (Medium, Chopped)
Asafoetida and Turmeric Powder  - A generous Pinch
Salt - To Taste
Oil - To taste
Jaggery or Sugar  - a small piece (Very little, may be little less than 1/4 inch or else Rasam will be sweet)/ If adding Sugar add 1/4 teaspoon

Method

• Using a motor and Pestle, crush the following ingredients, Pepper Corns, Cumin Seeds, Ginger, Garlic, Red Chillies, alternatively you can grind it in a mixie. 
• I use motor and pestle as it gives a earthy Flavor.
• Keep a pot on stove and add a teaspoon of oil, once the oil is heated add the Mustard seeds and allow it to splutter.
• Then add the curry leaves and the grounded masala and saute for a minute and then add the Tomatoes.
• Then add the salt and cook till the Tomatoes is all mushy. 
• Meanwhile, extract tamarind Pulp from the Soaked tamarind.
• Once the Tomato is all cooked, add the Tamarind Pulp and add little less than required amount of water
• May be 2-3 Cups of Water depending on the Tanginess of Tomato and Tamarind etc
• Retain 1/2 cup of Water from the required amount of water. 
• To this add Sugar/Jaggery, Asafoetida and Turmeric Powder and allow it to Boil.
• Let it boil till the raw Flavor is gone.
• Once the raw flavour is gone, add the 1/2 Cup of water and mix well.
• Switch off as soon as you see the water bubbling (Don't Over Boil it)
• Add lots of chopped Coriander Leaves and immediately cover with a lid
• Enjoy with Rice. 

Note

• Adding Jaggery/Sugar add depth of Flavor to the rasam.
• Always add Chopped Coriander after switching off the stove and immediately cover it with a lid to pack the flavors.
• Usually I make Rasam using the above method where I do not add all the Water required for the Rasam during cooking. I add the Tamarind and Half of required amount of water and boil it till the Raw Flavor is gone, then towards the end of the cooking add the remaining water and just cook till it starts to boil and then switch off.
• This way of cooking, enhances the Tastes and Flavor of rasam, try this method once and you will stick to this method only. 

Lunch Menu 21 - Rice with Garlic Curry (Poondu Kuzhambhu), Punjabi Bhindi (Ladiesfinger), Sukki Gobi (Cauliflower) and Coriander Mint Chutney 

Hi All, here is one more Lunch Menu from my Kitchen. You can make the Poondu Kuzhambhu a day in advance and can be stored for 2 days in Fridge.

Click on the Below Links for the Recipe:

• Poondu Kuzhambu ( Garlic Gravy)
• Cauliflower Sabzi (Cauliflower Dry)
• Punjabi Bhindi (Ladies Finger Fry)
• Coriander Mint Chutney

Mutter Paneer (Green Peas - Cottage Cheese Curry )


I am a huge lover of Paneer.When I was browsing my blog the other day, I found that I do not have the recipe for Mutter Paneer. I make it all the time, not sure how I missed to blog it. Anyway, better late than never. Right?

I noticed that I did not have Paneer Butter masala Recipe too? OMG I will make it and post it soon.

Ingredients

• Paneer – 200 Grams (Cut into 1” Cubes)
• Onion – 1 (Large, Finely Chopped)
• Tomato – 1 (Medium, Finely Chopped)
• Greens Peas – 1 Cup (Adjust to your Taste)
• Red Chilly powder – 1 Tablespoon
• Ginger garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder – 1 Teaspoon
• Garam Masala – ½ Teaspoon
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – Few Sprigs (Finely Chopped)
• Curd or Fresh Cream – 1 Tablespoon
• Kasoori Methi or Dry Fenugreek Leaves – 1 Teaspoon
• Oil – 1 Tablespoon
• Salt – To taste
• Turmeric Powder – ¼ Teaspoon
• Cumin powder – ¼ Teaspoon (Optional)
• Water – As Needed

Method

• Heat Oil in a Pan, and add onions and sauté till it is becomes transparent.
• Then add the finely chopped Tomato and salt and cook till it becomes mushy.
• Then add the Ginger garlic Paste and sauté till the raw flavor is gone.
• Then add all the Dry Masala powder and saute.
• Cover it with a lid and saute for 2-3 Minutes.
• If you feel the Masala is too Dry, then sprinkle some water.
• Add the Paneer cubes and saute, ensure that the Paneer is nicely coated with the cooking masala.
• After 2 minutes, add ½ cup of water and bring it to a boil.
• Then add the Greens Peas and cook for couple of minutes.
• Then crush the kasoori methi and mix well.
• Check Seasoning and add accordingly.
• Cook till the Peas are cooked, all raw falvours are gone.
• Then add a Tablespoon of Cream/ thick Curd and mix and leave for 10 seconds.
• Then switch off the flame and add Chopped Coriander Leaves and Serve with Roti or Rice.

Tomato Rasam 

Tomato rasam does not need any introduction at all. It tastes Yum and I feels so satisfied when I drink some Rasam. I have posted other varities of Rasam in my blog. 

Ingredients

• Tomato – 2 (Large, Finely Chopped, Keep 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Tomatoes aside)
• Oil – 1 Teaspoon
• Garlic – 2+2 Pods (Peeled and Crushed)
• Mustard Seeds – ½ teaspoon
• Dry Red Chilly – 1
• Curry leaves – 4 (Finely Chopped)
• Cumin Seeds – ½ Teaspoon
• Pepper Corns – ½ Teaspoon
• Coriander Leaves – Few Sprigs (Finely Chopped)
• Tamarind Pulp – Extracted from Gooseberry Sized tamarind soaked in 1/2 Cups of Water for 15 minutes and extracted.
• Tuermeric Powder – A generous pinch.
• Salt – To taste
• Sugar – ¼ Teaspoon
• Asafoetida or Hing – A generous Pinch

 Method

• In a mixer, add red chilly, Cumin Seeds, pepper corns, Garlic and grind it.
• Heat some oil in a vessel and add the Grinded Masala and Sauté and then add Tomato and sauté.
• Add salt and cook till the Tomatoes are completely done and become mushy.
• If you want to save some cooking time, you can also grind Tomato and Add and cook it.
• Once the Tomato is all cooked, add the 1 Tablespoon of Tomatoes that we had set aside, Tamarind Pulp and add little less than required amount of water

• May be 2-3 Cups of Water depending on the Tanginess of Tomato and Tamarind etc
• Retain 1/2 cup of Water from the required amount of water. 
• To this add Sugar/Jaggery, and Turmeric Powder and allow it to Boil.
• Let it boil till the raw Flavor is gone.
• Meanwhile lets prepare the tadka/Seasoning, Heat a Tadka Pan/Pan with a teaspoon of Oil/ghee.
• Once the oil is heated, add the Mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
• Then add 2 pods of Crushed Garlic, Curry Leaves, Asafoetida and switch off the flame and keep this aside.
• Once the raw flavor is gone, add the 1/2 Cup of water and the 1 and mix well.
• Switch off as soon as you see the water bubbling (Don't Over Boil it)
• Add lots of chopped Coriander Leaves and the prepared Seasoning,  and immediately cover with a lid
• Enjoy with Rice. 

Note

• Adding Jaggery/Sugar add depth of Flavor to the rasam.
• Always add Chopped Coriander after switching off the stove and immediately cover it with a lid to pack the flavors.
• Usually I make Rasam using the above method where I do not add all the Water required for the Rasam during cooking. I add the Tamarind and Half of required amount of water and boil it till the Raw Flavor is gone, then towards the end of the cooking add the remaining water and just cook till it starts to boil and then switch off.
• This way of cooking, enhances the Tastes and Flavor of rasam, try this method once and you will stick to this method only. 

Baby Corn- Capsicum- Cottage Cheese aka Paneer Gravy/Subzi/Sabji

 This is a famous curry for it tastes amazing. The combo works amazingly well. You can choose any English Vegetables based on your preference. Some Veggies I have tried this recipe with is Broccoli, Mushrooms, Carrots, Beans, Cauliflower etc. Do the basic Gravy and add the Veggies as per your Taste.

Ingredients
Baby Corn - 10 pieces (Washed and cut into 2")
Capsicum - 1 (Washed and Cut into 2")
Paneer - 1 Packet or 200 Grams (Cut into Cubes)
Peas - a Handful
Onion - 1 (Large, Peeled and boiled )
Tomato - 1 (Medium, Boiled and Peeled)
Red Chilly powder - 1 Tablespoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Garam Masala - 1/4 Teaspoon
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1/2 Teaspoon
Oil - 2 Tablespoon
Vegetable Stock - 1 Cup (Optional)
Fresh Cream - 2 Tablespoon
Coriander Leaves - Few Sprigs for Garnish

Method

• In a Mixer, pulse the Tomato and Onion separately till they become a nice smooth paste.
• In a Pan, warm some oil and add the Baby Corn and Paneer and cook till they get some nice colour on all sides.
• This step is optional, if you don't want then you can skip this step.
• If you plan to Pan roast the Baby Corn and Paneer, do it on Medium flame and don't move them around too much or else they may break.
• Once you get nice colour remove them and keep them aside.
• In the same pan, add 1 more tablespoon of oil and add the Onion paste and saute, and after a minute add the Tomato paste and saute.
• Please be careful while adding/cooking the Onion - Tomato paste as they tend to splatter.
• After 2 minutes of cooking it add Ginger Garlic paste and Dry masala Powders and saute.
• Then add the capsicum and saute for a minute. Now add the vegetable stock or water and stir it well and add the tossed Baby Corn and Paneer, Peas.
• Cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes or the raw flavor is completely gone.
• Switch off the flame and add the fresh cream and Coriander leaves.
• Serve with Rice or Roti.

Note

• Adding vegetable stock gives a deep flavour to this dish. You can make your own vegetable stock (Will post a recipe soon) or use Storebought Stock.
• I use Maggi Vegetable stock Tablet. I just soak the tablet in some water and Voila you get your stock.

Oyster Mushroom Masala

My Hubby is a great fan of Mushrooms. We make Mushrooms at our house atleast once in a week.We generally use Button Mushrooms. However, my hubby found the Oyster Mushrooms at the Market one day and I made a simple Mushroom Curry with it and it tasted yum. You can make this
 recipe with regular Mushrooms also.

Ingredients

Oyster Mushrooms - 1 Packet
Onion - 1 (Finely Chopped, Large)
Red Chilly Powder - 1 Tablespoon

Coriander Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Teaspoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Pepper Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Green Chilly Powder - 1 (Slit)
Oil - 1 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste

Method

• Wash and cut the mushrooms into 4 pieces.
• Heat a pan with some oil and once the oil is hot add the Onions.
• Saute till the onions changes to transparent.
• Then add the Ginger Garlic paste and Saute for a minute or 2. 
• Then add the Dry spices powder and saute, reduce the flame and cook for 2 minutes.
• If you feel that the masala is burning then sprinkle some water and cover it with a lid.
• After 2 minutes, add the chopped mushrooms and saute for a minute till all Mushroom is coated with the Masala.
• Cook The mushrooms till it is done, Cover it with lid while cooking it.
• This may take 7-8 minutes to get done. Open the lid for every 2 minutes and saute to ensure that the Mushrooms don't Burn.
• The Mushroom will leave enough water that is required for this Masala, if not, sprinkle some Water.
• Don't pour water as we want to make it as a Thick gravy. 
• Serve it with Roti or Rice. 

Yam - Cow Peas (Black Eyed Beans) Curry AKA Senai Karamani Kuzhambhu(Kulambhu)

I have already written enough about my love for South Indian Gravy. Look at a variety of SI curry recipes here. This gravy is a lovely combo of Yam and Cow peas and they just taste amazing. Nevertheless to say, it goes well with Rice , but I love it with Dosa. Make slightly thicker, soft Dosa and have it with this gravy, then you will know what I am talking about.

Ingredients

Yam - 250 Grams (Peeled and chopped into 2" Pieces)
Cow Peas - 1 Handful (Washed and Soaked for at least 6 Hours)
Onion - 1 (Large, finely Chopped)
Tomato - 1 (Medium, Finely Chopped, preferably Country Tomato)
Garlic - 4 Pods (Peeled and roughly Crushed)
Ginger - 1/2" Piece (Peeled and Crushed)
Red Chilly powder - 1 Tablespoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/8 Teaspoon
Yam - Lemon Size (Soaked in a glass of warm water)
Oil - 2 Tablespoon (Preferably Gingelly Oil)
Salt - To taste
Jaggery  -  1/2' Piece
Curry Leaves - 2 (Torn into pieces)
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Fenugreek Seeds - 1/4 Teaspoon

Method

• Pressure cook the Karamani or Cow peas till done. It took me 6 whistles.
• Meanwhile, Boil some water, add turmeric and cook the Yam till it is almost done.
• Strain the Yam and roughly Mash it. Don't mash it too much.
• Place a kadhai on the stove and Add the Oil.
• Once the oil is hot add the Mustard Seeds and allow it to splutter and then add the fenugreek seeds and Curry leaves.
• Immediately add the Onions and cook till the onions are done. 
• Add the Garlic and Ginger and Saute.
• Add the tomatoes and add the salt.
• Cook till the tomato becomes mushy and almost dissolves.
• Now to this add the Recd Chilly powder, Coriander Powder, turmeric powder, Cooked Cow Peas and Mashed Yam.
• Cook it for a minute or 2.
• Extract the Tamarind Juice from the soaked Tamarind and add it to the coking mixture.
• Approximately add 1 Cup of tamarind pulp, however this depends on your quality of tamarind, your soaking time, your taste preference etc.
• Allow the Mixture to boil and add a piece of Jaggery and mix well.
• Cook till the raw flavour of everything is gone.

Notes

• Cooking the Yam in tamarind Pulp will ensure that the Itchiness of the Yam is gone, however if you are worried then after cutting the Yam soak it in the water which you get while washing the Rice. 
• Soaking it in that water for 15 minutes will remove the Itchiness.
• Another technique that I also follow is to add a small piece of Tamarind in the water while cooking the Tamarind. 
• It should be a every tiny piece or else the Tamarind will not get cooked. 
• In my opinion this gravy tastes nice if it is thick and not so watery and also I prefer not to add too much of Tamarind Pulp as it will mask the other flavors.

Lunch Menu 18: Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu (Stuffed Brinjal Gravy), Beans Paruppu Usli and Rice 

It is been quite long time that I posted a Lunch Menu, This is a simple Lunch Menu.

Click on the links for the recipe:

• Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu (Stuffed Brinjal Gravy)
• Beans Paruppu Usli (Recipe Coming Soon)

Malai Kofta 

I have posted the Healthy Version of Malai Kofta already, this is the way of actually making Malai koftas. No doubt, these will taste double awesome.

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

Paneer or cottage cheese - 250 grams (Crmbled)
Potato - 1 (Medium, peeled, boiled and mashed - I did not add it as I was able to work with the Paneer, however if you are trying this for the first time, then use mashed Potato)
Green Chillies - 1 (Finely Chopped)
Ginger - Garlic Paste - 1/4 Teaspoon
Rice Flour or Maida or Corn Flour or Bread - 2 tablespoon or 2 slices made into crumbs
Salt - To taste
Oil - as required (Usually it is ssupposedto be deep fried, however I did shallow Fry)
Sooji or Bread Crumbs - To coat the Koftas

For the Gravy: 

Onion - 1 (Big, Boiled and made into a paste)
Cashew Nuts - 10 Nos (Boil it in some warm water and grind into a paste)
Tomato - 1 (Medium, Blanched and skin peeled and pureed)
Ginger - Garlic Paste - /2 Teaspoon
Red Chilly Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Garam Masala - 1/4 Teaspoon
Milk - 2-4 tablespoon 
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 2 Tablespoon (I used Olive Oil)
Kasoori Methi - 1/2 Tabelspoon
Fresh Cream - 4 Tablespoon

Method

• Place the grated Paneer,Ginger garlic paste (1/4/teaspoon),,salt and green chillies and mix well.
• Add Corn Flour little by Little till you are able to knead it into a dough.
• Prepare Koftas using this prepared mixture and make them into koftas.
• Coat the koftas with Bread crumbs or Sooji. 
• Deep fry it or shallow fry it as per your choice. 
• Remove them and place them in a paper towel. 
• In a pan, add some oil and add Onion paste and cook well.
• Once it is cooked, add the Ginger garlic paste, Tomato purée and cook well.
• Once it is cooked add the Garam Masala and Red Chilly powder and cook till the raw flavour leaves.
• Now reduce the flame and add the Cashew paste and cook till the raw flavour of cashew goes completely.
• This may take 3-4 minutes
• Now add Milk and cook on low flame and cook.
• Crush the Kasoori methi and add it to this.
• Add salt and adjust the consistency to suit your need.
• To this add the Kofta and cook for a minute and serve immediately.
• Place the Gravy and kofta together only minutes before you serve. 

Dal Palak - Spinach Dal Curry 

A bowl of Dal and Rice can be more satisfying than anything in this world. I  usually like to add some Spinach, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd etc. So this recipe is Dal Palak which is a very famous Dish.

Ingredients

Spinach - 1 Bunch (Washed and Chopped)
Garlic Pods - 3 Nos (Chopped)
Channa Dal - 1/2 Cup (Washed and Soaked for at least 30 minutes)
Onion - 1 (Medium, finely Chopped)
Chilly Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 1 Teaspoon
Ghee - 1/2 Teaspoon (Optional)

Method

• Wash and cook the Gram Dal with enough water for 6 whistles or till done
• Let the pressure come down on its own.
• Meanwhile, heat a teaspoon of oil in a kadai and add onion and saute.
• After a minute add the Garlic pods and saute.
• Cook till the onion is done.
• Then add the chopped Palak and saute and cook till it is cooked.
• Now also add the Chilly Powder and salt and saute.
• Now add the cooked Gram Dal along with the water.
• Allow it ti simmer on low flame for 8-10 minutes.
• Dont cover and cook as Greens should never be covered and cooked.
• After everything comes together, switch of the flame and add a spoon of Ghee if required and serve. 

Paneer Baby Corn Subzi (Sabji) / Cottage Cheese Baby Corn Masala

I was in mood for a rich, tasting gravy and so made this Yummy Gravy with Onions and Cashews. They work fantastic with both Rice and Roti. I have used Paneer and Baby corn, you can use Mushrooms, some chopped Spinach too.

Ingredients
Paneer or Cottage Cheese - 250 Grams (Cubed)
Onion - 1 (Big, Boiled)
Cashew Nuts - 10 Nos
Tomato - 1 (Medium, Blanched and skin peeled)
Baby Corn - 10 Nos (Cut into 1 inch pieces
Green Peas - 2 Tablespoon
Ginger - Garlic Paste - /2 Teaspoon
Red Chilly Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Garam Masala - 1/4 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 2 Tablespoon (I used Olive Oil)
Fresh Coriander leaves or Parsley - Few Sprigs
Fresh Cream - 1-2 Tablespoon


Method

• In a mixer or food processor, grind the Cashew nuts and grind it into smooth paste using little water.
• To this add the boiled Onion and grind it into a smooth paste and keep this aside.
• Now grind the blanched tomato separately into a puree and keep it aside.
• In a kadai, heat some oil and add the Onion - Cashew Paste and saute.
• Cook this till the onion is cooked , it may take 3-5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, take another kadai and add a tablespoon of Oil and place the Paneer and baby corn and cook till the Paneer slightly get a brownish tinge and Baby corn is cooked.
• Once they are done, remove them in a plate and keep it aside.  
• Once the Onion is cooked add the Tomato Puree and saute.
• Be careful as the puree may splash.
• To this add the Ginger Garlic paste, Chilly powder and Garam masala and saute. 
• To this add the sauteed paneer- baby corn and Green peas.
• Add water to get the right consistency 
• Add required salt and cover the kadai with a lid and cook it for 8 - 10 minutes.
• Keep stirring them occasionally so the gravy does not burn.
• On the low flame. add the cream and stir it and switch off the flame and add some frehly chopped coriander or parsley leaves and serve.

Creamy Yummy Punjabi Dal Makhani 

Yum is the word for this Dal. I have always tried it at restaurants and never at home. I learnt this recipe from my hubby. It is a really rich Dal and takes time to cook but the end result is Yum.

Even Though this Dal goes well with Roti or Rice, my personal Choice is Jeera Pulav.

Ingredients

Whole Black Gram - 1 Cup (Washed and Soaked Overnight, if you want add Rajma too)
Tomato Puree - From 5 Tomatoes
Garam masala Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Red Chilly powder - 1 Tablespoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric Powder - A generous Pinch
Butter - 50 Grams
Cream - 100 Ml (I used Amul Fresh Cream)
Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 Teaspoon

Method

• Wash and drain the Soaked Lentils. Add enough water and pressure cook it for 15- 18 whistles.
• The Dal should be cooked soft. Allow the pressure cooker to come to room temperature on its own.
• Meanwhile, place a non stick pan on the stove and add some butter.
• Add Cumin seeds and allow them to splutter, then add the Tomato Puree and Ginger Garlic paste and saute.
• Cook for 5 minutes and then add the Turmeric, Red chilly powder and Coriander powder and cook for 5-8  minutes.
• To this add the cooked Dal and stir it well.
• Cook it for about 10 - 15 minutes.
• Now add the remaining Dal and Cream and cook on simmer as long as you want or can.
• I cooked for 1 hour, usually it is cooked overnight.
• The more time you cook the more tasty the Dal will be.
• Stir it occasionally to avoid the Dal sticking to the bottom. 
• If you have time constraint, cook it atleast for 20 minutes.
• Towards the end, add The Garam Masala and stir it and switch it off. 

Lunch Menu 14 - Paruupu Urundai Kuzhambhu, Keerai Poriyal, Mango Pacchadi,Kuzhipaniyaam,Rasam,Vellam Pal Kozhukattai 

Click on the Links below for the Recipe:

• Paruppu Urundai Kuzhambhu (Recipe coming soon)
  
• Rasam
• Mango Pacchadi
• Keerai Poriyal (Recipe coming soon)
• Kuzhipaniyaram
• Paal Kozhukattai (With Jaggery) 

Healthy Malai Kofta (Steamed Malai Koftas)

Who does not like Malai koftas? However, the base gravy is loaded with Cashewnuts which makes the dish quite rich and if thats coupled with Deep fried Koftas it really becomes too heavy.

So I have steamed the Kofta and kept the gravy base as close as possible to original gravy.

Believe me, unless you tell them no one will ever figure that the Koftas are steamed and not deep fried.

This recipe is inspired from here.

Ingredients

Paneer - 100 Grams (Grated)
Onion - 1 (Big, boiled and made into a paste)
Tomato - 1 (Medium, boiled and skin peeled)
Cashewnuts - 2-3 Tablespoon (Paste)
Milk - 2-4 Tablespoon
Corn Flour - 1-2 Tablespoon
Green CHillies - 2 (FInely CHopped)
Kalonji seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon (Optional)
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1/4 Teaspoon+1 Teaspoon
Red Chilly powder - 1 Tablespoon
Garam Masala - 1/4 Teaspoon
Kasoori Methi - 1/4 teaspoon
Oil and Salt.

Method

• Place the grated Paneer,Ginger garlic paste (14 /teaspoon),kalonji seeds,salt and green chillies and mix well.
• Add Corn Flour little by Little till you are able to knead it into a dough.
• Prepare Koftas using this prepared mixture and steam them for 10 minutes using a steamer.
• In a pan, add some oil and add Onion paste and cook well.
• Once it is cooked, add the Ginger garlic paste, Tomato purée and cook well.
• Once it is cooked add the Garam Masala and Red Chilly powder and cook till the raw flavour leaves.
• Now reduce the flame and add the Cashew paste and cook till the raw flavour of cashew goes completely.
• This may take 3-4 minutes
• Now add Milk and cook on low flame and cook.
• Crush the Kasoori methi and add it to this.
• Add salt and adjust the consistency to suit your need.
• To this add the steamed Kofta and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Notes:

• Unlike the fried Koftas, you can add the Koftas to this Gravy and they will not crubmle.
• However, if you plan to serve this gravy post an hour or so of preparing I would recommend that you add the Koftas 10 -15 minutes before serving. 

Aviyal - A Kerala Delight

Alok (My Hubby)  is not a great fan of coconut based dishes with few exceptions and one of them being Aviyal. He loves it a lot. It is also my parents favorite.

It is quite easy to make and has loads of vegetables in them.

Ingredients

Mixed Vegetables - 3 Cups (I used Drumstick,french Beans,Broad Beans,carrot,Yam,Raw Banana)
Coconut - 1/2 Cup
Green Chillies - 6 (Suit to your taste)
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Curd - 1/2 Cup (Beat it well with a fork or spoon)
Salt - To taste
Coconut Oil - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - Few
Mustard Seeds - 1/ Teaspoon

Ingredients

• Grind coconut,green chillies and cumin seeds into a smooth paste. 
• Boil the vegetables in water until they are cooked. Depending on the choice of your vegetables cook them accordingly. For example I started with Yam and once it is half done added Banana and then rest of the vegetables and added Drumstick at last.
• Don't over cook any vegetable.
• Once the Vegetable is 3/4 th done , add the coconut paste,salt and cook till the raw flavour is gone.
• Then switch off the flame and add the beaten curd stir and cover and rest it for 3-5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a tadka pan, warm the coconut Oil, add the Mustard seeds and once they splutter add the curry leaves and pour this over the prepared Aviyal. 
• Your Aviyal is ready to be served. 

Lunch Menu 12 - Rice, Arachuvitta Kadamba Sambhar, Kalan,Rasam,Aviyal,Mango Pachadi,Vazhapoo Vada, Sakkarrai Pongal, Adapradhaman, Yam Fry, Raw Banana Fry,Mint Thogayal with Appalam 

This lunch is something I made for Tamil New Year. I have given a combination of Tamilian and Kerala Cuisine.

Click on the Below Links for the recipe:

• Mango Pachadi
• Arachuvitta Kadamba Sambhar (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Kalan  (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Rasam
• Aviyal  
• Vazhapoo Vada
• Sakkarai Pongal   (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Adapradhaman  (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Raw banana Fry   (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Yam Fry  (Recipe Coming Soon)
• Mint Thogayal  

Lunch Menu 11 - Dal,Baati,Rice,Kaju Katli,Gobi Fry, Gulab Jamun,Buttermilk and Poori 

This recipe is a North Indian Menu, however instead of Roti I have added Baati.This Menu has 2 sweets and Buttermilk to go along with the summer.

Click on the below links for the recipes

• Baati
• Panchamela Da
• Alo Fry
• Buttermilk
• Gulab Jamun (Recipe coming soon)
• Kaju Katli (Recipe coming soon)
• Poori (Recipe coming soon)
• Gobi Fry

Rasam - Quick version

Rasam is one staple food in any South Indian kitchen. There are so many versions of Rasam available. I make Rasam almost every Day as part of our meal. Usually when I make it in this style, I don't do any seasoning. However If you want you can do the seasoning and I have given the ingredients and steps for that too.

This version is something I do when I don't have time. It is shortcut, however it will taste good.

Ingredients

For Rasam:
Tomato - 1(Medium)
Pepper Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Cumin Seeds Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Garlic Pods - 4 (Crushed)
Tamarind Juice -Extracted from Lemon Size tamarind soaked in 1.5 cups of water
Asafoetida - A pinch
Jaggery - a very small piece
Salt
Curry Leaves - 5

For Seasoning:

Cumin Seeds/Mustard Seeds/Whole Black Pepper - 1/2 Teaspoon Each
Garlic - 4 (Crushed)
Coriander Leaves - For Garnishing.
Oil.

Method

In a Pan, add all ingredients given Under for Rasam except the Tamarind, check for taste and adjust Salt and Pepper accordingly.

Allow it to boil with covered lid till the Tomatoes are mushy.

Then add the Tamarind Juice and cook for 5-7 minutes or till the Raw flavor of the Tamarind is gone. Garnish with Lots of Coriander Leaves.

If you wish to do the seasoning,In a mortar and pestle Crush the Garlic, Cumin Seeds and Pepper coarsely.
 .
Place a Tadka pan with a teaspoon of Oil and add the Mustard and once it splutters add the Crushed Garlic-Whole pepper - Cumin seeds and saute for 30 seconds and this tempering to the prepared Rasam.

Tastes best when served with Rice and Arbi Fry.