Dal Rice | Dhal Khicdi Recipe

Today's recipe is a very simple Rice & Dal One-pot meal which is very delicious and can be made in less then 15mins. A Maharashtrian friend on mine used to do this often while she stayed with us and it comes out perfect each time she does. Instead of making the mushy kind of Dal Khichdi, she prepares this Khichdi in which the Rice grains are separate and we all love it this way. I adapted her recipe by adding Paneer to make more nutritious and filling.This Dal Khichdi is similar to the famous Arisi Paruppu Sadham of Coimbatore, main difference being the use of Moong Dal in place in Toor Dal in that recipe. A simple raita would go well with this humble Dal Khichdi. Relish it hot with a dollop of ghee and am sure it would be heavenly!

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk2, Day3

Theme - One-pot meals

Preparation time - 5mins

Cooking time - 15mins

Serves - 3

Hyderabad Vegetable Dum Biryani | Authentic Dum Biryani Recipe

Biryanis are a set of rice varieties made with Basmati rice and vegetables, flavoured with aromatic spices and nuts and most importantly slow-cooked so that the flavours blend excellently. The Persian word 'Birian' refers to 'Roasted before cooking'. Vegetables are roasted and rice is par-cooked first and then layered and slow-cooked on a Dum. The cooking method of Biryani originated in Persia. All authentic Biryanis are essentially cooked using a special technique called 'Dum Pukht', which is steam-cooking in a sealed Claypot, on a very low fire, thus retaining the maximum nutrition and allowing the flavours to infuse into the Biryani. This Hyderabad Dum Biryani is a Mughlai food and the Mughal cuisine is known for its richness and exotic use of spices, dried fruits and nuts together with lots of milk or cream. They cooked each meal grand and to have a balance, reduced the number of meals in a day. Though the process of Dum cooking may seem to be elaborate and time-consuming, trust me, once you have tried this recipe and tasted the delectable Biryani, you would never cook an authentic Biryani using other Shortcut methods..The Hyderabad Dum Biryani was a superhit with my family and friends and the feedback I got was that it tasted out of the world and way beyond comparison with any other Rice delicacies. Do try and see for yourself!

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk2, Day2

Theme - One-pot meals

Preparation time - 15mins

Cooking time - 1hr

Serves - 6

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice | Thai Vegan Recipes

This week, I would be sharing some of our Favourite One-pot meals Recipes. I love the convenience of One-pot meals, be it on a busy weekday or a lazy weekend. I may not have to spend time for making a side-dish as this itself would be a wholesome meal, which can be had as it is. This Classic Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is truly heavenly and my DH and kids love it like anything. Being in Singapore, they try Chinese and Thai Vegetarian dishes too and this is one of their Fav. Golden grains of rice together with juicy Pineapple bits, crunchy cashews and veggies will make it a real treat to the tastebuds. I just love the way it is presented in Thai Express Restaurant here and so, tried to do it that way. Just carved out the pineapple and used up the Pineapple for preparation and served this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in the Pineapple itself. 

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk2 Day1

One-pot meals

Preparation time - 10mins

Cooking time - 30mins

Maida Milk Burfi | Milk Sweet Recipe

Today, I would be sharing another Easy Indian Sweet Recipe which can be made in less than 15mins without much hassle. As this Sweet is made with Milk powder as one of the main ingredients, even if at all the sugar syrup consistency slips a bit or if Ghee is added less too, it still gives a delicious Burfi. That is because of the milk powder which lends its soft texture to this Maida Milk Burfi. Iam not a fan of regular Maida Burfi as I feel, even if its done well, somehow it turns little hard while setting. But, this Burfi recipe is very much forgiving, I would say. Even this time, I had slightly over done which made the top not as soft as it used to be. This is evident from the pics as well. But, nevertheless, it tasted very nice and remained soft too. Come, lets check out the recipe!

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk1 Day3

Theme - Indian Sweets

Preparation time - 5mins

Cooking time - 15mins

Chocolate Burfi | Milk Chocolate Recipe

These Chocolatey addictive Burfis are one of the best and I follow my Amma's Recipe to make these. Whenever I do, I get immersed in her thoughts and the fond memories of how my classmates used to enjoy these chocolate saying that it tastes like '5 Star' chocolate bar. Even today, I felt the same taste, but only difference being, this one is not so gooey inside like the 5-Star bar. This Burfi can be done in a jiffy, in less than 15mins. No stirring required and in fact, no cooking required once the Sugar Syrup is done. Do try this Easy Chocolate Burfi and surprise your family!

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk1 Day2

Preparation time - 2mins

Cooking time - 10mins

Carrot Mysorepa | Krishna Sweets Style Carrot Mysorepa | Indian Sweet Recipes

This week's theme is one of my favourites as I always have the flair to make Indian sweets more than anything else..I feel its somewhat less time consuming to make sweets rather than Savories, which takes a longer time, depending on the quantity. But, in case of sweets, even for a larger quantity, we just need about same time. Only tricky part would be Nailing the Sugar syrup consistency perfectly and you are almost there! We always have Satsangs here for which we need to make Sweets and this gave me the opportunity to try out new recipes, and the best part is that my family need not get indulged in them as its distributed among friends. Thats Cool, isn't it! Today's recipe is a variation of my Krishna Sweets Style Mysorepa recipe which comes out perfect each time. Tried adding carrot for the first time, so I had added Besan and Carrot in the ratio 3:1 only, as I feared about the consistency if adding equal quantity. It turned out so soft and terrific as you can see in the pics. Also, please do head to my Krishna Sweets Style Mysorepa recipe for detailed Step-by-step pictures and Recipe Notes and troubleshoot tips!

Blogging Marathon 89- Wk1 Day1 

Theme - Indian Sweets

Preparation time - 5mins

Cooking time - Arnd 20-25mins

Bread Jamun | Eggless Bread Pudding | Festival Recipes

Bread Jamun is a very simple and quick dessert which can be made with left-over bread. Recently, after having done with my Badusha preparation, I was left with the surplus sugar syrup as I normally prepare more than the required quantity of syrup for hassle-free soaking of the Badushas. I also have a saver-recipe to make best use of this extra syrup, which my amma used to do in minutes for a quick dessert to serve surprise guests. It is a rich, creamy and decadent dessert that is an Indian variation of the traditional English-style bread pudding. Do you have bread, oil, sugar and milk on hand? Then, why not whip up this Bread jamun for a surprise treat?

Blogging Marathon 86- Wk3 Day3
Preparation time - 5mins
Cooking time - 15mins

Semiya Payasam | Festival recipes | Vermicelli Kheer recipe | Under 30mins recipe

Semiya Payasam or Vermicelli Kheer is a decadent Indian dessert which is prepared during festivals and special occasions. As it is very easy to prepare and has a fabulous taste and texture, it makes its appearance as often as possible in many Indian homes. Though this Semiya Kheer is DH's all-time favourite, Iam more inclined towards the gorgeous 'Paal Payasam / Rice Kheer'. As that is one of my best treasured recipes and also requires very little effort, I love to prepare for most occasions. However, this was DH's choice for our Wedding Anniversary which we celebrated few days back. It turned out lovely and we relished this Kheer chilled, the next morning too!

Blogging Marathon 86- Wk3 Day2

Preparation time - 5mins

Cooking time - 20mins

Serves - 4

PAAL PAYASAM | EASY RICE KHEER RECIPE | PRESSURE COOKER PAAL PAYASAM

Paal Payasam, also known as Rice Kheer is a south Indian dessert which is made during festivals like Gokulashtami and Tamil New year (Chithirai Vishu). We do it for Neivedhyam on 'Durgashtami' - the 8th day of Navarathri.This is the first item that one would include when planning for any festive menu.



Ideally, rice and milk should be cooked on a low flame for a long time till the rice is cooked and the milk thickens and becomes creamy, with an exotic rich flavour. My MIL’s sister from whom I learnt most of the traditional Indian sweets and savouries does it that way.I still remember the pleasant aroma that fills the entire house while its getting cooked. As it takes a really long time (more than an hour) and requires constant supervision , I tried out the Pressure cooker method when I chanced upon the recipe in a tamil magazine. I was in for a surprise when I opened the cooker lid. Wow...the milk had thickened and looked like condensed milk, with rice  well blended in it. Absolutely fell in love with its beige coloured texture and lusciously divine taste. It can be done with minimal effort which makes it a Super hit recipe. Ready to check it out??

Blogging Marathon 86- Wk3 Day1
Preparation Time - 5mins
Cooking Time - 40mins
Yields - 5cups Payasam

Cheese Capsicum Rings | Keto Cheese Rings

This Cheese Capsicum Rings have become my go-to snack after coming back hungry from office these days. Iam on this Ketogenic Diet and was looking for interesting recipes to finish my daily macros, especially with Cheese and found that this Cheese Capsicum Ring is doing the rounds all over the Forums. You can twist the recipe according to your liking by adding Paneer Stuffing and use a variety of spices. But, I have given the basic Cheese Ring Recipe with minimal ingredients which can be put together in a jiffy. Try and you would love this!

Blogging Marathon 85- Wk3 Day3

Preparation time - 5mins

Cooking time - 5-7mins

Pizza Dosa | Easy Dosa Recipe

When I thought about Tawa recipes, this Pizza Dosa was the first one to come to my mind. Though I do this often for my kids, I have'nt yet posted on the blog. It is one such easy and absolutely delicious Dosa which can be relished by all. During evenings, my little girl herself does this Pizza Dosa with variations according to her liking for a filling meal. You can use any spicy chutney or spread or just Idli Podi as the spread and also use whatever veggies available at home according to your liking. Only thing which one should note is that this Pizza Dosa should be spread thinly and must be cooked covered. This Dosa should not be flipped like the regular Dosa as the Cheese sticks to the skillet and messes up. Try this one and you will sure go for it often!

BM #85 Wk 3 - Day 2

Tawa Recipes

Cooking time - 3mins per Dosa
Yields - 4 Pizza Dosa

Seppankizhangu Roast | How to do Arbi Fry in Less Oil | Tawa Arbi Fry

This week's theme is Tawa Recipes, where I would be sharing recipes which are made on a Tawa, mostly for health reasons. Today, its a simple Seppankizhangu Fry or Arbi Fry made on a Tawa which is otherwise fried using a lot of oil to make it crispy. I learnt this method from my mom, who makes the best Arbi Roast. Its a simple recipe with very few ingredients. Just a little patience to keep the Skillet on medium heat and to flip the Arbi pieces once in a while is the key to get perfect Roast. Just give a try and you are sure to fall in love with this Easy side-dish. 

BM #85 Wk 3 - Day 1

Tawa Recipes

Preparation time - 2mins

Cooking time - 15mins

Whey Almond Chocolate Eclairs | Keto Dessert

Whether on diet or not, who doesn't crave desserts? Iam very fond of sweets and after embarking on Keto diet, I could find that the intense craving for sweets had gone. I feel, its one of the best thing about this particular diet. Science behind this is, Carbs aggrevate your Carb cravings, the reason behind one could not stop with just a few chips or French fries. You will in turn eat more and more. That is not your problem, its the action of Carbs. Instead, when you are on an Off-carb diet, consisting of adequate amounts of Protein and healthy Fats, you don't give in to temptations at all. And, Iam the best example to prove this Science! 

In spite of that, very rarely, I do feel like eating something sweet. I came across this recipe and tried out one weekday night. Just whip up a few ingredients, and you are done. Cool, isn't it?

PS: Though its absolutely safe, Whey protein is a dietary supplement and is not advisable for kids below 16years. So, this recipe is not for kids. 

Wk 4 - BM #84 Day 3
New Year Challenge

Preparation time - 10mins

Yields - 5 Chocolate Eclairs

Keto / Paleo Pizza | Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Today's recipe is one of the amazing recipes which I bumped into, after embarking on this Keto journey in 2017. It all started with me reading about Paleo Diet on Gayathri's blog, which claimed to be one of best Diet plans to lose weight, especially within short period of time.Her write-up was just enough to trigger a spark in me and spent the whole year reading and exploring a lot about Nutrition and Low Carb diets and how they work. I should say, I was on a roll and nothing could stop me. Oh man, it worked like a miracle. I could discover a NEW ME which I had not even dreamt in life. Losing oodles of kgs and more than that,so many inches, on a sustainable Diet plan was fantastic. Would share more about my Keto journey in coming days, maybe as a separate series.. 

Coming back to the recipe, it is one recipe which I never expected to turn out so well. Many recipes shared for Keto or Paleo diet are based on Cauliflower. It is swapped mainly with Potato to make a Low-Carb food which originally is high in Carbs. Cauliflower Rice is doing the rounds in the Diet world. In the same way, this Cauliflower Crust Pizza turns out really so well and definitely a perfect replacement to regular Pizza. Best thing is my kids loved it so much and I have done this Keto Pizza a few times already. Come, let enjoy a guilt-free Pizza.

Wk 4 - BM #84 Day 2
New Year Challenge

Preparation time - 5mins
Baking time - 15-20mins

Serves - 4

Healthy Plantain Chips | Vazhakkai Chips, Baked Version

This week, I would be sharing some healthy / Diet-specific Recipes under New Year Challenge. I had long back started cutting junk food and all things unhealthy for my kids from Cornflakes to white sugar to deep-fried snacks. I replaced Deep-fried ones with either baked or Shallow fried version using Appe pan. This crispy, flavourful Raw Banana Chips is one such recipe which is very healthy, yet so addictive. It uses very little oil and within minutes, comes out perfectly crispy, just like its deep-fried counterpart. I stopped using Refined oils as well, so this Chips is made using Organic Cold-pressed Coconut Oil, which makes it even more flavourful and yummy. 

Wk 4 - BM #84
New Year Challenge

Preparation time - 10mins
Baking time - 12-15mins
Serves - 4

Green Chutney Recipe | Sandwich Chutney

Today, I will share the most famous Green Chutney recipe which is very versatile  in its use. It is a great Spread for making plain or Cheesy Sandwiches, a good accompaniment for South Indian Tiffin items and I also use it to coat Panner and make a Quick tikka. So, I always make sure this Green Chutney is available at home all time. It stores well for upto a week. So, it comes handy during most busy weekdays. Lets check out the recipe!

Wk 3 - Day 3

Dips,Chutneys & Spreads

Preparation time : 5 mins
Yields - 10 Servings

Homemade Pizza Sauce | Easy Tomato Spread | Low-Calorie Recipe

Today's recipe is one among few versatile spreads, which comes handy,not only for Pizzas, but also for Bread Sandwiches. I also add it to my Mixed Veg Pastas. So, let's look at the step-wise guide to the preparation of Homemade Pizza sauce or Tomato Spread. It takes about 30mins to get it done.Pizza sauce can be prepared well ahead and kept refrigerated for around 2-3 weeks and used when required.

Wk 3 - Day 2

Dips,Chutneys & Spreads

Preparation time : 5 mins
Baking time : 20 mins
Yields : 500ml of Pizza sauce

Carrot Small Onion Chutney | Side dish for Idli / Dosa

After a very long gap due to some family commitments, Iam happy to get back into Blogging and I hope to set aside some time to pursue my passion henceforth.With that note, sharing a humble Chutney recipe today. Though Bakes and Festive recipes are my favourites, I thought it is also essential to touch on the basic everyday recipes as well, being a food blogger afterall. Those calorie dense treats are meant for occasional indulgence,but these easy and everyday recipes make up for our daily menus. Today, its the Carrot Onion Chutney which is an excellent accompaniment for Idli / Dosa.

Wk 3 - BM #84
Dips,Chutneys & Spreads

Preparation time - 5mins
Cooking time - 5-7mins
Serves - 4

Jeera Pulao | Jeera Rice Rice | Under 30mins Recipe

Jeera Rice or Jeera Pulao is a very easy one-pot dish which is a staple at my place. May it be for kids' lunch box or for a weekend meal with delectable side-dish, this Jeera Rice would fit perfectly. Once the rice is boiled, it just takes a couple of minutes to whit it up. Another good thing is that only minimal ingredients are required which would be readily available at any time. Let's get on to the recipe. 

Quick Tofu Masala | Easy Side-dish under 30mins

For the final day of this week, I would share one of my easy go-to recipe for a side-dish which is a low-fat version of Paneer Butter Masala and it works perfect with Tofu in place of Paneer. Tofu is a good source of Protein and contains all the 8 essential amino acids. It is low in carb and is helpful for weight loss.This recipe is very simple - no grinding of masala or tedious steps involved yet this Quick Tofu Masala is absolutely delicious and makes for a great side-dish for Roti or Pulao / Biryani. Adding just a little low-fat / skimmed milk will make the gravy rich and creamy. Also, I always have Everest Shahi Paneer Masala handy which had a unique flavour for any Paneer or Tofu based gravies. Try this Quick Tofu Masala for a heathy, yummy side-dish.