So, how have you all been?  I know I often do a peek-a-boo when it comes to my blog!  but, I won't abandon it for sure and I promise you, you will be seeing more here soon.   I am in India enjoying my holiday! well, this was a very surprising holiday actually and it got extended as well and I will be going back soon l!  I have been running around visiting all my family and friends it's a blessing to have people around you who love you right?  I feel I am blessed that way!

Here is a quick recipe for you all to enjoy! When you get your favourite Alphonso, pineapple and the fresh coconut which is very different from what I get in UK!  Then this Tropical Vegan smoothie is all I wanted to indulge. Put this bowl in the fridge and you would love it as is so cooling in a warm climate.

These Tropical fruits Pineapple, Mango, Coconut are blend to make a smoothie bowl which is just scrumptious and also a powerhouse of nutrients.

Smoothie Bowl Ingredients
1 Cup of Pineapple Juice from 1 cup of fresh pineapple
1/3 Cup of fresh Coconut
4 tbsp of Porridge Oats
½’’ Ginger
1 tbsp of Omega mix (A mix of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, Pumpkin, Linseed)
¼ Cup of Agave Nectar / Sugar

Toppings
1 small Banana
¼ cup of Pomegranate
4 slices of Mango
Shavings of Coconut to garnish

Directions

1.  Blend Pineapple chunks with ¼ cup of water, filter the juice out of it.
2. Combine everything under smoothie bowl ingredients in a blender jar and blend until smooth and there are no chunks remaining.
3. Pour into a bowl and add all toppings. Slice the Bananas, top it with pomegranate, Mango and coconut to make it more scrumptious and tasty.

Notes and Tips :  

The Oats which I have used here is Quaker Rolled oats.

I have used fresh coconut, to get a fresh coconut, break open a coconut, using a knife or scraper I take out the flesh chop into little pieces and blend them in a mixer. You can also buy fresh coconut in Asian Grocery shops or online.  If you cannot find fresh coconut you can use tinned coconut milk/ cream instead.

If you use fresh coconut, when you break it open you get coconut water in it, filter the water sometimes there will be remnants from the coconut skin, you can even use this water to blend with the pineapple chunks to get the fresh juice.

Print

Vegan Tropical Fruit smoothie bowl

A simple yet delicious smoothie with all the tropical fruits in one bowl and is also vegan!

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Pineapple juice (1 cup fresh pineapple)
• 1/3 Cup freshly grated coconut
• 1/3 cup Porridge Oats
• 1 tbsp Omega 3 & 6 mix seeds
• 1/4 Cup Agave Nectar / Sugar
• 1/2'' ginger

Toppings

• 1 small Banana
• 1/4 cup Pomegranate
• 4 slices of Mango
• Few Shavings of coconut to garnish

Instructions

• Blend Pineapple chunks with ¼ cup of water, filter the juice out of it.
• Combine everything under smoothie bowl ingredients in a blender jar and blend until smooth and there are no chunks remaining.
• Pour into a bowl and add all toppings. Slice the Bananas, top it with pomegranate, Mango and coconut to make it more scrumptious and tasty.

Notes

The Oats which I have used here is Quaker Rolled oats.

I have used fresh coconut, to get fresh coconut, break open a coconut, using a knife or scraper I take out the flesh chop into little pieces and blend them in a mixer. You can also buy fresh coconut in Asian Grocery shops or online.  If you cannot find fresh coconut you can use tinned coconut milk/ cream instead.

If you use fresh coconut, when you break it open you get coconut water in it, filter the water sometimes there will be remnants from the coconut skin, you can even use this water to blend with the pineapple chunks to get the fresh juice.

The post Vegan Tropical Fruit smoothie bowl appeared first on My Veg Fare.

Hi, everybody, It's amazing how soon 2017 ended, and here we are in 2018 already!! wishing you all a very Happy New Year and wishing you all the new year brings you joy, peace, and prosperity. I know I had been away from blogging as my health was playing up and I traveled a lot last year! Last few months I was mentally stressed out with my son's career! and now I am over the moon as my son got his admission to medicine which has brought all the happiness back. All his hard work paid off he is happy lad now, as his dream is shaping up.

Coming back to this recipe, Avarekaalu is one of the favourite winter veggies in Karnataka. If you want to enjoy this you need to be there! we even have an avarekaalu mela in Bangalore!. It's an experience in itself, when the market is flooded with these beans, right from buying to cooking we enjoy every bit of it.

Buying the best ones is, you need to smell them the ''Sogadu'' So-ga-doo (probably essence would be the word) what it is called, to check the purity of the beans which tells you how fresh it is,  some people rub it in the hand to check the smell of it. You can get the smell even if you are further away from it actually. The fresh and tender ones are my favourite as they can be used in Akki Rotti and Sundal(salad)!! Avarekaalu is like you name it we make it kind of veggie!

Vendors are crafty must be careful when we buy sometimes we end up with fewer pods of the beans! We usually buy bagful definitely not less than 2kgs at least! usually, we all sit together to remove the pods from the beans, chatting and planning what to cook.  As kids and even at this age till today I get terrified about these beans are the little pests which crawl out of them.  So, you should definitely look out for them! They are like little caterpillars sized but green in colour! sometimes you find them inside the beans as well.

ARE YOU INTERESTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT HYACINTH BEANS?

These are seasonal and sold during the winter month December - January and usually appears in all festival dishes, one such festival my mom makes every Sankranthi / Pongal is this Avarekalu Tovve also known as Hyacinth Beans Dal, which is a very simple recipe.
Avarekalu has an outer skin this is soaked for a few hours or overnight and in the morning if you pinch it between your fingers the pod comes out and this is called Hitakid (Pressed) bele / (Pitakupappu)! and the skin separates out. In Karnataka and Andhra loads of dishes are made out of this!
Dehusking the beans from the pods is a little bit tricky, keeping them soaked in water helps you to press the beans easily! once you get the hang of it, it won't take long for you to do it.  But, it's an elaborate process needless to say, once done you can even freeze it in airtight freezer bags and use it whenever you want.

It's definitely worth it as the dish really tastes awesome.  In Bangalore, you can see people selling dehusked avarekaalu in liters and it's easy to buy from them as well.  I have given a few variations in the notes you can make with this dal, this also goes well with Indian flat bread like Chapathi, phulka etc..,

Let's get back to the recipe

WHAT IS TOVVE?

Tovve is a word used in Kannada one of the South Indian Languages, is nothing bu DAL! Dal is usually made with Lentils, either Tuvar, Bengal Gram, Urad (Black Gram) or Moong (Yellow Lentils).  They are cooked very softly or cooked to perfection and can be mashed up later, it's just how you like the texture! you can even thin it down or keep it thick.

HOW TO MAKE IT?

Very simple, As I have not used the usual Lentils/Dal, this is very simple you can cook it directly with the required amount of water in a thick bottomed vessel or can cook it in a pressure cooker for just one whistle.

WHAT IS SEASONING?

Seasoning a Dal is very simple, and here I have seasoned in a simple south Indian style, as we Indians season in many different ways.  Here I have seasoned it by using  Oil, which you can replace with Ghee or clarified butter, when warm it is tossed with Mustard seeds, Bengal gram Dal and Black gram Dal and for mild spicy, the dal use green chili or Dry Red Chili as you prefer.  Don't forget to add curry leaves if you can find them if not you can skip, but it takes your dish to the other level.

WHAT ELSE ARE WE GOING TO ADD?

We can add grated ginger, finely chopped coriander leaves and a dash of Lime or Lemon juice gives a magical charm to the Dal.

WHAT TO SERVE IT WITH?

Serve it with Rice, Roti, Naan, Bread.  Serve it in a bowl with a salad on the side loaded with veggies! If you do not rice you can choose any other alternative like cooked Quinoa, Bulgar wheat, millets or any other you choose to eat instead of rice!

Here I have some more dal recipes for you... 

Dal Soup

Kolai er dal

Ridge Gourd Dal

HAVE YOU MADE IT?

Excellent! Glad you tried it! I hope you enjoyed the recipe if so, don't forget to share on our social media.  You like clicking photos why not take a quick pic of the dish share it on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, twitter using our hashtag #myvegfare or tag @myvegfare we are thrilled to see a recreation of this recipe.

Print

Avarekaalu Tovve / Thove (Hyacinth Beans / val Beans Dal)

Avarekaalu Tovve is served instead of a dal without any dals in it! spiced up and is served with hot rice and ghee for starting an elaborate meal like in festivals.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 6 hours hours 50 minutes minutes

Servings 5

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh Hyacinth Beans / Avarekaalu
• 3 to 4 tbsp freshly grated coconut
• 4 stalks Chopped coriander leaves
• salt as required
• pinch Hing (Asafoetida)
• water as required

Seasoning

• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp channa dal
• 1 tsp Urad dal
• 3 to 4 Green chillies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 stalk curry leaves

Instructions

• Once the beans are taken out of the pods wash and soak it in water for few hours or over night.
• In the morning discard and clean the soaked pods again in fresh water and drain them. Sometimes you can just keep them in the water as it helps when we dehusk the skin from the beans.
• once the beans are dehusked, take them in a thick bottomed vessel add 1 and 1/2 quantity of water of the measure of the beans and cook in a low to medium flame, it won't take long for it to cook.
• Keep an eye on it and stir now and then just to check if it doesn't get stuck to the bottom, if water is decreasing top it up with extra water for it cook until well done.
• Once the avarekalu is cooked with a masher, mash few beans don't mash them all just a few this helps in thickening of the gravy.
• Once done, switch of the stove. In a wok heat oil add mustard seeds when it splutters add chopped Green chillies and saute for a minute or two.
• Then add cumin seeds and rest of the ingredients under seasoning and fry for a minute or so, until the dals change colour. Add this seasoning to the cooked Avarekaalu.
• Add required quantity of salt, Hing and freshly grated coconut mix well and switch on the stove, if it is too thick thin it down with little water and allow it boil for a minute so, they are well combined and the dals get spiced up. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve it with hot rice a dollop of Ghee

Notes

This is made just with Avarekaalu usually, If you want you can add Tuvar Dal or any other Dal of your choice.  But, cook the dals and Beans separately otherwise Avarekaalu will become very mushy.
You can pressure cook Avarekalu but it will become very mushy and you will not enjoy the dish as you won't get a bite of the beans at all.
As amma makes it usually during the festival we don't add onion or garlic, if you like you can season them with onion, garlic, and even tomatoes.

 

The post Avarekaalu Tovve / Thove (Hyacinth Beans / Val Beans Dal) appeared first on My Veg Fare.

We all love food, don’t we? When I go to the supermarkets I started noticing that we have hundreds of choices when it comes to buying food or ingredients right?  After moving here being a vegetarian I started reading labels which I never did before!  As I wanted to be sure whatever I was buying it.  We also never ever bought ready made food which was not so popular in Indian then.  we use different kinds of oils in India which usually is to that state we come from isn't it interesting?

Kale famed as superfood belongs to the cruciferous family.  This is high in fiber (1 cup has 2.6grms), high in Iron, high in calcium, Fat-free, keeps cholesterol in check and rich in omega 3, Vitamin A, K and C.   Did you know that even though it is good for health? I read somewhere in Google search that it is not good for everybody.  You must also read about how it is best to eat it raw or cooked or steamed!
Let’s make this superfood pesto then…..

Kale and Almond Pesto with Roasted Red Peppers and goodness of Hemp seeds:
Author: Jayasri
Yields:  2 Cups
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian

INGREDIENTS:
300 grams  Kale*
50 grams of mixed herbs (Basil, Parsley, Oregano)
¼  cup Hemp seeds
1/3 cup Almonds
1 Large Red Pepper
4 Garlic cloves
10 large olives
½ tbsp chili flakes
1 tsp Himalayan pink salt
¼ to ½  cup Olive oil
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
METHOD:

1. Take just the leaves of kale, do not use the stem as they will be very chewy, wash well and pat them dry.
2. Take fresh herbs of your choice I have used Basil, Parsley, Oregano. Wash and clean the herbs pat them dry.
3. Use a stove top or a grill and roast red pepper and Garlic, peel the skin off and keep it aside.

4. Toasted and cooled Almonds and Hemp seeds for few minutes this just helps in releasing the oil and enhances the flavour.

5. In a food processor combine Almonds, Hemp seeds, olives, garlic, mixed herbs, chilli flakes, roasted red pepper, salt, Kale start processing the machine. With the machine running slowly drizzle olive oil into the processor until the mixture is well blended but still has some texture pausing to scrape down the side so everything is well combined.

6. You can add parmesan if you like a creamier texture or you can completely omit it. I haven’t added it.   Only thing is you need to find out if the Parmesan is a vegetarian as Parmesan contains rennet.
7.  Taste and check if you need more salt and spice.  As some Kale may have a bitter taste.  Adjust accordingly.

Disclaimer: This Post is in collaboration with Jamie's Italian, I am a big fan of  Jamie Oliver. I have been compensated for a small fee and the opinions are my own.

Print

Kale and Almond Pesto - Jamie's Italian Olive Oil Buyer's Guide

Kale is categorised as one of the super foods for its high Nutritional value! Make this pesto with Kale for a super delicious creamy and rich in nutrient as an accompaniment

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 300 grams Kale
• 50 grams Mixed Herbs ( Basil, Parsley, Oregano)
• 1/4 Cup Hemp Seeds
• 1/3 Cup Almonds
• 1 Large Red Pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tbsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp Himalayan Pink salt ( adjust accordingly )
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ( optional)

Instructions

• Take just the leaves of kale, do not use the stem as they will be very chewy, wash well and pat them dry
• Take fresh herbs of your choice I have used Basil, Parsley, Oregano. Wash and clean the herbs pat them dry.
• Use a stove top or a grill and roast red pepper and Garlic, peel the skin off and keep it aside.
• Toasted and cooled Almonds and Hemp seeds for few minutes this just helps in releasing the oil and enhances the flavour.
• In a food processor combine Almonds, Hemp seeds, olives, garlic, mixed herbs, chilli flakes, roasted red pepper, salt, Kale start processing the machine. With the machine running slowly drizzle olive oil into the processor until the mixture is well blended but still has some texture pausing to scrape down the side so everything is well combined.
• You can add parmesan if you like a creamier texture or you can completely omit it. I haven’t added it.   Only thing is you need to find out if the Parmesan is a vegetarian as Parmesan contains rennet.
• Taste and check if you need more salt and spice.  As some Kale may have a bitter taste.  Adjust accordingly

Notes

Superfood Kale Pesto - Jamie's Italian Buyer's guide

NOTES:
You can use different nuts such as walnut, cashew (my favourite and creamier!), Pine nuts (my daughter’s favourite), you can use Brazil nuts (buttery) and Macadamia nuts they are creamier too wouldn’t think of Pistachios though ????!
You can add more olive oil to thin it down and also helps in preserving pesto.  If you are using it in pasta you can even thin it down with a dash of cooked pasta water too.   Store it in air tight container in the refrigerator covered for up to a week.  I suppose you can also freeze pesto in Ice cube trays. Once frozen transfer them to freezer bags and use them as needed but don’t forget to thaw it.

FOR VEGAN VERSION: Use Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese or completely omit it.
FOR NUT FREE VERSION:  You seeds of Sunflower, Linseed, Pumpkin seeds, or any other seeds instead of nuts.  But use it in less quantity otherwise it might dominate the taste of pesto.

The post Kale and Almond Pesto - Jamie's Italian Olive Oil Buyer's Guide appeared first on My Veg Fare.

Print

Quinoa and cannellini Bean Burgers

Course Breakfast /Brunch /Meal/Dinner

Cuisine International Cuisine

Prep Time 1 day day 2 hours hours

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 5

Author Jayasri Ravi

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 orange pepper (use any coloured pepper )
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 Onion
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1/3 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Cannellini Beans cooked
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1 cup panko Bread crumbs
• Fistful Kale leaves
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp Omega -3 mixed seeds
• 1/3 cup walnuts ( fistful of walnuts)
• 2 Bread slices** (check notes)

Paste:

• 2 to 3 tbsp corn flour
• 1/3 cup water or as needed

Instructions

• Wash and Soak Cannellini Beans overnight. Adding a pinch of soda helps in soaking properly and when soaked it also helps in reducing the flatulence beans tend to cause. Next day, wash the beans very well again and cook them to perfection. (use double the quantity of water when cooking I use a pressure cooker. Drain the water from the beans and use only the cooked beans. Do not throw away the water and you can use this to cook Quinoa and also use the water to make a paste.
• Rinse quinoa three to four times. Drain the water then in a saucepan bring 1 cup of water to boil add quinoa to it then reduce the flame to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until all the water is absorbed, keep an eye you don’t want it burnt. If you feel it has not cooked to perfection add another ¼ cup of water.
• Cook potatoes. Chop Onions, Garlic, and Ginger. Chop Orange pepper, wash and chop a handful kale. Chop fresh parsley.
• Toast walnuts, grind them to a powder and then 2 bread slices grind them to a powder.
• In a wok heat Olive oil, add a tsp of Italian herbs and then some chilli flakes, 3 omega seed mix fry for a minute to this add chopped onion, crushed garlic and ginger, sprinkle of salt to soften it up quickly add Kale and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Remove it on to a big bowl to this add peeled and mashed potatoes, chopped orange (green) pepper, cooked quinoa, fresh parsley, and Bread crumb mixture.
• Taste the mixture to adjust the spices. Make 6 to 8 patties depending on the size you want it, shape them like a Burger.
• Using corn flour and water make a thin paste like consistency. Dip it into the corn flour paste then again roll on to the panko bread crumbs.
• On a non-stick pan spread a table spoon oil and place 2 to 3 patties depending on the size of the pan cook them on both the sides with another 2 to 3 tbsp of oil to golden brown.
• Alternatively you can bake in a oven Gas Mark 4 for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they become golden brown colour OR you can use an Air fryer and placing 4 burgers at 180 degrees for 12-14 minutes .
• Place them between two burger buns. Serve them with your choice of sauce and then some fresh vegetables like cucumber, onions, Tomatoes and some herbs and salad leaves. I served them with some Home made Mustard sauce.,

Notes

Use any other Beans instead of cannellini beans.  Adjust spices as per requirement.

** You can make this gluten free by substituting a gluten-free bread!  As Bread is used here to firm up the burgers.  You can also make it gluten-free by increasing it with cooked Quinoa and potato to firm it up or use eggs around 2.

The post Quinoa and cannellini Bean Burgers appeared first on My Veg Fare.

Coconut - wonder ever if it is a nut, fruit or a seed?  It is all the three when using it in a loose definition.  But, today I learnt a new word DRUPE! Did you know ? Botanically speaking a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe.  Interesting isn't it?

''A drupe is a fruit with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed (like a peach or olive) and comes from the word drupa meaning overripe olive. A coconut and all drupes have three layers:  the exocarp (outer' layer), the mesocarp (fleshy middle layer), and the endocarp (hard, woody layer that surrounds the seed).''

I only know something about coconut that it is a 'Tree of life' in very simple words - A tree which is useful from head to toe and beyond.  Every bit of the coconut tree is used.  We have come to know with loads of facts and figures that the benefit of coconut is very high.  In Ayurveda, it is said that it is good for people with pitta and Vata dosha. People with Kapha dosha can also use but in limits.  I won't go too detail about it, as I am not an Ayurvedic doctor but I have just heard these things from my sister who is an Ayurvedic doctor. Coconut is a  gluten-free product!, These days you get coconut flour which can be used in lots of recipes.  It is alkaline food high in saturated fat and fiber.  It also contains protein and some important minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.  Due to its high fat content, it is low GI and will decrease the overall GI of any meal when added.

I love coconut rice so much I keep making it often.  Do try out and tell me if you like it.  Here's how I make it.

SIMPLE COCONUT RICE:
Recipe Author: Jayasri
Cuisine Type: Indian
Course: Main
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Food Type: Rice Recipes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2.5 Cup cooked rice (Sona Masoori)
3 to 4 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tbsp Channa dal
1 ½ tbsp Urad dal
1 sprig curry leaf (12 to 15)
4 to 5 Green chillies
Pinch of Hing
1 fistful of peanuts
2 tbsp Broken Cashewnuts
Salt as required
Few sprigs of coriander leaves

Method:

1. Cook the rice first, I usually use 2 cups of rice to this I use 4.5 to 5 cups of water. This depends on the rice you use, to make this kind of rice specialties I usually cook the rice al dente or cook slightly softer.  But, don’t make it too soft as it will spoil making any kind of rice variety.
2. Once the rice is cooked and then the pressure is released spread it on a plate so the rice grains do not stick with each other.
3. Meanwhile, in a wok add 2 tbsp of Ghee or Coconut Oil add freshly grated coconut and in a low to medium flame fry coconut until it changes to golden brown colour. Once done keep it aside until needed.
4. Next heat oil in a wok, once it’s hot add tsp of mustard seeds, once it splutters add peanuts and fry it, it changes colour now add slit green chillies it turns slightly white in colour.
5. Now add chana dal and urad dal they also change colour add tsp of cumin and curry leaves with a pinch of Hing.
6. Add required amount of salt and the roasted coconut into the wok with chopped coriander leaves and cooked cooled rice, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
7. Close the lid for 5 minutes in a low flame so the rice absorbs all the spices. Switch off the stove and serve it.
8. You don’t need anything to go with it, may be with some poppadums’ probably.

Coconut Masala Rice

Ingredients:
Same ingredients as above plus a masala powder to go with the above said ingredients. Except reduce the green chillies to 2 to 3.

Masala Powder:
1 ½ tbsp Urad dal
4 to 5 Byadgi chillies
½ tsp Pepper corns
1 tsp of white til seeds
3 tbsp of dry copra
1 tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp Oil

Method:

1. In a wok heat oil in a low flame add pepper corns, urad dal, Byadgi chillies and white Til seeds and fry 2 to 3 minutes until they all change colour to this add turmeric and dry copra and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the copra changes golden brown.
2. Once done transfer it to a plate to cool down.
3. Once it’s cool grind it to a powder.
4. Make the rice as said above exactly but, add this powder in step 6 with other ingredients mix well until well combined.
5. Serve this with poppadum.

Print

Coconut Rice (two ways)

Most flavourful and aromatic rice

Course Main

Cuisine South Indian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 2.5 Cup cooked rice Sona Masoori
• 3 to 4 tbsp Oil
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp Channa dal
• 1 ½ tbsp Urad dal
• 1 sprig curry leaf 12 to 15
• 4 to 5 Green chillies
• Pinch of Hing
• 1 fistful of peanuts
• 2 tbsp Broken Cashewnuts
• Salt as required
• Few sprigs of coriander leaves
• Masala for Coconut Masala rice
• Masala Powder:
• 1 ½ tbsp Urad dal
• 4 to 5 Byadgi chillies
• ½ tsp Pepper corns
• 1 tsp of white til seeds
• 3 tbsp of dry copra
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Oil

Instructions

• For the Simple Coconut Rice
• Cook the rice first, I usually use 2 cups of rice to this I use 4.5 to 5 cups of water. This depends on the rice you use, to make this kind of rice specialties I usually cook the rice al dente or cook slightly softer. But, don’t make it too soft as it will spoil making any kind of rice variety.
• Once the rice is cooked and then the pressure is released spread it on a plate so the rice grains do not stick with each other.
• Meanwhile, in a wok add 2 tbsp of Ghee or Coconut Oil add freshly grated coconut and in a low to medium flame fry coconut until it changes to golden brown colour. Once done keep it aside until needed.
• Next heat oil in a wok, once it’s hot add tsp of mustard seeds, once it splutters add peanuts and fry it, it changes colour now add slit green chillies it turns slightly white in colour.
• Now add chana dal and urad dal they also change colour add tsp of cumin and curry leaves with a pinch of Hing.
• Add required amount of salt and the roasted coconut into the wok with chopped coriander leaves and cooked cooled rice, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
• Close the lid for 5 minutes in a low flame so the rice absorbs all the spices. Switch off the stove and serve it.
• You don’t need anything to go with it, may be with some poppadums’ probably.
• For Masala coconut rice:
• Ingredients:
• Same ingredients as above plus a masala powder to go with the above said ingredients. Except reduce the green chillies to 2 to 3.
• In a wok heat oil in a low flame add pepper corns, urad dal, Byadgi chillies and white Til seeds and fry 2 to 3 minutes until they all change colour to this add turmeric and dry copra and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the copra changes golden brown.
• Once done transfer it to a plate to cool down.
• Once it’s cool grind it to a powder.

The post Coconut Rice (two ways) appeared first on My Veg Fare.

It's been almost three months I logged on to my computer!! Nope, I can't say that I did log on to my laptop to upload loads of photos as I told you in my earlier post that I have been traveling.  I just came back from a long holiday of one and half months in Amsterdam.  Visiting family is always welcoming that too when you are needed to help them out is a blessing, as at least somebody thinks you are needed! I could say this trip which did not start as a pleasure trip ended up as a good holiday for me, especially in the last week as my sister pampered me so much and I had a good rest with no moving around and enjoying lots of TV shows and food served right onto my lap and also with loads of filled up mugs of teas and coffee every now and then what more can I ask for.  Hmmm..., that was bliss.

Are you wondering why all the fuss? well, I went to this cheese factory which I fell in love with ( stay tuned will post the pictures soon ) asked the owner if I could get some photos he was reluctant  had to convince him a lot at first then, when I showed him my website and my photos he was quite impressed (and I was glad! somebody was impressed)  after all that he gave me permission take photos, once when done I came out climbed onto the car and was about to leave the premises suddenly I remembered that I had forgotten to take a good picture of the entrance!! asked my sister to stop the car, I got out with my camera in my hand turned around walked 2 steps back trying to focus and Lo! my foot just gave away! that was unexpected.  The autumn leaves had covered a concealed little dent in the road and  I staggered and toppled onto the ground with my camera flying from my hand.  Like an acrobat, I caught hold of my camera and saved it from hitting the tar road but I simply forgot about where my leg was heading out!  Ouch! it hurt so badly I couldn't get up, tears came rolling down my cheeks without my consent like little transparent pearls of water from the colourful leaves falling to mingle with mother nature soaking my torn jeans.

I sat there for some time, as my sister never realised that I was lying on the ground it wasn't her fault, as I can't blame her for my stupidity, how could she know that I was going to fall (that was the lecture she gave me later on as she was so worried about my leg). Actually, the lady from the next farm saw me in the act she could have waved at my sister and could have pointed at me, but she walked past with her wheelie bin and came back the same way looking at me all the way!!  can't blame her either right?  It was all my fault.  Anyways I pulled my leg slowly got on to my feet dragging it through went to the car, that was when my sis realized I was in trouble, she was so terrified scolded me all the 30 minutes driving back.  Coming back home I sat to remove my shoes, when I removed my socks I knew that something had happened to my ankle it was fully blown up to my knee I had a lot of bruises, long story short I am alright now back home went to my GP she got  some x-rays done thank God! I haven't got any broken bones she suspects a stretched ligament and also declared I have sprained my ankle very badly so I need to take few more days of rest (which hasn't happened after coming back I should have stayed some more days in Amsterdam).  That's the end of my story.

winter soups

Sun  is minimal  and the days are becoming shorter as well. The warm weather  is slowly drifting away, from the brighter skies to cold, gray obscure gloomy parasol.   Colourful T-shirts and leggings are replaced with Jumpers and Jackets to ward off the nippy weather.  But, the question is  which side of the coin you are in?  Do you feel if you are slipping into a fantasy land  and dreaming of drizzling  snow steadily onto the ground like a white blanket, Hearth buzzing away furiously burning logs of firewood, the crackling sound and the puffing smoke seeping through the chimney and you cuddling on your sofa with a warm blanket, a book and a bowl of warm soup with a home made bread and enjoy the wonder world  OR  feeling somber, going through the winter blues and dripping into a cocoon only to wake up after six months!! I would prefer the dream world looking out in the window from my sofa where I can see the white crystal flakes falling obliquely into the crisp clear starry black night onto the ground against the lamp light is my favourite sight.

Winter brings us squashes of all varieties.  I buy them now and then as they literally have a long  shelf life, they don't seem to die at all.  Butternut  squash is one such winter squashes which my hubby keeps buying because he likes the soup I make out of it.  So, here is our hero today and now I have to tell you how I make it and if you like it as well ping me on one of my social media hashtag @ #myvegfare and I will be one happy blogger.

Let's get back to the recipe then...

Recipe Author : Jayasri
Recipe Type: Soup
Prep time : 10 minutes
Cook time : 20 minutes
Serves : 4
Shelf life :2 to 3 days in refrigeration

Ingredients:

1 Butternut squash (approx..750grms)
2 cloves garlic
1’’ Ginger
1 onion
1 litre vegetable stock (using stock cube)
2 sprigs of Basil
½ tbsp of oil
1 tbsp of mixed seeds (sunflower, linseed, pumpkin, sesame and chia)
6 cashew nuts
½  tsp cumin seeds
½  tsp coriander seeds
½  tsp Black pepper

Method:

Cut the squash in half and scoop out the pith by removing the seeds.  Peel the skin and cut into cubes.
In a wok/pan heat oil add cumin seeds, coriander seeds and black pepper fry for a minute then add chopped garlic, onion and ginger sauté for few minutes till the onions become translucent.
Now add the cubed squash and cook stir-frying it for 5 more minutes with a lid closed in a medium flame.  Within few minutes it gets well cooked. Add the basil leaves give a stir for few seconds within seconds it wilts.
Allow it to cool down, when it is cooling down prepare the stock using around 4 cups of water.
Once it is cool blend it in a food processor or in an Indian mixie to a smooth consistency. (Or you can pour the stock into the pan using a hand blender you can blend in batches until you get a smooth puree).
You can pass it through a sieve into a clean saucepan and pour the vegetable stock (keeping aside ¼ cup of water) season it with salt, taste and adjust the seasonings.

In a small skillet heat a tsp of oil toast the mixed seeds for few minutes with cashew nuts. Grind them into a smooth paste using little stock water add this ground paste to the saucepan and heat through gently for few more minutes keep an eye so it doesn’t get stuck to the bottom as it starts thickening. Switch off the stove, to serve ladle the soup into bowls garnish with few more basil leaves and toasted seeds.  Serve it with a bread of your choice or with crunchy croutons.

Make your own crouton:  It’s easy to make your own crouton. Crush using a pestle and mortar a clove of garlic and herb of your choice with 3 to 4 peppercorns and salt. Take a day-old bread, cut into cubes marinate the cubes with the above said mix.  Heat a little olive oil in a skillet add this marinated bread mix and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. It’s now ready to go on the soup.

Print

Creamy Butternut Squash soup #Vegan #Glutenfree

Vegan and Gluten free winter squash soup is also creamy and delicious hearty meal in itself.

Course Soup

Cuisine International

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• 1 Butternut squash approx..750grms
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 ’’ Ginger
• 1 onion
• 1 litre vegetable stock using stock cube
• 2 sprigs of Basil
• ½ tbsp of oil
• 1 tbsp of mixed seeds sunflower, linseed, pumpkin, sesame and chia
• 6 cashew nuts
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp Black pepper

Instructions

• Cut the squash in half and scoop out the pith by removing the seeds. Peel the skin and cut into cubes.
• In a wok/pan heat oil add cumin seeds, coriander seeds and black pepper fry for a minute then add chopped garlic, onion and ginger sauté for few minutes till the onions become translucent.
• Now add the cubed squash and cook stir-frying it for 5 more minutes with a lid closed in a medium flame. Within few minutes it gets well cooked. Add the basil leaves give a stir for few seconds within seconds it wilts.
• Allow it to cool down, when it is cooling down prepare the stock using around 4 cups of water.
• Once it is cool blend it in a food processor or in an Indian mixie to a smooth consistency. (Or you can pour the stock into the pan using a hand blender you can blend in batches until you get a smooth puree).
• You can pass it through a sieve into a clean saucepan and pour the vegetable stock (keeping aside ¼ cup of water) season it with salt, taste and adjust the seasonings.
• In a small skillet heat a tsp of oil toast the mixed seeds for few minutes with cashew nuts. Grind them into a smooth paste using little stock water add this ground paste to the saucepan and heat through gently for few more minutes keep an eye so it doesn’t get stuck to the bottom as it starts thickening. Switch off the stove, to serve ladle the soup into bowls garnish with few more basil leaves and toasted seeds. Serve it with a bread of your choice or with crunchy croutons.

Notes

Notes: If you do not want to do it on stove top you can grill or bake in the oven until the veggies become soft. Then fry the spices in a skillet and continue as above.
Make your own crouton: It’s easy to make your own crouton. Crush using a pestle and mortar a clove of garlic and herb of your choice with 3 to 4 peppercorns and salt. Take a day-old bread, cut into cubes marinate the cubes with the above said mix. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet add this marinated bread mix and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. It’s now ready to go on the soup

The post Creamy Butternut Squash soup #Vegan #Glutenfree appeared first on My Veg Fare.

– Helen Keller

Sincere Apologies for the long gap between posts.  It was unintentional, the summer months in Britain is our official holiday season! that means going to India.  It’s become a kind of ritual I have to go to India whatsoever! To visit my parents and family.  It’s like Popeye and his spinach.  It’s like the potion of love and I can somehow manage the whole year without seeing them.  It all comes back to heart down the lane, it’s that love which makes you do things and takes you places without which we do not survive.

“Love is not a matter of what happens in life it’s matter of how you are dealing with it” – Ken Keyes

Coming back from India I had to juggle with a lot of things, every year the same story repeats itself predominantly, things to sort out!  Kids going back to University and my lovely garden needed a lot of tending some tear and care as it was kind of abandoned with a ritual of unrealistic seasonal changes with sunny spells, sudden emotional downpours! And off course the ghastly wind how can I forgo it from my thoughts, remember those days one cold night in December the northern lights brought severe winds which would bring Santa down to earth but alas! It blew away my innocent greenhouse to my next door neighbour’s garden, knocking things around.  Poor Lady called me waking me up from my dreams to the reality to a shock of how she was trying to hold down the greenhouse not to fly away to visit another neighbour! who wouldn’t be happy at all!

With all the chaos I baked this cake, this cake brings me back a lot of wonderful memories.  My school days when I would wait for my daddy to bring this cake for us to munch on as after school snack, sometimes we would be treated with puffs, apple cake, Khara bun, palya Bun and Congress Kadalekai beeja (Indian Spiced peanuts) the list can go on and on, But, this cake was always my favourite.  A cake so delicious so moist with the sweetness of honey. A cake you wouldn’t say No!

This would be a perfect cake for any celebration be it a valentine’s Day or Birthday or just a keep it as a centre-piece! when baked it in a tray  it goes to say pick me up.  This cake can also be an inspiration for the Breast Cancer awareness #Pinktober 2016.

Everything to do with your heart, either way , A day to celebrate Love –

“Doubt thou the stars are fire; doubt that the sun doth move; doubt truth to be a liar; but never doubt I love you.  I love thee, I love but thee with a love that shall not die.  Till the sun grows cold and the stars grow old”

– William Shakespeare.

Little did I know I would have to travel again which came as a surprise and I had to do this post, my holiday simply extended within a span of weeks now I am in Netherlands!  A country which I love coming back to! A country with Scenic beauty and a land of canals, anywhere and everywhere you turn around you are surrounded by water, you just can’t miss it.  Streaming down with lush greenery, swans, ducks and whatnots swimming and wading and an array of birds - chirping and chattering playfully on the trees, giving us a wake-up call.  The beautiful landscape has never ceased to amaze me.

It’s a love affair, it might be  a fellow human being or  nature it doesn’t matter and it has no criteria.   Love is a universal Language, it doesn’t know caste, creed, colour or religion.  Rich or poor alike, it is  just a given and give policy. So, here is how you make this cake, pouring lots of love to it…..

“Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Honey Cake (Iyengar Bakery style)

Recipe Author: Jayasri
Type : Indian
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time : 45-50minutes
Food type : Dessert
Servings : 6 to 8
Shelf- life: up to 1 week without refrigeration

Ingredients
Ingredients for the cake
185 grams All-Purpose Flour
185 grams Sugar
150 grams Butter
50 grams Coconut Oil(any oil)
5 Eggs
½ tsp Baking Soda
¾ tsp Baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp Agar Agar powder or cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla essence
Ingredients for the topping
6 tbsp Jam
4 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp water
¼ to ⅓ cup Desiccated Coconut

Method
1. Keep all the Ingredients at room temperature
2. Take a 9’’ by 3’’ heart shaped cake tin or a square tin** prepare the tin by rubbing the butter and then sprinkling All-purpose Flour completely so it is well coated.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degree C/Gas Mark 4
4. In a mixing bowl take all the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Using a sieve sift the dry ingredients at least 3 times so they are well combined. set it aside.
5. In a large mixing bowl take butter and whip it until it is light and fluffy, then add sugar ¼ cup at a time until everything is incorporated.
6. Now to this butter, mix add one egg at a time and beat well, If you find it curdling please do not  panic it’s just normal add 2 tbsp of the flour mix into it. Use all the eggs until well combined, add 2 tsp of vanilla essence when beating the eggs.
7. Now take the dry ingredients and combine carefully little at a time. Fold it in the butter & egg mixture without over mixing it.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake in the preheated oven for at least 45 to 50 minutes, mine took around 50-55 minutes. This depends completely on how your oven works.
9. Check the cake with a skewer or any other way by piercing it in the middle of the cake to make completely sure that the skewer comes out clean.
10. When it’s baking make the syrup / topping for the cake. Place a pan on a low flame to this add Honey and mixed fruit jam to loosen it up. Once it starts to combine well and a tbsp of water mix it thoroughly and keep it aside until needed.
11. Remove the cake once done onto a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
12. Taking a toothpick, prick holes all around the cake. If your cake tin is springform, it is easy to remove even after pouring the syrup. If not, it is better to remove the cake onto a serving plate, or onto a stand.
13. Place it on a board and pour the warm topping mixture onto to the cake completely spreading it all around. Don’t allow it to drizzle around. once the syrup is poured all over the cake. Leave it for a while 20 to 25 minutes.
14. Then sprinkle the desiccated coconut all over the cake and that’s it your cake is done.
15. Just bake it and enjoy it.
** In India this cake is usually baked in a square tin and cut into small squares and sold individually.

Print

Honey cake (#Iyengar Bakery style) #pinktober

Most delicious cake, Drizzled with the sweetness of honey and jam. It's definitely a honey cake!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• Ingredients for the cake
• 185 grams All-Purpose Flour
• 185 grams Sugar
• 150 grams Butter
• 50 grams Coconut Oil
• 5 Eggs
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• ¾ tsp Baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp Agar Agar powder or cream of tartar
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• Ingredients for the topping
• 6 tbsp Jam
• 4 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp water
• ¼ to ⅓ cup Desiccated Coconut

Instructions

• Keep all the Ingredients at room temperature
• Take a 9’’ by 3’’ heart shaped cake tin or a square tin** prepare the tin by rubbing the butter and then sprinkling All-purpose Flour completely so it is well coated.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degree C/Gas Mark 4
• In a mixing bowl take all the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Using a sieve sift the dry ingredients at least 3 times so they are well combined. set it aside.
• In a large mixing bowl take butter and whip it until it is light and fluffy, then add sugar ¼ cup at a time until everything is incorporated.
• Now to this butter, mix add one egg at a time and beat well, If you find it curdling please do not panic it’s just normal add 2 tbsp of the flour mix into it. Use all the eggs until well combined, add 2 tsp of <g class="gr_ gr_238 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="238" data-gr-id="238">vanilla</g> essence when beating the eggs.
• Now take the dry ingredients and combine carefully little at a time. Fold it in the butter & egg mixture without over mixing it.
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake in the preheated oven for at least 45 to 50 minutes, mine took around 50-55 minutes. This depends completely on how your oven works.
• Check the cake with a skewer or any other way by piercing it in the middle of the cake to make completely sure that the skewer comes out clean.
• When it’s baking make the syrup / topping for the cake. Place a pan on a low flame to this add Honey and mixed fruit jam to loosen it up. Once it starts to combine well and a tbsp of water mix it thoroughly and keep it aside until needed.
• Remove the cake once done onto a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Taking a toothpick, prick holes all around the cake. If your cake tin is springform, it is easy to remove even after pouring the syrup. If not, it is better to remove the cake onto a serving plate, or onto a stand.
• Place it on a board and pour the warm topping mixture onto to the cake completely spreading it all around. Don’t allow it to drizzle around. once the syrup is poured all over the cake. Leave it for a while 20 to 25 minutes.
• Then sprinkle the desiccated coconut all over the cake and that’s it your cake is done.
• Just bake it and enjoy it.
• ** In India this cake is usually baked in a square tin and cut into small squares and sold individually.

Notes

This cake is usually baked in a square tin, I have baked it in a medium sized heart shaped tin. You can bake it in a square tin and cut into a heart shape as I have done as shown.

The post Honey cake (#Iyengar Bakery style) #pinktober appeared first on My Veg Fare.

India is a country with a vast cultural ambiguity.  Each state / Religion / Sects and sub-sects enjoy different festivities.  Each state celebrates Harvest festival, in different months.  Keralites from Kerala from the south of India, also known as God's own country because of its natural beauty and famous for its backwaters and the lush greenery.

Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala, It is also called the state festival of Kerala.  Festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sep).  Onam is celebrated marking the commemoration of home-coming of their  King Mahabali.  This Harvest festival in Kerala is celebrated by one and all of 10 days irrespective of religion, caste, and creed.  It is said that King Mahabali's rule, was a golden era in Kerala.  It is in honour of this King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated.  Thiruonam day is the most important day of the 10 day Onam festival  it is the of Sri Padmanabha Swamy, presiding deity of Thiruvananthapuram. It is on the Thiruonam day King Mahabali was sent to Paathalam (nether world) by Vamana (avatar of Mahavishnu),

The story goes likes this - King Mahabali was the descendant of Hiranyakashyap, father of Prahalad.   Mahabali was the Asura (demon) king .  The king of greatly respected in his kingdom for his bravery, virtues, strength, intelligence, and his extreme generosity.  During his reign, his subjects were very happy and content there was no crime, corruption, poverty and sorrow.  Mahabali's growing popularity and fame made the suras (Gods) jealous and were concerned, they were threatened as usual, about their own supremacy in front of the Asuras.  As the Gods knew about Mahabali's generosity,  he would not say no to anybody if they approached him with a request.  Keeping this as their strategic point they made Lord Vishnu disguise himself as a dwarf and a poor brahmin called Vamana.

Vamana was sent to Mahabali,  right after him offering prayers to his favourite deity Mahavishnu.  When he would do charity work, when it was Vamana's turn, Bali asked him what he wanted he innocently said he needed land. Mahabali was ready to give as much land as he wanted, but Vamana said that he wanted a piece of land, which would cover keep his three steps.  Mahabali was surprised but his court advisor Guru Shukracharya sensed Vamana was not an ordinary Brahmin and warned the King.  But, the king would not go back on his words took his Kamandalam to grant the wishes of the Brahmin.  Guru Shukracharya disguises himself and blocks the nozzle where the water comes out, Vamana knowing about it pokes the hole that was Shukracharya looses his one eye.  As the wish was granted Vamana puts his one foot on the earth, his little feet covers the whole earth!! next foot he puts his foot on the Universe and covers the whole of Universe.  Vamana asks Mahabali where to put his third foot, by then Mahabali, had come to know that Vamana was not an ordinary person.  He asks Vamana to put his third foot on his head, Vamana puts his foot on Mahabali's head and pushes him down to paathala(netherworld), where he shows himself as Lord Vishnu and blesses him with a boon.  King Mahabali requests Mahavishnu to give him permission to visit his subjects once every year to see them if they were happy and content.  It is this  day Keralites  welcome their king who sacrificed his life, Every year people make elaborate preparations as a tribute their king with all the pompous and celebration. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well, it is on the second day the King said to visit the earth. A Lovely story isn't it ?

Hmm..., Did you know something else as well,  It is said that the laying of the Pookolam (an arrangement of flowers, A special kolam design made with flowers during Onam festival which is arranged in front of the house or in the hallway), is arranged starting from the first day of Onam until the 10th day of the celebration.

Onam is also celebrated with different activities in the state and of course, no Indian festival is celebrated without an elaborate feast.  Onam Sadya is what it is called during Thiruvonam festival served on a plantain leaf.  It is said around 30 varieties of food is prepared.  Onam Sadya includes - Thoran, Mezhukkupuratti, Kaalan, Olan, Aviyal, Sambar, Parippu curry, Pappadam, Sharkaravaratti, Banana chips, Erisheri, Rasam, Pulissery, Moru curry, pickles, Theeyal, Kootu curry, Pacchadi, Buttermilk, Chammanthi, and payasam.

I will post the recipes in the coming days, but I would love to share one of my favourite Pulissery or Pulisheri which can be made with different fruits and veggies, here I am sharing with Mango.

MAMBAZHA PULISSERY / PULISHERI (SWEET MANGO CURRY)

Recipe Type: Main Meals
Author : Jayasri
Cuisine : Indian (Kerala)
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Shelf life: one day

INGREDIENTS:
1 sweet Mango
1 tbsp Jaggery
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 sprig curry leaves
2 dried red chillies
A pinch of hing
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
Salt as required
2 cups of water

Grind to paste:
1/3 cup fresh coconut
2 to 3 green chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

METHOD:

Wash and chop the Mango into cubes (slightly bigger in size) leaving the seed. In a pan heat oil and add mustard seed, once it splutters add curry leaves and dried red chillies once they are done add the chopped Mangoes and a cup of water and then allow it to cook, in a medium flame.
Meanwhile take all the ingredients under Grind to paste in a blender to make into a smooth paste using 1/4 cup of water.
By that time the Mangoes would have cooked, as it doesn't take a long time to cook. Add this paste to the pan mix well and add the remaining water. Add salt and jaggery and allow it to cook for few more minutes until well blended.
Pour the contents of the curry into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Notes:

This curry can be made with cooking the mangoes first and then adding the seasoning in the end as well.
You can add onion and garlic with the seasonings if you want, but i like it without onion and garlic.

Enjoy!!!

Print

Mambazha pulissery (Sweet Mango curry) - Kerala style

This sweet and spicy curry is so delicious you wouldn't say no to a second serving

Course Main

Cuisine Indian (Kerala cuisine)

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• INGREDIENTS:
• 1 sweet Mango
• 1 tbsp Jaggery
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 dried red chillies
• A pinch of hing
• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• Salt as required
• 2 cups of water
• Grind to paste:
• 1/3 cup fresh coconut
• 2 to 3 green chillies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Instructions

• Wash and chop the Mango into cubes (slightly bigger in size) leaving the seed. In a pan heat oil and add mustard seed, once it splutters add curry leaves and dried red chillies once they are done add the chopped Mangoes and a cup of water and then allow it to cook, in a medium flame.
• Meanwhile take all the ingredients under Grind to paste in a blender to make into a smooth paste using 1/4 cup of water.
• By that time the Mangoes would have cooked, as it doesn't take a long time to cook. Add this paste to the pan mix well and add the remaining water. Add salt and jaggery and allow it to cook for few more minutes until well blended.
• Pour the contents of the curry into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Notes

This curry can be made with cooking the mangoes first and then adding the seasoning in the end as well.
You can add onion and garlic with the seasonings if you want, but i like it without onion and garlic.

The post Mambazha pulissery (Sweet Mango curry) - Kerala style appeared first on My Veg Fare.

It is also called Unde Huli! Nucchinunde always brings me a lot of old memories,  my memories are always entwined with my Maternal aunt (my periamma) but not with my grandmother!!   This is something you cannot find in a restaurant it is just purely Homemade.  Sometimes Amma (mom) would make it for our after school snack.

I customorly make it during Neeru thumba habba during Diwali, the first day of Deepavali with sweet kozhukottai which is a tradition I follow from my Ajji!

Wonder why is it called Nuchina unde?

It is very simple in Kannada Nucchu means Broken and  Unde means Ball.  Nucchu (Broken) can be of anything !!.

Why another name Unde Huli then?

This spicy ball is also used in making Majjige Huli (spicy Yogurt gravy) and can also be added in Khuzmbu/sambar.  It is a very delicious dumpling.

when can we eat this? 

You can have it for breakfast /Lunch / Dinner, highly nutritious and protein-packed as well, You can even send it in Lunchboxes what more can you ask for :).

How can we eat this?

You can just eat it without any sides or you can make coconut chutney to go with it, also with any kind of tart plain gojju, I will post the recipe soon. I just love munching on it, without any sides.

Do we have to use the same measurements?

It is very versatile you can change the ingredients your liking, I usually mix all the three dals.  It is usually made with more Tuvar dal and less channa dal, urad dal, and moong dal is not used! But, I love using all of them to make it more nutritious.

What else can we add not add to this recipe?

You can add different greens here I have used Dill and Ponnanganni keerai (Sessile Joyweed).  Dill leaves are the commonly used you can also use mint, fenugreek, coriander and also can use chopped Onions with coriander and curry leaves, Now with all the things I have told you definitely know this is going to be very tasty.
So, it means you can add all these! don't add spinach, amaranth those kind of greens.

Is it healthy?
Off course it is highly nutritious and a completely protein packed food.  Here we are using... Legumes / pulses / Lentils
1. Toor / Tuvar / piegeon pea - split Piegeon peas is a yellow lentil
2. Channa Dal / Bengal gram Dal - split black chickpeas that have skin removed
3. Urad Dal
4. Moong Dal / Yellow gram Dal - split green gram

This recipe is :
#Vegan and Gluten free
# Can be served as a starter
# fasting ( farsan) recipe
# Party or tea time snack
# Pantry staple ingredients

Nuchinunde (Steamed Lentil Dumplings)

Cuisine : Indian
Recipe Author : Jayasri
Recipe Type: Breakfast/ Lunch
Prep Time : Soak time (3 to 4 Hrs) and 30 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes
Shelf Time : one-day

Ingredients:
Tuvar Dal 1 Cup
Channa Dal 1/3 cup
Urad Dal 1/4 cup
Moong Dal 1/4 cup
Dill leaves 1/4 bunch ( around 1/2 cup)
OR
Ponnangani Keerai ( around 1/2 cup)
few sprigs of coriander leaf
one sprig of curry leaves
one inch Ginger
6 to 7 Green chillies
salt to taste
Asafoetida / Hing 1/8 tsp
Chopped coconut pieces

Method:

Wash and soak all the Dals. You can soak the dals separately or together for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Once soaked drain all the dals for some 10  to 20 minutes so there is no water left.

Clean all the greens thoroughly with water 3 to 4 times so, there is no impurities left, chop them up finely.   Green chilies and ginger as well.

Grind the Dals in a mixer coarsely with green chilies and ginger and a little coconut.   Grinding Dals properly is very important don't forget they need to grinded COARSELY they should be grinded as we do for Ambode ( Chatambade / channa dal vada)

Check my NOTES FOR MY TIPS

In a large bowl take the coarsely ground dal with the chopped greens, salt and Hing.
Mix them all together with some more chopped coconuts.
Make small oval-shaped balls out of it and steam them in an Idli cooker or place them on Idli moulds and steam in a cooker for 15 minutes without the weight in a medium flame.

Once done take them out serve them with coconut chutney or with a dollop of ghee.

Notes:
Don't forget, to grind the Dals coarsely. I usually take little quantity of the dals grind then first with green chillies, ginger and coconut to a paste, take it out and grind the dals in 2 to 3 parts in little pulses like a quick turn of the knob  2 to 3 times in my Mixie Jar which grinds to a corase consistency that way!
When making for festivals make as said in the recipe above you can omit Onions, garlic and Ponnangani Keerai.
You can just add coriander, curry leaves, and coconut without any other greens
You can also add chopped veggies to make it more inviting for kids!!
You can add onions, garlic, ginger, coriander and curry leaves.

Nuchiunde is made with only Tuvar Dal. But you can always use any dals in different variations.

You can add this in Majjige Huli ( Yogurt gravy) or in Sambhar and call it Unde Huli (Parup Urandai sambar), which is dumpling in Sambhar.

Hope you enjoy making this for the festival...

Print

Nuchinunde ( Undehuli) - Steamed Lentil Dumplings / Vegan and Gluten Free

A very healthy and nutritious, protein packed steamed Lentil dumplings which are spicy and tasty with loads of flavours

Course Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 18

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• Tuvar Dal 1 Cup
• Channa Dal 1/3 cup
• Urad Dal 1/4 cup
• Moon Dal 1/4 cup
• Dill leaves 1/4 bunch around 1/2 cup
• OR
• Ponnangani Keerai around 1/2 cup
• few sprigs of coriander leaves
• one sprig of curry leaves
• one inch Ginger
• 6 to 7 Green chillies
• salt to taste
• Asafoetida / Hing 1/8 tsp
• Chopped coconut pieces

Instructions

• Wash and soak all the Dals. Drain all the dals for some 10 minutes so there is no water, Clean all the greens chop them up, green chillies and ginger as well.
• Grind the Dals in a mixer coarsely with green chillies and ginger and little coconut.
• In a large bowl take the coarsely ground dal with the chopped greens, salt and Hing.
• Mix them all together with some more chopped coconuts.
• Make small oval shaped balls out of it and steam them in a Idli cooker or place them on Idli moulds and steam in a cooker for 15 minutes without the weight in a medium flame.
• Once done take them out serve it with coconut chutney or with a dollop of ghee.

Notes

Notes:
When making for festivals make as said in the recipe above you can omit Ponnangani Keerai.
You can just add coriander, curry leaves and coconut.
You can also add chopped veggies make it more inviting for kids!!
Don't forget, grind the Dals coarsely.
Usually Nuchiunde is made with only Tuvar Dal. But you can always use any dals in different variations.

You can add this in Majji ge Huli ( Yogurt gravy) or in Sambhar and call it Unde Huli, that is dumpling in Sambhar.

The post Nuchinunde ( Undehuli) - Steamed Lentil Dumplings / Vegan and Gluten Free appeared first on My Veg Fare.

WHAT IS RAGI?

Ragi or Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana) is an annual plant.  Earliest records of this show it was cultivated in India, particularly in the southern parts of India especially in the regions of Karnataka.  It is a staple diet in Karnataka, It is also called poor man's protein diet.  It was referred to  as 'famine crop' or 'Poor man's crop' as it was always seen as farmers staple food,  making little balls out of the flour which is called as 'Ragi Balls' or  called in Kannada as 'Ragi mudde' (will post the recipe soon) was and still is his diet when he went farming.  This is still used as an important part of our diet in rural parts in Karnataka.  This is very fulfilling and keeps your hunger at bay.

WHY RAGI AS BREAKFAST?

Breakfast is a quintessential part of our daily life, it is the most important meal of the day. You can indulge with tempting, tasty and healthy recipes, and make your breakfast a worthwhile. Ragi is one of the most nutritional and healthy grain.  Breakfast with Ragi is very fulfilling and keeps your hunger at bay.

Even as a kid I used to like it, My children wouldn't eat because of the colour.  Nowadays they have started liking it.  Especially they love it when I make this Semiya (Noodles) dish and it doesn't even taste like Ragi!  that's their verdict.  So, now this is always in my breakfast list.  Children happy so Mummy is happy when they eat healthy food.

RAGI IN VARIOUS DIETS

In my state(Karnataka), we make a special diet for babies using this flour and is called as ' Ragi Siri' (Homemade Baby food)! (will post the recipe).  My children grew up eating Ragi siri!!  These days people have realized the nutritive value of this little grain, even in urban areas, now when I visit India (Karnataka) I have started seeing them in restaurants!!

Benefits of Ragi are said to control Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Cancer, and a lot more. It is said that Ragi is said to be rich in protein which is easily absorbed by the human body.  It is also rich in Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and Iron.  It is said that Ragi reduces cholesterol. It is also gluten-free.

RAGI AS A MILLET

Among the millets, comparable to foxtail millet and Kodo millet, studies have also shown that finger millet controls blood glucose levels, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Finger millet has also shown promise in accelerating wound healing among diabetics. Diabetic patients are advised to eat Finger Millet for this reason.

That's a lot of things we have come to know of this little grain, let's get to the recipe then, on how to make Ragi Semiya (Noodles).

RAGI / FINGER MILLET OTTU SHAVIGE OR SEMIYA (NOODLES / VERMICELLI)
Vegan South Indian Karnataka Style fresh Homemade semiya (Noodles)
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Recipe Author: Jayasri

Ingredients:
1 Cup Ragi / Finger Millet Flour
1 & 1/2 Cup Water
1 tsp Oil
1 tsp salt

Method:
In a heavy-bottomed vessel add water and a tsp of oil and salt allow it to boil. Once it starts boiling bring it to a low flame. In a cup take 1 to 2 tbsp of water and dissolve a tsp of ragi flour dissolve it and add it to the boiling water, after a minute add the flour into the vessel in the middle and immerse a wooden stick or a spatula or label in it.

Close the lid (it won't close completely) not to worry. Leave it for 7 to 8 minutes, water starts rising to cover the flour. Remove the lid and switch off the stove, stir vigorously to bring all the flour together, sprinkle little more water and close the lid.
After 2 minutes, remove it on to a plate. It will be very hot so dip your hand in water every time, start bringing the dough together into a dough ball. Knead the dough into a smooth ball.
Now your base for the Ragi Semiya (Noodles / Ottu shavige) dough is ready.

HOW TO MAKE RAGI SEMIYA  (NOODLES) / OTTU SHAVIGE:

Once the dough is ready to use a Shavige maker or Chakkuli maker to make Ottu shavige. Make around 3 balls fill it into the dough maker and press it. Use the Thenzgol press or the Omam Pudi press which has large holes or small holes whichever you choose and make the Shavige.

Press the shavige into Idli plates or some vessel you can use for a steamer. Place it in a cooker and steam just like you make Idlies for 12 to 15 minutes.
Take it out and spread it on a plate so they don't One another.

I have made a powder to use for the Bath, Here is how you make that powder to the Bath

CURRY LEAVES POWDER:
INGREDIENTS:
1 & 1/2 Tbsp Channa Dal
1/2 tbsp Urad Dal
25 curry Leaves
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 flakes of Tamarind
1/2 tsp Oil

METHOD:
In a wok fry with a tsp of oil, all the above said ingredients until a nice aroma comes out and the dals change colour. Once the dals cool down powder it and keep it ready.

HOW TO MAKE RAGI SEMIYA (NOODLES) / OTTU SHAVIGE BATH:

INGREDIENTS:
3 to 4 Tbsp of oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp of channa dal
1/2 tbsp of urad dal
few curry leaves
1/4 fresh coconut
few coriander leaves
Salt as required

METHOD:
In a large wok, heat oil add mustard seeds, once they splutter add the green chilies, dals and curry leaves and fry for few minutes in a medium flame once they change colour.
Add the steamed Ottu shavige and salt as required mix well and carefully so they don't break up, then add the curry leaves powder around 3 to 4 tbsp (use it as per your taste).
Mix everything well close a lid and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes.
After 3 minutes switch of the stove remove the lid sprinkle fresh coconut and chopped fresh coriander leaves thoroughly mix everything together.
Serve warm and enjoy this Ragi Semiya (noodles).

Verdict: My family loves it, according to my children you won't even know that it is made of Ragi.

Print

Ragi / Finger Millet Semiya (Noodles)

Most delicious and healthy breakfast which you would be fulfilling and no compromise on taste

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 3

Author Jayasri

Ingredients

• INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING OTTU SHAVIGE
• 1 Cup Ragi / Finger Millet Flour
• 1 & 1/2 Cup Water
• 1 tsp Oil
• 1 tsp salt
• CURRY LEAVES POWDER FOR RAGI OTTU SHAVIGE BATH
• INGREDIENTS:
• 1 & 1/2 Tbsp Channa Dal
• 1/2 tbsp Urad Dal
• 25 curry Leaves
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 flakes of Tamarind
• 1/2 tsp Oil
• In a wok fry with a tsp of oil all the above said ingredients until a nice aroma comes out and the dals change colour. Once the dals cool down powder it and keep it ready.
• INGREDIENTS TO MAKE RAGI OTTU SHAVIGE BATH:
• 3 to 4 Tbsp of oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp of channa dal
• 1/2 tbsp of urad dal
• few curry leaves
• 1/4 fresh coconut
• few coriander leaves
• Salt as required

Instructions

• METHOD FOR MAKING OTTU SHAVIGE:
• In a heavy-bottomed vessel add water and a tsp of oil and salt allow it to boil. Once it starts boiling bring it to a low flame. In a cup take 1 to 2 tbsp of water and dissolve a tsp of ragi flour dissolve it and add it to the boiling water, after a minute add the flour into the vessel in the middle and immerse a wooden stick or a spatula or label in it. Close the lid (it won't close completely) not to worry. Leave it for 7 to 8 minutes, water starts rising to cover the flour. Remove the lid and switch of the stove, stir vigorously to bring all the flour together, sprinkle little more water and close the lid.
• After 2 minutes, remove it on to a plate. It will be very hot so dip your hand in water every time, start bringing the dough together into a dough ball. Knead the dough into a smooth ball.
• Now your base for the Ottu shavige dough is ready.
• HOW TO MAKE RAGI OTTU SHAVIGE / SEMIYA:
• Once the dough is ready to use a Shavige maker or Chakkuli maker to make Ottu shavige. Make around 3 balls fill it into the dough maker and press it. Use the Thenzgol press or the Omam Pudi press which has large holes or small holes whichever you choose and make the Shavige.
• Press the shavige into Idli plates or some vessel you can use for steamer. Place it in a cooker and steam just like you make Idlies for 12 to 15 minutes.
• Take it out and spread it on a plate so they don't One another.
• HOW TO MAKE RAGI OTTU SHAVIGE BATH:
• In a wok fry with a tsp of oil, all the above said ingredients until a nice aroma comes out and the dals change colour. Once the dals cool down powder it and keep it ready.

Notes

When using the curry leaves powder to use it according to your taste you can increase or decrease the powder to your liking.
When mixing the Ottu shavige handle it carefully so they don't break up too much.
Using of Green chilies is optional.

The post Ragi / Finger Millet Semiya (Noodles) appeared first on My Veg Fare.