As we don’t get coconut flakes in Madurai, I had to make it at home for the Lemon bread I made earlier. For this kopra can be used. But as I don’t get it either, I made kopra at home and then flaked it. To make kopra at home you…
Adalaikkai
How many of you have heard about adhalaikkai. I am searching for the English name but couldn’t find it. This is bitter in taste and can be prepared just like bitter gourd. We usually make a stir fry with lots of onions. The seeds of this vegetable is so crunchy and when…
Ellu Thuvaiyal/ Sesame Chutney
This is a flavourful thuvaiyal/ chutney using coconut and white sesame seeds. I haven’t tempered the thuvaiyal. But if serving it as chutney for dosas, it can be thinned down by adding water and tempered with mustard, urad dhal and curry leaves. I served it as a side dish for…
Cooking Rice in Mud Pot
Rice is the staple food of south India. With out rice the meal is incomplete for us. So every south Indian household cooks rice on daily basis. Granny used to cook rice in mud pots and that rice is very good for health. Even now a doctor in Chennai asks…
Tomato Puree
Pureed tomato is used in many gravies and sauces. The red Bangalore tomatoes are best for purees because they don’t have the sour taste and have a bright colour which makes the gravy look super inviting. The skin of the tomatoes are peeled after blanching. The tomatoes are then ground…
Fried Onion Paste
The fried onion paste gives a nice flavour to the gravy. It also thickens the gravy and add a nice sweet taste to it. It can be prepared and refrigerated upto 3-4days. It is very easy to prepare and can be quite handy in preparing rich creamy gravies. Chop onions…
Spinach Puree
Palak puree is used in many dishes. Palk Paneer, Palak Chole, Plak roti, Palak Paratha, Palak rice are some of the dishes using the puree. Making puree is very easy. If you have fresh palak at hands, do not hesitate to prepare this colourful puree. This when used in rotis…
Vazhai Thandu/ Banana Stem
Vazhai thandu/ banana stem has a lot of medicinal value. The juice of the banana stem is used to cure kidney stones and it helps to reduce weight. The stem is used in many tamil dishes like kootu, pachadi and poriyal. It has a lot of fibres and so cutting…
Pumpkin Puree-1
I normally stock pumpkin in my freezer. There are two to three types of making the pumpkin puree. This is one of the methods. Pumpkin puree can be used to make parathas, pulao, kheer and many more delicious baked dishes. Grated pumpkin can also be frozen in zip lock bags.…
Vellaripalam
Vellaripalam is the fruit of cucumber. It is not easily available in markets. When we travel to Theni, there are some villages in the route. Ladies sell this fruit in front of their houses. I never miss that opportunity to buy this fruit. The fully ripe vellaripalam should have a…