Vegan oatmeal Ginger cookies|Whole wheat oatmeal ginger cookies |Christmas Recipes

Christmas is here and I'm sure its the best time of the year for many of us for many reasons like baking, cooking, family time, holiday time and more.Looking at all the pictures in the virtual world i bet i've gained a few pounds just drooling over many c/bakes.This is what i made today to share with my neighbours.

King fish Biryani|Christmas Meal Recipes

King fish or vanjiram or seela meen is a delicacy in any cuisine.My earliest memories of fish biryani was when my dad used to make them a couple of years ago i really miss it.This year my mom was around and this with her signature moong dal/parupu payasam is what i wanted her to make for me.There's nothing better than getting fed by our mums!They are the bestest ever!

Instant Rice podi| Potu kadala parupu podi

There are days when you  know you have to cook but too lazy to even move a finger on those days such powders come handy and you know you're still eating healthy.

Just a drop of ghee or sesame seed oil drizzled over this podi/powder sprinkled rice is a satisfying meal in itself  with some papads.

Toor dal rasam| Parupu rasam

I love rasam i think all south(and north) indians love it.Its just a healthy tasty side dish to go with your steamed rice and any spicy stir fried veg dish or non veg dish would compliment it like magic.

Usually I have always mad rasam with pepper, garlic and cumin seeds thats the basic mix for rasam but this time I wanted to add some dal and it turned out so good...i was taken back to those childhood days when i loved the thaali meals my dad used to pick from woodlands hotel in karama on days my mom wouldn't be able to cook.

Papaya Mango Juice|Cooler

I had a really sad week i must say thanks to eye infections and tummy upsets.As much as i love this time of the year in Chennai i hate what it does to our health.This is also the time when fruits are available in plenty.I know i used papaya in a cake last week but then trust me it was good.And this juice was even better!

Home made pasta sauce|Pasta sauce using home made tomato puree

I had a busy busy weekend with every one at home the school was almost closed like for a whole 8 days thanks to Diwali and the much awaited/needed rains here in our part of the world.How was Diwali?Everyone had a blast and truck loads of sweets dripping and flooding with sugar and ghee?So try some quick pasta recipes for a lean meal.

Eggfree Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake in a Cup|No bake No gelatin| Do it ahead desserts

I have a new found love for desserts in a cup I have tried to make a few earlier and its nice to always have a share just for each one of you than bowls of dessert lying around not that anyone is complaining!This one is truly heaven in a cup first time I ignored the calories going into this one cup of goodness I must say.

Diwali sweets and snacks|SS#6

Diwali is a festival of giving and sharing so many households get busy with making their sweet meats days before the festivities begin.

Wishing you all a Happy Safe Diwali.

Here is a compilation of sweets and snacks from the blog.

Sweets

Baadusha

Bread Gulab Jamuns

Carrot Raisin rolls

Chickpea sweetened balls / besan ladoos

Gulab jamuns from scratch(milk powder gulab jamuns)

Maaladoo/Pottu kadala/roasted gram ladoos

Oats roasted gram/pottu kadala ladoos

No cook oil free peanut coconut ladoos

Almond burfi/barfi - 3 ingredient sweet

Rawa ladoo/Semolina sweets

Dal boli/Parupu boli/Puran poli and boli pinwheels

Corn flour halwa/Karachi halwa 

Almond fudge balls     

Snacks

• Spicy Sev
• Moong dal Murruku
• Matthis/Mattris
• Rice Murukku

Sending this to Saturday Snapshots'' hosted at Merry Tummy and Siris Food.

South indian style Boondi ladoo and Boondi spicy mixture|Diwali sweets and snacks

I had tried these ladoos long ago and was waiting to post them for some special occasion but then I dropped my laptop and now I lost the precious Diwali post i had so lovingly prepared.Us bloggers I don't know if we take more pleasure in cooking something, clicking it or eating it.I tell my DH whether its any occasion or festival, i need to make something because my blog needs a special recipe.How many agree with me??

Spiced buttermilk Chicken fry|Breaded chicken fry

I love to try different chicken fry recipes.My DH who never took us to KFC because its not too healthy recently did take us and now we're waiting to go there again!!Thats one chicken noone can have enough.We love KFC during our school days when we were first introduced to it we kind of never liked it too much because it was chicken with the skin but now we are all drooling seeing just pictures of it on TV.This is what i recreated myself after looking for kfc type recipes online and some shows on tv.

How to make how to make paneer at home|Home made paneer from scratch

There's probably noone who doesn't have an accident with milk bad milk ending up in messy curdled milk and spluttering all over your stove top.And theres us bloggers or foodies who break milk specially to make  posts  paneer!! :) I once got a block of paneer from the shop you have to believe me it was like rubber so hard and thats when i swore I'll never even think of buying another block from the shops.

Paneer/Cottage stuffed Parathas/Flatbreads

I love parathas making them and eating them!I love to stuff them and roll them out (a few of my friends are dreading the stuffing part) but i keep assuring them its nothing.My kids loved this simple yet nutritious paratha.

No ferment no yeast Batura |Fried flat bread

I was checking out how to make baturas when i read few recipes that it needs to be allowed to ferment thats when I saw this show on tv so this recipe has no yeast or no need to ferment.Your chana baturas will be ready in few hours.

Indus Ladies Kids Lunch box ideas E-book

I am happy to tell you people that my recipe Paneer/Cottage cheese fried rice has been included in this E-book.

There is a lovely collection of kids friendly recipes in that e-book that you don't want to miss.So go on and quickly download the e-book from this link

Recipe book - http://www.indusladies.com/food/kids-lunch-box-recipes/

Restaurant Style Channa masala| Channa batura Chick peas Gravy

Hope everyone had a festive long weekend, today as I type this the weather is beautiful in Chennai!So this is the kind of food everyone of us would crave for.

Saturday Snapshots #5 Lentils

I a really liking SS now for the last task I got a little impatient and dissappointed because I couldn't get the picture like I wanted to.This time I'm happy.And i am learning to use the dslr finally the terms make more sense.

This time the subject was to shoot Lentils so i chose mixed lentils-the most used in a south indian household urad dal, chana dal and toor dal.

Sending it to SS#5 at Merry Tummy and Siris Food

Rose Lemonade|Lemon juice with Home made Rose Extract

 I had a bunch of red roses which i wanted to use to make rose syrup which never happened.And i was wondering how to not waste these roses which initially were to make crystallized rose petals to garnish a cake(that never happened too) :)
But this was a good refreshing drink on a warm afternoon.

Corn flour Halwa|Karachi Halwa|Easy Diwali Sweets

I love halwas and only recently I started trying to make them at home.I used to think they are really tough to make.This was my second attempt and my first was with maida/all purpose flour alone.That turned out well too but it was one stage earlier so the pieces were softer than this one.

My laptop fell down two days ago and the screen is all fuzzy, I have all the pictures on it.I really regretted transferring pictures from the camera to it for the first time.These I had saved in the draft and hence forth till my laptop comes I have to bank on the mobile phone camera I guess.

Paneer/Cottage Cheese Fried Rice

I'm becoming a big fan of one pot meals these days.Why?My LM has long hours at school and she HAS to eat her lunch there, hubby dear who loves his elaborate curry-kootu south indian platter lunch has to carry his lunch and by making one pot meals in the morning i can escape all the cutting and chopping.Call it laziness but if i don't sleep with the menu decided for next day I'd be lost!

I made this paneer fried with a wee bit of doubt if my DH will like it because he isn't a big fan of paneer/cottage cheese.But he liked it so I decided it can make its presence once in a while.But alas LM never finished her lunch box :( sad but I just have to bear with her and her choosy habits.

This rice was really nice i loved the mild flavours which i wanted to be so because i thought someone little would enjoy it ( I was wrong) but i liked the mild spices which went perfectly well with the soft paneer.

To make this you need

Paneer 1 cup cubed 

Basmati rice - 2 cups soaked for half hour

Onion 1 large

Tomato 1 large

Ginger 1/2 inch piece, Garlic 4-5 pods both chopped finely or crushed

Garam masala powder 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Yogurt/curd 2 tablespoons

Warm Water 2 cups

Ghee/Butter/Oil or a mix of both in any ratio you want 1 tablespoon

Whole spices  - cinnamon 1 inch piece

• Soak the basmati rice for half hour and drain and keep aside.Heat some water to cook this rice keep this ready.
• Heat oil in a deep vessel, add the butter/ghee and add the cinnamon stick.Add paneer to this and brown the pieces.Remove the paneer and set aside.
• Add onions fry well then add the crushed ginger garlic and saute well.
• Add tomato and fry well until mashed.Now add the Yogurt/curd and saute well for 2-3 minutes.
• Add garam masala powder and fry well.
• Add the drained basmati rice and fry well until it goes translucent.
• Add the warm water now and check for salt.Add the fried paneer now.
• Once this water starts boiling mildly reduce the flame to medium and cover this and cook for 12-15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed by the rice.
• Fluff the rice up with a fork in between do not stir once the rice is added.

• Mild paneer fried rice is ready to be served with any raita of your choice, pickle and papads or by itself too.Have a good meal :) 

Sending this to Indus Ladies Kids Lunch box recipes

Potato Biryani

Anyone there doesn't like potatoes?Not me even though I am careful in adding them because they are highly starchy.Hubby was out of town last week for a few days so it was just us around, instead of skipping the real cooking I thought I'll try to make some quick biryani and made this which was done in about 15 minutes.Me and Aj loved it my LM who is still in serious hatred with onions and tomatoes ofcourse hated it even though she loves potatoes.

Saturday Snapshot # 4 Spice

I chose Pepper for the next task of Saturday Snapshots which was Spice.

I picked a slab of granite from my building first time for a prop, how do you like it.I have tried experimenting with ISO in this pic.Just getting to learn the basics of photography using my point and shoot I never bothered about these terms and when i saw them in other pictures I used to wonder what they are.I am not happy with the clarity of this picture I wanted more.I used ISO 200 in this one.

Sending this to SS4

Hot chocolate with cocoa powder

Its finally getting cooler and rainy in our hot Chennai.The only time when I feel "Is it Chennai, doesn't feel like??" :) I'm not complaining.But along with the change in weather we are all falling ill and sick and something hot and welcoming like this hot cup of goodness is welcome.

Saturday Snapshots #1 Yellow fruit/vegetable

I am glad to get on with this new learning experience.I've had my slr which daddy dearest gave me months ago and I still haven't got my perfect first shot until yesterday thanks to SS!Glad to be part of SS and get going with new tricks and perfect clicks.

My first shot with my SLR an Olympus E420.

I chose the Indian Lime before i made south indian lemon rice with the mustard and curry leaves which make the rice tangy and spicy.

Sending this to Saturday Snapshots Series #1 hosted by  Merry Tummy and Siris Food.

Egg fried Rice - Indo Chinese way

Everyone knows how versatile eggs are!I needn't say anymore. This is my instant quick fix lunch on days I don't pack lunch for the DH. Its so quick, simple and yummy too.Also whenever we need a to sneak in vegetables to the little ones this has to be the best option.This one has been in my drafts for a while now and I will be making this for lunch so I dug it out to post it.

Dal boli|Paruppu Boli|Puran Poli

I used to love this sweet stuffed flat bread tasted it in college when my friends used to bring it.I actually have never tasted it till then I must confess.My daughter loves it now.We buy it for her from the local sweet vendor and have been wanting to try it for a long time, but somehow i felt it was too complex, until I tried it.Loved to make it and it tasted really good.I also gave it a make-over after something I saw on tv.

Nendran pazham pradhaman/payasam/Ripe plantain payasam

I love Onam because it reminds me a lot of my childhood days when my then lovely neighbours used to pass on lovely food.Back then it was really exciting to get food from friends' or even eat from out.Small kiddy wishes we used to have.

Wishing all my friends from Gods own country(Kerala) a prosperous Onam.

Rawa ladoo - Sweetened semolina balls

Ladoos are someones favorite now after watching her favourite cartoon character on TV,after i made besan ladoos these were didn't go too well with her but DH loved them instead.

Capsicum Parathas

I love parathas of which aloo parathas are the most famous and popular among most.Its such an easy way to sneak vegetables especially with fussy picky eaters.This is one such easy and aromatic paratha.

Three ingredient Almond Burfi/Fudge

Its festival season now in India one after the other even though we don't celebrate them just witnessing them and the festivities in the neighbourhood is a joy.Its our Independence Day tomorrow so wish you all a Happy Independence Day.

Bread pizza - Stove top method

Bread and pizzas in one shot what can be better!These make a quick breakfast and snack item.I have been wanting to try these for a long time.And we loved our weekend breakfast!Even LM who hates her onions and capsicums had no problem eating this!

Bottle gourd curry/Lauki sabji

Whats with bottle gourd and me?Am I flooding this space with recipes of bottle gourd actually no this is only my second one here and I've been seeing on tv lately how versatile this vegetable is and I am getting ideas which I will put into action soon I hope.

Eid special - Sewaiyan

The Holy month of Ramadan has ended for our muslim friends.They are religiously celebrating Eid al Fitr. During school days, Eid used to be the most looked forward festival being in the gulf.I had many really nice neighbours who used to share their delicious food over the festive season.Muslims friends would share delicious iftar goodies and eid biryanis, hindu friends share their onam and vishu goodies and we used to in turn share our christmas goodies.

I take this opportunity to wish all my friends celebrating this Holy Festival a blessed Eid!

Home made condensed milk

There are n number of sweets and desserts that call for condensed milk and whenever I look at one and don't have it in stock my heart sinks.Now I think it won't because I can make some of my own instead of running to the store!My LM (like me) loves to lick off a can of condensed milk so I'm waiting with some for her to eat once she gets from school.

Kanda batata Poha/ Flattened rice

What I've been upto lately I have to write here that I wouldn't want to make a post on my blog - watching the same movie back to back whole of last week ever since I first watched it.Its been a while since I've gone bonkers over any movie.

Mint tomato/Thakali pudhina Chutney

I think this has to be the worst timing to make this post when tomatoes are priced at almost Rs.60 per kg.But I still love it anytime to go with idlis or dosas.This is has been lying around in my drafts for ages now, being a south indian household we make chutneys most often almost daily and why not try a different one whenever time permits.

Nellika/Amla/Gooseberry pickle

Amla/Indian gooseberries are rich in Vit C and very good for you now how many of you us  would jump at something just because its good for us.Not me!I hate these amla/nellika it tastes so bitter even though the trick behind eating it is to sip some water after you bite into them, i just can't eat it.And so I try to transform it!

Mutton Stew - Easter Recipe

This recipe I've been really late in posting.Its my favourite among of all my mom's festival dishes.Most festive days Christmas or Easter day mornings we have this stew and I always ask mom to make it.Its not Easter not now but i have to post this recipe now.

Restaurant style Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is one famous non vegetarian dish every nonveg lover must have tasted atleast once from that menu card in a restaurant.Ever wondered why its called so?I just looked up the internet and found that the very famous food pioneer A.M Buhari who is the founder of the Buhari chain of hotels in Chennai, India was the one who introduced this dish to the world and it was in 1965 which is why the name Chicken 65.Check here for more details. 

 

Rajma Bhaji/ Red Kidney bean fritters

We have school till 4 pm this year on.I feel the child is at school more than at home nowadays.Poor children do go through a lot of stress at such young ages here.But the good thing is now we have a two day weekend unlike earlier when even saturday was working which was even worse, the dad being at home the child going to school!!This is the first snack i made after the summer vacation!I think I am officially back in mood to cook!!

My DH is not a big fan of rajma dishes and so I had about half a cup of rajma beans lying around.I soaked it and thought I should try rajma burgers but then this is what i made out of it.It was a really nice accident and I love it when I have tasty end products to trials in the kitchen.

I am actually confused as i write this if it should be called rajma vadas/bondas or bhajjis!Anyway whatever be the name it tasted pretty good and I know i will make it again!

Preparation Time : 20 minutes
Makes 6 bonda/bhaji

You need

Rajma/ red kidney beans half a cup soaked for 10-12 hours or more
Onion 1 small finely chopped
Coriander leaves a few sprigs chopped finely
Crushed ginger 1 tsp
Crushed garlic 1 tsp
Rawa/semolina 2 tsps
Salt to taste
Garam masala powder 1 tsp
Besan/gram flour 5 tablespoons
Red chilli powder 1/2 tsp

Oil to deep fry

• Soak the rajma beans overnight(i did the previous day afternoon itself) and pressure cook with very little water until soft,once cooled run it in the blender until roughly broken.(not a smooth paste)
• To this add the rest of the ingredients all but besan.
• Make small balls out of this and leave to rest.
• Now heat oil in a pan to deep fry.
• IN a small bowl, add the besan and enough water to make a thick batter with salt and red chilli powder mixed to it.
• Coat each of the rajma balls in the besan batter and drop them into hot oil, deep fry until golden brown.
• Drain them onto kitchen towels.

Serve hot and yummy rajma bhaji/vada with tomato sauce and a hot cup of tea!!

Sending this to Dish it out @ Cooks joy and Ramadhan and Eid recipe party @ The cooking doctor