The humble eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables that I know. There are literally hundreds of recipes in each of the different states of India. And there are several varieties of eggplants – long, small-round, large-round, green, white, striped… I reserve specific varieties for different dishes. For example, the Palakkad preparation of eggplant…
Category: Main Dishes
Amritsari Dal
I was not a great fan of the North Indian dals – mainly because I have been used to the taste of tamarind (or something sour) with my rice. Therefore, the South Indian preparations were more suited to my taste buds. Some years ago, I decided not to have rice for dinner, but opted for…
Arachuvitta Sambar (Fresh Masala Sambar)
Loosely, the podi pota sambar (sambar using pre-ground masala) is prepared in Thamizhnadu. In Palakkad and the rest of Kerala, the arachuvitta sambar (sambar with freshly ground masala) is more popular. There are die-hard aficionados for each of these. If fact, reams have been written on the relative merits and demerits of each. I enjoy…
Vazhakkai Poricha Kuzhambu (Raw Banana Curry)
Poricha Kuzhambu is a traditional dish from Thamizhnadu and Palakkad. This is a very common every day preparation in many households. Not only is it easy to prepare, it also tastes delicious. One can use any vegetables like eggplant, chayote squash, pumpkin, bitter gourd, drumstick, broad beans… Or any combination of these vegetables. I have…
Katharikka Vatha Kuzhambu (Eggplant In A Tamarind Gravy)
This is my third post in a row on kuzhambu. This one, using eggplant, is a classic. As I have had occasion to mention before, vatha kuzhambu are iconic in the cuisines of Thamizhnadu and Palakkad. I suspect that most homes make these preparations at least once a week. Both the regions, and indeed all…
Muthira Varutharacha Curry (Horsegram Dal)
Horsegram is widely used in Kerala. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that even in Uttarakhand, it is a popular dal. I have tried some recipes from Uttarakhand using horsegram – and they turned out delicious. This recipe, however, is a traditional dish from Kerala. It is difficult, if not impossible, to find horsegram with…
Banana Blossom In Tamarind Gravy
Every part of the banana tree is consumed in India. The steam and blossoms are used to make various lip-smacking dishes. The leaves are used to serve food – eco-friendly. The used leaves are then fed to cows or goats. Raw banana is also used to make different kinds of dishes. Ripe bananas are, of…
Mixed Vegetable Curry
There are occasions when I like to have a flavoured rice – any of tomato, eggplant, sesame, coconut, tamarind, lemon… I often pair this with a mixed vegetable curry. That way, I of balance the carbs in the rice with loads of vegetables. It is a wonderful combination – and I am invariably in seventh…
Vengaya Vatha Kuzhambu (Shallots In Tamarind Curry)
Vatha Kuzhambu refers to a group of dishes cooked in tamarind paste. The cuisine emanates from Thamizhnadu and Palakkad. There are, however, some differences. In Palakkad, sun-dried vegetables are used in this curry whereas Thamizhnadu uses fresh vegetables. However, there is no hard and fast rule about this.This dish is so integrated into the psyche…
Malvani Dal
Malvani cuisine is from coastal Maharashtra and Goa, states in the west of India. The cuisine is not much known outside these regions. Which is indeed unfortunate since they taste wonderful. I was not planning to write this recipe for some time yet as I have a huge backlog. However, there have been several requests…
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