Many South Indian breakfast dishes is often accompanied with a chutney. There are literally hundreds of chutneys. The most popular of these are coconut or tomato. The one that I am posting today is very unusual and delectable. Frankly, I did not expect it to be so tasty. And really easy to prepare. If you…
Tag: #SouthIndian
Puliya Kuthi Upma (Rice In A Tamarind Base)
My mother used to make this dish in the 60’s. I always complained bitterly – it was not my favourite dish. But, of late, I have been craving this dish. I had no idea how to make it. All that I remembered was the taste. Look at the irony of life. When my mum, a…
Karuvepellai Sadam (Curry Leaves Rice)
South India has several different kinds of flavored rice. The most popular is lime rice. It is easy to put together. When unexpected guests drop in, this is the first thing that the host puts together. Served with a potato roast and papads. The other popular ones are tamarind, sesame, coconut, tomato, eggplant rice. Also…
Idli Upuma
Idli is one of the commonest breakfasts in South India. I would not be wrong to say that it has grown into a national dish. These steamed dumplings of lentils and rice/millets are also fermented, making idlis a very healthy dish. Once the hard work of grinding is done, it becomes a cakewalk to make…
Katharikka Pachadi (Eggplant Curry)
I have mentioned on several occasions that I love eggplant. It is such a versatile vegetable that literally hundreds of dishes are possible. Eggplant has a taste of its own. But it readily absorbs the taste of all the masalas that are added to the dish. This is fascinating since it becomes easy to create…
Water Spinach Stir Fry
I think water spinach is called vallal in Thamizh, though I may be wrong. I have grown up eating this very tasty green that is plentifully available all over South East Asia. Normally called kang kong (or variations of this name) in the entire region. In years of yore, this green was only available in…
Mysore Rasam
Frankly, a good rasam is a work of art. It is aromatic, flavourful, light and a perfect balance of all the ingredients. While a good rasam is like a gentle stroke on the cheek, the ones I make is like a punch. In your face, no subtlety. People say that pastries need a light hand….
Chow Chow And Elavan Kootu (Chayote Squash And Ash Gourd Stew)
Kootu (the nearest equivalent in English is stew) is typical of Thamizhnadu and Kerala. They are very mildly spiced preparations that are usually served with steamed rice. Since they are mild, I prefer them with rather spicy wet preparations that can be mixed with rice (kootans). The beauty of kootu is that one can use…
Snake Gourd Chutney
I keep experimenting with chutneys as they are very simple to make. Fresh coconut is a magic ingredient which makes any chutney taste great. I have experimented with several vegetables and they have all turned out well. But using snake gourd is off the beaten track even by my standards. It is on a whim…
Millet Adai
Adai is a thick crepe, consumed mainly in South India. There are several versions of adai, mostly with minor variations. Traditionally, adai is prepared with lentils and rice. But adai can be prepared with any cereal and lentil combinations. I once prepared adai with quinoa and it tasted wonderful. Adai is also prepared for the…
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