June 26, 2014

Chinna Ulli Vatha Kuzhambu

Vatha Kuzhambu is a Tangy koottan, that can be served with plain Rice. Various vadams,Chundakka and Marathankali can be added to it. Another option to add is Chinna Ulli/Shallots/Pearl Onions. 

Chinna Ulli Vatha Kuzhambu is our Family Favorite!! Off to the recepie now..

Ingredients:-

  • Pearl Onions/Shallots – about 20
  • Tamarind – a gooseberry sized ball
  • Sambar Powder – 1.5 - 2 tbsp (adjust according to your spice level)
  • Jaggery – ½ tsp (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp

For tempering

  • Sesame Oil – 2 tbsp
  • Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
  • Bengal Gram Dal/Channa Dal/Kadala Paruppu – 1 tsp
  • Curry Leaves – few
To Grind
  • Red Chillies - 5/6
  • Dhaniya Powder - 1 Tsp
  • Black Pepper- 5/6
  • Jeera - 1 Tsp
  • Fenugreek Seeds - 1 Tsp
  • Coconut - 2 Tbsp
Method

  • Heat a Kadai and dry roast the Items under ' To Grind'. 
  • Allow it too Cool and Grind the Items to a Paste
  • Peel and wash the shallots.
  • Soak the tamarind in hot water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp by adding 2.5 to 3 cups of water.
  • Heat a kadai with oil, splutter mustard seeds.
  • Throw in the Channa dal and fenugreek seeds and fry till the dal turn golden.
  • Add the curry leaves and the shallots and sauté till the shallots turn light brown.
  • Next add the Sambar Powder and sauté for few seconds.
  • Now add the tamarind extract, turmeric powder and salt to taste and jaggery.
  • Allow this to come to a boil, lower heat to medium 
  • Add the grinded Paste to the Kuzhambu and boil for 15 to 20 minutes or till the oil floats up and the kuzhambu becomes slightly thick.

May 22, 2014

Cluster Beans Thoran

Ingredients:
  • Cluster Beans/Kothavarakkai - 1/2 kg
  • Grated/shredded coconut - Thuriviya thengai - 1/2 Cup
  • Mustard - Kadugu - 1 tea spoon
  • Salt/Suar to taste
  • Oil for frying
Method:
  1. Wash and peel off the skin from vegetables and boil it till it becomes soft.
  2. Heat oil in a pan/kadai, splutter mustard seeds.
  3. Add the grated coconut. Now add boiled vegetable to it. Add little salt and Sugar
  4. . Mix them well.
Cluster Beans Thoran is ready to be served. Serve it with any rice varieties.