Recipe world

During our last India trip, my sister had packed some home made Sandige Menasu (Buttermilk chillies) for us. These chillies, once fried in oil, turn out so delicious! My kids wanted to give them a try and both started liking them. We get a spicific variety of green chillies called Gokarna Menasu in our native place. The name is because of the place where they will be grown. These chillies are very mild in taste and are perfect for making Curd chillies.  Few days back, we had got a big bunch of fresh green chillies from the farmers market. I checked with my sister for the recipe and tried my hands on making Curd chillies. They were a bit spicy than what my sister gave to us, but there was no compromise in taste. Here comes the recipe of Sandige Menasu or Curd Chillies which I learnt from my sister: Time required: 45 minutes Sun drying time: 1 week approx. Difficulty level: difficult  Ingredients: Green chillies - 1/2 kg (mild ones are better) Salt - to t...

We had a nice veggie garden during summer this year. Our little backyard was filled with many veggie crops for last couple of months. Radish or Moolangi was one of them, which we had a good crop. By the time COVID lockdown started, our veggies were ready for harvest. Prices of fruits and vegetables have risen drastically these days. Our home grown veggies have reduced the grocery bills to some extent. Now, its time to wind up the veggie garden as the winter is approaching.  Here is one of my favourite recipe, Radish leaves thepla or Mooli leaves paratha.. Preparation time: 25 - 30 minutes Difficulty level: Medium Yield: 10 - 11 Theplas Ingredients: Radish leaves - 1 small bunch Whole wheat flour / Atta - 2 1/4 cup Besan flour - 2 tbsp Oil - for cooking Cumin coriander powder - 1 tsp Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp Red chilli powder - 1 tsp Chilli flakes (optional) - 1/2 tsp Salt - to taste Sugar - 1 1/2 tsp Amchur powder - ...

'Katne' - is a unique curry from my native in Southern India. Its prepared using some wild leaves called 'Kannekudi' leaves which are available there. This curry is preferred during rainy season when people can't get much vegetables. Also, it helps to keep the body warmer during times of cold and fever.  We can't get Kannekudi leaves here in Australia, but I prepare this curry by substituting Spinach leaves. Below is the recipe of Spinach leaves Katne. Preparation time: 20 - 25 minutes Difficulty level: Medium  Serves: 5 Ingredients:  Spinach / Palak leaves - 1 bunch Pepper corns - 10 to 12 (adjust according to spiciness needed) Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Grated coconut - 1 cup Amchut powder - 3/4 tsp Salt - to taste Lime squeeze - for taste (see tips) Oil - fr seasoning Crushed garlic - 1 1/2 tsp Water  Method: Wash the spinach leaves in water and chop them roughly.  Heat 1 1/2 tsp of oil in a pan, add pepper corns and roast ...

As everyone is restricted from going outside due to COVID - 19, its a bit hard to manage the kids at home all day. And, more household work like cooking, cleaning vessels, cleaning and the like. I am trying to involve kids in doing the household chores a bit. Here is a recipe which can be done involving the kids. Potato Podi or shallow fried potato slices are always on demand in our home.  Preparation time: 20 -25 minutes Difficulty level: Medium Serves: 4 Ingredients: Potato (big ones) - 2 Sooji rava (Course Semolina) - 3 tbsp Salt - to taste Red chilli powder - 3/4 tsp or to taste Oil - for cooking Method: Peel off the skin of potatoes and cut them into thin slices. Mix together sooji rava, salt and red chilli powder in a small bowl.  Coat the potato slices with the rava mixture by dipping them in the mixture. Cook them on the hot tawa by drizzling a few drops of oil. Flip them a few times to ensure even cooking. How to cook ...

Doddapatre is a common herb which is generously used in many Indian households for cooking and home medications. This plant won't need much care and can be easily grown in a pot. We use this herb mainly to get rid of cold and cough. Having access to herbs like Ajawain, tulsi, ginger, etc. will definitely cut down frequent visits to the doctor for some common sickness. Apart from its medicinal values, Ajwain leaves are equally good for preparation of a few yummy dishes. Here is one such side dish, Doddapatre / Ajwain leaves Gojju.. Preparation time:15 minutes Difficulty leves: Medium Serves: 4 - 5 Ingredients: Doddapatre / Ajwain leaves - 7 or 8 Split bengal gram - 2 tbsp Dry red chillies - 2 Urid dal - 1 tsp Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp Hing / asafoetida - a pinch Coriander seeds - 3/4 tsp Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp Till seeds - 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp Salt - to taste Tamarind - 1 1/2 tbsp or to taste Jaggery / sugar -  3 tbsp or to taste Grated co...