Pigeon peas and spinach, commonly prepared as Palakura Pappu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is a beloved dish known for its nutritional value and comforting taste. This dish combines protein-rich pigeon peas (toor dal) with iron-packed spinach (palakura), creating a balanced meal that is both wholesome and delicious. The tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, garlic,…
Author: pvnarayanamoorthy
Delicious Dal Maharani: A Creamy Lentil Delight
Dal Maharani is a rich and creamy North Indian lentil dish, often mistaken as a Hyderabadi specialty due to its popularity in restaurants across India, including Hyderabad. Originating from Punjabi cuisine, it is made with whole black gram (urad dal), red kidney beans (rajma), and sometimes chana dal, slow-cooked with aromatic spices, butter, and cream…
Oil-Free Lentil Paratha: A Plant-Based Delight
A whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) lentil-stuffed paratha is a delicious and nourishing take on the traditional North Indian favorite, made without oil or ghee but still bursting with flavor. The dough, prepared with whole wheat flour, is soft yet hearty, while the stuffing—made from protein-rich lentils like chana dal or moong dal—is spiced with cumin, coriander,…
Discover the Flavor of Mango Ginger: Recipe and Tips
Mango ginger, with its pale yellow rhizomes and a delicate aroma reminiscent of raw mango, has a uniquely refreshing, mildly spicy taste that lingers on the palate. As a child, I enjoyed its distinct flavor, but finding it in North India has always been a challenge. Once, at a fair showcasing tribal and forest foods,…
How to Cook Turkey Berries: Traditional Recipes
Turkey berries (Solanum torvum) grow in clusters on a shrubby plant, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant produces small green berries that have a slightly bitter taste, which can be reduced by soaking them in salt water, crushing them lightly to remove seeds, or cooking them in a tamarind-based gravy, where the sourness…
Vibrant Snow Peas Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavors
I found fresh, vibrant snow peas at the Sunday organic farmers’ market and immediately knew I had to make a salad. Searching for inspiration, I came across the perfect recipe on Greenevi.com—a refreshing mix of crisp snow peas, cool cucumber, and peppery rocket, garnished with crunchy almonds and drizzled with a light, tangy dressing. Not…
Tamil New Year & Neem Flowers: Traditions and Uses
Dried neem flowers are a cherished ingredient in Tamil cuisine, valued for their medicinal benefits and subtle bitterness. Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, they aid digestion, detoxify the body, and help regulate blood sugar levels. In Tamil households, these flowers are often roasted in ghee and added to dishes like neem flower rasam, a…
Health Benefits of Jackfruit: A Superfood for Malayalis
Jackfruit holds a special place in the hearts of Malayalis, deeply intertwined with their culture, cuisine, and traditions. This massive fruit, often called the “poor man’s fruit,” has been a staple in Kerala households for generations, providing nourishment in various forms. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, jackfruit offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion,…
Delicious WFPB Kidney Bean Salad Recipe
A whole food, plant-based (WFPB) kidney bean salad is a flavorful and nutrient-dense dish that perfectly aligns with a healthy lifestyle. Made with boiled kidney beans, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers, it offers a refreshing mix of textures and flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley enhance its taste, while a simple…
Healthy Barley Idli: A Nutritious Twist on Tradition
India’s diverse culinary heritage is enriched by regional specialties, and South India’s idli and dosa are among its most iconic contributions. Over time, these traditional dishes have evolved into fascinating variations, blending health benefits with taste. One such innovation is barley idli, a nutritious twist on the classic. Barley, known for its high fiber, essential…
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