Baked Chickpeas

Snack is an unavoidable stuff in our house. Be it with tea or while watching late night movies we tend to munch on something which goes on as a repeated relay of actions form bowl/pack to mouth. Now I dont claim that we always snack on healthy stuffs..but once in a while I like to snack on them and these here make a perfect crispy, crunchy snack which is kindof healthy too..You will be surprised at how quickly the bowl gets empty...:)

Chickpeas-1 cup
Olive oil-2 to 3 tbsp
Salt to taste
Cumin-1/4 tsp
Chilli powder-1/4 tsp(add more if you want it spicy)
Turmeric- 1/4 tsp
Lemon juice-1 tbsp

Method of Preparation:
1. Wash the chickpea and pressure cook it till its soft but not mushy. I pressure cooked it for 6 times on medium high heat. There was no pre soaking.
2. Drain the water and spread the chickpeas on tissue to dry. you can pat dry too.
3. Preheat oven at 400F.
4. In a bowl mix all other ingredients with the chickpeas and spread it on a baking sheet.
5. Bake them for about 30 to 40 minutes until light brown and crispy. See that they dont burn. Do shake the baking pan inbetween for even baking.
6. Serve hot or at room temperature.Stores well in an airtight container.

Rava Kesari

There was a time when we wanted to indulge in something sweet and dint have anything in hand. It was at that movement I realised about this sweet and rich dish. There was no second thought and I just whipped it up and we enjoyed it to the last spoon.
Rava kesari is a sweet made of rava, milk,sugar and ghee. Its very delicious and quite easy to prepare.

Rava- 1/2 cup
Milk-1 nd 1/2 cup
Sugar- 1 cup
Ghee-3 tbsp
Cardamom powder-a pinch
Cashews-2 tbsp
Raisins-2 tbsp
Orange food color-a pinch(optional)

Method of preparation:
1. Heat a pan on low and add about 1 and 1/2 tbsp of ghee into it.Add the cashews and raisins and fry them till golden brown. Drain and set aside.
2.  Now add the rava into it and roast it till it gives a nice aroma and has light golden color to it.
3. Heat the milk in another pan and once it gets boiled pour it into the rava and give a nice mix. Let the rava get cooked in the milk.
4. Once the rava is cooked add the sugar into it and mix well. This will end up into a runny mixture. Continue cooking and mixing and slowly the mixture starts to thicken.
5. Add the food color(if using) and give a good stir so that it mixes up well.
6. Then add the remaining ghee little at a time and mix to form almost a lump. The mixture shouldn't stick to bottom.
7. Now add the cardamom powder along with fried cashews and raisins and mix. Turn off the heat and serve warm.

Notes:
1. Cook on low flame to reduce the risk of burning milk or kesari.
2. Add sugar only after the rava is cooked completely.
3. You can add any nuts in there, though traditionally its just cashews and raisins.

Egg Cooked With Kasuri Methi

Simple spicy and quick side for rice.

Eggs-4 no(hard boiled)

Onion-1 medium(thinly sliced)

Green chili-1 no(slit)

Capsicum-1/4 piece(cut to cubes)

Tomato-1 no(thinly sliced)

Ginger garlic paste-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Biryani Masala-1 tsp

Salt to taste

kasuri methi-2 tsp

Oil-1 tbsp

Method of Preparation:

1.Heat oil add garlic paste and fry onions.When they turn soft and light brown add tomatoes and cook till mushy.

2. Then add the spice powders and mix. Cook the capsicum in this mixture till its soft and has crunch.

3. Add the kasuri methi and then half cut egg into it and mix well and softly.

4. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and serve as side with rice.

Idli

Idlis with sambar and chutney is a traditional breakfast that you will find in  south Indian houses. They are made by steaming a batter of fermented  rice and urad dal.

Idli rice-1 cup
Whole Urud dal -1/2 cup(without skin)
Fenugreek Seeds-1/2 tsp
Water as required
Salt as required

Method of Preparation:

1. Wash the rice and urud.
2. Soak the rice with fenugreek and urud in different vessels with sufficient water over night or for min 4 hours.
3. Grind the urud first with the little soaked water to smooth paste.Add more water if needed. The end product should be a thick. So add water only if really needed. Transfer it to a big vessel.
4. Drain the water from the rice. Grind the rice and fenugreek using the water from the soaked urad dal. You can use plain water too.
5. Grind it to smooth but slightly coarse paste with minimal water.
6. Mix this with the urad paste. Add salt and mix it with clean hands for some time. The batter should be medium thick.
7. Set it on a warm place to ferment overnight. When the batter is fermented it will rise by the next day morning.

To make idlis:
1. Mix the batter nicely with the ladle. If batter is too thick add little water. Check for salt.
2. Pour water into the steamer and keep it to steam. Oil the idli tray.I prefer using coconut oil. Pour about 3/4 full of batter into the tray and keep it on heat and steam it for 10 minutes on medium heat.
3. By this time the idlis will be done.To check them insert a stick/back of spoon and if it comes out clean, remove the tray from heat. Using a spoon remove the idlis from the idli tray.  Pour more batter into the vessel and steam if making more idlis.Serve with chutney powder/chuney or sambar.

Chutney Podi/Chutney powder

Chutney podi using coconut is something I have never tried or I should say that Idli podi is the only one I have ever done. When Nagalakshmi said this recipe for cook along in Kerala Kitchen I was eager to try it out and glad that I could make it. We have been using it with rice, breakfast till now and it goes very well with the spicy and very slight(barely noticeable) tangy taste. If you are planning to try this you might want to reduce spice if planning to feed kids. I used store bought coconut powder to prepare it and it tasted real good. The time required to make it was less as the coconut powder was dry. Go ahead and try this.

Coconut-2 cups(grated/dry grated powder)
Dry red chilies-10 nos(add more or less according to preference)
Ginger-2" piece(sliced)
Curry leaves-3 strands
Urad dal-2 tsp
Black pepper-1 tsp
Shallots-1/2 cup(sliced)
Asafoetida-1/2 tsp
Tamarind- Small piece
Salt- 2 tsp

Method of preparation:
1. Heat a pan on low heat and fry the coconut,dry chili,ginger,curry leaves, urad dal, black pepper,shallots till coconut turns brown.

2. When done turn off heat and add asafoetida, salt and tamarind and give a stir. Set aside to cool.
3. When cooled, grind this to fine/coarse powder and store in a airtight container.
4. Serve as side for rice,dosas,idlis.

Notes:
1. See that you don't burn the coconut powder instead of browning.
2. Add dry chili as needed for heat.

Soya Chunk Masala Curry using Coconut milk

I never liked soya chunks as a kid and even my initial experiments with them were a disaster. As time went I kind of understood that it is my not so good way of cooking that ruined its taste. Then I started frying it with spices...ummm that was immediately accepted by my family. Then I started to experiment with them so much that we enjoy them in all forms these days.Here is how they can be prepared to a delicious curry using coconut milk.

Soya chunks-1 cup
Onion-1 small(chopped to small pieces)
Green chili-2 nos
Tomato-1 medium(chopped to small pieces)
Turmeric-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tbsp approx.
Salt to taste
Meat Masala-1/2 tsp
Oil-2 tsp
Garlic-2 cloves(crushed)
Coconut milk-1/4 cup
Coriander leaves for garnish.(finely chopped)

Method of preparation:
1. Boil some water in a pan and add the soya chunks into it. Once they swell completely, turn off the heat and drain the water.
2. Squeeze maximum amount of water from the soya chunks by pressing it. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in  a pan and add the crushed garlic. Fry for a second and add the onion into it.
4. Fry till onions turn translucent and light golden. Add green chili and mix well.
5. Add the tomatoes into it and mix well. Wait till tomatoes turn slightly mushy and then add the chili,coriander,meat masala,turmeric powders into it and mix.
6. After few seconds, add the soya chunks and mix.
7. Then add about 2 cups of water,salt  and cook on medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, increase heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes..
8. Then add the coconut milk and cook on low till it simmers  and starts to boil. You can boil it for a minute and then turn off the heat.
9.Add coriander leaves and serve with rice.

Notes:
1. Maximum water should be removed from the soya chunks before putting it to gravy.Else it wont absorb much spices and flavor and will be bland.
2. Cook for good time in the flavorful spice gravy, so that its absorbed by soya chuks.
3. Add more chili powder if needed. This is on low spice level with above mentioned amount.

Parippu Vada/Lentil Fritters

Some snacks holds tons of memories in it..This is one such thing..Its been the part of so many wonderful years of train travel's that I cherish..These are easy to prepare and delicious to munch on..

Chana Dal-1/4 cup
Toor dal-1/4 cup
Fennel Seeds-1/4 tsp
Pearl Onion-4 nos
Green chili-2 nos
Asafoetida-2 pinch
Ginger-1 tsp finely chopped.
Curry Leaves-1 sprig
Salt to taste
Oil to fry.

Method of Preparation:
1. Soak chana dal and toor dal for min. 3 hours. Wash and drain the water.
2. Set aside about 2 tbsp of dal and then grind the remaining to coarse pieces along with pearl onions, chilli, ginger, fennel, curry leaves, asafoetida and salt.
3. See that the dal is just pulsed to bits and not to paste.
4. Transfer to a clean dry bowl, add the 2 tbsp of dal and check for seasoning.
5. Heat oil in a wok.Take a small round ball of dough and lightly press between the palm to flatten it.
6. Deep fry in medium low heat so that the inside gets cooked and outer covering is crispy and browned.
7. Serve hot with tea.

Notes:
1. You can grind the lentils and then crush the other ingredients and mix it separately instead of grinding/pulsing together.
2. Shape them according to how you want them, If you need crispy vadas make them thin discs, else thicker ones.
3. The oil should be on medium heat, if too hot they will turn dark and wont be cooked inside.

Spaghetti Stir Fry

Being a mom is very special, but is there any mom out there who doesn't think - hope I was all alone doing it or who doesn't want to spend a day all free not thinking of anything, not thinking that my kid is pulling this or is putting himself here or there or is too quite..I know all moms do that..and everyone would eagerly be looking for some time to be free..Hmm I do and finally I got 2 days a week free from the past month..Initial few days went in my thoughts whether he will adjust there and how is he going to manage without me..I was all sad then..then few days he din't go because of cold and now we both are doing fine..No more tears to mama and baby.:) And all this has happened in 8 days..Yes he is a playschool going kid now and mama planning to maximum utilize that time..;)
Now my hubby comes home for lunch and God I have always felt to tell him that he can have food from office for those 2 days of week...Don't you think its a good idea as I don't want to spend time preparing food..Hmm need to  put that idea on plate sometime soon..

Off to the recipe..This is one I made on one such days...Its easy to put together...

Whole wheat thin Spaghetti -11/2 cups cooked
Carrots-1 big/6 baby cut(I used purple and orange ones, cut lengthwise to thin sticks)
Green beans-10 nos(cut lengthwise)
Cabbage-1/4 cup(Used purple ones, finely cut lengthwise)
Capsicum-1/2 of big one(cut lengthwise)
Onion-1/2 of small one(thinly sliced)
Garlic-1 tsp(minced)
Ginger-1 tsp(minced)
Soya Sauce-1 tsp
Red Chilly Sauce-1 tsp
Tomato Ketchup-1/2 tsp
Vinegar-1/4 tsp
Olive oil-2 tsp
Spring Onion-2 tsp(chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method of preparation:
1. Cook the noodles as in the package. Drain, Wash with cold water and set aside.
2.  Heat oil in a wok.Add the minced ginger and garlic and fry for a second.Then add onions and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Then add veggies,pepper and saute it well. Add the sauces and salt on medium high flame and mix well.
4. Then add the coked noodles and mix well. Do not overdo it or you will end up breaking the noodles.
5. Add the vinegar to this along with spring onion. Mix well on high heat and serve warm.

Tomato Celery Soup with Coconut milk....

Hoping that winter would end any sooner is just a dream and so is my sons cold going to last till the sun shines strong and warm. Every time the suns rays enter the house through the large patio window my heart feels to go outside and hold it as much as possible..A step outside,  chill wind hits your face and  you get to know that sun is there just as an object without a meaning..This is what is happening for the past few days/weeks..Hope things get better soon..
For time being here is a trail that worked pretty well...Being from land of coconuts(ok we have many other things too..:)) I have a big affection/love to these fruits/seeds and love to have them in any form..Adding coconut milk here was a nice try and we enjoyed the new taste...

Tomatoes-4 nos
All purpose Flour/ Maida-1 tbsp
Onion-2 tbsp(chopped)
Celery-2 stalks
Coconut milk-1/4 cup
Garlic-1 clove(chopped)
Butter-1 tbsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili flakes for added heat.

Method of Preparation:
1. Microwave tomatoes for 5 minutes.
2. Grind to smooth liquid.
3. Heat butter, add garlic and onions and fry till raw smell goes.
4. Add APF and heat for a minute. Then add celery, tomatoes, water about 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups and cook along with pepper and salt. Continue it for some time till celery becomes soft and till the raw taste of tomato goes.
Notes: Use water according to the thickness of soup you need.Not less than 1 cup.
5. Add coconut milk to this and simmer on low flame for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve with bread or crackers.

Kappa Masala/Tapioca Masala

As in any part of world, Kerala too has a diverse character when it comes to food and culture. Since here we are speaking about food the south and north of Kerala have a wide difference there.... Now that I belong to this part I totally love the food there and love to cook it..When Nags started the Kerala Kitchen group in fb,  I was interested to learn new recipes and so joined there. The very first one being Tapioca masala by Edible Garden.
Tapioca is accepted whole heartily in my family and the recipe was a bit different from my normal ones...We totally enjoyed having a twist to our normal dish..

Tapioca-3 cups(cubed)
Turmeric-1/4 tsp
Dry red chilies-3 nos
Garlic-2 to 3 nos
coconut Oil-1 tbsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Split urad dal-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves- few
Salt to taste

Method of Preparation:
1. Peel tapioca and then roughly cube them to small pieces. Add them to a vessel along with a pinch of turmeric powder and wash thoroughly.
2. Add them to a vessel/ pressure cooker with required amount of water and cook till it is done. If cooking in cooker you will have to get 1 or 2 whistle with heat on medium.Once done drain the water and set aside.
3. Coarsely crush garlic and dry red chilies using a motar and pestle or a mixer.
4. Heat oil and add mustard seeds, when they pop add split urad dal along with curry leaves. Let dal turn golden.
5. Add the ground garlic mixture to this along with turmeric powder and salt.Mix for a second and then add the cooked tapioca and mix well till spices coat.See that the heat is on low or you will burn the spices.
6. Turn off the heat and serve.

 Notes:
1. Change the amount of garlic and chilies according to your taste.
2. If cooking tapioca with turmeric powder then do not add turmeric while mixing it with other ingredients.

Quinoa Tabbouli/Tabbouleh

Feb has been a rough month for me until now(later part is yet to come)...There has been no time to do anything..was buried in work and health related issues..The first thing I abandon at these time is this little space..and it is evident when you see only 2 recipes for this whole month. Now I cant redo it but to remove the guilt feel I have finally drafted a recipe and here it is...

Lightly tangy with loads of herbs and crisp and juicy veggies makes this a perfect,  filling and healthy salad that you want to make  for your snack, lunch or dinner...Do try this simple quick preparation...

Quinoa-1 cup
Cucumber-1/2 cup
Carrots-2 medium
Onion-1 small
Pomgranate arils-1/2 cup
Flat leaf parsley-1/4 cup
Coriander leaves-1/8 cup
Mint leaves-1/8 cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Olive oil-1/8 cup
Lemon Juice-1/8 cup

Method of Preparation:
1. Cook quinoa with required water for 15 mins or until you see a thread like stuff from them. Then drain the remaining water and keep aside to cool. Or you can cook quinoa(the above given amount) with just 2 cups of water,  till the water is completely evaporated and quinoa is cooked..
2. Finely dice cucumber,onion and carrots. Extract arils from pomegranates. Mince herbs.
3. Mix all ingredients together except oil and lemon juice.
4. In a bowl whisk lemon juice,salt,pepper and olive oil together and pour over the quinoa mixture.
5. Mix well and serve immediately

Notes:

1. You can add green peppers, tomatoes,nuts to this.

2. Quinoa can be replaced with bulgur/bulgar or couscous.