Vendakkai/Okra/Ladies finger Curry

I am great fan of Vendakkai, we used to grow them in our own back yard in Chennai in our school holidays. It used to be so much fun and golden memories. My Aathaa(grandma) usually says eat lots of vendakkai it improves your memory power, that is what the ancient Ayurveda also says. Vendakkai has other benefits like boosting your immunity, getting rid of body toxins, controlling blood sugar etc.

Now let’s see how to make a simple Okra curry/vedakkai curry with photos…

Paanagam

Paanagam is a special beverage made on auspicious days like Sri Rama Navami and for Amman as nivedhyam. Back in my native place (Nagapattinam – Thanjavur district), paanagam, neermore and rice kanji is made during the “Theru Thiruvizha” (Chariot Festival) which falls during the month of May and also during August (Aadi). This thiruvizha is really fun, there will be lots of folk and traditional dances like the oyil attam, mayil attam, garagattam etc. We need more than two eyes to see everything and enjoy at the same time. Paanagam, Neermore and Rice kanji are all  made in big barrels and distributed by volunteers to all devotees and to people pulling the “Theru”. The “Theru” starts from the main temple early morning and goes around the town (4 mada vidhi’s) and comes back to “Theradi” by late noon. All along the way, paanagam and neermore is given to public to boost energy to pull the Theru [chariot].

I still remember those days as a kid running along with the “Theru” and drinking paanagam and neermor with my brothers and sister. The paangam is a superb instant energy booster that can be had in any other day and also it helps to cool your body during the hot summer days.

Now coming back to paanagam, let’s see how it’s made …

Vazhai Poo Kootu/Plantain flower Kootu

Each and every part of Vazhai maram(banana tree) is useful and consumed in one way or another. There are several dishes made out of vazhai poo, like the vazhai poo vadai, vazhai poo kuzhambu, vazhai poo poriyal etc especially made in Southern Part of India. Here is a very simple vazhai poo kootu which is a very healthy and comforting dish. Check out other delicious sambar & kootu varieties Sambar and Dal varieties here.

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

Urad dhal Vadai Recipe/Medhu Vadai Recipe /Ulundhu Vadai Recipe/Ullundhu Vadai Recipe for Festivals & Neivedhyam/Ullundhu Vadai Recipe with step by step photos

Urad dhal vadai is a very common snack in Southern India. It is made on all special occasions and festivals. It is a perfect evening snack with hot piping tea or coffee. One vadai is always never enough for anyone. Once you start eating it you always want more. Do check out other Vadai Varieties here and Starters/EveningSnacks/Appetizers here.

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

Rava Kesari / Sooji Kesari/Rava Kesari Recipe- How to make Rava Kesari

Rava kesari is a very traditional dish made for all festive occasions in Southern Part of India especially Tamil Nadu. It is very quick dessert that can be made in no time. Kids love this rava kesari for its flavor and color. Rava kesari is also made in marriages with variations by adding fruits like pineapple, apple etc. It is very easy so just go ahead and try it and you will surely love it. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other interesting Diwali Sweets & Snacks here.

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

Ragi Kanji/Ragi Malt/Kelvaragu Kanji Recipe

Ragi kanji is a very healthy way to start your day. This is a perfect porridge even for small babies. I used to give this to my girl when she was 6 months, she was lactose intolerant. So I used to substitute milk with yogurt (thayir) and no sugar, just salt. When you start for your babies, give small quantities and gradually increase the amount. Later on when they turn older like 12 months or above you can start with the sathu maavu kanji available in shops or make it at home as well.

I grew up on ragi kanji when I was a kid, now my kids are having it. Even now me and my husband have it at least two or three times a week for breakfast.

Here’s how to make Ragi Malt…

Mango Pachadi Recipe/Maangai Pachadi - Tamil New Year's Day Special/Maangai Vellam Pachadi with step by step photos & Video/மாங்காய் பச்சடி

Mango pachadi is a must on Tamil New Years day, it is so special because it has all the six taste “arusuvai” [Innipu, uppu, pullippu, kasappu, urrapu and thuvarpppu]. Do try out this Mango Pachadi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out the Tamil New Years Day Special Recipes & Menu here.  Also check out the video for the recipe in Tamil & English

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