Pottukadalai Murukku/Fried Gram Murukku

Are you running out of time to make Diwali snacks? Then Pottukadalai murukku is the right answer for you. You can use the store bought rice flour and mix it with pottukadalai flour and few more ingredients and tada… your soft & crunchy murukku is ready in minutes. Pottukadalai Murukku/Fried Gram Murukku is crunchy, crispy and delicious murukku and my childhood favourite. The flavour of cumin seeds infused with the buttery taste of pottukadalai/fried gram gives a heavenly taste. Do check out other Diwalisnacks & sweets here.

Here’s how to make Pottukadalai Murukku with step by step photos…

Ashoka Halwa Recipe– Thiruvaiyar Halwa /Diwali Special Sweets/Ashoka Halwa/How to make Ashoka Halwa with step by step photos

Ashoka Halwa is a traditional and a very famous sweet in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu usually served as a dessert. The name is very fascinating and interesting, but I don't know why or how it got it's name. It is made in special occasions like weddings, baby shower etc and also during festival seasons. This halwa is prepared with moong dal as main ingredient which is rich in protein and fiber.  Do try it out friends, it is very easy and quick Diwali sweet. Check out other Halwa Varieties here and Diwali sweets and snacks here.

Here’s how to make Ashoka Halwa with step by step photos…

Stuffed Capsicum Masala/Stuffed Bell Pepper Masala

Though this stuffed capsicum masala looks very hard to make, it is really very easy and has immense flavour and taste. I have made potato filling for the stuffing which can be replaced with tomato cheese filling or potato & peas masala filling or anything of your choice. The stuffed capsicum masala is very filling, one stuffed capsicum and two rotis makes one whole meal. I have used different colored capsicums, you can make with any coloured capsicums depending on availability.

Here’s how to make Stuffed Capsicum Masala with step by step photos…

Bhoondi Ladoo/Boondhi Ladoo – Diwali Special

Bhoondi ladoo is a very popular and traditional sweet prepared for festivals, special occasions, weddings etc. Ladoos are offered as neivedhyam for poojas in temples and given as prasad to everyone. Ladoo comes from the Sanskrit word “ladduka” meaning a small ball. Bhoondi ladoo is made with besan flour and sugar syrup along with nuts and raisins.

Here’s how to make Bhoondi Ladoo with step by step photos….

Mint Coconut Chutney/Pudhina Thengai Chutney [Side dish for Idlis & Dosas]

Today in Priyas Virundhu it is very healthy, simple and delicious Mint coconut chutney. It is very common and delectable chutney prepared in most of the houses in South India. Check out other chutney varieties here.

Here’s how to make Mint Coconut Chutney with step by step photos….

Jangiri /Jhangiri – Diwali Special [300 th Post] With Video

Hello friends,

Today I am so happy that this post is a double dhamaka for me, because this is my 300^th post and my blog has reached 3.1 lakh pageviews. First of all I would like to thank each and every one of you for your kind support and encouragement that made all this possible. When I started this blog, I never thought I would be able to come this far. This journey of blogging is marvelous, the happiest part is meeting lot of new friends virtually and learning lot of new things every day. I would once again like to thank all of you for showing your love with your kind and beautiful words. To celebrate this lovely moment I made Jangiris as a special treat to each and every one of you. As you all know Jangiri is a traditional and authentic South Indian sweet made with Urad dal with out any fermentation and soaked in sugar syrup made especially during festivals and special occasions.

Here’s how to make Jangiri/Jhangiri with step by step photos…

Kara Boondi/Bhoondhi – Easy Diwali Snacks

Hello Friends,

Diwali is round the corner and I think all of you must be very busy planning to make traditional, authentic sweets and snacks at home. I still remember those days when we were kids, my mom starts the Diwali sweets & snacks 4-5 days ahead and it is really fun. Since we were four kids my mom used to make huge batches of Murukkus, Ribbon pakodas, Oma podi, kara sev etc, but we used to finish it off so fast. Anyway friends today I prepared Kara Boondi for my kids and I am sharing it with you all. Check out other Diwali Sweets & Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Kara Boondi with step by step photos…

Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe [Eggless] in Microwave /Vanilla MugCake Recipe with step by step photos

Now that term holidays have started for my girls, I am really busy running around with them. Today I just made a simple Vanilla mug cake in microwave which can be made in a jiffy. It is delectable and easy to make, the best part is the individual portions.

Here’s how to make Vanilla Mug Cake with step by step photos…

Carrot Chutney [Side dish/dips for Idlis, dosas, rotis etc]

For me, getting the kids to eat different vegetables is a big challenge, I think it is the same with many parents. And also when it comes to packing lunch for kids, my girl prefers to have only idlis, dosas, sandwich and rotis and no rice. So I make different types of chutneys all colorful and healthy ones as side dish/dips to pack for lunch. So here is one such chutney, none other than the interesting, healthy and delicious Carrot Chutney. Please check out my other Chutney Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Carrot Chutney with step by step photos….

Egg Omelette [Indian Style]/Masala Omelette

 I make eggs every day in my house, it could be just regular fried eggs, boiled or scrambled ones, I think it is the same with all of you. But these omelettes are my life saver. When I am really tired of cooking and very lazy, I just make these omelettes and serve it with simple rasam  and white rice. I also make these omelettes and serve them with bread and some tomatoes for breakfast. Anyone can make this  filling, simple and quick egg omelette without any hassles.

Here’s how to make Egg Omelette with step by step photos…

Mangalore Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe/Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe/How to make Chicken Ghee Roast with step by step photos

This Chicken Ghee Roast is very famous in Mangalore, you will surely get to see it in all the restaurant menus. Whenever I get to visit my friend I love to have this chicken, usually this chicken with made with bone and skin. The aroma of the ghee, curry leaves and bright red color of the chicken you will surely finish it off in no time. Here I have used the boneless chicken. Make sure you should be generous with the amount of ghee which gives the unique taste and flavour to this chicken roast. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s how to make Chicken Ghee Roast with step by step photos….

Spicy Egg Masala

This is a very simple, quick and delectable Egg masala, my hubby’s all-time favourite. Since egg masala is commonly prepared in most of our homes, I am going straight away to the recipe.

Here’s the Spicy Egg Masala with step by step photos…

Palak Chicken Curry Recipe/Spinach Chicken Curry Recipe/How to make Palak Chicken with step by step photos

Wishing all my Muslim friends  and readers a very Happy EID. Today in Priya’s virundhu it is a very delectable, common and a very famous North Indian dish – Palak Chicken Curry/Spinach Chicken Curry. This palak chicken curry is a beautiful blend of spinach with chicken, infused with all aromatic Indian spices. Try it out friends you will all love it. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Paneer Recipes here, other North Indian Subjis here.

Here’s how to make Palak Chicken Curry/Spinach Chicken Curry with step  by step photos…

Rava Payasam/Semolina/Sooji Kheer [Festival Special]

Wishing all readers and friends a very “Happy Vijayadashami”. Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one form of Parashakthi. Vijayadashami is the last day of Navaratri on which Durga invoked as Mahishasuramardhini and destroyed all the evil elements and killed Mahishasuran. Not only Durga’s victory over Mahishashuran but also Lord Rama’s victory over the ten headed demon king Ravana is celebrated on this special day. Vijayadashami literally means “victory on the dashmi-the tenth lunar day of the Hindu calendar”.

Vijayadashami marks a new victorious start in South India. It is considered very auspicious day for starting formal education on Vijayadashami. It has been observed as the day of “Vidyarambham”, the “beginning of learning” for centuries. The custom goes by making the children aged two to three years to write their first letters “ohm” and the first alphabet "aah in Tamil" in a plate of raw rice [nellu] by the guru with the right index finger in temples and schools. Students keep their books and workers their tools for puja on the ninth day of Navratri[Ayudha Puja, Saraswathi Puja], these are taken back and used after special puja on the tenth day[Vijayadasami]. Not only studies any form of art like Bharatanatiyam, musical instruments, Carnatic music etc. are started on this auspicious day and special respect and gifts offered to Gurus[teachers]. Check out other Payasam Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Rava Payasam with step by step photos…

Sakkarai Pongal Recipe/Sweet Pongal with Jaggery/Chakkarai Pongal Recipe/Sakkarai Pongal with step by step photos

Sakkarai Pongal/Sweet Pongal with jaggery is an authentic and traditional dish prepared on special pooja days and occasions for neivedhyam. Usually sakkarai pongal is prepared in “vengala paanai” [bronze pot] or in a mud pot, but here I used a regular heavy bottomed vessel. Sakkarai Pongal is made with rice, dal, jaggery , milk and ghee on Pongal – Harvest festival of Tamil Nadu and offered to Sungod. Today being Puratasi [Tamil Month] Saturday, I made this special sakarai pongal for Lord Venkateshwara. Puratasi month is very important for Tamilians because it is believed that lord Venkateshwara appeared on the Earth in this month. All the Saturdays of puratassi month fasting is observed and special prayers are performed. Sometimes fasting is carried out throughout the month also. Also check out other interesting facts about Pongal-Harvest Festival/Pongal Menu here

Here’s how to make Sakkarai Pongal with step by step photos.

Potato 65 Recipe/Aloo 65 Recipe/Hyderabadi Style Aloo 65 Recipe/How to make Aloo 65 with step by step photos

Now that the weather is getting really cold, I made this scrumptious Potato 65 which I came across years back in one of the magazines when I was in Chennai. This potato 65 may look spicy with all the red chillies and green chillies, but they are not. This potato 65 is my kids favourite and they can finish one whole plate at one time. Few other 65 recipes I have posted earlier and worth visiting are Chicken 65, Hyderabadi Chicken 65, Prawn 65 , Cauliflower/Gobi 65 and Mushroom 65.

Here’s how to make Potato 65 with step by step photos.

Spooky Witches Fingers and A Prize

This Spooky Witches Fingers is for the Home Bakers Challenge started by Mrs.Priya Suresh and this month hosted by Mrs. Nalini . Thanks a lot Nalini for this wonderful challenge and my kids loved these spooky cookies.

Here's how to make it with step by step photos...

Dates & Banana Smoothie

Are you looking for a healthy and a filling breakfast? Then here it is Dates & Banana Smoothie. Just blend it in the mixer and your on-the-go breakfast is ready. Dates are good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, sugar and energy. These essential minerals and vitamins help in strengthening the bones, curing anaemic conditions, intestinal disorders, boosts the nervous health etc. Dates along with bananas and milk make this Smoothie a super-rich and healthy breakfast.

Here’s how to make Dates & Banana Smoothie with step by step photos…

Onion Chutney /Onion Thokku– My mom’s Version [Side dish for Idlis, Dosas etc]

Today in Priya’s Virundhu it is a very authentic and traditional recipe of South India, none other than the Onion Chutney. But this onion chutney is a little different from the regular onion chutney. This onion chutney is my mom’s version which she learnt from my grandma. This onion chutney is commonly prepared in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu in most of the houses. This is very delicious and easy onion chutney that can be prepared in a jiffy. So try it out friends you will really like it. Check out the other chutney varieties here.

Here’s how to make Onion Chutney with step by step photos…

Hello Kitty Cake for Birthday Party/Hello Kitty Cake Recipe/How to make Hello Kitty Cake with step by step photos

Hello friends,

Last week was my little girls birthday, she loves Hello kitty so I ventured into making one for her. Though I have baked cakes, I have not done the piping of frosting before. So I tried my hands on it , my girls and all my friends liked it a lot. The cake was really a very big hit in her party. I thought of sharing with all of you so that it will come in handy for you all. Please check out how to make Vanilla Cake and Mascarpone Cheese Frosting in the respective links.

Here’s how to make Hello Kitty Cake with step by step photos…

Mascarpone Cheese Frosting & Whipped Cream Frosting for Cakes Recipes with step by step photos

There are many types of frosting or icing that is made in different ways for the cakes. I personally prefer soft, light and fluffy cream for the cakes rather than the fondants. Last week I made the Mascarpone cheese frosting for my little girl’s Hello Kitty birthday cake, which I will be posting soon. For now I am posting the mascarpone cheese frosting and whipped cream frosting which can be used on any type of cakes, cupcakes and even Tiramisu.

Here’s how to make Mascarpone Cheese Frosting and Whipped Cream Frosting with step by step photos…

Mascarpone Cheese Frosting

Paasi Paruppu Sundal Recipe/Moong Dal Sundal – Navarathri Special Sundal

Wishing all my lovely friends and readers a very “Happy Navaratri”. Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Navaratri means nine nights, during these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakthi are worshipped. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, a special display of dolls and figurines (Golu) in the odd numbered steps (padis) will be held in the houses and temples. This year Navaratri is celebrated from Oct 5, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013. All these nine nights special poojas are performed and neivedhyams like sundals and payasams are offered to the Goddess and distributed as prasad to all the family members and to the guests visiingt our house.  Today being the first day of Navaratri, I am sharing a very simple, quick and easy paasi paruppu sundal/moong dal sundal with you all. Check the other sundal varieties and payasam varieties here. Please click on Navaratri Specials  for more details about Golu and Navaratri celebrations.

Here’s how to make Paasi Paruppu/Moon Dal Sundal with step by step photos…

Savoury Kugelhopf – Eggless

For this month’s IFC challenge we are exploring French cuisine chosen by Shobana. French cuisine is one of the most challenging vast cuisines of the world. In particular Alsace-Lorraine region is chosen for the challenge which inherits partly German and partly French Culture.

Alsace and Lorraine are separate regions in France’s North-Eastern corner, and share borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. Alsatian cuisine, is based on Germanic culinary traditions, is marked by the use of pork in various forms. Traditional dishes include baeckeoffe, tarte flambee, quiche lorraine, choucroute and fleischnacka. Southern Alsace, also called the Sundgau is characterized by carpe frite that also exists in Yidish tradition. Though there are many recipes to try from this region, we were asked to pick one from Tarte Flambee, Kugelhopf and Quiche Lorriane.

I chose to make Savoury Kugelhopf, which is soft yeasted cake. Kugelhopf is usually a sweet cake made with raisins, almonds etc but this Kugelhopf is a savoury bread filled with vegetables like onions, bell pepper, tomatoes and zuchhini.

Thengai Sadam/Coconut Rice - South Indian Special

Coconut rice/Thengai sadam is a very popular, common and authentic rice variety of South India. Thengai sadam is a delectable and flavorful rice prepared with freshly grated coconut, along with red and green chillies. Thengai sadam is perfect lunch box item which can be prepared in no time in the morning rush. Not only an lunch box item it is also one of the important rice varieties prepared during Valai kappu (Baby Shower) in South India. I have already posted lemonrice, bisebelabath, curd rice, tomato rice in Valaikappu menu and will be updating with other rice varieties in my future post.

Here’s how to Coconut rice/Thengai Sadam with step by step photos…

Walk Through Memory Lane – Round Up

Hello Friends,

Thank you very much to all my lovely friends and wonderful readers for making my event a grand success…

I have mentioned every one’s recipes, in case I missed anyone’s name and recipe, please let me know and excuse me for the same.

Before the going to the round up I would like to thank Gayathri for giving me this wonderful opportunity to host her event.


I received totally "138" lovely entries for the event of which "137" entries from bloggers and "1" entry from a Non blogger. Click here for the event details.

Here's  the mouth-watering and lip smacking recipes I received for the event… 

Chow Chow Kootu/Chayote Kootu

Chow Chows/Chayotes are a light green, pear shaped fruit with one large pit, edible skin and flesh. Chayotes are native to Meixco but cultivated in warm climates all over the world. The Chayotes are technically fruits, but very often used as a vegetable. In South India Chow chow/Chayote kootu is very common and a popular dish. Kootu is nothing but a dish prepared by adding vegetables and dals together with very mild spices and seasoned for flavouring. Chow chow is very commonly called a “Bangalore Kathrikkai” in TamilNadu. Chow chow/Chayotes have high fiber and water content and very less sugar. It is loaded with vitamin C, potassium and amino acids, when cooked with dals it becomes one whole dish packed with proteins as well. Check out other delicious kootu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Chow Chow/Chayote Kootu with step by step photos.