Round Up of Tried and Tasted 'Wandering Chopsticks'

Here comes the round up of Tried and Tasted 'Wandering Chopsticks'.


Christine of Kits Chow tried Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage from here, Vietnamese Dessert Soup With Corn and Tapioca Pearls from here, Vietnamese French Braised Short Ribs from here, Peruvian Chicken Soup (Aguadito de Pollo) from here, Su Su Xao Tom from here.

Yasmeen of Health Nuts tried Vegetarian Lasanga from here.

David Nguyen of Houston Wok tried Xiu Mai (Vietnamese Meatballs) from here.

Priya of Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes tried Latkes (Jewish Potato Pancakes) from here, Banh Kem Dua(Vietnamese Coconut Fan) from here, Buttermilk Biscuits from here.


Lan Pham of Angry Creations tried Ma Po Tofu from here.

Lata Raja of Flavours and Tastes tried Indian Naan from here.


Radha of Urban Bites tried Pork Patties and Vietnamese Rolls from here.

I tried Hummus from here.

I would like to thanks again Zlamushka of Zlamushka's Spicy Kitchen for starting this wonderful event, Wandering Chopsticks for sharing all these wonderful recipes and not but list all blogger friends. For the month of January I would like to suggest Priya of Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes for Tried and Tasted event. I hope you all will participate in that event too.


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Hummus (Chickpea Spread) For T & T


I wanted to try hummus at home from long time but I didn't get time but today for Tried and Tasted I tried it and it came out yummy. Thanks Wandering Chopsticks for sharing this easy and delicious recipe. Thanks Zlamushka of Zlamushka's Spicy Kitchen for starting this wonderful event.

Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: 1 15 oz Can or 1 Cup soaked overnight and cooked
  • Cumin Seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic Cloves: 2
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
  • Mint Leaves: 2-3 (Optional)
  • Salt to Taste
  • Olive Oil : 1 tbsp
  • Red Pepper Powder For Garnishing
Procedure:
  • In a food processor mix all ingredients and process till fine paste. Make a fine paste of all ingredients in the food processor.
  • Serve this hummus in a dipping bowl or spread on crackers, pita bread. You can use this spread in different sandwiches or you can make just hummus sandwich. This hummus is perfect for kids for a snack time with crackers, raw vegetables.
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Tried and Tasted: Wandering Chopsticks

Hello friends, this month I am hosting this month's 'Tried and Tasted' event. This event is a brain child of Zlamushka of Zlamushka's Spicy Kitchen. The aim of this event is to explore other foodies tastes, appreciate them and confirm that their recipes are worth it.

This month's blog is Wandering Chopstick. The author of this blog is mysterious. She didn't want to reveal her identity :). She is from Southern California and blogging since June 2006. She loves to cook. She loves to try dishes from different cuisines. You can see her all recipes by cuisines here. So let's start cooking her lovely recipes.


The rules are simple:

  1. Cook any recipe(s) from the blog of the month and post about it. Stay as true to the original recipe(s) as possible. Therefore, there is no need for re-posting it, simply link to the original post :-)
    1. There is no time-frame for the original recipe. It can be as old as my grand-mother or as fresh as a mung bean sprout.
  2. Link your post to HERE and to the original post. Please always link to both sites, so both blogs are given credit and you are avoiding copyright fuss. Feel free to use this wonderful logo made by Ksenia of Tales of A Spoon. .
  3. Send me an e-mail to RecipeCenter@gmail.com with your name, your post URL as well as the original URL and a picture (any size).
  4. Non-bloggers are more than welcome to participate. Simply e-mail me with your experience of what you cooked and please include a picture.
  5. Deadline is the Oct 31st and the round up will be posted within a week.


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Methi Pakoda (Methi Fritters)


Ingredients:
  • Finely Chopped Methi Leaves: 2 Cups
  • Besan Flour (Chickpea Flour): 2 Cups
  • Butter Milk: 1 Cup
  • Roasted Sesame Seeds: 2 tbsp
  • Roasted Dry Shredded Coconut: 1 tbsp
  • Roasted Crushed Peanuts: 2 tbsp
  • Crushed Black pepper As Per Taste
  • Red Chili Powder, Salt, Sugar To Taste
  • Hing (Asafoetida) : 2 Pinches
  • Baking Soda: 3 Pinches
  • Oil For Frying
Procedure:
  • Mix all the dry ingredients together very well.
  • Then add buttermilk small amount at a time in this mixture. Mix everything well.
  • The batter should not be very thick or very watery.
  • Heat oil in a kadhai and add 2 tsp of hot oil in a batter and mix this batter very well.
  • Slowly add 1 tbsp of batter in a oil. You can make 4-5 pakodas at a time depending upon size of kadai.
  • Fry these pakodas till golden brown.
  • Serve these hot pakodas with any kind or chutney or sauce.



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Eggless Blueberry Muffins



Ingredients: For 12 Muffins
  • All Purpose Flour: 2 Cups
  • Baking Soda: 1 & 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Sugar: 1 Cup
  • Milk: 1 Cup
  • Oil: 1/3 Cup
  • Vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh Bluberries: 1 & 1/2 Cups

Procedure:
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
  2. Mix flour, salt and baking soda very well.
  3. In a bowl mix sugar, milk, oil, vinegar very well.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
  5. Add blueberries and gently mix them in batter.
  6. Fill muffin pan 3/4 and bake it for 20 to 25 min. until golden brown.
  7. Let sit in pan for 5 mins before removing to cooling rack.
  8. Enjoy these muffins anytime of the day.

Source - Madhuram


Now it's award time Sireesha of Mom's Recipes and Aparna of Aps Kitchen gave me Scrumptious Award'. Aparna also gave me 'Kreative Blogger Award', 'One Lovely Blog Award', 'I love Your Blog' award. Thank you very much Sireesha and Aparna for these wonderful awards.

I would like to share this award with all my blogger friends. So girls enjoy these awards.




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Varai Batata Vada (Swang Rice & Potato Vada)


Ingredients:
  • Cooked Varai/ Sauri/ Swang Rice: 2 Cups
  • Boiled Mashed Potatoes: 2 Cups
  • Coarse Powder of Roasted Peanuts: 1 Cup
  • Coarsely Crushed Cumin Seeds: 2 tbsp
  • Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves: 1 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Green Chillies: As per Taste
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp
  • Salt To Taste
  • Oil for Frying

Procedure:

  • Mix all ingredients (except oil) very well and make a nice dough.
  • Divide this dough into lemon size balls and press each ball in between palms.
  • Heat oil in a kadhai and deep fry these balls into oil till they become golden brown.
  • Serve these vadas with any kind of chutney or sambar or ketchup.


Source: My Friend SBK



Don't Forget to check out my new collection of Jewelry Here



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Eggless Savory Cookies


Ingredients:
  • All Purpose Flour: 1 Cup
  • Softened Butter: 1/4 th Cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 1 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Green Chilli: 7-8
  • Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves: 1 Cup
  • Cumin Seeds: 2 tsp
  • Ajwain Seeds: 2 tsp
  • Baking Soda: 2 Pinches
  • Salt and Chilli Powder To Taste
Procedure:
  1. Mix all ingredients very well and make a smooth dough by adding small amount of water at a time.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 degree F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into walnut sized balls or drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
  3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. Enjoy these cookies when ever you want.
Source: Ashwini


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Tandoori Chicken


Ingredients:

Procedure:

  1. If chicken skin is not already removed then remove the skin and extra fat. Wash the chicken and pat dry with paper towel.
  2. Make 6-7 horizontal slits on each leg piece . Make sure that you make slits on all sides of legs so that it will marinade nicely.
  3. In a small bowl mix salt, half lemon juice and red chili powder. Apply this mixture on splits of chicken legs and keep aside for 10 minutes.
  4. Make a fine paste of onion, ginger, garlic and coriander leaves.
  5. In a large bowl mix yogurt, onion-ginger-garlic-coriander paste, garam masala, kandyacha masala or you can use store bought tandoori masala.
  6. Apply this mixture on chicken legs very well. Cover these legs with cling film or lid and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4-5 hrs or overnight will be good.
  7. Preheat oven on 400 degree F. Spray cooking oil on baking tray. Arrange chicken legs on this tray. Apply some oil on these legs. Brush the remaining marinade on legs every now and then. This will keep chicken juicy and succulent. Cook this chicken until browned and no trace of pink remains in the center, 30-40 minutes.
  8. Serve this hot tandoori chicken with sliced onion and lemon.
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Alu Vadi (Steamed Colacasia/Taro Leaf Rolls or Arbi Vadi or Patra)


Ingredients:
  • Alu (Taro/ Colocasia / Arbi) Leaves: 6
  • Besan (Chickpea Flour): 1 Cup
  • Green Chillies, Ginger, Garlic, Coriander Seed Paste: To Taste
  • Soda: 1 Pinch
  • Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Tamarind Paste: 1 tsp
  • Jaggery: 1/2 tsp
  • Oil for Frying
  • Salt To Taste

Procedure:

  1. Wash and clean alu leaves.
  2. Add besan, ginger- garlic- green chillies - coriander seeds paste, salt, soda, sesame seeds, tamarind paste, jaggery and water. Make a thick mixture of all these ingredients just like pakoda batter.
  3. Place leaves upside down and flatten the veins of leaves by pressing rolling pin.
  4. Place largest leaf on flat surface. Apply some batter evenly on it. Place another leaf on this leaf and apply batter.
  5. Roll these leaves from the base towards the tip. Repeat this procedure for remaining leaves.
  6. Steam these rolls in a steamer or in a pressure cooker without pressure for 15-20 minutes. Insert knife or toothpick. It should come out clean. Remove rolls from steamer and let it cool.
  7. Cut these rolls into small pieces. You can eat these vadies various ways. You can spread tempering on these pieces or you can shallow fry them or deep fry them till they become golden brown.
  8. Sprinkle some shredded coconut or finely chopped coriander leaves on these vadies.
  9. Serve these vadies as a side dish or as a snack with any sauce or chutney.
Dear Preethi of Preethi's Online Cookbook gave me 'One Lovely Blog Award'. Thank you very much Preethi for this award. I want to share this award with all my fellow blogger friends.

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Fruit Custard

Ingredients:
  • Milk: 3 Cups
  • Custard Powder: 2tbsp
  • Sugar: 1/2 Cup (or More)
  • Grapes: 1 Cup
  • Diced Apples: 1 Cup
  • Diced Mango: 1 Cup
  • Diced Banana: 1 Cup
  • Oranges: 1 Cup
Procedure:
  1. In small bowl take half cup of milk and add custard powder. Mix it well to form a fine paste.
  2. Pour remaining milk in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Boil this milk. Then add sugar.
  3. While stirring milk continuously add custard powder paste in milk . Keep cooking and stirring this mixture till it gets semi thick liquid consistency.
  4. Let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Then add chopped fruits. You can use fruits of your own choice. Mix well.
  6. Keep this custard in a freeze for at least half hour.
  7. Serve this cold fruit custard any time of the day.
Dear Chaitra of Aathidhyam gave me 'Global Food Blogger Award'. Thank you very much Chaitra for this award. I am so honored. I will like to share this award with all my fellow blogger friends.

Comfort Food For Illness Round Up

Here comes the round up of Comfort Food For Illness.




All entries by alphabetical order:
  1. Chakolya by Me
  2. Convalescent Kootu by Shanti
  3. Gujarati Khichdi by Nehal
  4. Herbal Spiced Tea (Khadha) by Food fanatic
  5. Kollu/Horsegram Rasam by Padma
  6. Lettuce Soup by Sunita
  7. Menasina Saaru/Pepper Soup by Asha
  8. Milagu Jeeragam Rasam by EC
  9. Mint Coriander Rasam by Pooja
  10. MIRIYALA CHARU (PEPPER RASAM) by Rekha
  11. Pathiya kozhambu/Herbal kozhambu by VidyaVenky
  12. Peppercorns N Ginger Surasam by Priya
  13. Pepper Milk by Priya
  14. Pithale by Me
  15. Ragi Ambli (Finger millet drink) by Sushma
  16. Saag Paneer by DK
  17. Spicy Rasam by Srilakshmi
  18. Spinach Rasam by Ramaya
  19. Stewed Ashgourd by Deepika
  20. Sukku Kuzhambu(Dry Ginger Curry) by Padma
  21. Wheat Rawa Kanji by Shanti
Now here are the entries from non blogger SS.

1. Garlic-Tomato Rasam.
Garlic has many medicinal properties when you are ill. The tomatoes and tamarind add Vitamin C. The pepper and cumin help digestion. You will feel better in no time!

Ingredients:

1 lemon sized lump of tamarind, soaked in 2 cups hot water, and squeezed out (save the water, throw the stringy stuff away).
3 tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked and mashed toor dal, cooked with haldi and salt (if you cook it with 2 cloves crushed garlic, even better)
6 to 8 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
2 tsp cooking oil
1/4 tsp hing
1 sprig curry leaves
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
water

Roast and grind to make rasam powder:
1 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds
1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp toor dal
4 dry red chillies (adjust amount to your taste)
2 tsp black pepper seeds

Coriander/cilantro for garnish

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a pot, temper with hing, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves. Add the crushed garlic and fry till the garlic is golden. Don't let it brown or burn. Then add the tomatoes and cook till tomatoes are done.
2. Add the dal, and tamarind water and simmer for a little while, till the raw taste of tamarind and garlic are gone. You may need to add more water to make up about 4-5 cups of rasam. Add salt to taste.
3. Add the rasam powder (start with 2 tbsp, let it simmer, taste, and add more if you want).
Garnish with coriander/cilantro sprigs.

2. Lemon Rasam
Definitely helps if your stomach is feeling 'off' because of the ginger and lemon. Plus the hot soup conquers any cold.

Ingredients:

1/2 lemon sized lump of tamarind, soaked in 2 cups hot water and squeezed out (save the water, throw the stringy stuff away).
2 tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked and mashed toor dal, cooked with haldi and salt
freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons
2 tsp cooking oil
1/4 tsp hing
1 sprig curry leaves
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins and crushed
3 to 4 green chillies, slit
water

Rasam powder, as above (you need less for this recipe vs garlic rasam)

Coriander/cilantro for garnish

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a pot, temper with hing, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, crushed ginger and slit green chillies.
2. Then add the tomatoes and cook till tomatoes are done.
3. Add the dal, and tamarind water and simmer for a little while, till the raw taste of tamarind is gone. You may need to add more water to make up 4 to 5 cups of rasam. Add salt to taste.
4. Add the rasam powder (start with 1 tbsp - i.e. less than for other kinds of rasam, let it simmer, taste, and add more if you want).
5. When it is done, turn the heat off, and when the rasam is no longer boiling, add the lemon juice (add half, taste, add more if you want).
6. Garnish with coriander/cilantro springs.

I would like to thank you every one who participated in this. Now you all have atleast 23 recipes when someone get sick in the house :)

Bread Upma


Ingredients:
  • Bread Slices: 5-6
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 1 Cup
  • Coarsely Grated Carrot: 1/2 Cup
  • Frozen Peas: 1/2 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Green Chillies: 3-4
  • Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves: 1/2 Cup
  • Curry Leaves: 4-5
  • Mustard Seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder: 2-3 Pinch
  • Lemon Juice to Taste
  • Salt to Taste
  • Oil: 1 tbsp

Procedure:

  1. Cut bread slices in to cubes.
  2. Heat oil in a kadhai. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. When they stop popping add green chillies. Fry green chillies for 1 minute. Then add onion. Cook onion till they become golden brown.
  3. Then add turmeric powder, carrots and green peas. Cook them for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Then add bread cubes and salt. Mix everything well. If bread is little bit dry sprinkle some water or milk. Add lemon juice and mix again. Cover this kadhai with lid and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stir it once in between.
  5. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Tomorrow is last date of 'Comfort Food for Illness' event so hurry up.

Note: Hello Friends, recently I started jewelry making and selling. You can find some of my creation here. Please take a look at and let me know your opinion. If you like to buy those let me know.

Mango Salsa

I adapted this recipe from Indira of Mahanadi for Neha's MBP: Mango Masti event.

Ingredients:
  • Small Cubes of Riped Mangoes: 2 Cup
  • Corn Kernels: 1/2 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 1/4 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Tomato: 1/4 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Coriander: 1/4 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Jalapeno: To Taste
  • Lime Juice: 1 & 1/2 tbsp
  • Finely Grated Ginger To Taste
  • Salt To Taste

Procedure:

  1. Cook corn kernels in the microwave for 2 minutes.
  2. Then mix all ingredients very well.
  3. If you want you can serve this salsa at room temperature or chilled.
  4. Serve this healthy & tasty salsa with tortilla chips or eat with spoon like salad.

This is my entry for Neha's MBP: Mango Masti started by Coffee, Mahima's 15 minutes Cooking, Preeti's Festive Food: Summer Treat events.

Chakolya



Ingredients:

  • Wheat Flour: 1 Cup
  • Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Ajwain (Carom Seeds): 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chilli Powder: To Taste
  • Coarse Coriander and Cumin Powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 2 Cups
  • Finely Chopped Tomato: 1 Cup
  • Coarse Ginger, Garlic & Green Chilli Paste: To Taste
  • Coarse Roasted Peanuts Powder: 2 tbsp
  • Curry Leaves: 5-6
  • Cumin and Mustard Seeds: 1 tsp
  • Tamarind Paste or Lemon Juice: 1/2 tbsp
  • Finely Chopped Coriander for Garnishing
  • Salt to Taste
  • Ghee or Oil: 1-2 tbsp

Procedure:

  1. Mix flour, turmeric powder, ajwain (carom seeds), red chilli powder, coriander - cumin powder, salt very well and knead the dough of this by adding water and some oil. Keep this dough aside for at least 15-20 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add cumin, mustard seeds and curry leaves. When they stop popping add ginger-garlic-green chilli paste. Fry for a minute. Then add chopped onions. Cook them till they become golden brown. Then add tomato and cook them till become soft. Then add cumin - coriander powder, turmeric powder and little bit red chilli powder. Mix well and cook for a minute. Then add tamarind paste, 4-5 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring it to boil.
  3. In mean while make small balls of dough and roll them just like chapati / roti. With the help of knife or pizza cutter cut this roti into square or diamond shape.
  4. Place these squares carefully into boiling mixture. Add peanut powder, cover the pot with lid. Cook for 10 - 15 mins on low flame. Adjust water according to desire consistency.
  5. Garnish with coriander. Serve these hot chakolya with 1/2 tsp of ghee on it.
This is my entry for my Comfort Food for Illness event. 15 days remain to this event so share your favorite comfort food with all.

CFK:Rice Round Up

Here comes the round up of CFK:Rice event.

Different Rice Dishes:


  1. Ariyum Kadalayum (Black channa Rice) by Mia
  2. Beetroot Rice by Deepa Hari
  3. Beets N Kalonji Masala Rice by Priya
  4. Bisibela bath by Manjusha
  5. Brown Rice Pilaf by Food Fanatic
  6. Carrot-Capsicum Lemon Rice by Maya
  7. Carrot Rice by Vaishali
  8. Carrot Rice by Sree
  9. Carrot Coconut Rice by Saritha
  10. Carrot spinach Brown rice pulao by Ashwini
  11. Chickpeas N Vegetable Rice by Sweatha
  12. Coconut Milk Rice With Double Beans Gravy by Vidya
  13. Coconut Rice by Ashwini
  14. Corn Pulao by Vidya
  15. Coriander N Soyachunks Pulao by Priya
  16. Cucumber Yogurt Rice by Usha Rao
  17. Curd Rice by Manjusha
  18. Curd Rice by Pavani
  19. Curd Rice by Saritha
  20. Dadhojanam (Curd Rice) by Kalyani
  21. Egg curry with Curried Rice by Bhawana
  22. Egg Fried Rice by Divya
  23. French Beans N Red-Bellpepper Rice by Priya
  24. Jeera Peas Rice by Malini
  25. Kesari Bhat by Kavya
  26. Khichadi by Bhagyashree
  27. Khichdi by Divya
  28. Mango Pulihora by Lakshmi
  29. Mexican stir-fry Rice by Mahima
  30. Microwave Cashew Rice by Priya
  31. Moghlai Kichdi by Viki
  32. Sambar Rice by Pooja
  33. Spinach rice by Sailaja
  34. Onion Rice by Saritha
  35. Pongal by Pavani
  36. Pundi Gatti by Shreez
  37. Tamarind Rice by Priya
  38. Tomato Curd Rice by Kavya
  39. Tomato Rice with a hint of Bell pepper's by Varsha
  40. Vangibath(Eggplant Rice) by Pratibha
  41. Vangi Bhaat by Lavanya
  42. Vegetable Fried Rice by Sowjanya
  43. Vegetable Fried Rice by Hemamalini
  44. Vegetable Pulao by Malini

Dishes with Other Forms of Rice:



  1. Bhakri by Me
  2. Bhel by Rohini
  3. Bhel Puri by Sree
  4. Brown Rice and Besan Uttappa by Asha
  5. Coconut Sevai by Vidya
  6. Colorful Cocktail Idlis by Madhuram
  7. Colorful Idiyappams by Me
  8. Idli by Me
  9. Idli Chaat by Kalva
  10. Lemon Sevai by Vidya
  11. Mini Oothapams by Meera
  12. MW Chivda by Vidya
  13. Onion Carrot Oatmeal Poha by Vidya
  14. Poha by Priti
  15. Poha/Aval Kesari by Priya
  16. Poha by Sunita
  17. Susla (Puffed Rice Upama) by Preeti
  18. Tomato Poha by Vidya

Sweet Dishes with Rice:


  1. Aval Payasam by Sharmi
  2. Carrot Poha Kheer by EC
  3. Chawal Ki Kheer/ Pal Payasam by Lissie
  4. Coconut Pala Payasam by Pooja
  5. Manoharam by Jayashree
  6. Mishti Bhaat by Malini
  7. Pal Payasam by Mahima
  8. Rice Pudding by Pavani
  9. Thenkuzhal by Jayashree


I would like to thank you Sharmi of Neivedyam for starting this lovely event and all my blogger friends who made this event suceeseeful. I think I covered all entries. If I missed someone's entry please let me know.

Update:
2 new late entries Spinach rice , Poha added

This months ingredient is Tomato. Last date of this event is 31st May. So don't forget to send your tomato entries.

Colorful Idiyappams



Ingredients:
  • Rice Flour
  • Raagi Flour
  • Tomato Puree
  • Spinach Puree
  • Turmeric Powder
  • Ajwain Seeds (Caraway Seeds)
  • Salt to Taste
  • Red Chili Powder to Taste

Procedure:

  1. For green idiyappams add rice flour, ajwain, salt, red chili powder and spinach puree. Mix it well and make a dough of it. If required add some water.
  2. For pink idiyappams follow the same step just instead of spinach puree use tomato puree.
  3. For yellow idiyappams follow the same step just instead of any puree add turmeric powder.
  4. For brown idiyappams add raagi flour, ajwain, salt, red chili powder and make a dough.
  5. Take a part of the dough and put it into the idiyappam presser or chakali press and press it into previously greased idli plates or any plate with moist cloth on it.
  6. Steam them in idli maker or any steamer for 10 minutes.
  7. Serve these colorful idiyappams with any sauce, chutney or any curry. I am sure your kids will love this colorful treat.

This is my entry for my CFK:Rice event brainchild of Sharmi of Neivedyam.

Kothimbir Wadi (Steamed and Fried Coriander Squares)


Ingredients:
  • Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves and Young Stems : 2 Cups
  • Besan or Chickpea Flour: 1 Cup
  • Rice Flour: 1 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Green Chillies: To Taste
  • Red Chilli Powder: To Taste
  • Coarse Powder of Almonds & Cashews: 2 tbsp
  • Ginger Garlic Paste: 2 tsp
  • Garam Masala: 2 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Roasted Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt to Taste
  • Oil for Frying

Procedure:

  1. Mix all the ingredients except oil and both flours very well and keep aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Then add both flours, mix well. Add little water at a time and mix everything to form a nice dough just like chapati dough.
  3. Make 3 balls of this dough. Roll each ball into cylindrical shape of 1 inch width.
  4. Grease steamer plate with oil or place wet cloth on rice cooker steamer. Place dough on this plate and cook them for 20 to 25 minutes. Insert toothpick in the dough, it should come clean.
  5. Let it cool for a while. Cut cylindrical dough in half inch discs. You can eat these like this or if you want you can shallow fry or deep fry them.
  6. Heat some oil in pan and shallow fry wadis till they become golden brown. Once they start becoming brown sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve these hot with any kind of chutney or sauce or you can eat just like that.
This is my entry for Cilantro's JFI-Cilantro event started by Indira of Mahanandi.

Idli (Steamed Rice and Lentil Cakes)


Ingredients:
  • Idli Rice or Any Rice: 2 Cups
  • Urad Daal (Black Gram Daal): 1 Cup
  • Fenugreek seeds: 1 tsp
  • Salt To Taste
  • Oil
Procedure:
  • Wash rice couple of times and soak in sufficient amount of water for at least 7 hrs.
  • Wash daal couple of times and soak in sufficient amount of water for at least 7 hrs. Also soak fenugreek seeds in some water or you can soak them with rice or daal.
  • Grind daal until smooth and fluffy, adding just the required amount of water to grind into a smooth paste.
  • Grind the rice and fenugreek seeds into a smooth paste, adding just the required amount of water to grind into a smooth paste.
  • Combine both batters in a large container as batter will increase in volume after fermentation. Add salt to taste and set aside for at least 12 hours or until the batter ferments.
  • Grease idli mold with oil. Pour batter in molds and place these molds in idli cooker or steamer or in pressure cooker. If you are using pressure cooker don't put weight.
  • Cook these idlis for about 15 minutes. When you insert a tooth pick/clean knife into the steamed idlis it should come out clean.
  • Allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove idlis from molds.
  • Serve hot with chutney or sambar.
Notes:
  • Instead of rice you can use idli rava.
  • Best way to ferment this batter in winter is in oven. Preheat oven on low temperature for 5 minutes and place batter container in the oven and start the light of oven and close the door.
  • If you don't have oven place container in a warm place and cover container with warm blanket.
This is my entry for my CFK:Rice event brainchild of Sharmi of Neivedyam

Pithale - Bhakri (Besan Curry and Rice Roti)



I had sinus infection from last week but today I am feeling little bit OK so posting this recipe. May be I need this week to get better and start acting regularly. Thank you very much my friends for your lovely wishes. I am glad that you all care about me. :)


Pithale - Bhakri is very famous village dish in Maharashtra. You can make this pithale dry or as like curry but I curry version. It goes well with rice as well as roti. Pithale is one of my comfort food I can eat this pithale anytime. Usually we make Bajra or Jowar bhakri with pithale but right now I don't have those flour so making rice bhakri.


Pithale (Besan Curry)


Ingredients:

  • Besan (Chickpea Flour): 1/2 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 1 Cup
  • Minced Garlic, Ginger, Green Chillies, Coconut: 2 tsp or as per taste
  • Coarse Powder of Roasted Peanuts: 1 tbsp
  • Curry Leaves: 4-5
  • Mustard Seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tsp
  • Hing (Asafoetida): 1/4 tsp
  • Finely Chopped Coriander: 1 tbsp
  • Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Salt to Taste

Procedure:

  1. In a bowl mix besan with sufficient amount of water to make a smooth paste just like uttappam batter.
  2. In a heavy bottom sauce pan heat oil. Then add mustard seeds. When mustard seeds stops popping add curry leaves. Fry for minute.
  3. Then add minced ginger, garlic, coconut & green chillies. Fry for a minute. Then add hing and onion. Cook onion till they become golden brown.
  4. Add turmeric powder. Mix it well.
  5. Then add one and half cup of hot water in the pan. Add salt, peanut powder and bring it to boil.
  6. Then add besan paste slowly into the pan. Stir this mixture often to avoid making lumps.
  7. Cook this mixture with lid for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Garnish this pithale with coriander. Serve this pithale with roti or bhakri or plain rice. Don't forget to eat raw onion and if you wish green chillies with this pithale.


Tandlachi Bhakri (Rice Roti)

Ingredients:

  • Rice Flour: 1 Cup
  • Water: 1/2 Cup
  • Salt to Taste

Procedure:

  1. Add salt into water and boil water in a small non stick sauce pan.
  2. Add rice flour slowly into the boiling water and keep stirring continuously to avoid making lumps.
  3. Cover the pan with lid and remove pan from gas. Keep this aside for 2-3 minutes.
  4. When rice dough is look warm knead it very well with hands. This dough should be just like roti dough. If need add some water.
  5. Divide the dough into small balls and cover these balls with wet cloth.
  6. Keep tava or griddle on the gas on low flame.
  7. On any flat surface spread some rice flour. Take one ball and roll it into thin bhakri with rolling pin or with hands. Roll bhakri on one side only.
  8. Place bhakri on hot tava and apply little water every where on the top of the bhakri. Make sure that rice flour side of bhakri is on the top.
  9. Once water gets evaporated turn it over and cook for at least 10 seconds.
  10. Then remove tava from gas and by using steel spatula cook bhakri on the gas burner from both sides.
  11. Serve this hot bhakri with pithale or garlic chutney or thecha or any curry.

Note: For bajra or jowar bhakri avoid first 3 steps. Just add look warm water in a flour and make a dough. Rest of procedure is same.



This Pithale - Bhakri goes to Shama's Village Special Recipes and Pithale goes to my Comfort Food for Illness event.



Now it's award time. Saritha of My Kitchen's Aroma, Pooja of Sai Kitchen, Hema of Salt to Taste, Dhanya of My Home Cooking , Suparna of Food Fascination and Priya of Priya's Sourashtrian Kitchen gave me 'I love your blog' award. Thank you very much Saritha, Pooja, Hema, Suparna, Dhanya and Priya. I am honored to get this award.



This award has got the following rules
  1. Add the logo of the award to your blog.
  2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
  3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs (Only if you like).
  4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
  5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blog.

I would like to passt this award to Asha , Mahimaa's kitchen, Vishali , Pooja , Sanghi , EC , Khaugiri , Lavanya , Superchef , Varsha Vipins , Vaidehi , Suparna, Red Chillies , Uma , Ushanandini , Vrinda , Madhuram, Varunavi , Ramya

Announcing 'Comfort Food For Illness' Event


From Monday I am very sick because of cold and fever. Now fever is gone but not cold. Because of this cold I am not able to breath, sleep & speak properly :(. I have lost my taste in food. I tried some comfort food that I know but now I want some more recipes so I came up with this event. I know there may be lot of people who are searching for same kind of food. So lets gather some recipes which are your comfort food for common diseases like cold, cough, fever etc.



Guidelines for Participation:

  • Prepare your comfort food and post it in your blog from April 16 to June 2, 2009.
  • If you have any detail information related to these common diseases or home remedies you can send them too. For this info you can email me you don't have to post in your blog.
  • Provide a link to this announcement.
  • Using logo is optional.
  • Achieved entries are allowed. Repost that entry within this period and link back to this announcement.
  • Send me an e-mail with the subject line "Comfort Food" to RecipeCenter(at)gmail(dot)com with the following details:

Your name:
Blog Name:
Recipe Name:
Recipe URL:
Photo (Any size) : Please give file name as a dish name

  • Not having a blog is not excuse. You can email me the recipe and if possible photo too.
  • Multiple entries are accepted and there is no limit to the number of entries.

I will post round up in one week. Looking forward for your participation.

Because of this illness I am not able to visit all your blogs regularly, participating in events and replying your emails on time so sorry for that.

Savory Sabudana Kheer


Ingredients:
  • Sabudana(Sago/ Tapioca): 1 Cup
  • Buttermilk or Water: 3 Cups
  • Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
  • Finely Chopped Green Chillies: 3-4
  • Roasted Peanut Coarse Powder: 2 tbsp
  • Ghee: 1 tbsp
  • Salt to Taste
Procedure:
  1. Wash and soak sabudana in lot of water for 30 mins.
  2. Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan. Then add cumin seeds. Once they stopped popping add green chillies. Fry them for 1 min.
  3. Remove water from sabudana and add sabudana, salt, peanut powder in pan. Mix everything well.
  4. Then add buttermilk. Cook this kheer till sabudana becomes transparent. You can adjust the consistency of kheer by adding more buttermilk or water.
  5. Garnish this kheer with curd or freshly grated coconut or coriander and serve hot.

Eggless Apple Muffins


Makes: 12 Muffins

Ingredients:
  • All Purpose Flour: 2 Cups
  • Sugar: 1/2 Cup or little bit more
  • Baking Powder: 2 & 1/2 tsp
  • Cinnamon Powder: 1 tsp
  • Medium Apples: 2
  • Vegetable Oil: 1/2 Cup
  • Sour Cream: 1/2 Cup
  • Apple Sauce: 1/2 Cup
  • Black Raisins: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon powder very well.
  3. Peel, core and cut apples in small pieces. If you want you can coarsely grate apples.
  4. In medium bowl combine oil, sour cream and apple sauce.
  5. Add dry ingredients, raisins and apples and stir to combine. Mix well everything.
  6. Fill the muffin pan 3/4 and bake it for 20-25 mins until golden brown.
  7. Let sit in pans for 2 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Enjoy these muffins anytime.

Recipe Source: Baking Bits

Tomato Soup



Ingredients:

  • Diced Roma Tomatoes: 3 Cups

  • Chopped Onion: 1/2 Cup

  • Chopped Green Bell Pepper: 1/2 Cup

  • Maida (All Purpose Flour): 1 tbsp

  • Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp

  • Finely Chopped Garlic Cloves: 4-5

  • Bay Leaf: 1

  • Black Pepper & Salt to Taste

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tbsp

Procedure:


  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or Butter in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Add bay leaf, onion and bell pepper. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

  2. Add chopped tomatoes and little salt. Cook these for 5 minutes.

  3. Remove pan from heat. Remove bay leaf. Blend everything in a blender to make smooth puree.

  4. Mix all purpose flour in a small amount of water to make a fine paste.

  5. Heat reaining oil or butter in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Add cumin seeds. When the start popping add chopped garlic. Fry garlic till golden brown.

  6. Add all purpose flour paste and stir it well.

  7. Then add tomato puree, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.

  8. Garnish this soup with coriander leaves or spring onion or Cream.

  9. Serve hot at any time of the day.

Announcing Cooking For Kids: Rice Event



Cooking for Kids event is a master mind of Sharmi of Neivedyam. As a mother of 3 yr old son I am always in search of kids friendly recipes. Due to this event now I have lots of kids friendly recipe collection. Thank you very much Sharmi for starting this wonderful event. This month I am hosting this event. I am honored to host this event. This month's main ingredient is Rice.

Rice remains a staple food for the majority of the world's population. Rice is very nutritious. This important carbohydrate is the staple food for more than two-thirds of the world's population who rely on the nutritional benefits of rice.

Rice has the following nutritional benefits:
  • Excellent source of carbohydrates: Rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which is an important source of the fuel our bodies need.
  • Good energy source: Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose, most of which is used as energy for exercise and as essential fuel for the brain.
  • Low fat, Low salt, No cholesterol: Rice is healthful for what it does not contain. Rice has no fat, no cholesterol and is sodium free. Rice is an excellent food to include in a balanced diet.
  • A good source of vitamins and minerals such as thiamine, niacin, iron, riboflavin, vitamin D, calcium, and fiber.
  • Low sugar
  • No gluten: Rice is gluten free. All rice is gluten free, making rice the essential choice for people with gluten free dietary requirements.
  • No additives and preservatives: Rice contains no additives or preservatives, making it an excellent inclusion in a healthy and balanced diet.
  • Contains resistant starch: Rice also contains resistant starch, which is the starch that reaches the bowel undigested. This encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, keeping the bowel healthy.
  • Non-allergenic Cancer prevention and diet: Whole grains (such as brown rice) contain high amounts of insoluble fiber-the type of fiber some scientists believe may help protect against a variety of cancers.
  • Rice is a low-sodium food for those with hypertension.
  • It is a fair source of protein containing all eight amino acids.
Source: Rice Trade

Photo Source: Fotosearch

Guidelines for Participation:

  • Prepare any kind of kids friendly recipe with Rice, and post it in your blog from April 1 to May 2, 2009. You can use any type of rice (white, brown, red etc) and any form of rice like flour, puffed rice, flattened rice etc.
  • Provide a link to this announcement and Sharmi's Website. Using logo is optional. You can use any logo.
  • Achieved entries are allowed. Repost that entry within this period and link back to this announcement and Sharmi's Website.
  • Send me an e-mail with the subject line "CFK-Rice" to RecipeCenter(at)gmail(dot)com with the following details:
Your name:
Blog Name:
Recipe Name:
Recipe URL:
Photo (Any size) : Please give file name as a dish name
  • Not having a blog is not excuse. You can email me the recipe and if possible photo too.
  • Multiple entries are accepted and there is no limit to the number of entries.

I will post round up in one week. Looking forward for your participation.

Badam Pedas (Almond Pedas)


Ingredients:
  • Almonds: 1 Cup
  • Splenda Sugar: 1/2 Cup (Regular Powder Sugar: 1 Cup)
  • Milk Powder: 1/2 Cup
  • Ghee (Clarified Butter): 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 3/4 Cup
  • Cardamom Powder: Pinch
  • Pink Color: 2 Drops
Procedure:
  1. Soak almonds in a hot water for at least half an hour.
  2. Peel the skin of almonds. Using milk blend almonds into fine paste. Use more milk if needed.
  3. Add sugar, milk powder and blend the paste again.
  4. Heat ghee in a non stick pan. Add almond paste and cook on medium heat. Don't forget to stir in between.
  5. Cook this mixture till mixture starts leaving sides of pan.
  6. Add cardamom powder, color and mix well. Remove pan from the heat.
  7. Whip the batter using a spatula in a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Allow it to cool.
  9. Shape the mixture into small balls. Decorate pedas with toothpick.

With these sweet pedas I would like to wish everybody Happy Gudi Padwa !! Happy Ugadi !! May this new year will bring you all success.



This is my entry for Priya's FIC: Pink event started by Harini and JZ's Let's Go Nuts: Almonds event started by Aquadaze of Served with Love

Don't forgot to join Earth Hour 2009 on 28th March. If you are not able to turn off all lights of your home. You can just turn of your TV, Computers and other electric items. Save your earth.

Recipe Source:Manjula's Kitchen

Apple Grapefruit Salsa


Ingredients:
  • Diced Apple: 1 Cup
  • Grapefruit Chunks: 1 Cup
  • Halved Black Grapes: 1/2 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion: 1/4 Cup
  • Ground Cumin: 1 tsp
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
  • Finely Chopped Coriander: 2 tbsp
  • Finely Chopped Jalapeño Chillies: As per Taste
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Procedure:

  1. Mix everything together except salt and keep it in freeze for an half hour.
  2. Then add salt and mix well everything gently.
  3. Serve this salsa with tortilla chips or in tacos, burritos.

This is my entry for Vaishali's It's Vegan World: Mexican event.