~ Tamalapaku

Bread-Coconut Burfi

BM #42 starts today. For week 1, I have chosen to blog some festival recipes. The festival specials are for Raksha Bandhan, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Krishnashtami.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Sravana (typically mid august) in the Lunar Calender. Raksha = Protection, Bandhan = Tie, is a sacred thread of protection tied by the sisters on the wrists of their brothers. It signifies the mutual love and affection between siblings.

This has an underlying social significance in that it promotes harmonious relationship between all the people in the community.

Recipe Source - here
Ingredients -

Bread crumbs 1 cup
Coconut, grated 1/2 cup
Sugar 1/2 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Almonds handful
Ghee / Clarified Butter 2 tsp

Method Of Preparation -

Blend all the ingredients except ghee.

Pour the mixture in a heated pan with 2 tsp of ghee.

Let the mixture cook for a few minutes (7-8 minutes) until it becomes a single mass and doesn't stick to the sides.

Remove from fire and pat it on a greased plate. Let it cool for a little while and cut them into desired shapes.

Upon cooling the burfis are ready to be enjoyed. they are soft, chewy and melt in the mouth.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 42.

Preparation Time 10 min + Cooking Time 10 min
Makes 15-18 squares (depending the size)

Posted by Harini R on Thursday, July 3, 2014

13 comments

categories: Almonds, Blogging Marathon, Bread, Breads/Buns/Rolls/Puffs, Burfis, Coconut(Kobbari), Dairy Products, Dry Fruits and Nuts, Milk, Sweetening Agents, Sweets and Desserts | |

Lotus Root Kebab

For Day 3, Week 4 of BM #41, here is another Iron-rich kid friendly recipe. I have recently come to know from my dietitian friend that Lotus root is a very good source of Iron.

When I googled for kid friendly options using, Lotus root, the first few were various types of kebabs. Here is my take on these kebabs. My family and friends loved these and my older one was looking for more in the basket!

Ingredients -

Lotus Root 250 gms (I used frozen)
Potato boiled and grated 1/2 cup
Onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup
Besan/Chick pea Flour 1/2 cup
Ginger, grated 1 tsp
Garlic, grated 1 tsp
Chaat Masala 1 tsp
Salt as needed
Green chillies as needed
Coriander leaves few
Oil for deep frying

Method Of Preparation -

Pressure cook the lotus root and after it is cooked well. Pulse it in a grinder to a coarse paste.

Mix the remaining ingredients and make a dough.

Heat oil for deep frying in wok/kadai.

Pinch small portions of the prepared dough and pat into small patties/vadas and gently slide them into the medium hot oil.

Add as many as can comfortably fit in the oil and resume the process multiple times.

Let them brown evenly and remove onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve with Tamarind-Date Chutney or a simple ketchup is fine too.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 41.

Also sending this dal to Srivalli's Kid's Delight - Iron-rich Recipes hosted by Kalyani this month.

Preparation Time 45 min
Makes 25-30

Posted by Harini R on Thursday, June 26, 2014

7 comments

categories: Appetizers and Snacks, Blogging Marathon, Fried Snacks, Lotus Root, Onions, Potatoes (Alu), Vegetables | |

Bhangur ~ Sookha Kala Chana

For Day 2, week 4 of BM #41, here is a last minute post which was suggested by my dietitian friend.

A delightful blend of flavors which was enjoyed by the kids and adults alike.

Posted by Harini R on Wednesday, June 25, 2014

10 comments

categories: Appetizers and Snacks, Beans And Dals, Blogging Marathon, Healthy Snacks, Kala Chana (Nalla Senagalu) | |

Palak Chana Dal

For week 4 of BM #41, I chose to post a few Iron-rich recipes which are kid friendly. Today's post is an everyday kind of a dal which is very healthy and comforting as well.

In a casual conversation with my friend, Pooja, I came to know that they make most of the dals with Chana Dal wherein, we South Indians use Toor Dal in many of the dals. So I followed her recipe except the onion which we don't like in dals.

It was a delightful scene at home where the kids and the adults were slurping the dal and racing to finish off their share!! It is very rare for us to use ginger-garlic in the everyday dal but this dal was an exception in all ways!!

Recipe Source - Pooja
Ingredients -

Chana Dal 1/2 cup
Spinach/Palak, chopped 2 cups
Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tsp
Green Chillies as needed
Salt as needed
Turmeric 1/4 tsp
Ajwain / Vaamu a pinch (Optional)
Onion (Optional)
Seasoning (Oil 2 tsp, Cumin seeds 1 tsp, Asafoetida 2 pinches, Tomato chopped 1/2 cup)

Method Of Preparation -

Pressure cook chana dal, chopped spinach, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, salt, turmeric and onions if using. Make sure that the dal is cooked well. (Typically 2-3 whistles in a pressure cooker would do the trick).

After the pressure is released, mix well and set aside.

In a small pan, heat oil and add cumin and asafoetida. Saute tomatoes until they become mushy.

Pour in the seasoning onto the spinach-dal mixture and mix well. Use a stick blender to pulse a couple times if needed.

Serve it hot with steaming hot rice and a dollop ghee. My kids love this comforting dal very much!

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 41.

Sending it to Radhika's MLLA #73, Susan’s blog and Lisa’s blog

Also sending this dal to Srivalli's Kid's Delight - Iron-rich Recipes hosted by Kalyani this month.

Preparation Time 25 min
Serves 4-5

Posted by Harini R on Tuesday, June 24, 2014

11 comments

categories: Beans And Dals, Blogging Marathon, Chana Dal (Senaga Pappu), Dals, Palak (Spinach), Tomatoes, Vegetables | |

Paruppu Idiyappam ~ Moong Dal Sevai

For Day 3 Week 3 of BM #41, here is another savory version of Idiyappam which is a delightful way to serve breakfast.

I served this for a snack and it just has an amazing bite to it what with the moong dal and coconut in it!

Posted by Harini R on Thursday, June 19, 2014

11 comments

categories: Beans And Dals, Blogging Marathon, Breakfast, Coconut(Kobbari), Dry Fruits and Nuts, Grains and its Products, Idiyappam, Moong Dal (Pesarapappu), Onions, Tomatoes, Upma, Vegetables | |

Sweet Idiyappam

For Day 2 Week 3 of BM #41, here is a sweet Idiyappam dish. As I understand it is traditionally served for breakfast along with some other spicy version of Idiyappam.

But I served this for a snack and the kids really liked it. I first tasted this in a potluck party and was very impressed by the simplicity and taste of this dish. Thanks, Uma for graciously sharing the dish and the recipe.

Posted by Harini R on Wednesday, June 18, 2014

10 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Breakfast, Cashews, Coconut(Kobbari), Dry Fruits and Nuts, Grains and its Products, Idiyappam, Other Sweets, Sugar, Sweetening Agents, Sweets and Desserts, Upma | |

Lemon Sevai

For Week 3 of BM #41, I chose to put up a few recipes under the theme of 'Noodles'. I shall feature some very interesting breakfast recipes using the South Indian Noodles, called Idiyappam/Sevai.

So for Day 1 it is going to be these yummy Lemon Sevai. I have some very nice memories of a classmate who became one of my very dear friends. She had introduced me to Lemon Sevai and used to get some specially packed for me.

But unfortunately I have lost track of her after the class was over. Here it is for you, my dear friend, Srividya. I hope you are leading a happy life in whichever part of the world you live!!

Posted by Harini R on Tuesday, June 17, 2014

12 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Breakfast, Grains and its Products, Idiyappam, Lemon, Upma | |

Amritsari Aloo Kulcha - ICC May 2014

As soon as Srivalli announced the dish for the May 2014 edition of Indian Cooking Challenge, I planned on taking part this month after a really long time.

I was happy to make this for my family. I approached my friend and neighbor, Pooja, who hails from Amritsar, to get an authentic version of these Kulchas. I followed some of the tips from her and we thoroughly loved them.

Adapted from The Hindu.
Ingredients -

All Purpose Flour or Maida / Wheat Flour 2 cups (I used 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of Maida)
Baking powder 1 tsp
Baking soda 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Sugar 1 tsp
Oil 3 tbsp
Curd/ Yogurt 1/4 cup
Warm Milk 1/4 cup
For the filling -
Potatoes, boiled and mashed 1 cup
Green chilies, finely chopped as needed
Onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup
Red chili powder 1/2 tsp or as needed
Cumin powder 1 tsp
Chat Masala 1/4 tsp
Coriander leaves, finely chopped few

Method Of Preparation -
To prepare the filling -
Mix all the ingredients listed under 'For the filling' and set aside.

To Prepare the dough -
Mix the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, oil, yogurt and mix well. Add milk gradually until the dough is soft and pliable.

Cover and set aside.

To make the Aloo Kulchas -
Make equal portions of the dough. In each portion of the dough, fill in the potato masala and seal the edges and roll out into a thick roti.

Put the oven in the Broil mode and place 2-3 (depending on the size of the baking tray) in a foil lined baking tray. Roll the remaining portions of dough and keep them ready for the subsequent batches.

Broil it for under 2 minutes under close watch, pull out from the oven, flip it to the other side and broil for a few seconds taking care not to burn the kulchas.

Remove from the baking tray, apply some butter and serve it with any curry of your choice. It is typically served with Chole/Chana Masala. I also served it with Mutter Paneer.

Preparation Time 15 min + Resting time 30-45 min + Baking Time 25 min
Makes 8-10

Posted by Harini R on Sunday, June 15, 2014

8 comments

categories: All Purpose Flour (Maida), Flatbread, Flours, ICC, Potatoes (Alu), Vegetables, Wheat Flour (Godhuma pindi) | |

Oats-Vegetable Soup

For Day 3, Week 2 of BM #41, here is a very simple and no-nonsense kind of a soup which is very filling and comforting as well. So 'O' for Oats-Vegetable Soup.

If you have noticed, all three of them (K for Kanchipuram Idli, V for Vegetable Jalfrezi, and 'O' for Oats-Vegetable Soup) are cooked in three different ways. The Idlis are steamed, the Jalfrezi is cooked on Stove Top and the Soup is made in the Microwave!

Originally I planned to make this soup for my dinner as I was more or less sure that they would make faces if I tell them about oats in soup. So I didn't want to offer the soup to the rest of the family. But just because the kids and the husband were looking on, I decided that I should let them taste a sip each. One sip led to another and ironically I was just left with a few sips for myself in the end!!

I have since made this soup regularly and trust me it is addictive if you can tolerate oats. In fact my husband who is an anti-Oats person didn't mind them at all in this soup!

Posted by Harini R on Thursday, June 12, 2014

12 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Carrots, Corn, Grains and its Products, Green Beans, Microwave Cooking, Oat Recipes, Oats, Peas, Soups, Vegetables | |

Vegetable Jalfrezi With Ready made Sauce

For Day 2, Week 2 of BM #41, Here is a simple Vegetable Jalfrezi for 'V' made using a ready made sauce. This sauce is available in grocery stores in our neighborhood (Patak's Hot and Spicy Jalfrezi Simmer sauce).

I rely on this when I have to make for a huge party and am short of time and help. It turns out awesome and is easy to manage on short notice!

Posted by Harini R on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

14 comments

categories: Baby Corn, Blogging Marathon, Carrots, Curries (Gravy), Dairy Products, Green Beans, Paneer, Red Bell Pepper (Red Capsicum), Vegetables, Water Chestnuts | |

Kanchipuram Idli

For Week 2, I have chosen to go with the recipes starting with the letters K, V and O. So K for Kanchipuram Idli it is for Day 1 of this edition of BM #41.

These interesting idlis were in my to-do list or a long time now. I got the final push when a few fellow marathoners posted this as part of the Mega Marathon.

We thoroughly enjoyed these idlis and I shall update the pictures when I make these next. For some quirky reason, I prefer making idlis in the traditional idli mould rather than in the plate idli fashion.

Posted by Harini R on Tuesday, June 10, 2014

17 comments

categories: Beans And Dals, Blogging Marathon, Breakfast, Grains and its Products, Idli rava, Idlis, Sona Masoori Rice, Urad Dal (Minapa pappu) | |

Grilled Vegetables

For Day 3, Week 1 of BM #41, here is our family favorite which we look forward to every summer.

Enjoying these grilled veggies add an extra oomph factor for a a delightful picnic! Last camping season, one of our friends got some marinated veggies. We grilled them as a group and thoroughly enjoyed munching on them sitting in front of the campfire!

The pictures in this post are from the summer of 2013 and the grill is my husband's forte :).

Posted by Harini R on Thursday, June 5, 2014

11 comments

categories: Appetizers and Snacks, Blogging Marathon, Capsicum (Green Bell Pepper), Corn, Dairy Products, Healthy Snacks, Red Bell Pepper (Red Capsicum), Squash, Vegetables, Yellow Capsicum, Yogurt (Curd/Perugu), Zucchini | |

Vegetable Kabab

For Day 2 Week 1 of BM #41, here is another versatile snack very well suited for picnics.

These bite sized kababs can also be grilled or cooked on a griddle. I was thinking that this would be a great idea for a camping trip where we can carry an electric griddle or a portable grill and enjoy making and eating these in the wilderness!!

Of course the material can be prepared before hand and carried in an ice box. The combinations of ingredients can be varied as per availability/requirement/preference.

Posted by Harini R on Wednesday, June 4, 2014

11 comments

categories: Appetizers and Snacks, Baking, Blogging Marathon, Bread, Breads/Buns/Rolls/Puffs, Broccoli, Carrots, Corn, Green Beans, Healthy Snacks, Peas, Potatoes (Alu), Savory Bakes, Vegetables | |

Savory Crackers

Welcome to the 41st edition of Blogging Marathon. For the first week I have chosen to present some options for a picnic hamper. Be it a day picnic, a backyard picnic or an overnight camping trip into the wilderness, it is sometimes a challenge to pack some sustenance. It always helps to have some choices ready. Don't you agree?

It is such a pleasure to see smiles all around and kids having fun out in the great weather we have right now! With just a wee bit of planning we can make that experience a much more pleasurable one.

I thought a bowl of Butter Cookies, a bowl of these Savory Crackers, a bowl of Watermelon and some coconut water would provide some enjoyable sustenance to my kids to have a picnic in our backyard with their friends on a sunny afternoon!

Recipe Source - Amma (My mom)
Ingredients -

Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup
All Purpose Flour / Maida 1 cup
Baking Powder 1/4 tsp
Milk Powder 2 Tbsp
Sugar powdered 1 Tbsp
Butter/ Olive Oil 2 Tbsp
Salt, Red Chilli Powder as needed
Ajwain / Vamu 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida couple pinches
Cumin seeds / Jeera 1 tsp
Peanuts, roasted, coarsely crushed 1/4 cup (Optional)
Sesame Seeds 2 tsp (Optional)

Method Of Preparation -

Mix all the ingredients well and add warm water to knead a soft dough.

Make about 8-10 manageable portions of the dough. Roll out each portion of the dough into a thin circle, cut into desired shapes. Poke each of them with a fork so that they don't puff out while baking. Continue with the rest of the dough - rolling, cutting out shapes.

Preheat the oven to 375 °F.

Place each of the cut out shape on a parchment paper lined baking tray, about 1/2 an inch apart.

Bake in the middle rack of a preheated oven for about 12-14 min and flip all of them. Bake for about 5 more minutes until they are all evenly browned.

Remove and let them cool on a wired rack.

Store them in an air tight container and carry it on a picnic!

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 41.

Preparation Time 20 min + baking Time 15-17 min
Makes 3 cups

Posted by Harini R on Tuesday, June 3, 2014

13 comments

categories: All Purpose Flour (Maida), Appetizers and Snacks, Baking, Blogging Marathon, Cookies, Dry Fruits and Nuts, Flours, Healthy Snacks, Peanuts, Savory Bakes, Wheat Flour (Godhuma pindi) | |

Mixed Vegetable Kurma with Roti

For Day 3 Week 4 of BM #40, here is another lunch box favorite of my older one.

This kurma is something I prepared for a variation and tried to make it a little rich with the cashew paste and paneer. But the majority at home voted for this version to become the de facto standard :).

Posted by Harini R on Monday, May 26, 2014

12 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Carrots, Curries (Gravy), Dairy Products, Flatbread, Onions, Paneer, Potatoes (Alu), Tomatoes, Vegetables | |

Vegan Savory French Toast

For Day 2 week 4 of BM #40, here is another healthy option to pack for your picky eater. My older one instantly loved the flavors but my little one was a little hesitant to take it to school though she did try out a couple bites at home. Her diplomatic comment was, 'Amma, It is nice but I don't want it for lunch'. :)
Next time I plan to try out more 'challenging' veggies like spinach and methi!

Posted by Harini R on Sunday, May 25, 2014

10 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Bread, Breads/Buns/Rolls/Puffs, Breakfast, Carrots, Chick Pea Flour (Besan), Flours, Onions, Other Breakfast, Vegetables | |

Paneer-Vegetable Pulao

Is there a super mom somewhere on this planet who doesn't have to think too much about packing lunch box for her kid(s)? Yes, there is. In my dreams, of course!! :) For me to satisfy the lunch box needs/fancies of my kids and balance with nutrition is a herculean task.

If your thoughts run along mine, then watch out this space or the next 3 days as I have taken up the theme of "Kid's Delight - Lunch box Menu" as part of BM #40 week 4.

For Day 1 here is a healthy version of Pulao which my older one took to school. I should have told her to heat up her pulao at school (They have microwaves in their lunch room) which I regretfully forgot and so she complained that the paneer didn't taste 'normal'. But anyway that is a lesson for the next time. But she had a repeat of the same pulao at home and was satisfied.

Posted by Harini R on Saturday, May 24, 2014

10 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Carrots, Dairy Products, Green Beans, Onions, Paneer, Peas, Rice Recipes, Vegetables, Yogurt (Curd/Perugu) | |

Eggless Mango Mug Cake

This was a long pending mug cake which I could finally make a few weeks back and the kids literally fought over these. I had to prepare these cakes twice on the same day to resolve their conflict!

The only down side of these microwave mug cakes that they get dried out and harden as they cool down. So these are best consumed while still warm. Check these for Day 3 Week 3 of BM #40.

Posted by Harini R on Monday, May 19, 2014

15 comments

categories: All Purpose Flour (Maida), Blogging Marathon, Dairy Products, Flours, Fruits, Mango, Microwave Cooking, Milk, Sugar, Sweetening Agents | |

Mango-Coconut Scones

If you are a regular reader of this space, you probably know that my family loves scones and I love to bake them as they have less sugar and lesser fat than most sweetmeats.

Here is another version this time with the tropical ingredients of mango and coconut. The coconut milk is a surprise addition which makes all the difference. This is part of Day 2 Week 3 of BM #40.

Posted by Harini R on Sunday, May 18, 2014

12 comments

categories: All Purpose Flour (Maida), Appetizers and Snacks, Baking, Blogging Marathon, Coconut Milk, Flours, Fruits, Healthy Snacks, Mango, Scones, Wheat Flour (Godhuma pindi) | |

Mango Oatmeal

Today, we start Week 3 of BM#40. I have chosen to blog under the theme 'Mango Mania'. With the mango season upon us, I am sure we can all enjoy some interesting Mango delights.

I am enjoying this delightful mango oatmeal once a week for my breakfast. You can too..

Posted by Harini R on Saturday, May 17, 2014

13 comments

categories: Almonds, Blogging Marathon, Breakfast, Dairy Products, Dry Fruits and Nuts, Fruits, Grains and its Products, Mango, Microwave Cooking, Milk, Oat Recipes, Oats, Other Breakfast | |

Makhana Peas Curry

Here is another rich gravy from the northern states of India. I wasn't able to narrow this dish down to a particular state. So decided that this could be classified generally under North Indian Rich Gravies.

Check out this delicious gravy for Day 3, Week 2 of BM #40.

Posted by Harini R on Monday, May 12, 2014

9 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Cashews, Curries (Gravy), Dry Fruits and Nuts, Makhana, Onions, Peas, Tomatoes, Vegetables | |

Bendakaya Majjiga Pulusu ~ Bhendi Kadhi

For Day 2 Week 2 of BM #40, here is a dish from Andhra Pradesh. My mom makes this pretty often and we grew up eating this once every month or so (or when there was a surplus of buttermilk at home). I had so forgotten about this until I ate this at my friend's place. I realized that I had virtually forgotten how Bhendi/Okra tastes in kadhi.

I asked my friend for the recipe and pestered her to tell me if there is any secret ingredient in there. She smiled and said that bhendi is the secret ingredient :). Trust me this combo never fails to please your tongue and tummies too.

Posted by Harini R on Sunday, May 11, 2014

12 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Butter Milk (Majjiga), Dairy Products, Okra, Sambar, Vegetables | |

Aloo Matar

We, BMers put in a lot of effort to showcase some authentic Indian food from various states in India last month. In our efforts, we realized that there were many which needed the spot light. So here is another opportunity to make use of as part of BM #40. I have chosen to showcase some unused posts of last month for Week 2.

This was in my drafts for quite some time but the pictures went missing at the time. So I had to post Missi Roti instead. I realized that the pictures were there in the folder all the time and I happened to conveniently overlook them.

Needless to say, this was a delightful addition to our dining table and the kids loved it.

So Aloo Matar it is for Day 1 ..

Posted by Harini R on Saturday, May 10, 2014

10 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Curries (Gravy), Onions, Peas, Potatoes (Alu), Tomatoes, Vegetables | |

Appletini

Today I showcase another mocktail which is simple and refreshing. The absence of alcohol in this drink makes it suitable to the kids as well.

Hope the refreshing mocktails presented in this series will keep you cool this summer. Chill out with this Appletini as part of Day 3 Week 1 of BM #40.

Ingredients -

Apple Juice 1 cup
Club Soda 1/2 cup or as needed
Lemon Juice 1 Tbsp or as needed
Sugar Syrup 1 Tbsp or as needed
Sugar to rim the glass

Method Of Preparation -

In a shaker, mix the apple juice, lemon juice and sugar syrup along with crushed ice.

Rim a glass with sugar (Wet the rim of the glass and dip in a plate of sugar). Pour the juice and club soda. Drop a couple of ice cubes if needed.

Serve with apple slices.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 40.

Preparation Time 5 min
Serves 2

Posted by Harini R on Monday, May 5, 2014

11 comments

categories: Apple, Blogging Marathon, Club Soda, Fruits, Lemon, Shakes, Sweetening Agents | |

Pineapple Orange Punch

Here is another delightful punch for BM #40 week 1 day 2. This is a great alternative to yesterday's mocktail with soda. I loved this punch better with the crunchy pistachio from the kulfi. Next time (which is as soon as next week) I would try this out with as many juices as I can manage and use mango without fail.

So for today, let us enjoy the punch!

Posted by Harini R on Sunday, May 4, 2014

10 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Club Soda, Fruits, Ice Cream, Orange, Pineapple, Shakes | |

Pineapple-Orange Mocktail

Welcome to BM #40! After a whirlwind tour of 30 Indian states and union territories, we BMers are back to the relaxed routine of 3 posts a week. This week I shall showcase some mocktails which have been approved at home.

Feel free to alter the ingredients depending on the sweetness of oranges/pineapple used. I am sure store bought juices can be substituted in which case the sugar can be ignored.

Try this out on a hot summer day (for which we are still waiting!) and enjoy!!

Posted by Harini R on Saturday, May 3, 2014

17 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Club Soda, Fruits, Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Shakes | |

Indian Food Odyssey - A Recap

We, a group of 'crazy' bloggers have successfully completed this journey across India stopping by at these 30 states and union territories, going through the history and their culinary diversities and learning so much at the same time. Many a time, it was a history lesson, a geography lesson and most importantly it was a nostalgic trip down the memory lane.

Here are the showcased recipes for a quick look all at one place. Hope you all have enjoyed the journey as much as we have.

Posted by Harini R on Friday, May 2, 2014

2 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Roundup | |

Chanar Payesh - West Bengal

Hope this journey across India has expanded your palates to accommodate the diversity in our food culture. Today, our last stop in this series is West Bengal and I end this series on a sweet note.

Special thanks to Srivalli for initiating this series and to all fellow marathoners who made this a very enjoyable journey. Hope all of you will continue this journey in any small way possible in your respective kitchens.

A few words about West Bengal before the recipe.
*West Bengal has been in the center of our history. It was a home state for many stalwarts of India like Rabindranath Tagore, Subhash Chandra Bose, Raja Ram Mohan Roy etc. *Bengali literature is very rich and has a long tradition in folk literature.
*Rice and Fish form a major part of their cuisine.

Please join me for a lovely, mouth watering dessert from this state..

Ingredients -

Home made paneer 3/4 cup (Needs to be fresh)
Milk 4 cups
Sugar 3/4 cup (or more as per preference)
Saffron a pinch soaked in a tablespoon of milk
Cardamom Powder 1/2 tsp
Mixed nuts (I used pistachios, cashews and almonds)

Optional ingredients -
*Condensed milk can be used to make it richer and thicker and also to reduce the cooking time.
*Corn Flour / Rice Flour can be used as a thickening agent.

Method Of Preparation -

Knead the fresh paneer well and make small roundels of them and set aside.

Boil milk under a reduced flame until it is reduced to 1/2 or 3/4 of its quantity. Add sugar and the saffron. Take care to make sure the milk doesn't get burnt. So continuous stirring is a good idea.

Gently drop the prepared paneer balls into the simmering milk. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Remove and refrigerate upon cooling. Serve chilled for a delightful dessert!

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 39.

An InLinkz Link-up

Preparation Time 40 min
Makes 4-cups

Posted by Harini R on Wednesday, April 30, 2014

18 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Dairy Products, Kheers, Milk, Paneer, Sugar, Sweetening Agents, Sweets and Desserts | |

Roat - Uttarakhand

After tasting the rich Lucknowi Dahi Vade, it is the turn for this traditional dish from Uttarakhand, formerly Uttaranchal. It is a relatively new state, carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. Uttarakhand is also known as the 'Land of the Gods' due to the various pilgrim centers and temples. Visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath are considered very auspicious by Hindus.

It is also known for its natural beauty and many tourist spots like Dehradun and Nainital. The state is divided into two provinces, Garhwal and Kumaon.

Coming to the recipe for today. I understand that this is made during weddings and other festive occasions. This is a typical Garhwali dish.

Posted by Harini R on Tuesday, April 29, 2014

16 comments

categories: Blogging Marathon, Dairy Products, Flatbread, Flours, Jaggery, Milk, Other Sweets, Sweetening Agents, Sweets and Desserts, Wheat Flour (Godhuma pindi) | |

Lucknowi Dahi Vade - Uttar Pradesh

Finally after covering all the 'Seven Sisters', it feels like we have captured the world! Now onto Uttar Pradesh.

This state has been in the center of Indian History and Mythology. The land of Lord Ram, home to many historical happenings and lots of places of worship - Uttar Pradesh.

Their cuisine is multi faceted. So many influences in their cuisine and they have one of the richest variety. Here is a very unique one which was a delight to have!

Enjoy this burst of flavors as I move on to the neighboring state of Uttarakhand formerly Uttaranchal.

Posted by Harini R on Monday, April 28, 2014

19 comments

categories: Appetizers and Snacks, Beans And Dals, Blogging Marathon, Dairy Products, Fried Snacks, Onions, Urad Dal (Minapa pappu), Vegetables, Yogurt (Curd/Perugu) | |

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