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

Roasted Veggie & Bean Sandwich Wrap | Healthy Breakfast Recipes

This week, I would be sharing some interesting American Sandwich Recipes. Though Sandwiches with healthy Tikkis like Oats Tikki or simple ones with loads of veggies are a regular in our weekly menu, I have'nt done any American style Sandwiches. So, went through the Wiki list which Valli had given , but I had a tough time choosing vegetarian ones there. Most of the Sandwiches are non-veg or atleast had eggs in them. When I was still thinking over this, Pavani had shared this lovely Sandwich wrap with a fabulous picture for Week 1 and it got me drooling! So, here comes my version of this famous American Roasted Veggie and Bean Wrap! DH said it was one of the best Sandwiches he had tasted and kids too loved it so much. I was happy that it has a very nutritious Wholemeal Wrap with plenty of veggies and protein-rich beans. 

Preparation time - 15mins

Yields - 4 wraps

Veg Biryani in Pressure Cooker | Basic Biryani Recipe

Today, Iam sharing a basic Biryani recipe which I have learnt from Mallika Badrinath's Cookbook and I have been doing this style of simple and flavourful Biryani for a long time now. Unlike the traditional Biryanis which are made in Dum setup, this a an easier version which can be prepared effortlessly using a Pressure cooker. But, nevertheless, it is one of the best one-pot meal which can be served with any Raita or a gravy. I have reduced the Biryani masala this time as asked by my DH and kids and hence there is a difference in the colour. But, in the below recipe, I have shared the correct measurement. This goes to the Blogging Marathon Week2, Day1 and this week, Iam to share Different Biryani recipes.

Preparation time - 10mins

Cooking time - 20mins

Serves - 4

Walnut Basil Pesto Pasta

This Basil Pesto Pasta recipe is the adapted version of the authentic Italian Pesto, to make  it more healthy and kids-friendly. Since kids prefer a milder flavour, I had reduced the quantity of Basil, but added on a good amount of Walnuts and cheese. Hence, the colour turned out to be a lighter green as compared with bright conventional Pesto. Also, I completely omitted Olive oil while blending the Pesto. So, this recipe is absolutely healthy and kids-friendly.

Blogging Marathon - Wk2, Day3

Theme - Pizzas and Pastas

Fusilli with Spinach and Mushroom | Easy Pasta Recipe

This week is all about Pastas and Pizzas and today, Iam going to share a very healthy Pasta recipe which uses just a drizzle of oil and can be made in a jiffy. Perfect for busy weekdays. With just easily available ingredients at your pantry, you can make this healthy Pasta loaded with veggies which is loved by kids too. This Pasta is flavored with mild spice and herbs and even without the addition of cheese, it tastes great. Give it a try and you will know what I mean!

Blogging Marathon - Wk2, Day1

Theme - Pizzas and Pastas 

Indian-Style Pasta | Masala Pasta Recipe | Quick Tiffin Recipe

Though Pasta originally belong to traditional Italian cuisine, it has become a staple throughout the world, especially in most parts of India. DH and kids love to have Pastas atleast once a week and I prefer buying Whole-wheat pasta for a healthier choice. Apart from the popular Pasta versions with white sauce and Basil Pesto, this simple Indian-style Pasta with humble Indian spices is a hit at home. Kids love to take this for Lunch box as it retains the taste even if it is not warm. I tend to add a lot of veggies to most Tiffin items and thankfully my kids are not fussy over it. This recipe too is loaded with veggies and Indian spices, sauces, Italian herbs and spring onion, all blend so well and makes up a great pasta. Off to the simplest yet delicious Indian Style Pasta recipe!

Blogging Marathon - Wk3, Day3

Theme - Quick Tiffin

Cooking time - Under 30mins
Serves - 4

Puliyodarai | Temple-style Iyengar Puliyodarai Recipe | Rice Variety

During my growing-up years, picnic was like a magical word and since we plan for it very rarely, say, once or twice a year only, we kids used to eagerly await for such short outings. Mom had a picnic set comprising of a set of cups, plates and spoons, all enclosed in a cute, compact carrier. Iam reminiscing how happy I had felt when she used to take it out from the attic a day before we set on a picnic. I used to help wash it and keep it ready for the next day. We fill up 'Milton' Cooler with cold water and what a joy to have a family day-out with cousins! As most of my childhood was spent at Trichy, our favourite picnic spot was the famous 'Mukkombu' which is a dam constructed across the river Cauvery. It still stands as a beautiful picnic spot for people in and around Trichy. Needless to say, our menu for such picnics would be this Puliyodarai and curd rice with 'Vadaams' or papads. This recipe is from my mom's diary in which she had mentioned 'Temple-style recipe' specifically. Though I love my MIL's instant, no-grind Puli Saadam equally, I would share this famous 'Iyengar Puliyodarai' for my second day of Blogging Marathon under the theme Picnic Hampers. 

Preparation time - 5mins
Cooking time - 20mins
Yields - 1cup Pulikaichal paste