“Ennai” means oil in Tamil, and “kathrikkai” means eggplant — hardly the most appetising name for one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever eaten. Eggplant, like the universally beloved potato, is a remarkably versatile vegetable, lending itself to innumerable dishes across the globe. Yet, unlike potatoes, eggplants evoke sharply divided opinions — people either relish…
Tag: #Thamizhnadu
Healthy WFPB Raw Banana Roast Recipe
The super-tasty raw banana roast. Avery versatile dish that pairs well with several dishes. And raises the dish several notches.
Thanjavur Mor Keerai Kootu: A Creamy Tamil Dish
Thanjavur Mor Keerai Kootu is a dish where health, tradition, taste, and comfort converge in perfect harmony. Hailing from the culturally rich region of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, this dish is a creamy blend of greens (usually amaranth or spinach), coconut, and buttermilk, gently tempered with mustard, red chillies, and curry leaves. Its uniqueness lies…
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…
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…
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…
Palakottai Sambar (Jackfruit Seed Sambar)
I am incredibly fond of jackfruit seeds. I cook it in several forms, each one tastier than the next. But even for a South Indian like me, this recipe was exotic – and lip-smacking tasty. I don’t get jackfruit seeds in North India where I stay. Thankfully, Amazon India does deliver this from the southern…
Mochakottai Kuzhambu (Lima Beans Curr
From a very early age, I have had dishes using lima beans flaming hot. My mind is therefore conditioned to eat this legume really chili hot. When Hari first joined my family, he made a dish using lima beans – and it was not hot at all. My taste buds were left with a sense…
Pineapple Rasam (Soup)
I have not had a pineapple rasam for over a decade, even though I really love it. That’s because my vegan doctor told me not to mix fruits with the main meal. Recently, another vegan doctor told me that it is perfectly alright to mix fruits with the main meal. I was confused. When I…
Chettinad Kara Kuzhambu (Tamarind Based Curry)
I have tried several times to describe the magic of kara kuzhambu (tamarind based curry) – but have never been successful. That’s because the taste of kuzhambu is really unique. It lifts the spirit up. It transports you to a different plane altogether. We made this simple kara kuzhambu (there are several of these) yesterday….
wholefoodplantbased 