Aloo~Bhindi Masala Gravy | Potato~Okra Gravy for Chapathi

I normally include chapathi in the menu twice a week and always there will be confusion on what to make for the side dish. Most of the time, I will make some gravy with paneer or mushroom. Some of the time capsicum takes the job to compliment. Here are some more other options for the side dish for chapathi. (Click here)

When I went through the net, I saw this recipe in a blog which sounds great. I saw this on few of the restaurants and I never dare to opt this, worrying about the taste. But when I tried it at home, I felt totally in love with the masala. If okra is ur favorite veggie, I would definitely recommend you to give this a try. 

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 15 mins

Naan | Tawa Naan Recipe (Without Yeast)

TH always insists me to make naan. But, I never attempted to make at home, rather I can eat nicely when bought outside. The one thing which prevented me from trying is “Yeast”. I don’t have a good opinion on that, donno why! And I don’t want to buy yeast just for making naan alone. We I went through the internet for naan without yeast, I got some idea on that and tried making naan at home Without Yeast.  

The texture was almost like the way we get in the restaurants. Since I have electric gas, I used my grill rack. If you have a wire mesh, that will also work well. Always use thick curd which is freshly made. Sour curd will spoil the taste of the naan. I used store bought plain yogurt. Give the resting period for the dough to increase its volume. I gave 3 hours; you can even keep the dough for about 5-6 hours in room temperature. If the dough is sticky after the resting time, add some maida on top to make it even.

Please see below for the variations u can make with this recipe. Paneer butter Masala would be a perfect combo for this naan. Give it a try and let me know the reviews.

Vegetable Dum Biryani | Veg Biryani Recipe

I have been making biryani for the past three consecutive Sundays. The love for biryani is blossoming day by day. I made Mughlai Chicken Biryani and also tired the same recipe with goat, the next Sunday. It was super awesome and it never ruins me in taste and flavor. Undoubtedly, the third Sunday I made this Vegetable Dum Biryani which is exactly the same as Chicken Biryani. We wanted to make it light for the third Sunday, hence chose vegetable biryani. But I accompanied the biryani with Chicken Hariyali Tikka, which TH made.

I just used the veggies which I had in hand. Carrots, beans and potatoes are the must-veggies for biryani. Yet green peas, soya chunks are all optional. Since TH doesn’t like Cauliflower, I dint add. Make sure u chop the veggies of same size to cook equally.

Instead of using whole garam masala, just crush the masala with a pestle to 2-3 pieces. This will enhance the flavor of the biryani. For some more tips and notes, please see below.

Now let’s start cooking the biryani!!!

Brinjal Chops Recipe | Kathirikkai Chops

This is one of my very own favorite recipes which amma makes rarely at home. This will be very spicy, because of the chilli powder and also the whole pepper corns which are ground to paste gives an extra ordinary tempting flavor to the dish. Some will like the taste of fennel seeds and few don’t. I personally like the fragrance of fennel in the recipe. Avoid if ur not willing to add fennel in the dish. This can be served with steamed rice as such or can also be served as side dish for sambar and rasam. I like this curry to serve with crispy dosas.  While buying brinjal always chose the smaller ones rather the medium or big sized ones. Smaller ones are easy to cook and they are much tastier than the others.  

Preparation time: 5-7 mins
Cooking time: 10-20 mins

Madurai Style Chicken Salna Recipe | Chicken Salna for Parotta

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 mins

Rasam Powder Recipe | Home-made Rasam Powder

After seeing so many responses for my Sambar Powder Recipe, I thought of making Rasam Powder. And also its high time for me to make, since my rasam powder which I got from amma is gonna end. As usual this recipe is from amma. She makes the prefect rasam to my knowledge. It’s been a pleasure for me to have her rasam after the meals. I sometimes insist her to make Idicha Pepper Rasam, when I have sore throat or running nose. It will give  immediate relief for the trouble.

In this recipe I used powder asafoetida, hence added while grinding. If ur using solid asafoetida, just sauté them while roasting red chillies and follow with the steps given below. This powder can be stored in an airtight container for 1-3 months, if stored properly. I don’t prefer storing it for long, since the intense flavor will be lost after some days. 

Check out few of my Rasam Recipes here and let me know about all ur reviews.

Quinoa Kichadi Recipe

Quinoa is something which am looking and hearing for the first time. It is an American grown grain which is high in protein and also a gluten free grain. I was very hesitant to cook this as am not aware of the taste. When I tried a salad with quinoa in Wood Ranch, I fell in love with it. It was just awesome. You will get the tummy full effect in just with a cup. It takes longer time to chew the grain and makes you feel full for a longer time.

I made this kichadi after watching it in a TV show. One cup of dry quinoa can serve 3 cups of cooked quinoa. So make as per ur need. The measurement which I had mentioned here can be served for 3-4 people. On the other hand, the grain is bit costly from the other multi grains. But this has the capacity to control ur blood glucose levels and maintains the cholesterol in control. This is the best alternative for the rice, I would say.

Hey wait!!! Check out these recipes too. Am sure you will like it.

Ragi Dosa, Oats Dosa, Aval Upma, Brown rice Pilaf