Masala Papad

Are you looking for a quick, easy and a refreshing appetizer?  Then, here it is – Masala Papad. The crispy papad is topped with freshly chopped vegetables and sprinkled with perfect blend of spices. I have fried the papad in oil, you can roast the papad directly on flame, or microwave for about 40 secs for a healthy alternative. I have used the lijjat papad, you can choose any urad dal papad of your choice. This masala papad is a perfect starter, you can also serve it to kids as snack after school. Mean while do not forget to check out other interesting starter/appetizer recipes in the link.

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

Fish Names in Tamil & English/Types of Fish/Fish Varieties in Tamil & English/Collection of Fish Varieties in English and Tamil/Fish & Shrimp Recipes

Today I am going to share the fish names both in Tamil and English. I visit fish market one or two times every week. Though I know the names of fish in Tamil each time I used to google to find out the English names. I have googled most of the fish names and made a glossary, so that it would be useful for everybody. Next time, I am planning to click photos of each fish and update this post whenever possible. Ok  friends, if you find anything wrong or if you would like to add more fish names please keep me posted. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Mutton Recipes, Fish Recipes and Chicken Recipes here.

Here’s the list of fish names in both English and Tamil.

The above is Kola Meen after it is cut, which I made this week end. Will share recipes of the same soon.

Nenju Elumbu Soup Recipe/Maarkandam Soup/Mutton Bone Soup - South Indian Mutton Bone Soup/Perfect Soup For Cold & Cough/Mutton Bone Soup with step by step photos

Are you on the lookout for a comfort food, then yes here it is – Nenju elumbu soup/maarkanda ellumbu soup/mutton bone soup. My mom always makes soup during weekends and serves it as mid-morning snack. Not just this soup, she also makes nenju ellumbu sambar which I will be posting soon. You can add this soup to white rice, mix thoroughly and feed it for babies (above 8 months). I used to feed my kids mutton and chicken soup after they turned 8 months old, and they used to love it.  Just adjust the spice level if you are feeding it for babies, you can add few drops of ghee and feed them.  This is an excellent remedy for cold, cough, for people recovering from illness and builds strong immune system. Not just that it can be served during cold winter days which in turn refresh your mind and body. The perfect blend of spices cooked along with the bones makes it flavourful and irresistible. Do try out this traditional and authentic Nenju Ellumbu Soup and post your comments. 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 Nenju Elllumbu soup with step by step photos…

Manathakkali Keerai Thanni Saru Recipe/மணத்தக்காளி கீரை தண்ணி சாறு/Black Nightshade Soup with Coconut Milk/Solanum Nigrum Soup/Makoi Soup with Coconut Milk-Keeraithanni Recipe with Video in both English & Tamil

Manathakkali keerai/Black nightshade has numerous medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants, iron, vitamins, minerals and loaded with calcium. The amount of phosphorous present in it helps in the growth and development of brain nerves.  Manathakkkali Keerai is an excellent cure for mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers. In Tamil medicine it said that you should consume the manathakkali keerai raw leaves [7-8] in the morning in empty stomach. This is an excellent remedy and cure for stomach and mouth ulcers. This manathakkali keerai thanni, prepared with coconut milk is my grandma’s recipe. After I got married, when I made this recipe, my husband and my in-laws were surprised, it was really new to them and they loved it. Anyway friends try out this keerai thanni and post your comments. This keerai thanni or soup can be made with agathi keerai or murungai keerai which also has unique and wonderful taste. Do not forget to check out other keerai varieties & healthy Keerai Recipes here. Please check out the video for for both English & Tamil Recipe

Here’s how to make Manathakkali Keerai Thanni with step by step photos…

Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal Recipe/Brahmi Leaves Thuvaiyal/Indian Pennywort Thuvaiyal/Vallarai Keerai Recipe with Benefits/Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal with step by step photos

Vallarai is known for its brain boosting abilities and to cure many diseases in Ayurveda and Siddha treatment since the ancient period. Vallarai is used to revitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention and concentration, and combat aging. The extract from Vallarai is used in treating memory enhancement and neurodegenerative disorders. Vallarai has amazing medicinal properties which help in fighting many diseases. It plays a vital role in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and brain related problems like insomnia.

Vallarai has wonderful properties, which helps in curing skin problems like eczema, leprosy, psoriasis and ulcers. Vallarai helps in relaxing muscles and alleviates menstrual pain and disorders. It promotes youthful vitality and longevity and prevents early greying of hair. Hair fall and premature greying of hair can be controlled by using vallarai oil which is readily available in Ayurveda shops.

Vallarai acts as a great cure for joint pain or inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis etc. Not just the above mentioned benefits, vallarai has many other medicinal values and properties and the list goes on. The above information is collected from various websites like Wikipedia, ayurvedictalk.com etc. For people who live outside India can buy the vallarai tablets from Ayurveda shops when you visit Chennai and consume it. For now I am going to share Vallarai Thuvaiyal, do try it out friends and enjoy the benefits of Vallarai. Meanwhile friends, do not forget to check out other chuteny/thuvaiyal varieties here.

Here’s how to make Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal with step by step photos….

South Indian Lunch Menu -4 /Lunch Menu Ideas

Dear Friends,

I have posted few lunch menu ideas earlier, which is a typical South Indian Thali. But today I am going to share a very simple, elegant, easy and healthy lunch menu which surely will add a smile in everybody’s face. Also friends, do not forget to check out other Lunch menu ideas as well.

Here’s the simple and elegant South Indian Lunch Menu…

Manathakkali Vathal Kuzhambu/Sun Dried Black Nightshade Gravy

Vatha Kuzhambu/Vathal Kuzhambu is a very popular, traditional and authentic kuzhambu prepared in Tamil Nadu. This  gravy is prepared with tamarind along with vatha kuzhambu powder or sambar powder or even with just redchilli powder and coriander powder. The gravy is cooked until it thickens and then any vathal of your choice is added. Vatral/vathal are nothing but sun dried berries or vegetables. The most commonly made vathal kuzhambus are manathakkali vathal kuzhambu, sundakkai vathal kuzhambu, vendakkai vathal, kathrikkai vathal, kothavarangai vathal etc. Manathakkali is known as “Makoy” in Hindi and “Black Nightshade” in English. Try out this manathakkali vathal kuzhambu and post yout comments. Meanwhile do not forget to check out other other traditional SouthIndian Gravy/Kuzhambu varieties here.

Here’s how to make Manathakkali Vathal Kuzhambu with step by step photos….