Kalkandu Pongal/Rock Candy Pongal/Kalkandu Sadam/ கல்கண்டு பொங்கல்/ கற்கண்டு பாலண்ணம்

Kalkandu Pongal is a rich and creamy Pongal that can be made on special occasions and poojas as neivedhyam. This soft and rich Pongal can be made very quickly without any hassle and can be served to your guest or can be made for get-togethers and parties as dessert. Do try out this heavenly and divine Kalkandu Pongal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and delectable Pongal Recipes here and other Indian Sweets/Diwali Sweets &Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Kalkandu Pongal with step by step photos…

Chettinadu Meen Kuzhambu Recipe/Chettinadu Fish Gravy/Thengai Paarai Meen Kuzhambu/Chettinad Meen Kuzhambu wtih step by step photos

Chettinad Meen Kuzhambu is an authentic and traditional fish gravy from South Indian region of Chettinad in Tamil Nadu. The Chettinadu Cuisine is usually made with fresh ground masala and is spicy, tangy and succulent. This extremely flavourful gravy is served with plain streamed rice or they also taste extraordinary with Idlis and dosas. It can be made with any fish of your choice, but today I made it with Thengai Paarai and so I am sharing the same with you all. Do try out this Chettinad Meen Kuzhambu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting MeenKuzhambu varieties here and other delectable Non-VegetarianBiryanis/Pulavs/Varuval varieties here.

Here’s how to make Chettinad Meen Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Prawn Pakora/Shrimp Pakora/Eral Pakoda/How to make Prawn Pakoda/Prawn Fritters

Prawn Pakora/Eral Pakoda is very quick, easy, crispy and tempting appetizer that can be made in jiffy. The prawns are beautifully coated in besan flour, along with perfect blend of spices, onions, green chillies and deep fried in oil. Prawn Pakoras are perfect evening snacks for a relaxing week end. Do try out this super tempting Prawn Pakoras and share your comments here. Meanwhile do check out interesting Prawn Recipes here and other Non-Vegetarian Biryanis/Gravies/Varuvals etc here.

Here’s how to make Prawn Pakoras with step by step photos…

Medhu Vadai without Onions/Medhu Vadai Recipe/Ulundhu Vadai Recipe for Pandigai/Festivals

Medhu Vadai/Ullundhu Vadai is a very popular and a traditional recipe made in South India in all most all the households especially on festival days for neivedhyam or as simple evening snacks or for breakfast. This vadai recipe is a no onion no garlic version, especially made for neivedhyam. I have posted Medhu Vadai with onions earlier which you can check out in the link. This medhu vadai is crispy, tasty and delectable all by itself, but it is usually served with sambar and coconut chutney. Do try out this Medhu Vadai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Starters/Appetizers/Evening Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Medhu Vadai with step by step photos…

Bombay Chutney/Besan Chutney/Kadalai Maavu Chutney

Besan Chutney or Kadalai Maavu Chutney, otherwise called as Bombay Chutney is a very easy and quick dish that can be made with very little ingredients and is perfect side dish for Idlis, Dosas, Pooris, Chapathis etc. Bombay Chutney is the South Indian version of Pitla - a traditional Maharashtrian curry made with Besan Flour, onions and green chillies, it is also famous in the regions of Karnataka. This chutney can be prepared without any vegetables, without coconut and the best part is no grinding is involved. But you can add boiled potatoes when making this besan chutney which will taste amazing. Do try out this easy and quick Bombay Chutney and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and super delicious Chutneys/Thogaiyal varieties here.

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

Prawn Pepper Ghee Masala/Shrimp Pepper Ghee Masala/Eral Milagu Thokku/Eral Thokku

Prawn Pepper Ghee Masala is succulent, spicy and tempting prawn recipe made with freshly roasted and ground spices. This fresh ground masala adds more flavour, aroma and taste to the dish. The prawns are then cooked in ghee along with perfect blend of spices and final touch of lemon juice makes this dish exotic and extraordinary. Do try out this Prawn Pepper Ghee Masala  and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Prawn Recipes here and other Non-VegetarianBiryanis/Pulavs/Gravies/Varuvals/Appetizers here. 

Here’s how to make Prawn Pepper Masala with step by step photos…

Shikakai Powder/Seeyakkai Podi/சீயக்காய் பொடி – How to make Seeyakkai Podi at home/Homemade Shikakai Powder/Herbal Hair Wash Powder

Shikakai/Seeyakkai Powder is a mild cleanser with naturally less pH value. Shikkakai powder does not remove the natural oils from our hair and  acts as natural conditioner. Shikakai Powder available in the shops consists of 3-4 main ingredients like shikakai, soap nut, dried amla, methi seeds but at home we make this shikakai powder with many more natural ingredients and make our lusturous and beautiful. Here I am going to share the shikkakai Podi that can be made at home and enjoy the benefits given by nature. Meanwhile do checkout how to make Kuliyal Podi/Herbal Bath Powder here, Homemade Herbal Hair Oil.and health and beauty page as well.

Here’s how to make Shikakai Powder at home with photos…

Siru Kizhangu Varuval/Siru Kizhangu Fry/Chinese Potato Fry/Koorka Fry

Siru Kizhangu Fry is a simple yet delectable poriyal which no one should miss. In Malayalam this root vegetable is called as Koorka, Siru Kizhangu in Tamil, Sambrali in Kannada and Chinese Potato in English. Siru Kizhangu is a seasonal root vegetable abundantly available during the months of December and January. They are irregularly shaped small balls with earthy flavour. Washing, cleaning and peeling the siru kizhangu might seem like a tedious process, but it is definitely worth the time spent. I just use the simple and quick method of cooking the siru kizhangu in pressure cooker and then peeling the skin, which is really an easy way to finish the job quickly. Do try out this delectable and super tempting Siru Kizhangu Fry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Vegetarian Poriyal Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Siru Kizhangu Fry with step by step photos…

Cold Cocoa Milkhshake/Cocoa Milkshake – How to make Cocoa Milkshake

Cold Cocoa Milkshake is a rich and creamy milkshake that can be made in a jiffy and served in no time. Do try out this cold cocoa milkshake and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Milkshakes/Smoothies/Icecreams/Juices here.

Here’s how to make Cold Cocoa Milkshake with step by step photos...

Veppam Poo Rasam/Neem Flower Rasam Recipe/Veppam Poo Rasam Recipe/How to Make Veppam Poo Rasam/வேப்பம்பூ ரசம் செய்வது எப்படி – Tamil New Year Special Recipe

“Veppam Poo Rasam” is a special and traditional rasam made on Tamil New Year’s day in Tamil Nadu. The Veppam poo is abundantly available during the spring season, so we can make rasam with fresh veppam poo during that season, but in other times we can make it with dried veppam poo. Each and every part of Neem tree has innumerable medicinal properties. Veppam poo/Neem flower is loaded with antifungal and antibacterial properties. They help in preventing and curing stomach infections, in purifying the blood and helps in removing the toxins from our body. Do try out this healthy Veppam Poo Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and flavourful Rasam varieties here. Also check out Tamil NewYear’s Day special recipes here.

Here’s how to make Veppam Poo Rasam with step by step photos…

Arisi Paruppu Payasam/Rice & Dal Jaggery Kheer –Tamil New Years Day Special

Arisi Paruppu Payasam is a traditional payasam made as neivedhyam/prasadam during festivals and special occasions. Arisi Paruppu Payasam is made by cooking rice & dals with milk and jaggery syrup is added for sweetness. Finally cashew nuts and raisins fried in ghee is added to the payasam. Today, I made this arisi paruppu payasam with boiled milk, but sometimes I make with coconut milk. When coconut milk is added the payasam will taste extravagant and rich. Do try out this Arisi Paruppu Payasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out Pasi Paruppu Payasam/Moong dal Payasam and other interesting Payasam varieties here. Also check out other Tamil NewYears day recipes here and about other Festival Recipes here.

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

Pidi Karunai Kizhangu Fry/Pidi Kizhangu Fry/Yam Fry

Pidi Karunai Kizhangu belongs to the Yam family. It is usually confused with the cheppankizhangu [Taro root] which looks similar to Pidi Karunai Kizhangu. In Tamil “Pidi” means fistful, the pidi kizhangu usually fits in our palm and is bigger than taro root. Pidi Kizhangu usually causes some itchy feeling in the throat, so to prevent that, it is advisable to add some tamarind extract or lemon juice to the kizhangu when cooking it. Do try out this Pidi Karunai Kizhangu Fry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out Karunai Kizhangu Fry, Cheppankizhangu Fry and other Vegetarian Poriyal/Varuval here.

Here’s how to make Pidi Karunai Kizhangu Fry with step by step photos…

Thakkali Kuzhambu/Tomato Kuzhambu/Kongu Thakkali Kuzhambu/Coimbatore Style Thakkali Kuzhambu

Kongu Thakkali Kuzhambu – is a super delicious, spicy and tangy kuzhambu/gravy made with perfect blend of ground spices. I have already posted another easy version of Thakkali Kuzhambu which my mother makes quite often. Do check it out in the link. Do try out this Thakkali Kuzhambu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting South Indian Kuzhambu varieties here and Dals/Sambar/Kootus here.

Here’s how to make Kongu Thakkali Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

South Indian Special Lunch Menu-12/Lunch Menu Ideas

Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to share a very healthy and loving lunch menu. You can check out other interesting South Indian Lunch Menu Ideas here.

Here’s the Vegetarian Lunch Menu with step by step photos…

Agathi Keerai Kootu Recipe/Agathi Keerai Paasi Paruppu Kootu Recipe/Agathi Keerai Kootu with step by step photos

Today, I am going to share a very healthy and super delicious Agathi Keerai Kootu with paasi paruppu/moong dal. Agathi Keerai has numerous health benefits loaded with vitamin A, E, C and other minerals like calcium, phosphorous, Iron etc. It contains 8.4% of protein, 1.4% of fat, 3.1% of minerals. Agathi Keerai helps in easy digestion, cures acidity related problems, regulates urination, cures stomach ulcer and reduces the stress to a great extent. I have mentioned only few benefits of Agathi Keerai , with this short note let's moves on to the kootu recipe. Do check out Agathi Keerai Poriyal I have posted earlier here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Kootu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Agathi Keerai Kootu with step by step photos…

Pachai Mochai Kuzhambu/Pachai Mochai Puli Kuzhambu/Field Beans Gravy/Fresh Mochai Puli Kuzhambu

Pachai Mochai Puli Kuzhambu is a very healthy, tempting and a lip-smacking Kuzhambu. Since it is the season of fresh mochai/field beans, I thought of sharing with you all this delectable puli kuzhambu, which is also made on Mattu Pongal and served with Paal Pongal and White rice. Do try out this Pachai Mochai Puli Kuzhambu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting South Indian Kuzhambu varieties here, Dals/Sambars/Kootu/Rasam varieties here and Mochaikottai Masala here.

Here’s how to make Pachai Mochai Puli Kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Chicken Fry Recipe/Chicken Varuval Recipe/Easy Chicken Fry Recipe/Sunday Special Chicken Fry – Bachelors Chicken Fry/Easy South Indian Chicken Fry

Today, I am going to share a very simple, easy and quick Chicken Fry that can be made in a jiffy. This chicken fry is made by marinating chicken with perfect blend of spices along with deep fried onions and curry leaves. The deep fried onions add an extraordinary taste to this chicken fry. This chicken fry is a perfect recipe for get together's, for bachelors and for beginners. When you prepare for parties and get together's, you can marinate the chicken the previous night,  refrigerate it and then cook just before the guest arrive. Do try out this tempting and lip smacking Chicken Fry and post your comments here. Meanwhile check out other interesting Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes.

Here’s how to make Easy Chicken Fry with step by step photos…

Agathi Keerai Poriyal/Agathi Keerai Curry –How to make Agathi Keerai Poriyal/Humming Bird Tree Leaves Stir Fry

Agathi Keerai has numerous health benefits and loaded with vitamin A, E, C and other minerals like calcium, phosphorous, Iron etc.  It contains 8.4% of Protein, 1.4% of Fat and 3.1 % of Minerals. According to the Siddha School of Medicine, Agathi Keerai has 63 curative benefits. Mainly, it reduces body heat and cools the eyes, heals the wounds and is a wonderful remedy for mental depression and other illnesses. The terms “Agathi” refers to “fir inside”, it will ignite the fire inside all the organs and equalize the blood circulation throughout the body. Agathi Keerai helps in easy digestion, cures acidity related problems, regulates urination, cures stomach ulcer and reduces the stress to a great extent.[Content Source: Vikatan]. I have mentioned only few important benefits of Agathi Keerai, but still there are many more. Lets include Agathi Keerai atleast once a month in our diet and enjoy the benefits. This Agathi Keerai Poriyal is usually prepared on Dhuvadasi day[Next to Vaikunda Ekadasi] for meal after complete fasting, which helps in reducing the acidity levels. Do try out this healthy Agathi Keerai Poriyal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Keerai Recipes here and other vegetarian side dishes here. Also check out Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi, PorichaRasam/Dhuvadasi Rasam and Mor Kuzhambu prepared for Dhuvadasi in the links and Dhuvadasi Paranai/Thalagam here.

Here’s how to make Agathi Keerai Poriyal with step by step photos…

Thiruvathirai Kootu/7 Kari Kootu/EzhuKari Kootu/Pongal Kootu – Thiruvathirai Special Recipes/Pongal Special 7 Kari Kootu

Thiruvathirai Kootu is a special kootu made with country vegetables [Nattu Kaikarigal] during thiruvathirai festival and offered to Lord Shiva along with Thiruvathirai Kali and steam cooked white rice. This kootu is also prepared on Pongal and offered to Sun god along with Sakkarai Pongal, Ven Pongal and Paal Pongal. This kootu is made with a minimum of 7 different types of vegetables and increase the number up to 21, but always odd number of vegetables only must be used. Try to add as many as country vegetables which available abundantly during this season. I have made this kootu with 9 different types of vegetables like Avarakkai, Mochhai, karnai kizhangu, white pumpkin, yellow pumpkin, brinjal, Do try out this Thiruvathirai Kootu and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Dal/kootu/kuzhambu varieties and Thiruvathirai Kali here.

Here’s how to make Thiruvathirai Kootu with step by step photos…

Thiruvathirai Kali – How To Make Thiruvathirai Kali- Special Neivedhyam for Lord Shiva

                                         தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி!
                                        எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி!
                                        ஓம் நம சிவாய  

Thiruvathirai [Arudra Darisanam] is a Hindu festival celebrated in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which falls in the month of Margazhi [Dec- Jan] on the full moon day. This Pooja is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shivagami. This festival celebrates the cosmic dance form of Lord Shiva [Nataraja] on Thiruvathirai star and is also known as Arudra Darisanam. According to ancient Indian scriptures, Arudra is the largest star, bigger than the Sun. Arudra is synonymous with a ‘Red Flame’, this red flame also denotes the cosmic dance [Thandavam] of Lord Shiva. 

This festival is celebrated in a grand manner in  all the 5 sabhas of Sri Natarajar namely Kananga Sabai[gold] at Chidambaram Natarajar temple, Velli Sabai [Silver]  at Madurai, Rathna Sabai [Ruby] at Thiruvalankadu, Thamira Sabai [Copper] at Tirunelveli, Chitra Sabai [Pictures] at Kutralam. A very special Abishekam and Pooja is performed in Uthirakosa Mangai, where Natarajar is 6 ft tall, made of one single stone of Maragatham[Emerald] and also in all other Shivan Temples.  

In Thillai Chidambaram, a 10 day festival is held during Thiruvathirai. On this day, Lord Natarajar and his consort, Goddess Shivagami [Parvathi] are taken out in a grand procession. It is a very special event in which the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted. On Thiruvathirai, women will fast during the day time and break the fast after witnessing the moon rise. A special neivedhyam of Thiruvathirai Kali and Thiruvathirai Kootu are prepared and offered to Lord Shiva and Shivagami. Thiruvathirai  kali is a very simple and divine recipe made with broken rice, jaggery, coconut and ghee. Do try out this Thiruvathirai Kali and offer it to Lord Shiva and enjoy. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Sweets here. Wishing you all a very happy Thiruvathirai.  

திருவாதிரைக்கு ஒரு வாய் களி' என்பார்கள். அன்று ஒரு வாய் களி சாப்பிட்டு மகிழ்வார்கள். சிவபெருமானுக்கு உரிய நட்சத்திரம் திருவாதிரை. இந்த திருவாதிரை நாளன்று ஒரு வாய் களி தின்றால் அதன் பலன் அளவிடற்கரியது என்கிறது புராணம். 

Here’s how to make Thiruvathirai Kali with step by step photos…

Nellikkai Pachadi/Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi/Gooseberry Raita Recipe/Amla Raitha

“Nellikkai” is the Indian gooseberry is called the Power House of Nutrition. Neelikkai in Tamil is called as Amla in Hindi and Gooseberry in English. Nellikkai is a wonderful fruit is extremely good for the hair, immunity and a great remedy for cold, coughs and helps in fighting infections. Nellikkai pachadi is usually made on dhuvadasi which falls after the ekadasi fasting. This is a very easy thayir pachadi that can be made in a jiffy and is a perfect side dish with SundakkaiVatha Kuzhambu or any South Indian Kuzhambu variety and with Poricha Rasam. Do try out this healthy and tempting Nellikkai Pachadi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Raithas/Pachadis here.

Here’s how to make Nellikkai Pachadi with step by step photos…

Dhuvadasi Rasam/Poricha Rasam/Poricha Rasam Recipe /Poricha Saathamudhu – Rasam Without Tamarind, Tomatoes or lemon/ Special Rasam for Fasting days

In South India we make different types of Rasam, but this is, one special type of rasam prepared without tamarind or tomatoes or lemon. This rasam is called the Dhuvadasi Rasam or Poricha Rasam prepared on Dhuvadasai which falls after Ekadasi thithi. Ekadasi vratham is observing total fast [suddha upavasam] on Ekadasi Thithi. After fasting on Ekadasi day, people have a special food or thali called “Dhuvadasi Paranai” which is devised by our ancestors for breaking the fast and balance the acidity levels. So in this Dhuvadasi special meal, tamarind is totally avoided, since tamarind consumed on an empty stomach can cause ulcers and stomach problems. The freshly prepared masala has grated coconut and added to the rasam which is makes this rasam divine. Generally the Dhuvadasi menu consists of Mor Kuzhambu, Poricha Rasam, Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi, Agathi Keerai Poriyal, Poricha Kootu, Sundakkai Vatral fried in ghee, white rice, ghee, mango pickle, yogurt/thayir. I will be posting more of Dhuvadasi recipes in my future post.Do try out this Poricha Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and lip smacking Rasam Varieties here and other Vegetarian dals/Kootus/Sambar/Kurma varieties here.

Here’s how to make Poricha Rasam with step by step photos…

Double Beans Curry/Double Beans Fry/Lima Beans Fry

Double Beans Curry/Fry is a very flavourful and aromatic side dish with freshly prepared masala. I came across this healthy and tasty side dish in one of the cookery shows and gave it a try. It is one healthy and delectable side dish with perfect blend of spices. Do try out this Double Bean Curry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Vegetarian Side dish recipes here.

Here’s how to make Double Beans Curry with step by step photos…

Akkaravadisal/Akkara Adisil/Sweet Pongal Cooked in Milk and Jaggery/Sweet Milk Pongal/Iyengar Special Akkaravadisal –Pongal Special

Akkaravadisal is an authentic neivedhyam offered to Lord Perumal in Sri Rangam temple on Panguni Uthram and also in other Vishnu temples during festivals and special occasions. Akkaravadisal is similar to Sakkarai Pongal except it is fully cooked in Milk along with jaggery and generous amount of ghee which gives a creamy, rich and divine taste to it. Akkaravadisal is prepared on the “Koodaravalli day” which falls on the 27^th day of Margazhi [tamil month] and offered as neivedhyam to Lord Vishnu and distributed to devotees in small dhonnais[leaf cups].

A little about Koodaravalli day - Koodaravalli is celebrated to commemorate the acceptance of Andal by Perumal after her 26 days of penance. Sri Andal sang the Thiruppavai containing 30 verses – one verse for each day of Margazhi [December-January] in praise of Lord Narayana. On the 27^th day, while singing “koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…”, the Lord  fell for her divine love and blessed her with the boon of marriage. This occasion is celebrated in a very special way in Srivalliputhur Andal temple, where Akkaravadisal is made in 108 vessels along with butter and offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Andal is very beautifully decorated and kept in the Arthmandapam.  Make this super delicious rich and creamy rice milk pudding cooked with generous amount of ghee and offer it god and enjoy the prasadham with the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Sri Andal.  Meanwhile do check out other interesting Pongal recipes here and All about Pongal here.

Here’s how to make Akkaravadisal with step by step photos…

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma Recipe/White Chickpea Kurma - How to make Kondakadalai Kurma

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma is kurma variety made with Kondakadalai and coconut paste as main ingredients along with other spices. It is one healthy and great alternative when you run out of vegetables in your refrigerator. This kurma can be made with black kondakadalai or white kondakadalai. This kurma is a delectable and protein rich kurma that can be served with white rice or with idlis, dosas, chapattis/rotis etc. Do try out this Kondakadalai kurma and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Gravies/Dhals/Kootu varieties here and KurmaVarieties here.

Here’s how to make Kondakadalai Kurma with step by step photos…

Paalada Paayasam/Paalada Pradaman/Rice Palada Paayasam

Paalada Paayasam/Pradaman is a traditional and mouth watering dessert of Kerala and holds an important place in Sadya. Rice Ada is nothing but rice flakes which are then cooked with milk and sugar until it thickens and turns to light pink color. Originally rice ada/flakes are prepared by soaking the rawrice, grinding, making thin ada’s and steam cooking them. But here I have used the store bought Rice Ada and followed the instructions given in the pack. Do try out this rich and creamy Paalada Pradaman and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Paayasam/Kheer varieties here and other interesting sweet recipes here.

Here’s how to make Paalada Pradaman with step by step photos…