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

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

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

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

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. 

Oats Apple Phirni | Low Calorie Phirni recipe | Under 10-mins Dessert

I had bookmarked this recipe from Tarladalal's cookbook long back and wanted to try this for a super-delicious Low-calorie dessert. Today being the last in Low-Calorie recipe series, this Oats Apple Phirni would be a perfect choice. Kids and we adults too loved the Apple-Oats combo and the best thing is that I didn't add sugar or any other sweetener at all. Nevertheless, the Phirni turned out so yummy. Crunchy bits of Almonds and some pomegranate seeds added to the richness. 

Mixed Veg Dal Paratha - Low-Calorie Paratha Recipe

Today's recipe under Low-Calorie Veg Recipe is going to be an Indian Bread. When talking about breads, almost all Indian breads are Flatbreads which are made in a Tawa on Tandoor without the addition of leavening agents. This Mixed Veg Dal Paratha is a regular on our weekdays' menu. It is packed with lot of veggies together with moong dal and is a Complete meal by itself. You don't have to spend time for making a side-dish. Just a plain curd or pickle would go well with this Paratha. I find it very easy to make for busy weeknights. Pick veggies of your choice and make variations with different legumes for variety in flavours. Do remember not to add too much Dal as it makes the Paratha dough sticky. 

Vegan Pancake Recipe

Coming next on Tawa recipe series is a healthy, vegan Pancake made with Organic Wholewheat flour, almond milk and flax meal. I reduced the maple syrup and have added some choco chips to make more kids-friendly. Wholewheat flour imparts a lovely nutty flavour while the flax meal makes the Pancake very soft and fluffy. Since this Pancake is high in fiber and protein, it is likely to stick with you until lunch. Come, lets make some Pancakes now!

Ratatouille | Baked Vegetables

'Ratatouille' is a French Vegetable dish wherein spring veggies like Zucchini, Eggplant, coloured Bell peppers are baked on a base of Tomato sauce. It is usually served as a side dish, but may also be served as a meal on its own. Some recipes call for sauteing the veggies and then layering them in a Casserole and bake. But, this recipe is something I just figured out after seeing the pictures of some Ratatouille. It has Zero oil and extremely healthy, so you can gorge on it without guilt. The recipe is so simple with just few ingredients, but it turned out to be a Superhit at home, especially my DH loved it a lot. He was amused at the way a humble dish tasted so terrific. I love the veggies being arranged beautifully in concentric circles and then topped with cheese and baked to perfection. To keep it healthy, I have reduced the amount of Cheese, but you may choose to add more if you so like. Get on and try this easy Ratatouille!!

Vegan Banana Walnut Muffin

Day 3 of Blogging Marathon comes with a flavourful Banana Walnut Muffin which is Eggless and Vegan too. I adapted the recipe from here and tried this long time back and it was the Best. Thereafter, I did'nt try any other recipe for Banana Walnut Muffins. I have tweaked it many a times, with reduced quantity of fat (that too, Olive or Canola oil) and reduced sugar too. But, I have got great results even after doing such healthier fix. So, here Iam to share the Best Vegan Banana muffin. If you are not particular about veganising it, you could simply use Butter in place of Vegan Margarine. With Banana deliciousness, these muffins are soft and fluffy and the walnut bits add crunch and a great treat to the palate. Do enjoy these as Breakfast or mid-day snack with a cuppa coffee!

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

Cherry Milkshake | Cherry Breakfast Smoothie

Fruit and veggie Smoothies are a great way to nourish the body with all natural goodness and essential nutrients. Making a good Smoothie every morning has become a part of our food habit and I feel this is the best expenditure of time and money one would make. More than juices, Smoothies give you more plenty of fiber and nutrients and they make up for a complete breakfast and help you tide through the day. Today, for the second day of Blogging Marathon - Colourful dishes theme for Kids' delight, I would like to share Cherry Milkshake. Cherry is said to contain powerful anti-oxidants, reduces inflammation and pain, reduces belly fat and helps promote good sleep. Cool off with this healthy and yummy Cherry Milkshake which is packed with lot of health benefits. 

Preparation time - 5mins
Yields - 2 tall glasses

Eggless Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies

This month is very special as we are celebrating the grand 50th Anniversary of Blogging Marathon. There was a grand plan made for this BM#50 and 12 of my Blogger friends participated in the BM#50 Meet held at Chennai. Not just for a day, but the Meet was for 3 days, full of exciting activities and fun. Though I tried my best to join the Meet, could'nt make it. But, I enjoyed virtually and felt as a part of this lovely Meet through instant updates on Whatsapp as well as all their BM#50 Special posts.

Thai Cucumber Salad | Quick Salad Recipes

This week, for Blogging Marathon, my theme is 'Restaurant Accompaniments' which are supposed to be the dishes which are served as complimentary ones at Restaurants while we wait for our ordered dishes to be served. But, most often than not, there is no such Complimentary stuff and whatever we order, we are being charged. However, as a rare occurrence, this Thai Cucumber Salad was served to us at a Vegan Thai Restaurant here in SG. It is a refreshing Salad with cool and crunchy Cucumber and aromatic Coriander leaves tossed in a tangy dressing and served the purpose of a great Appetizer. From then, this Salad became a part of our regular menu. Though the salad was a bit fiery due to Thai Chilli, my kids loved the crunchy peanut bits and the overall flavour of the Salad. When making at home, I minimize chilli and also, as we don't like raw garlic flavour, I usually omit that. This salad can be packed for kids as well as adults for a nourishing mid-day snack. It stays so well. Off to the recipe now. 

Preparation time - 5mins

Serves - 2

Bread Pizza | Quick Tiffin Recipe

Bread Pizza is another favourite breakfast recipe at my home and we love this quick and instant version of Pizza which is sure to satisfy the craving for a delicious Pizza. It just requires 10-15mins from start to end and there you are with sizzling, cheesy and a healthy Pizza made with wholemeal bread. The veggies used as topping is purely your choice and the mandatory ingredients to get the real Pizza flavour are Pizza sauce, Italian seasoning and some Cheese. Do try this quick Bread Pizza!!

Blogging Marathon - Wk4, Day2

Theme - Say Cheese

Preparation time - 5mins

Baking time - 10mins

Cheese Dosa | Kids- Friendly Tiffin Recipe

This week is all about Cheese Recipes which obviously fall under Kids-friendly recipes also. For this first day, Iam sharing a very simple yet delicious recipe - Cheese Dosa which my kids relish so much. This Cheesy Dosa can be made just with loads of cheese or any of your favourite veggie can be added together with the Cheese to top up the nutritional value. Only pre-requisite is that you should have Dosa batter and some Cheese handy and you are all set to go to enjoy this yummy, cheesy Dosa.

Blogging Marathon - Wk4, Day1

Theme - Say Cheese

Preparation time - 3mins per Dosa

Yields - 6 Dosas

Corn Chaat | Masala Corn Recipe

Corn Chaat or Masala Corn is such an easy one and you just need mins to mix up the ingredients and there you are with a nutritious, crunchy Chaat which is loved by kids and adults as well. It is a famous street food in India and whenever we go shopping in Chennai, will never miss to have this Chaat along the T-nagar roadside which would be piping hot and it was so heavenly to munch on it and wander about. Corn makes for a filling snack as well. Even a cup of steamed, salted corn tastes fine as is and my kids love it so much. But, it tastes even more great if made into this Chaat which you would relish. As with any Chaats, the Chaat masala, Black salt and Roasted cumin powder are the ones which transforms the simple Corn into a delicious Chaat.

Blogging Marathon - Wk1, Day3

Theme - Chaat Special

Preparation time - 10mins

Serves - 2