Thinai Arisi Thayir Sadham/Thayir Thinai/Millet Curd Bath/Foxtail Millet Curd Rice

Foxtail Millet/Thinai is one the most important millet varieties loaded with calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Foxtail millet is the second most cultivated species of millet and has been the staple diet of South Indians for a very long time from the Sangam period. Thinai – when consumed regularly is ideal for reducing the cholesterol of the body, helps in controlling blood sugar and increases the metabolic rate. They are rich in anti-oxidants, removes all the acidic elements away from out body. Today, I am going to share a very simple and super healthy Thayir thinai. Do try out this thayir thinai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other healthy and interesting Millet Recipes here and All About Millets here.

Here’s how to make Thinai Thayir Sadham with step by step photos…

Chocolate Biscuit Balls/No Bake Desserts -Chocolate Biscuit Balls with Video and step by step photos

Chocolate Biscuit Balls are easy to make delightful snacks for kids with very less ingredients. It can be made in a jiffy and served in no time. Do try out this exotic Chocolate Biscuits Balls and enjoy. You serve these cute little delights as evening snacks or as finger foods for birthday parties. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Evening Snacks, Cakes & Bakes here.

Here’s how to make Chocolate Biscuit Balls with step by step photos…

Curry Leaves Chutney/Karuveppilai Chutney – Easy Chutney Recipes

Curry Leaves is a nature’s gift and plays a vital role in South Indian cooking. Curry Leaves are loaded with wonderful medicinal properties. It is an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. Regular consumption of curry leaves helps in prevention of hair loss, premature graying of hair and strengthens the hair. Making the kids eat curry leaves is always a great challenge; this curry leaves chutney is one easy way to make them eat the same. Do try out this delectable, healthy and super tempting Curry Leaves Chutney/Karuveppilai Chutney and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and delectable Chutney/Thogaiyal Varieties here.

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

Black Pepper Rice Sevai/Pepper Sevai/Milagu Idiappam Sevai / மிளகு சேவை செய்வது எப்படி– Easy Breakfast Recipe

Pepper Sevai/Milagu Pepper Sevai is a very easy and quick recipe that can be made in a jiffy and can be served for breakfast or evening snacks or even for dinner. This pepper sevai is very flavourful and simple recipe that can be either served with onion coconut chutney or it is good all by itself. I made this pepper sevai with instant rice noodles/rice sevai but can be made with home-made idiappam as well.  Do try out this Pepper Sevai and post your comments here. Also check out the Lemon Sevai I have posted earlier here and other interesting Breakfast recipes here.

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

Fennel Seeds Powder/Sombu Thool/Perunjeeragam Thool/How to make Snauf Powder at Home/சோம்பு தூள் பொடி செய்வது எப்படி

Fennel Seeds Powder/Sombu Thool is a very basic ingredient in South Indian cooking that is added when making vegetarian, non-vegetarian biryanis, gravies etc. Fennel Powder/Snauf Powder is a very aromatic, flavourful powder that has numerous health benefits when included in our day today life. I always have Cumin Seeds Powder/Jeeragam Powder, cardamom Powder/Elachi Powder in my pantry to make cooking faster and tastier. Do check outFennel Seeds Tea/Sombu Tea I have posted earlier here. Meanwhile do check out other basic podi varieties that can be made at home with step by step photos here.

Here’s how to make Fennel Seeds Powder/Sombu Thool with step by step photos…

Cardamom Powder/Elachi Powder/How to make Cardamom/Elachi Powder At Home/ஏலக்காய் பொடி செய்வது எப்படி

Cardamom Powder/Elachi/Elakkai Powder is a very aromatic and flavourful spice powder that can be used when preparing Indian Sweets. This powder can be stored in airtight container for about 6 months. The cardamom powder comes in handy and is very easy to make at home. Do try out this cardamom powder/Elachi powder and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and basic podi varieties here.

Here’s how to make Cardamom Powder/Elachi Powder with step by step photos…

Rava Pongal Recipe/Sooji Pongal Recipe/Rava Khara Pongal Recipe/Rava Ghee Pongal Recipe/Rava Khara Pongal with step by step photos

Rava Pongal/Rava Khara Pongal is a very easy and super delectable breakfast recipe made in South India. Rava Pongal is very filling and can be served with either with chutney or sambar. If you want a very tasty and non-sticky rava Pongal you have to roast both rava and dal separately and you must be generous in adding ghee when making the Pongal. Do try out this delicious and tempting Rava Pongal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other Pongal Recipes here and interesting Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Rava Pongal/Rava Khara Pongal with step by step photos…

Pomegranate Rasam/Madhulam Pazham Rasam/Pomegranate Rasam Recipe/ மாதுளம் பழம் ரசம்

Rasam is one of the staple foods in the South Indian Lunch Menu. I love to make different types of rasam and this is one special rasam I came across long time back in a magazine. The actual recipe used rasam powder, but I have used the freshly ground masala for added taste and flavour. The Pomegranate Rasam tastes sweet, tangy, and spicy and is super delectable rasam which is totally irresistible. Pomegranate rasam not only taste great but has this beautiful pink color, which is a perfect treat for our eyes. Do try out this super tempting and aromatic Pomegranate Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Rasam Varieties here.

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

Parippu Curry/Kerala Parippu Curry for Onam Sadya/Parippu Curry Recipe-How to make Parippu Curry

Parippu Curry/Daal Curry is a humble, divine, tasty and authentic recipe made for Onam Sadya in Kerala. “Sadya” means banquet in Malayalam. Sadya is a feast in which traditional vegetarian dishes [23-26 recipes] are prepared and served on a banana leaf for lunch during Onam and other special occasions like marriages. This Parippu Curry is made with pasi paruppu/cheruparuppu cooked with spiced coconut mixture and tempered with ghee. It plays an integral and essential part of Onam Sadhya and served with hot white rice and ghee. Do try out this delectable and divine Parippu Curry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other dal varieties here.

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

Black Urad Dal Rice/Ulundhu Sadham/Ulundhu Soru/Karuppu Ulundhu Sadham with Ellu Thuvaiyal –Thirunelveli Special

Black Urad Dal Rice/Ulundhu Sadham is a traditional and authentic recipe of Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. It is a very flavourful and protein packed rice variety that can be made very easily and quickly. This ulundhu soru is usually paired with Ellu Thuvaiyal/Black Sesame Seeds Thuvaiyal but it can be served with any spicy kuzhambuvarieties and appalam.This black urad dal rice is given to girls during puberty which helps in bone growth and strengthens the bone. Do check out other interesting Ulundhu recipes like Ulundhu Kali/Urad dal Kali, Ulundhu Paal/UradDal Paal, Urad Dal Ladoo here. Also check out other Vegetarian Pulavs/Biryanis/One PotMeals/Rice Varieties here.

Here’s how to make Black Urad Dal Rice/Ulundhu Soru  with step by step photos here...

Chicken Uppu Kari/Kozhi Uppu Kari Recipe /Uppu Kozhi Varuval– Chettinad Special

Chicken Uppu Kari is a very simple and traditional Chettinad special recipe. Usually Chettinad recipes are made with freshly ground spices, but this uppu kari is an exception. This Uppu Kozhi Varuval is made with very little ingredients like dry red chillies, shallots/sambar vengayam, salt and turmeric powder. This uppu kari can be made either with chicken or mutton, I will post the mutton uppu kari soon. Do try out this easy and tempting Kozhi Uppu Kari and post your comments here. Meanwhile do try out other interesting and tempting NonVegBiryanis/Pulavs/Gravies/Varuvals/Appetizers here.

Here's how to make Chicken Uppu Kari with step by step photos...

Egg Masala Sandwich/Indian Style Boiled Egg Masala Sandwich-How to make Egg Masala Sandwich

Today’s recipe is Egg Masala Sandwich. It’s been a long time after I have posted any sandwich recipes. So I thought of sharing this protein rich, spicy, tangy and tasty Egg Masala Sandwich. This sandwich can be served as breakfast or just as evening snacks as well. I made this sandwich in a tawa, but you can make in sandwich maker also. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Sandwich recipes here and other Breakfast recipes here.

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

Kothamalli Biryani/Coriander Leaves Biryani/Cilantro Biryani-How to make Cilantro Biryani

Today, I am going to share a very flavourful, delightful, easy and quick Kothamalli Biryani/Cilantro Biryani. This is a one pot meal that can be made in no time and is a perfect lunch box recipe. So let’s move on to the recipe, do try this lovely, colourful, flavourful and delectable kothamalli biryani and post your comments here. Do check out other interesting Veg Biryani/Non-Veg Biryani’s here and have a great day.

Here’s how to make Kothamalli Biryani/Coriander Leaves Biryani with step by step photos…

Milagu Chicken Fry Recipe/Pepper Chicken Fry/Black Pepper Chicken Fry- மிளகு கோழி வறுவல்-Method 2

Today, I am going to share a very easy, spicy and quick Milagu Chicken Fry/ மிளகு கோழி வறுவல் which is perfect side dish when paired with simple and delightful Milagai Killi PottaSambar, Rasam and White rice. I have already posted Black Pepper Thokku, PepperChicken fry already, but this milagu chicken varuval is a little different from the one I have posted earlier. Do check out this Pepper Chicken Fry made with freshly roasted and ground masala in the link. Meanwhile try out this Milagu Chicken and post your comments here. 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 மிளகு கோழி வறுவல் with step by step photos…

Thakkali Kai Kootu/Pachha Thakkali Kootu/Green Tomato Kootu - தக்காளி காய் கூட்டு

Thakkali Kai Kootu is a South Indian delicacy made with raw/green tomatoes/thakkali kai along with dal and fresh ground coconut paste. It is a very simple,  healthy, spicy and tangy kootu that can be prepared as side dish and served with white rice or rotis. The green tomatoes are not available all the time in the market, but whenever I find these beautiful, tangy green tomatoes/tomatillos, I make it a point to buy them and make either kootu or thogaiyal. Do try out this lovely and healthy Thakkali Kai Kootu and post your comments here. Meanhwile do check out other interesting and delicious Kootu Varieties and other  Sambars/Dal/Rasamvarieties here.

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

Tomato Chutney/Thakkali Chutney – Thattu Kadai Thakkali Chutney/Thallu Vandi Thakkali Chutney/ரோட்டுக்கடை தக்காளி சட்னி

We can make different types of Tomato Chutney, this one is another delectable way to make Thakkali Chutney. I always love to try different types of chutney’s, this is one such chutney I came across in a magazine and tried it out. This is one finger licking Tomato Chutney which is perfect accompaniment for idlis and dosas. Do try out this Thakkali Chutney and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Chutney/Thogaiyal varieties here.

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

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…