Sankeerthanam

Akkras | African Fritters | Black Eyed Beans Fritters

2012-02-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

Akkras / Black-Eyed Beans Fritters

These fritters are from Africa, usually made from black eyed beans. This recipe is adapted from the cook book "Around The World In 450 Recipes". These are quick and easy to prepare, great with hot tea.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dried black eyed beans
1 onion , chopped
1 red chilli, halved
1/3 cup water
oil, for deep frying

Directions

Soak the Black-eyed beans in plenty of water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.Drain the beans, rub the beans

Zucchini Carrot Bread | Sweet Zucchini Quick Bread

2012-02-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

Qucik Zucchini Carrot Bread

I love making Quick breads, they are easy to make no knead breads. Usually they are leavened with baking powder and / or baking soda. These are great with a cup of tea or coffee or have it for breakfast.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed of excess moisture

Directions

Combine flour,bakingsoda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, set aside.In a large bowl blend eggs, sugar,

Moru Kachiyathu | Spicy Buttermilk Curry | Kerala Moru Curry | Spiced Buttermilk

2012-01-31T09:20:00.003-05:00

Moru Curry / Moru Kachiyathu / Spiced Buttermilk Curry

A complete comfort food for many Kerallites , easy quick and healthy. It has got some healing properties too. Amma used to make them when ever we get sick with fever and cold. And don't get confused Moru curry with kalan. kalan is made with vegetables and ground coconut whereas morucurry is simply spiced buttermilk curry.

Ingredients

1 cup thick buttermilk
1 tsp turmeric powder
salt, as needed 1 or 2 whole dry red chillies
1/4 tsp ground fenugreek powder
curry leaves , few
1 /2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
asafoetida ,a pinch

To Grind

2 green chilies
4 to 6 shallots
1/2 tsp whole black pepper
ginger,a small piece
2 garlic pods

Directions

Dry roast fenugreek seeds and grind to a fine powder. Crush the ingredients listed under grind. Heat 1 tsp

Oatmeal Pancakes | Pancakes With Cooked Oats

2012-01-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

Oatmeal Pancakes / pancakes with Cooked Oats

From the title itself its clear how healthy it is.
like everyone else, we always look for healthy breakfast options. We love pancakes and always try to make pancakes in a healthy way. So here is the healthy yet tasty pancakes recipe with cooked oats. The proof , my son had couple of pancakes without knowing that it is made of oats.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tbs melted butter

Directions

Combine dry ingredients, set aside. In a large bowl beat eggs, stir in cooked oatmeal, buttermilk and melted

Collard Greens Stir Fry With Coconut | Collard Greens Thoran

2012-01-24T08:43:00.001-05:00

Collard Greens Stir Fry

Here is an easy and healthy stir fry with collard greens. These are rich in vitamin c and fiber. Adding garlics and coconuts make it more tastier and healthy. The one thing i love about collard greens is, they will retain their color and texture even after cooking. Best side dish with rice and roti and can be used as stuffing.

Ingredients

Collard greens, a bunch
1 small onion chopped
2 to 4 garlics, crushed slightly
2 tbs grated coconuts
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
salt, as needed
2 tsp olive oil

Sanvi's 6 months Birthday Cake | Baby Girl Birthday Cake

2012-01-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

Time just flies, can't believe our baby girl is already 6 months old. Made a tiny cake with simple decorations .Even though she couldn't eat she enjoyed cutting with her Dad and brother. Just thought of posting this so that she can view in future. This is a Chocolate Butter Cake with Stabilized whipped frosting. I can't wait to make a special birthday cake on her 1st Birthday.. Stay tuned...

Pavakka Kondattam | Bitter gourd Crisps | Kaypakka Kondattam

2012-01-16T13:47:00.001-05:00

Pavakka Kondattam | Bitter gourd Crisps | Sun dried Bitter gourd

This is our favorite way to eat bitterguard.

Ingredients

2 Bittergourds(Pavakka)
Salt as required
Oil for frying

Directions

Cut bittergourd across length to make slices of about 1/8 inch thickness. Boil enough water in a pot with

Creme Brulee With Blowtorch | Creme Brulee Dessert

2012-01-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

Creme Brulee Using Blowtorch

Creme brulee is a dessert with rich custard base flavored with fresh vanilla bean and topped with a layer of hard caramel.We had posted Creme Brulee without Torch (Broiler Method) earlier, this time we tried the real technique, using Blowtorch.In broiler method its bit hard to get a uniform layer of hard caramel. Usually its prepared in individual ramekins and served cold.

Ingredients

4 cups heavy cream
6 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs orange liqueur(optional)
1/3 cup light brown sugar or white sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degree F.Place six 1/2 cup ramekins in a

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice | Pineapple Fried Rice With Thai Basil Leaves

2012-01-05T09:39:00.000-05:00

Thai Pineapple fried Rice

Ingredients

1 pineapple
2 tbs vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 green chillies, chopped in rounds
1/2 cup chicken, cut into small dice
6 to 8 cooked prawns
3 cups cooked cold jasmine rice
2 oz roasted cashew nuts
2 spring onions chopped
1 tbs fish sauce
1 tbs soy sauce
Thai basil leaves, few
mint leaves, few
2 red chillies sliced, to garnish
1 green chilli, sliced to garnish

Directions

Cut the pineapple in half and remove the flesh by cutting round inside the skin. Reserve the skin shell for

Apple Pie From Scratch - Thanksgiving Dessert - Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

Apple Pie

Ingredients for pie shell

2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup butter
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar

Ingredients for filling

5 apples(preferably granny smith)
2/4 cup of sugar
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tbsp butter

Directions

Build the Pie shell

Cut cold butter into small pieces. Mix the butter and all purpose sugar together. Add 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Mix together to form a smooth dough. Add cold water if required. Divide the dough into two parts and keep it refrigerated.

Checkerboard Cookies | Christmas Special Cookies

2011-12-24T15:02:00.001-05:00

Wish You All Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 tbs confectioner's sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract( I used butterscotch )
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 on semisweet chocolates
1 egg white, beaten

Directions

Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add butterscotch extract. Gradually beat in flour to form a soft

Best Mocha Brownies | Moist Mocha Brownies

2011-12-16T13:33:00.008-05:00

Mocha Brownies

Directions

4 oz semisweet chocolates
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbs instant coffee powder dissolved in 1 tbs hot water, cooled
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 oz butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Combine flour and baking powder, set aside.Place the chocolate and butter

Wheat Bran Muffins | Healthy Bran Raisin Muffins

2011-12-13T10:53:00.001-05:00

Oven -Ready Bran Muffins

Ingredients

3 cups Hodgson Mill unprocessed Wheat Bran
1 cup boiling water
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 1/2 cups Hodgson Mill unbleached White Flour( i used regular flour)
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten
2 cups buttermilk

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix 1 cup wheat bran with 1 cup boiling water, stir and let water absorb

Mutta Puttu | Egg Puttu - Kannur Thattukada Special

2011-12-07T19:37:00.000-05:00

Mutta Puttu - Thattukada Foods

Ingredients

2 piece rice puttu , crushed (Ari puttu)
1 onion, chopped
2 green chillies, chopped
1 / 2 tsp ginger, chopped
curry leaves, few
1 cup gravy of mutton curry, chicken curry , egg curry or any spicy masala curry
1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (optional)
2 eggs
1 tbs coconut oil or any vegetable oil

Directions

Heat oil in a wok. splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Add curry leraves, green chillies, ginger

Homemade Fruity Pebbles Treats - Kids Snacks

2011-12-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

Fruity Pebbles Treats

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1 pkg 10 1/2 oz) mini marshmallows
1 pkg (11 0z) Fruity pebble cereals

Directions

Microwave butter on high 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows ,toss to coat. Microwave another

Spicy Tomato Rasam - My Version

2011-12-01T09:08:00.000-05:00

Spicy Tomato Rasam

Ingredients

1 big tomato,sliced
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
salt, as needed
2 small garlic pods
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 cup tamarind water ( 1 gooseberry size tamarind soaked in 1 cup water)
1/4 tsp hing powder
few curry leaves
coriander leaves, handful
few mint leaves

To Crush

3 shallots
2 garlic pods
ginger,a small piece
1 tsp whole coriander seeds
2 green chillies
1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns

Directions

Cook tomatoes with turmeric powder,garlics and salt. Meanwhile crush the ingredients listed under crush.

Homemade Apple Sauce

2011-11-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

Homemade apple Sauce

Ingredients

5 to 8 sweet apples,peeled and chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbs white sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp all spice
1/8 tsp nutmeg powder
3 tbs lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup water
2 pieces of cinnamon sticks

Directions

In a saucepan combine all the ingredients and brings to boil. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 to

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies | Oatmeal Choco Chip cookies

2011-11-17T11:57:00.000-05:00

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies / Oatmeal Raisin Choco chip Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter,softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tap baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups Quaker oats
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl , beat butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs

Apple Popover | Quick Fall Dessert

2011-09-29T13:04:00.000-04:00

Apple Popover / Easy Fall Dessert

Ingredients

2 Granny smith apples,peeled and chopped into 1/4 inch slices
2 tbs brown sugar
2tbs unsalted butter
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Popovers

2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tbs butter,melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup all purpose flour
a pinch of salt
1 tbs sugar

Directions

Melt the butter in a non stick iron skillet over a medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon and
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Kerala idli | How to make Soft idlis

2011-09-21T09:49:00.003-04:00

Idli sambar / Perfect soft idlis

Ingredients

2 cups raw rice
1 cup urad dal
1 tsp fenugreek seeds (uluva)
3/4 cup cooked parboiled rice
salt, to taste

Direction

Wash rice and urad dal in water several times and soak for 2 hours adding fenugreek seeds.Grind them into
Read more »

Onam Special Parippu Curry | Kerala Parippu Curry | Onam Curries

2011-09-08T21:14:00.001-04:00

Wish You All Malayalees a Happy and Prosperous Onam / Hrudayam Niranja Onasamsakal

Parippu Curry / Kerala Daal Curry

Ingredients

1/2 cup daal
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 green chilies

To Grind

1/2 to 3/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder

To Garnish

1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/8 tsp fennel seeds
1 dry red chilli
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbs ghee (clarified butter)
2 to 3 shallots, chopped
few curry leaves

Direction

Pressure cook daal up to 2 whistles adding turmeric powder, green chillies and salt. To this add ground
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Onam Recipes - Sambar /Varutharacha Sambar/ Kannur Sambar

2011-09-06T18:04:00.001-04:00

Kerala Sambar / Varutharacha Sambar - Here is how Samabar is prepared in Malabar side using roasted coconut.

Our collection of Onam recipes here

Ingredients

1/2 cup daal
1 potato
2 carrots
1/2 raw banana
1/2 snake guard
1 or 2 drumsticks
tamarind, 1 lemon size ball soaked in water
1 large tomato
2 to 3 okra
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp chilli powder

Preparation of Sambar masala

3/4 cup grated coconut
1 cardamom
1 tbs coriander powder
2 dry red chillies
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp urad daal
1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
1/2 tsp whole pepper
a smaall piece cinnamon stick
2 curry leaves
2 shallots
1 garlic

To Garnish

1 tsp mustard seeds
few curry leaves
1 dry red chilli
1/2 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp cumin seeds

Directions

Chop all vegetables (Use vegetables of your choice). Pressure cook daal adding turmeric powder, chilli
powder and salt along with vegetables except okra, tomatoes and drumsticks for up to 2 whistles. Meanwhile dry roast the coconuts till brown along with ingredients listed under grind. Grind to a fine paste adding water
Read more »

Home Made Pav |Bread for Pav Bhaji

2011-08-29T19:22:00.000-04:00

Pav Bhaji is a fast food dish in Maharashtra and is very popular in many restaurants around the world. Pav means small bread and it is eaten with bhaji which is a thick gravy made with lots of vegetables. Here is the recipe for making the Pav(Bread).

Ingredients

2 cups luke warm water
3.5 gms yeast 1/2 pak)
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp sugar
1 egg for egg wash

Directions
Add 1 tbsp sugar and yeast to the warm water and mix together. Keep it aside for 10 minutes. Mix together the flour, remaining sugar and salt. Add the flour to the yeast mixture and knead for 2 minutes to form a smooth dough. You may need to add more water or flour to adjust the dough. Continue kneading for 10-12 minutes. keep the dough covered a with a plastic wrap and rest in a warm place for 1 hour. Dough will rise
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Idiyappam | Noolputtu

2011-08-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

Idiyappam / Noolputtu

Idiyappam is one of Kerala's favourite breakfast item, made of rice flour. Use any rice flour or Idiyappam podi available in market. But home made rice flour gives the better taste!. Taste and texture may vary with the quality of rice flour used.

Ingredients

1 cup rice flour
1 cup boiling water
a pinch of salt
grated coconut, as needed

Directions

Add pinch of salt in boiling water and add little by little to the rice flour, stirring in between with a large
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Mutter Paneer | Paneer Peas Masala

2011-08-18T15:47:00.002-04:00

Mutter Paneer -
Ingredients

1 cup Mutter /Green peas
1/2 cup paneer cubes
2 tomatoes
1 medium onion chopped
1 tsp Garam masala
2 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp Turmeric powder
2 tsp oil
few coriander leaves.

Directions

Keep the paneer in water to make it soft. Boil water in a pan and add the tomatoes and continue boiling for
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Muthira Kaya Puzhukku / Horse Gram Plantain Curry

2011-08-14T22:28:00.000-04:00

Muthira Kaya Puzhukku/ Horse gram Plantain Curry

Ingredients

1/2 cup horse gram/Muthira
3/4 cup cup raw plantains, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
salt, as needed

To grind

3/4 c grated coconut
2 shallots
2 green chillies
1-2 garlics
1/8 tsp cumin seeds

To garnish

Curry leaves
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp coconut oil / any veg oil
2 shallots, chopped
1to 2 red dry red chillies
1 tbs grated coconut

Directions
Wash the horse gram in water several times. Dry roast muthira or horse gram for 5 to 7 minutes. Pressure cook horse gram up to 5 to 7 whistles adding 3 times volume water and little bit turmeric powder.
Read more »

Celebrating Our Newest Arrival....

2011-07-30T13:00:00.002-04:00

With great joy we introduce our Baby girl and Sankeerth's little sister Sanvi, Arrived on July 16th 2011. So I am going for a short break from blogworld to be with my little one. Hope to see you all soon with new recipes. Happy blogging.

Irish Soda Bread | Instant Tutti Frutty Bread

2011-05-18T10:21:00.000-04:00

Irish Soda Bread with Tutti Frutty
This is a quick bread recipe which doesn't require yeast or much kneading. I used tutti frutti instead of currants ,so turned out bit sweet for me. In original recipe Ina used currants, so i recommend to use currants for the traditional taste.

Ingredients

4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for currants(i used tutti frutti)
4 tbs sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 tbs unsalted cold butter
1 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants( tutti futti)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine flour, sugar, baking
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Eggless Butterless Dates Cake / Eggless Moist Date Cake

2011-04-28T14:05:00.001-04:00

Eggless Butterless Dates Cake / Eggless Moist Date Cake

Ingredients

1 cup dates, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp all spice
1/4 tsp salt
2 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl sift together flour and baking soda, set aside. Combine all
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Best Chocolate Mousse

2011-04-21T09:03:00.002-04:00

Rich Chocolate Mousse

This is the Best Chocolate Mousse i ever had. Tried from the great blog Foodwishes Click here
for the video.

Kerala Banana Chips - Kerala Sadya Special

2011-04-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

Wish You All Malayalees a Happy and Prosperous Vishu / Hrudayam Niranja Vishu Asamsakal

Banana Chips/Plantain Chips

Ingredients

2 Raw Plantains/Banana
Oil for frying
salt, as needed

Directions

Heat the oil in a frying pan to about 375 degree F. Peel of the skin from the banana and slice it directly into
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Pavakka Kichadi | Kaypakka | Bitter Gourd Kichadi | - Kerala Sadya Special

2011-04-14T13:40:00.002-04:00

Pavakka Kichadi / Bitter Gourd Kichadi

Pavakka , kaypakka or Bitter Gourd Kichadi is an easy to make yogurt based gravy. Kichadi is slightly different from Pachadi. In pachadi we add ground coconut mustard paste.You can replace bitter gourd with okra or cucumber.

Ingredients

1 cup thinly chopped pavakka
1 cup beaten yogurt
salt, as needed
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
curry leaves, few
2 dry red chillies
1 or 2 chopped shallots (optional)
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp coconut oil

Directions
Heat 1 tbs oil in a pan or iron skillet and add bitter gourd pieces with salt and turmeric powder. Fry till
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Kerala Unniyappam | Neyyappam - Vishu Special Sweets

2011-04-12T08:43:00.004-04:00

Neyyappam/ Kerala Style unniyappam Recipe

Neyyappam, Unniyappam or Kara appam is made mainly of rice flour and melted jaggery. It requires special uniyappam maker similar to Pancake Puffs maker.Unniyappams are given as prasadam in temples and essential ingredient among Vishu Kani.Keralites can't imagine Vishu without Kani konna and Unniyappam.

Ingredients

2 cups rice flour
1 1/4 cup melted jaggery
2 small mashed bananas, preferably Mysore pazham(Palayam kodan)
1 tbs black sesame seeds
1/4 cup ghee fried dry coconut chunks( thenga kothu)
1 tbs ghee (clarified butter)

Directions
To the rice flour add mashed bananas, sesame seeds and pinch of salt, set aside. Melt the jaggery with little
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Kurukku Kalan | Katti Kalan - Vishu Special

2011-04-06T05:49:00.001-04:00

Kurukku kalan
Kurukku kalan or katti kalan is a traditional dish in Kerala and is a important dish during Onam and Vishu or any Sadya(Feast).Katti kaln is served as a side dish with rice.

Ingredients

1 cup raw plantains
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp fresh pepper powder
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 tsp roasted fenugreek powder
2 tsp ghee(clarified butter)
salt, as needed

To Grind

1 cup fresh coconut
1 to 2 green chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds

For seasoning

2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
curry leaves, few
1-2 dry red chillies

Direction
Cook raw plantains with turmeric powder, pepper powder and salt adding little bit water.When the water is

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Curious George Cake

2011-03-17T08:23:00.002-04:00

Our little boy turned 7 on March 15th.Cake is a Classic White cake with Whipped Topping and the Curious George is made of white chocolate.

Shrimp Fried Rice

2011-02-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

Chinese Fried Rice

Ingredients

1.5 cups of cooked jasmine rice(1 day old)
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
2 pods of crushed garlic
8-10 cleaned shrimp
1/4 cup diced onion and carrot
1 egg(optional)
Black pepper/Chilli flakes(optional)
Spring onions to garnish

Directions
Mix 1/2 of the soy sauce oyster sauce and sugar together. Beat the egg and cook it on wok and keep
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Snow Peas Stir Fry | Snow Peas Thoran

2011-02-15T19:24:00.000-05:00

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Snow Peas Thoran / Snow peas stir fry

Here is an easy and healthy side dish with snow peas.One of my favourite quick thoran.

I just love the crunchiness in snow peas.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced Snow peas
2 garlics, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbs chopped onions
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tbs grated coconut
salt, as needed

Directions
Heat 2 tsp olive oil or any vegetable oil in a pan. Add garlic, saute till fragrant. To this add snow peas,
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Valentine Cupcakes

2011-02-13T11:27:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day To All Sankeerthanam Readers. This is an Extra Moist Lemon Cupcake with French Buttercream Frosting. Stay tuned for the recipe.

Breadfruit Theeyal / Kadachakka Theeyal

2011-02-11T08:56:00.002-05:00

Breadfruit theeyal / Kadachakka Theeyal

Ingredients

1 cup sliced breadfruit( I used frozen)
3 to 5 sliced shallots
2 green chillies
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
curry leaves, few
salt as needed
tamarind, gooseberry sized

To roast and grind

3/4 cup coconut
2 to 4 shallots
2 dry red chilli
2 to 4 garlic
3/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp coriander powder

For tampering

1 tsp mustard seeds
curry leaves
1 whole dry red chilli

Directions

Dry roast coconut with shallots, garlics and red chillies till golden brown. To this add red chilli powder and
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Traditional Kozhikodan Halwa | Kozhikode Halwa | Calicut Rubber Halwa

2011-02-09T09:10:00.004-05:00

Traditional Kozhikodan Halwa/Kozhikode Halwa/Kerala Halwa
Who doesn't love a sweet and rubbery halwa? Especially true if you have visited Kozhikode and North Kerala. Kozhikode/Calicut has an entire street with stores selling colorful halwas. Locally called Aluva, it is a made from flour, sugar and lot of stirring to a sticky/rubbery consistency and the mouth watering smell of cooked sugar and coconut oil. This is the traditional way of making it.

Ingredients

2 cups of all purpose flour
4 cup of sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp cardamom seeds, crushed.
1.5 liter coconut oil(or vegetable oil)
dry coconut slices(optional)

Directions
Mix the flour with 8 cups of water and leave it covered for a day. Remove the water from top and add make up the water again and leave it for one more day. Flour will start to ferment by this time. You may keep
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Spicy Shrimp Masala / Prawn Masala /Chemmeen Varattiyathu

2011-02-06T12:24:00.001-05:00

Spicy Shrimp Masala /Chemmeen Varattiyathu

Ingredients

shrimp, 10 pieces
1 tbs ginger, chopped
3 garlic pods, chopped
3 to 5 shallots, choped
2 to 4 green chillies, chopped
1 tsp chilli powder
curry leaves, a few
2 tsp fish masala(optional)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
salt as needed
1 tbs coconut oil
fresh lemon juice, few drops

Directions
Marinate the prawns with little bit of chilli powder, salt and lemon juice. Keep aside for 15 minutes.
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Chena Vanpayar Erissery -Sadya Special / Red Gram Yam Curry/Chena Erissery

2011-02-03T08:50:00.002-05:00

Chena Vanpayar Erisseri / Elephant yam and red gram tampered in roasted coconut
This erisseri is one of our favorite sadya special.Replace yam with pumpkin to make pumpkin erisseri. Mathanga erisseri is little bit sweet in taste. The taste mainly depends on the amount of roasted coconut used, add more for a better taste. I personally recommend coconut oil for this recipe.
Ingredients

3/4 cup red gram ( Vanpayar soaked for 2 to 4 hours)
1 cup chopped yam
1 tsp turmeric powder
salt, as needed
curry leaves to garnish
1 tbs coconut oil

To grind

3/4 cup fresh grated coconut
2 to 3 green chillies
2 garlic cloves
2 to 4 shallots
1/2 tsp cumin seeds

For seasoning

3/4 cup grated coconut
2 dry red chillies
1 tsp mustard seeds
curry leaves
1 tbs coconut oil
2 shallots chopped

Directions

Cook yam adding salt and turmeric powder with enough water. Pressure cook red gram separately with
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King Cake With Pastry Puff

2011-01-31T10:32:00.000-05:00

French King Cake
A French king cake is made with puff pastry and almond cream filling. A small porcelain toy(for luck) will be placed inside the cake, the person who gets the toy is considered to be very lucky.

Ingredients

Puff pastry sheets(enough to make 2 6 inch circles)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

For the almond filling(1/4 of this recipe used for 6 inch cake)

1 lb(450 g) butter
1 lb(450 g) eggs(9 eggs)
1 lb(450 g) sugar
1 lb(450 g) almond flour
3 oz(75 g) all purpose flour

Directions

Learn how to make puff pastry here. Keep the puff pastry at room temperature. Cut the puff pastry into two

Singapore Rice Noodles

2011-01-27T17:19:00.002-05:00

Singapore Rice noodles

An easy breakfast made with ready made rice noodles.
Ingredients

1 bag thin rice noodles(1/3 of the bag will be enough for 2-3 people)
1 small onion
salt as required
1 tsp of meat masala(combination of turmeric, red chilli, coriander, cloves, cinnamon powder etc)
Coriander leaves to garnish
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

Break the rice noodles into about 2 inch long sets. Boil 4 cups of water and add enough salt. Add 1/3 of the
Read more »

Homemade Puff Pastry and Egg Puffs

2011-01-24T05:37:00.001-05:00

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is light and flaky baked pastry made by layering butter and dough. It is used to make a wide variety of baked goods like egg puff, king cake, apple strudel, rolls etc.

Ingredients

2 lb(1kg) all purpose flour
1 lb(1/2 kg) kg water
20 g salt
1 lb(1/2 kg) butter(cold)

Directions

Mix the flour salt and water to smooth dough. Place the cold butter in the middle and cover it with the

French Crepes With Strawberry Filling

2011-01-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

French Crepes

Ingredients

3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbs sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter

Directions

Combine flour, sugar and salt.Set aside. Beat eggs adding vanilla extract. Slowly add flour mixture to

Jumbo Chocolate Muffin / Rich Chocolate Choco Chip Muffins

2011-01-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degree F. In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, buttermilk and vanilla
Read more »

Homemade Crispy Onion Rings

2011-01-11T20:04:00.000-05:00

Home style Crispy Onion Rings - You can also freeze it and fry later!

Ingredients

2 large onion
1 cup all purpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1.5 cups breadcrumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed black pepper
oil for frying

Directions
Cut the onion into 1/2 inch wide rings. Beat the egg with the milk.

Read more »

Malabar Mutton Curry / Kannur Style Mutton Curry

2011-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

Malabar Mutton Curry / Kannur Style Mutton Curry

Ingredients

1 lb(500g) of mutton
1 large onion
2 tomatoes
4-5 pods of garlic
1 inch piece of ginger
2-3 green chillies
Coriander leavse/curry leaves as required.
2 tsp red chilli powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt - as required
1/4 Coconut milk(optional)
Gharam Masala as required

To Grind

1/2 cup fresh or roasted coconut
2 tbsp coriander seeds(or 1 tbsp of coriander powder)
2 tsp black pepper seeds
1-2 dried red chillies

Directions

Read more »

Mexican Wedding Cookies

2011-01-03T19:18:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
3 tbsp of confectioners sugar
1/3 cup toasted nuts(pecan, walnuts etc)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Directions

Read more »

Boondi Laddu - New Year Special!

2010-12-31T05:33:00.002-05:00

Laddu/Boondi Laddu
When I crave for something sweet, Laddu is the first thing comes up. What is better than enjoying a homemade Laddu on the new year. Happy new year to all readers!

Ingredients

1 cup Besan/Chickpea flour
1.5 cup sugar
1/4 cup raisins and cashews together
3-4 cardamom pods, crushed
Oil for frying

Directions
Mix the Chickpea flour with 2/3 water to form a smooth batter. Test the batter by pouring
through a strainer to see if boondi's(about lemon seed sized balls) are coming out of the bottom.

Read more »

Chicken With Broccoli

2010-12-27T09:34:00.003-05:00

Chicken with Broccoli
Here is a simplified method for making this favorite Chinese dish. Sauce is prepared separately and then assembled with the cooked chicken and broccoli to make sure that sauce has the right consistency and chicken and broccoli maintains the right texture.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sliced Chicken breast
1/2 cup broccoli heads
1/4 cup sliced bell pepper
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp of brown sugar(Plain sugar or honey can also be used)
1 tbsp corn starch
Chilli flakes/ scallions/ white sesame seeds to garnish
Salt and pepper
2 pod of garlic, crushed
2 tsp of sesame seed oil(substitute with vegetable oil)

Directions

Read more »

Second Blog Anniversary And Top Recipes

2010-12-23T08:50:00.004-05:00

Hello Readers,
Merry Christmas! We are celebrating our second blog anniversary today.
We thank all the readers and friends for their continued support. It was
another amazing year, with many new readers, A new site name, complete
site design make over and an array of new recipes.

Thanks you all

Happy New year
Vrinda And Mahesh

Basic Bread Toast	Kerala Plum Cake	Mutton Biryani
Unfermented Rice Dosa	Kozhikodan Pista Halwa	Malabar Fish Curry
Healthy Oats Puttu	Vellayappam	School Bus Cake
Kinnathappam	Chicken 65	Zeppole

Bread Pudding for Christmas

2010-12-20T09:57:00.001-05:00

Christmas Special Bread Pudding

Ingredients

2.5 cup of bread cut into small pieces(Use some stiff bread like Challah)
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp of raisins
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp vanilla essence

Wheat ila ada with oats and coconut filling

2010-12-08T18:13:00.001-05:00

Wheat Ila Ada with Oats and Coconut filling
Ila Ada is a steamed rice flour dough with coconut filling and wrapped in coconut leaves. here we have a healthier version with wheat flour instead of rice flour and replacing coconut partially with rolled oats.

Ingredients

1 cup of wheat flour
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup of grated jaggery(substitute with brow sugar or plain sugar)
1/2 tsp Jeera
1/2 tsp cardamom
4 banana leaves approximately 7 inch in length and width
Salt as required

Kerala Plum Cake / Christmas Special Caramel Fruit Cake/ X'mas Rum Cake

2010-12-02T09:02:00.002-05:00

Kerala Plum Cake/Christmas Special Fruit Cake

Here is another take on the famous fruit cake from South India.

This will make a 8 inch size cake

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1/3 cup butter
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar
a pinch of salt
1/3 cup sugar to make caramel
1 cup dry fruits and nuts(raisins, cashew, dates, tutty fruity) etc
2 tsp of caraway seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp each ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves powder,ginger powder(at least two items)
1/2 cup of Rum(Substitute with juice, keep the cake refrigerated)

Directions

Soak the dry fruits in 2-3 tbsp of rum and keep this at room temperature overnight or this

can be made many days ahead and keep refrigerated Prepare caramel based on the steps below.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices

and keep aside. Mix butter and sugar till creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each

addition. Pour in the caramel syrup and vanilla extract and mix well. Add the flour spice mixture

and mix until the flour is completely incorporated with the wet part. Strain the dried fruits and mix

with 1 tbsp of all purpose flour. Add this to the batter and mix again. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes

until a tooth pick inserted into the center of he cake comes out clean plus about 5 minutes.

Once cake is cooled, make small pores on cake with tooth pick and pour 1to 2 tbs Rum and

let it soak. Cover the cake with wax paper and keep it 4 to 5 days or more for a better taste and texture.

Preparing Caramel

Spread 1/2 cup of sugar in a thick bottomed pan and heat it. Keep about 1/2 cup of hot water ready on the side. Control the heat when the sugar starts burning. Shake the pan a couple of times, do not stir.

Add about 1 tbsp of water at a time, when enough sugar turns in color. For this cake we prefer to go on a darker side, this will alter the taste of cake. For other recipes(say using as dip) go for a lighter color, to prevent the bitter taste. Stir the sugar and water together and add more water in steps to make the syrup. Adding too much water initially will make the sugar to a solid form and gets difficult to process further(add more water and keep heating until it dissolves). The syrup will thicken when it cools down, add water to lighten it. For cakes use the caramel only after cooling down.

Notes

Since the cake is moistened with rum or juice, bake the cake for 5-8 minutes longer than usual, until the top is dark brown. We prefer to use Captain Morgan spiced run, any rum should do though.

Make sure to use wax paper on the sides and bottom of the pan, caramel make this cakes sticky.

Cake will look hard after baking, but wait for couple of days, and wow! it will be much softer and a yummy flavor. Now who will wait two days with cake!

Tutty fruity is generally the candied or dried fruits cut into small cubes. In Kerala is is prepared from green papaya by adding different colors. This is available in most stores in US during Christmas season. But it is usually soaked in lots of almond extract can add a very different taste.

Advance Christmas wishes to all!

Here is another version of the plum cake recipe

You will also like pineapple upside down cake, which has a very similar flavor profile

Another favorite is the Black forest cake

This recipe was completely derived from the Basic vanilla cake

Dry Green Peas Curry / Kerala Style Pattani Kadala Curry/Kuruma

2010-11-28T09:06:00.003-05:00

Dried Green Peas Curry / Pattani Kadala curry
Green peas curry is one of our favorite to go with Kerala Porotta or Appam
Ingredients

1 cup dry green peas
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 small onion ,chopped
1/2 tsp ginger, chopped
2 to 3 green chillies
salt, as needed
1 tomato, chopped

To Grind

1 1/2 cup coconut, grated
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp chilli powder

Apple Streusel Muffins

2010-11-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

Apple Streusel Muffins

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large apple, finely chopped
2 eggs
1 cup milk
6 tbs vegetable oil or melted butter

For Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbs butter,cut into small pieces
2bs light brown sugar
Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.To make streusel topping place flour and cinnamon in a bowl.Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.Stir in the sugar ad set aside

Kerala Style Wheat Halwa

2010-11-13T10:57:00.003-05:00

Kerala Wheat Halwa / Kozhikodan Rubber Halwa
Ingredients

1 cup Wheat flour
4 cups of water
1.5 Cup sugar
Few cardamom pods
Cashews, raisins and dry coconut - as required
Vegetable oil(Use ghee(clarified butter) or coconut oil for better taste)

Directions
This is our favorite rubbery version of Halwa. Mix the wheat flour with four cups of water to form a thin
Read more »

Shrikhand - Diwali Special Dessert

2010-11-05T05:43:00.002-04:00

Diwali Greetings To all Sankeerthanam Readers

Shrikhand Recipe - Quick and Easy Diwali Sweet

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk yogurt
1/2 tsp fresh cardamom powder
few saffron strands
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup pistachios , chopped
1 tbs warm milk

Directions

Fresh Basil Pesto And a Short Blog Break

2010-10-22T08:49:00.001-04:00

Fresh Basil Pesto

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 garlics,chopped
1 tbs walnuts, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Read more »

Mathanga Pachadi / Pumpkin Pachadi / Pumpkins In Yogurt And Coconut Gravy

2010-10-19T09:31:00.001-04:00

Mathan Pachadi / Pumpkin Pachadi

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkins, chopped( any variety)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 to 3/4 cup beaten yogurt
salt as needed
2 green chillies

To Grind

1/2 to 3/4 cup grated coconuts
2 green chillies
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
2 garlics,chopped

To Garnish

curry leaves, few
1/2 tsp mustard seds
1 tbs grated coconuts
1 dry red chilli

Dry Green Peas Sundal / Navratri Special Sundal Recipe

2010-10-16T16:41:00.001-04:00

Subh Navratri To All Readers

|

Dried Green peas Sundal

Ingredients

1 cup dry green peas
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup shallots,chopped
1 tsp mustard seeds
1tbs coconut oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp asafoetida
salt, as needed
curry leaves
1 red dry chilli

Directions

Read more »

Beetroot Halwa/ Beet Halwa - Navratri Special Dessert

2010-10-14T08:35:00.001-04:00

Beetroot Halwa / Beet Halwa

Ingredients

2 Cups Grated beetroots
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 tbs Ghee (clarified butter)
1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder
1 tbs Chopped Cashew nuts
raisins to garnish

Directions

Pressure cook beetroots with milk up to 1 or 2 whistles. In a heavy bottomed pan warm up sugar and ghee
Read more »

Pear Crumble - Quick And Yummy Fall Dessert

2010-10-11T08:48:00.001-04:00

Pear crumble - Perfect Fall Dessert

Ingredients

3 pears, peeled and sliced
2 tsp lemon juice
3 tbs sugar (i used brown sugar)
3 tbs old - fashioned oats
2 tbs all purpose flour
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 dash ground nutmeg
1 tbs cold butter
2 tbs chopped nuts

Directions

Place pear slices in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with lemon juice. In another bowl combine flour, oats,

Flax Seed Banana Nut Muffins / Healthy Flax Seed Muffins

2010-10-08T08:15:00.001-04:00

Flax Seed Banana Nut Muffins

Ingredients

3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup milled flax seed
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
2 overripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
6 tbs oil or melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup pecans, hazelnuts or walnuts, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.combine flour, flax seed, baking soda and salt, set aside.Beat mashed

Crab Curry/Kerala Style Crab Curry in Coconut Milk

2010-10-06T08:52:00.002-04:00

Kerala Crab Curry

Ingredients

3-4 blue crabs
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium tomato, sliced
2 green chillies, chopped
2 tsp of chopped ginger
2 tsp red chilli powder
2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 cup coconut milk
Few curry leaves
Salt as required
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
Small piece of cinnamon and few cloves

Preparation
Clean and cut the crab into smaller pieces(usually small crabs to 2 and bigger crabs to 4). You may include
Read more »

Basic French Toast With Homemade White Bread

2010-10-04T05:39:00.001-04:00

Basic French toast with Homemade White Bread

Ingredients

4 to 6 slices of thick bread( made with my Homemade white bread )
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
salt, to taste
maple syrup and butter to serve

Directions

Beat together egg, milk, salt, vanilla and spices. Heat a skillet or griddle coated with a thin layer of butter.

Vanilla Yogurt & Spice Muffins / Whole Wheat Yogurt Muffins

2010-09-29T08:51:00.001-04:00

Yogurt and Spice Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 tsp apple pie spice
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup low -fat vanilla yogurt
6 tbs vegetable oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl sift together flours, baking powder, baking soda and

Dates Pickle / Kannur Style Dates Pickle / Eethapazham Achar

2010-09-27T08:50:00.004-04:00

Dates Pickle/ Eethapazham Pickle

Ingredients

1/2 Cup - Pitted Dates cut into small pieces
1 tbsp chopped Garlic
1 tbsp chopped ginger
1 tbsp chopped green chilli
2 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp mustard seeds
Few curry leaves
1 tbsp of oil(Gingelly Oil)
Vinegar about 1 cup
1 tsp asafoetida powder
Salt as required

Directions
Crush the mustard in a grinder/blender to just split them. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the mustard. When the mustard starts to turn brown add asafoetida powder followed by the ginger, garlic and green chili. Saute for 1-2 minutes and add red chili powder and turmeric powder. Continue cooking on low temperature for 3-4 minutes and set aside to cool down. Coarse grind the dates with enough vinegar(I like to leave some chunks) add to the pan and mix well together. Add salt and more vinegar if required to adjust the consistency. Transfer it to a bottle and keep the lid tight for 2-3 days. Adjust the salt and Vinegar if required and keep refrigerated. Best with Malabar Chicken biryani and Malabar Mutton Biryani

White Buttermilk Cake With Fudge Buttercream Frosting For My Sweetheart

2010-09-24T08:20:00.002-04:00

Recipe Coming Soon

Cake made for my hubby's B'day..This cake is so light and airy,the best White Cake ever..will post the

Rice Upma / Arisi Upma

2010-09-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

Rice Upma / Arisi upma

Ingredients

1 cup raw rice
2 tbs toor dal
2 dry red chilles
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp whole pepper
1 tsp channa dal
1 tsp urad dal
curry leaves few
1/4 tsp hing powder( asafoetada)
1/4 tsp ginger chopped
1 tbs veg oil
2 cups water
salt as needed

Directions

Wash rice and daal together and drain the water. When it is completely dry pulse it in a mixer or blender

Travancore Mango Pavakka Curry From Nalapachakam / Mango Bittergourd Curry

2010-09-16T20:04:00.002-04:00

Travancore Mango Pavaykka Curry

This recipe is inspired from Nalapachakam show of Jeevan TV. This curry is tangy, bitter and sweet too.

Ingredients

1/2 cup pavakka(bitter gourd) thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped raw mangoes
1 cup thin coconut milk
1 1/2 cup thick coconut milk
2 slit green chillies
1 dry red chilly
1 tsp fresh roasted fenugreek powder
1/2 tsp fresh roasted cumin powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp jaggery syrup or molasses
1/4 cup onions,thinly sliced
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp chilli powder
curry leaves, to garnish

Directions

Heat 1 tbs coconut oil in a pan. Add fenugreek powder, mustard seeds and red chilly. Once the mustard

Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

2010-09-13T18:48:00.001-04:00

Chocolate Chip Cup cakes

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees f. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, set aside.In a

Creamy No- Cook Mints / No bake Mint Cookies

2010-09-10T07:40:00.001-04:00

Creamy No Cook Mints / No bake Mint Cookies

This recipe is adapted from my Kitchen Aid catalog.

Ingredients

3 ounces light cream cheese
1/4 tsp mint extract
2 drops green food color
4 1/4 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions
Place cream cheese, mint extract, and food color in mixer bowl and beat until smooth. Gradually add
Read more »

Corn Custard Souffle / Sweet Corn Souffle

2010-09-07T19:44:00.001-04:00

Corn Custard Souffle / Sweet Corn Souffle

Directions

1 cup canned or fresh corn
2 3/4 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1 cup yellow corn meal
1/2 cup sweet butter, cut into pieces
3 eggs, room temperature, separated
2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Directions

In a medium saucepan boil corn in 2 cups of milk with salt. Slowly add cornmeal. When it is thick remove
Read more »

Basic White Bread

2010-09-02T05:47:00.005-04:00

Basic White Bread

3 Cup of all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 envelope(.25 oz/7 g) Dry Yeast
1 tsp salt
3/4 cups water
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp butter or margarine

Directions
Place 2 tbsp of warm water (100° to 110°F) in a large warm bowl. Sprinkle in yeast and 1 teaspoon
Read more »

Meen Peera / Anchovies In Spicy Coconut Mixture

2010-08-31T05:43:00.001-04:00

Meen Peera
Meen peera is a coconut based dish made usually with small fish.

Ingredients

1 cup anchovies
1/2 tbsp ginger ,grated
1/2 tbsp garlic, chopped
3/4 cup grated coconuts
2 green chillies
kokum( kudampuli) or tamarind extract
2 to 3 shallots, chopped
salt as needed
curry leaves, afew
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions
If you are using kokum , soak in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Coarse grind ginger, garlics, green
Read more »

Sicilian Cassata / Marzipan Covered Ricotta Cheese Cake

2010-08-25T04:50:00.004-04:00

Cassata Siciliana / Sicilian Cassata
Sicilian cassata or Cassata Siciliana is a popular traditional celebration dessert from Sicily, Italy. This yummy dessert is made of vanilla sponge cake with layered ricotta, candied peel and chocolate filling and then covered with green colored marzipan and finally topped with sugar icing and candied fruits. This is a bit time consuming but worth the effort.

Things you need

Sponge cake, chocolate or vanilla Cake
Ricotta cheese for filling
Marzipan
Candied fruits and cherries
Hot white icing

For Ricotta cheese filling

1 lb Ricotta cheese
3 oz semi sweet chocolate bar, grated
1/2 cup white superfine sugar
3 tbs Marsala wine(optional)
1/3 cup chopped candied peel

For Hot Sugar Icing

1 egg white, at room temperature
1 1/2 powdered sugar
1 tbs fresh lemon juice

Directions

Making the ricotta filling

Pal Payasam (Rice Pudding) - Onam Special Payasam

2010-08-20T08:30:00.013-04:00

Wish You All Malayalees a Happy and Prosperous Onam / Hrudayam Niranja Onasamsakal

Pal Payasam(Rice Pudding)

Pal payasam is our favorite dessert for all occasions and especially for Onam.
Happy Onam to all.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Basmati rice (or any raw rice)
4 cups of Milk
1 cup of sugar
few Cahsews and raisins
1 tbsp Ghee"(Clarified butter)
few drops of rose water or few strands of saffron(optional)

Directions

Cook the rice with 2 cups of water until very soft (ready to break). Add milk and sugar and bring to boil.
Read more »

Onam Recipes E-Book Release

2010-08-19T21:57:00.002-04:00

Click here to read an e-book on Onam recipes.

Find a collection of our onam recipes here.

We are are happy to let you know that Chacko's kitchen published an e-book on Onam recipes and it has some of our favorite onam recipes and also from Kairali Sisters.

Lemon Pickle (Kerala Style) - Onam Special

2010-08-18T08:04:00.004-04:00

Lemon Pickle

Here is our recipe for lemon pickle.

Ingredients

10 Large Lemon
1/2 Cup Vinegar
2 tbsp chopped ginger
2 tbsp chopped garlic
3 green chillies chopped
Few curry leaves
Salt as required
1 tbsp Gingelly oil (Sesame seed oil)
3 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida powder
1 tbsp mustard seeds

Preparation
Bring a pot of water to boil and immerse the lemons and continue boiling for 3-4 minutes. Take the lemons
Read more »

Puli Inji(Tamarind Ginger Curry) - Onam Special Curries

2010-08-16T05:15:00.001-04:00

Puli Inji - Sadya special

Ingredients

2 cups ginger ,chopped
2 green chilles, chopped
1 whole dry chilli
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp asafoittada
curry leaves, few
1/4 tsp fenugreek powder
jaggery grated, as needed
water as needed
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
tamarind, size of a lemon
coconut oil, to fry

Directions

Heat coconut oil in a pan and deep fry chopped ginger till crisp. Drain on paper towel and pulse it in a food
Read more »

Strawberry Pancakes

2010-08-11T09:24:00.001-04:00

Strawberry Pancakes

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
fresh strawberries

Directions

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt, set aside. In another bowl beat eggs, milk and oil
Read more »

Thalassery Mutton Biryani / Malabar Mutton Biryani

2010-08-09T06:22:00.003-04:00

Thalassery Mutton Biryani / Malabar Mutton Biryani

This is our take on the famous Thalassery/Kannur style mutton biryani. It is an exotic dish prepared during special events in north Kerala. It is a simplified version to fit with our fast life style now but has the taste is not lost. Preparation time is about 1.5 to 2 Hours and this will serve 4.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb(about 500 gms) Mutton Cut into large pieces
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tasp Turmeric Powder
1 tbsp Yogurt
Gharam Masala - As required
1 tbsp of chopped Ginger
1 tbsp of chopped Green Chili
1 tbsp of chopped Garlic
One medium sized Onion, sliced
One small Tomato, sliced
water - 1/4 cup(for cooking mutton)
salt - according to taste
Biriyani Rice - 2 cups (Use Jeerasala/Jerrasambarice if available else go for basmati rice)
Onion 1 small- sliced thinly for frying
Raisins and Cashews(Optional)
4 cups Water
1 tbsp of Ghee(Clarified butter)
1 tbsp of Vegetable oil
Pudina(Mint) and coriander leaves -thinly chopped

Directions

Zeppole / Italian Doughnuts Dusted with Orange Sugar

2010-08-05T08:25:00.002-04:00

Zeppole / Italian donuts

Zeppole is an Italian pastry also known as Italian Doughnuts. They are deep fried dough usually topped with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
salt, a pinch
2 tsp white sugar
2 eggs beaten
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar or orange sugar for dusting
oil to fry

Directions

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. To this add beaten eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla .Mix gently
Read more »

Indonesian Peanut Fritters

2010-08-02T08:11:00.002-04:00

Peanut Fritters

These Indonesian Fritters are easy and quick to prepare, adapted from the cook book" Around the World in 450 Recipes".

Ingredients

2 oz rice flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 garlic clove crushed
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 oz peanuts, lightly crushed
water, as needed
salt ,as needed
coriander leaves to garnish

Directions

Put the rice flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl .Add the garlic , coriander, cumin, turmeric and
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Thai Inspired Dried Anchovies Curry / Unakka Meen curry

2010-07-30T08:31:00.001-04:00

Thai Inspired dried anchovies curry

Ingredients

1 Cup Dried anchovies(Netholi)
1 Tomato sliced
1 medium Onion sliced
1 tbsp Red chilli powder
1 tbsp chopped ginger
1 tsp turmeric powder
Oil as required
Salt as required
A few Curry Leaves
1/2 cup fresh Coconut
1 tbsp of yogurt
1/4 cup coconut milk

Directions

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan to a medium hot and the red chilli powder and turmeric powder, mix this with the oil over low heat to bring out the aroma. Add 1 tbsp of coconut milk and mix together to form a paste. Continue to cook this at low heat for 2 more minutes. Add the ginger, tomato and onion continue cooking
at medium heat until the onion is soft.

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan and fry the dried anchovies until light brown (Try bending the anchovies and it should split). Grind the fresh coconut with 1/2 cup of water and the yogurt and 4-5 fried anchovies. Add this to the pan and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add fried anchovies and curry leaves, cook for 2-3 minutes and the curry is ready to serve.

Creme Brulee Without Torch

2010-07-27T09:35:00.004-04:00

Creme Brulee without using Torch

Ingredients

4 cups heavy cream
6 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs orange liqueur(optional)
1/3 cup light brown sugar or white sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degree F.Place six 1/2 cup ramekins in a roasting pan and set aside.With small sharp

Kannur Chicken Curry / Malabar Chicken Curry

2010-07-24T15:59:00.002-04:00

Kannur Chicken curry / Malabar Chicken curry

What makes Malabar Chicken Curry special is the gravy made with Roasted coconut. In Kannur and Thalassery areas this chicken curry is served with Malabar Ghee Rice or Bread.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken pieces
few fresh spices (cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg)
1 onion ,sliced
1 tbs ginger, chopped
1 tbs garlic, chopped
1 tomato
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chicken masala
1 tsp chilli powder
2 green chillies
salt, as needed
cilantro, to garnish
curry leaves, to garnish

To grind

1/2 cup grated coconuts
1 whole dried red chilli
1 tbs coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
few pepper corns

Directions
Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, chilli powder and little bit of lemon juice or yogurt, set aside
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Brinjal/Eggplant Manchurian

2010-07-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

Brinjal Manchurian / Eggplant Manchurian

Here is one of the best recipes i tried from Magic Oven. This Brinjal manchurian will make a great appetizer for dinner parties. Make sure to serve it hot and crispy.

Ingredients

4 eggplants, peeled and cut in finger shape
4 tbs garlics, chopped
2 tbs ginger, chopped
1 tbs chopped green chillies
4 tbs chopped celery
1 cup spring onions
2 tbs soya sauce
3 tbs tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
salt, as needed
1 1/2 tbs oil

For the batter

8 tbs cornflour
8 tbs all purpose flour
salt, as needed

Directions

Make a thick batter with flour, cornflour and salt by adding little water. Coat the brinjal pieces with this

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Thai Fried Bananas

2010-07-19T07:33:00.001-04:00

Thai Fried Bananas

Ingredients

3 tbs butter
4 large slightly under ripe bananas
1 tbs shredded toasted coconut
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions

Heat the butter in a large frying pan or wok and fry the bananas for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until slightly
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Spiced Honey Cup Cakes / Honey Muffins

2010-07-16T08:12:00.003-04:00

Honey and Spice Cup Cakes

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cup self rising flour
1 tsp ground allspice
2 eggs ,lightly beaten
almonds or pecans to decorate

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the butter, sugar and honey in a large saucepan and heat gently, stirring, until the butter is melted.Remove the pan from the heat. Sift together the flour and allspice and stir into the mixture in the saucepan, then beat in the eggs until smooth. Spoon the batter into the paper liners and place an almond or pecan on top of each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes.

How to make Self-rising Flour

For each cup of all purpose flour,a dd 1 1/4 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Recipe Courtesy : Cupcakes & Muffins

Mojito

2010-07-13T10:27:00.004-04:00

Mojito

Mojito is our favorite summer cocktail. It is really easy to make and very aromatic refreshing drink.

Ingredients

1oz light rum
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp sugar
1 oz club soda
3-4 mint leaves
Lime slices and mint leaves to garnish.

Directions

Muddle the mint and sugar together in mortar or by hand. Add this to a tall glass and mix with the lime juice.
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Cabbage Capsicum Masala

2010-07-09T08:31:00.003-04:00

Cabbage Capsicum Masala

Ingredients

2 cups grated cabbage
1 cup capsicum(bell pepper), cut in long, thin pieces
1 /2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 garlics, chopped
2 green chillies
1 onions, chopped cut in long pieces
1 tomato, cut in long pieces
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
coriander leaves to garnish
salt as needed

Directions

Heat 1 tbs oil in a pan, splutter cumin seeds. Add ginger, garlics, green chillies and onions. Saute till raw
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Moms Banana Bread / Banana Pecan Bread

2010-07-07T08:35:00.003-04:00

Mom's Banana Bread

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing pan
1 cup flour, plus more for pan
3⁄4 tsp. baking soda
1⁄4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup canola oil
1⁄3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
2⁄3 cup chopped pecans
3 very ripe bananas, mashed

Directions

Heat oven to 350°. Grease a 9" x 5" x  2 3⁄4" loaf pan with butter and dust with flour; set pan aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Whisk together sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Add pecans and mashed bananas and whisk gently to combine. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean, 60–65 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Adapted From Saveur

Crispy Rajma Fritters

2010-07-05T15:58:00.001-04:00

Rajma fritters / Fritters with Leftover Cooked Kidney Beans

A quick and delicious appetizer with leftover kidney beans .

Ingredients

1 cup cooked kidney beans
2 to 3 garlics, minced
1 to 2 green chillies
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onions
salt, as needed
1/4 cup rice powder or as needed
coriander leaves, few

Directions

Mix rajma, garlics, green chillies and onions in a food processor or in a blender without adding water. Add coriander leaves, salt and rice powder. Mix well and shape the mixture into a round ball and deep fry till crispy and golden brown.

Curried Prawns In Coconut Milk With Thai Coconut Rice

2010-07-02T07:31:00.000-04:00

Curried prawns In Coconut Milk With Thai coconut Rice

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 tbs yellow curry paste
1 tbs fish sauce
salt,as needed
1 tsp sugar
1 cup prawns
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
coriander leaves, to garnish

Directions

Put half of the coconut milk into a wok and bring to a boil. To this add yellow curry paste, stir until it disperses, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the fish sauce, sugar, salt and remaining coconut milk Simmer for another 5 minutes. Now add the cherry tomatoes and prawns Simmer for about 5 minutes until the prawns are pink and tender. Garnish with chilli flakes and corinader leaves. Sprinkle fresh lemon juice and serve with Coconut rice or plain Jasmine rice.

How to make Thai Coconut Rice

Ingredients

2 cups Jasmine rice
1 cup water
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs sugar
coconut chunks, to garnish

Directions

Wash the rice several times in cold water.Place the water, coconut milk , salt and sugar in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Add the rice, cover and bring to boil. reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.Fluff up the rice with fork or chop sticks before serving.

Oat Bran Crusted Soy Cutlets / Soya Broccoli Cutlets(Eggless)

2010-06-30T08:17:00.004-04:00

We are so glad to inform you all that our Lemon Yogurt Cake made on Today's Top 9 in Foodbuzz. This is the third time we are achieving it!

Soy Cutlets / Oatbran Crusted Soy Cutlets

This is a healthy and delicious way to include Soy chunks in our diet. Insead of bread crumbs , I used oat bran cereals to make it more healthier.

Ingredients

1 to 2 cups soya chunks
2 to 3 potatoes, boiled and mashed
1/2 tsp ginger chopped
1 tsp garlics chopped
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1tsp meat masala
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
coriander leaves, a few
1/2 cup broccoli florets,chopped
1/4 to 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup powdered oat bran cereal
water, as needed
salt, as needed

Directions
Soak soya chunks in hot water for about 15 to 20 minutes, squeeze out excess water and mince it in a food chopper. Heat 1 tbs oil in a pan, saute ginger, garlic and onions till slightly golden in color. Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, meat masala and cumin powder, fry till raw smell goes. To this add minced soy chunks, broccoli florets, garam masala and salt, cook covered for few more minutes. Open the lid and add mashed dry potatoes, mix everything till coated well with masala. Garnish with coriander leaves and remove from fire. Make some round patties with the mixture .Now make a smooth paste with flour and water, dip the patties one by one in this batter, roll in powdered oat bran and deep fry till golden brown. Serve with tomato ketchup.

Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake/ Really Moist Lemon Cake

2010-06-28T08:10:00.001-04:00

Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake / Very Moist Lemon Cake

Ingredients

3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbs fresh lemon zest
2 tbs lemon juice
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs plain yogurt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt, keep aside. Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest, vanilla and eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternating with yogurt, beat until the batter is smooth. Bake in a loaf pan for 40 to 45 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

To Make Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tbs lemon juice until the sugar is dissolved. Spread the glaze all over the top and sides of the cake, until the entire glaze is used up. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and enjoy.