Crunchy peanut Chicken fry

I keep trying different versions of chicken fry just so that we don't get bored no we never get bored of chicken do we!?This is a similar version to the dish we get at a caterer in our place its their signature dish except that I didn't deep fry everything.

This dish goes very well with lime rice or any everyday curry or sambar. The peanuts fried in coconut oil gives this dish an extra flavour.

You need

Chicken 250 gms
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Oil 2-3 tablespoons(or some more)
Green chilli 2
Ginger crushed or sliced very finely

Onion 1 medium sliced finely

Coriander powder 2 tsp
Chilli powder 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
Lime juice 2 tsp
Yogurt beaten 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Aniseeds/Sombu/Saunf  powder 1/2 tsp

To fry :
Coconut oil 2 tablespoons
Peanuts roasted 2 tablespoons crushed
Curry leaves 2 sprigs

• Marinate the chicken with the coriander powder,chilli powder, lime juice,salt and pepper and aniseed powder.let this rest for half hour or more.
• Heat oil in a pan, add green chillies, curry leaves and onions fry well.
• Add the marinated chicken and give it a stir and cover.
• Cook until the chicken is soft and tender.Please don't add water let the chicken cook in its own juices.
• Add beaten yogurt once the chicken is done.Add turmeric powder.Check for salt.
• In an another pan, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, fry the curry leaves, ginger and the crushed peanuts until crispy and brown.
• Add the fried peanuts to the chicken mix well.
• Serve hot with lime rice or rotis.

Crunchy peanut Chicken fry

I keep trying different versions of chicken fry just so that we don't get bored no we never get bored of chicken do we!?This is a similar version to the dish we get at a caterer in our place its their signature dish except that I didn't deep fry everything.

Bittergourd pan fry/Kootu and Seasoned curd rice

I wasn't a big fan of bittergourd atleast I just couldn't have it like most of the other south indian kootu types.
My hubby dear used to make a long elaborate dish earlier, a time consuming dish which required to flip each ring of bitter gourd once done,not any more.I love this version i came up with it and its easier and tastier and makes a great combination with any regular dals or even curd rice!

I used to end up deep frying the bitter gourd most of the times so i don't end up throwing it away once its rotten.But ever since i started making this dish i don't feel the need to fry bitter gourd anymore and you have to believe me when i tell you it goes really well with simple dal!Perfect comfort food!

I have clicked pictures of the bitter gourd pan fry with seasoned curd rice which is another simple dish on the south indian menu.After any meal heavy or light the finishing touch has to be curd rice.

You need

Bitter gourd 2 chopped in rings
Oil 2 tablespoons
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Onions 1 large sliced finely
Urad dal 1 tsp
Channa dal 1 tsp
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Red chilli powder 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, channa dal and urad dal and fry well.
• Add onions and fry well until brown.
• Add the bitter gourd and salt and let it cook well.Cover it and cook until the bitter gourd cooks well.
• Add chilli powder and turmeric power and mix well.
• Remove the lid and let the bitter gourd fry well until all the moisture goes away.

To make the curd rice:

You need
Boiled rice 1 cup
Milk half cup
Curd/yogurt 3 4 tablespoons

To season
Oil 1 tsp
Ginger half tsp chopped pieces
Curry leaves 1 sprig
Red chillies 1
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Hing/asoefetida powder a sprinkle
Grated carrot 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

• Cook the rice well in water and when its almost cooked add the milk and let it cook it well.
• Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, asoefetida and red chillies and pour it in the cooked rice mix.
• Once this mixture cools down well, add curd and mix well and check for salt.

• Add the grated carrots and serve with pickle and bitter gourd fry :) 

Sending this to Bon vivant moments : Rice and 30 minutes meal

Bittergourd pan fry/Kootu and Seasoned curd rice

I wasn't a big fan of bittergourd atleast I just couldn't have it like most of the other south indian kootu types.
My hubby dear used to make a long elaborate dish earlier, a time consuming dish which required to flip each ring of bitter gourd once done,not any more.I love this version i came up with it and its easier and tastier and makes a great combination with any regular dals or even curd rice!

Stir fried pumpkin

I managed to make two dishes with the pumpkin wedge that i picked up for this month's Magic Mingle.I'm glad i could do that.

My daughter was munching the raw pumpkin telling me it smells like watermelon :) I was glad some vegetable is going in as she's only starting to have her share of veggies.Its a long tough fight with vegetables and her!

Since we have chapatis/indian flat bread for our dinner invariably everyday, I am tempted to try out with many side dishes/gravies for dinner.This side dish is so easy i think its faster than instant noodles!Thats how fast this vegetable cooks!

Preparation time : 30 mins

You need

Chopped pumpkin 2 cups 

Salt to taste

Cumin seeds/jeera 1tsp

Green chillies 1slit at the top

Red chilli powder 1/2 tsp (or more as you need)

Oil 2 tsp

• Heat oil in the pan, add oil and jeera and let it pop.Now add the green chillies and fry it well.
• Add the pumpkin pieces and stir it in the oil.Add the salt and red chilli powder and stir well.
• Cook until the pumpkin pieces go soft.

• Serve the sabji hot with chapatis.

Sending this to Magic Mingle #9 , Healthy foods for kids - Combo meals , 30 minute meal mela , Dish in 30 minutes

Stir fried pumpkin

I managed to make two dishes with the pumpkin wedge that i picked up for this month's Magic Mingle.I'm glad i could do that.