Masala vankai/ Spicy brinjal - My Mil's secret

Hi,
   Normally i don't prepare Nuna Vankai frequently,so when my in-laws came to stay with us.My hubby asked my Mil for it but we both didn't remember it until late in the afternoon.It was lunch time & my hubby was due to come in 15 min.My Mil told me that she has a secret recipe & made it.Though it is not the same it was tasty.When my husband came,he found out but he was ok & happy.Now let me tell u my Mil's secret.

Ingredients:
       brinjals     =5 no
       onion       =if big 1/2 ,if small 1 no
       ginger garlic paste=1/2 tbsp
       chili powder      =1/2 tbsp
        Dhaniya powder=1/2 tbsp
        zeera                =1/4 tbsp
        green chillies     =3 no
        Turmeric          =pinch
        salt                  =ac to taste
        oil

preparation:
     Grind onion,ginger garlic paste,chili powder,dhaniya powder,zeera,green chillies,turmeric,salt in mixer without adding water
      clean the brinjals & make 4 cuts in the brinjal but not completely.make the cuts so that the stalk are still attached
       Now stuff the brinjal with ground paste
       Take a pan ,add 2 tbsp of oil,Keep it on low flame[In US it will be like 3/4]
       Once it is hot, add the stuffed brinjal and cook with lid on
       Don't let it burn,turn it and add oil if needed,if you think the inside of brinjal is still bit raw,flatten the brinjal little bit
       Once it is cooked ,add the remaining ground paste and let it cook
       Once done ,switch off the stove and serve
       Enjoy & Thanks for visiting
   

Eggplant/Brinjal fry - a recipe to steal your loved one's heart

Hi,
   My husband loves this.When ever i make pappu/sambar,he just asks innocently 'Are brinjals there?.Most of the time i do the kitchen work but when i make this he volunteers himself for cutting and even helping me with other things.Some times i think i should make this fry every day.Let me tell you the recipe which my husband loves so much.

Ingredients:
   Brinjals    =8 no
   onion       =1 no , chopped
   chili powder=1 tbsp
   salt            =ac to your taste
   turmeric   = pinch
   oil

preparation:
   Clean & Cut the brinjal into half & again cut the half into 5-6 slices vertically.
    Take a shallow pan,add oil & once hot ,add the chopped onions & when they are translucent,add brinjals,salt & turmeric.Mix them.
    Cook them on medium flame with keeping the lid on for 5-7 min
    Once they are almost cooked, remove the lid ,lower the flame and let it sit for 5 min so that one side turns little  bit brown.
    Add the chili powder and mix them
    Don't stir frequently & let one side to turn little bit brown & little bit crisp
     taste it and adjust the salt & chili
    switch off the stove and serve
     Enjoy & Thanks for visiting

vegetable Noodles -Every child's dream

Hi,
  I think my baby was 8 months old then, it always took me a lot of patience to feed her.I used to eat in between her meals to regain my strength.One day i made noodles for myself & my husband,we were watching tv & my baby was playing,she saw us & came to me & made the sound ' Ahhhh' and opened her mouth.I just gave her little bit to eat .she ate it & came back again for more.That's the first time she came back to eat & still comes running to me when ever i make this.
    Some moments are priceless & i love noodles for creating some of the most beautiful & priceless moments for me.Actually the twist to this recipe was told by my Mil.Noodles always brought the family together.So try this & enjoy

Ingredients:
    noodles      =2 cubes
    noodles masala=2 packs
    onion         =1/2 ,chopped
    carrot        =1/4 chopped into very small cubes
    potato       = 1 chopped into very small cubes
    green chillies=1
    water        = to boil
     oil
     salt           = ac to taste
    U can  use peas,corn or any other vegetables u like

preparation:
   Boil water ,to it add 1 tbsp of oil
   once the water is boiled,add noodles to it and cook.It will be done in 3-4 min
   Once done, take noodles aside in colander[sieve] and let it through the cold running water and let the water drain .cover the noodles with lid or it will dry out if cooking your vegetables take long time.
Throw away the remaining water & wipe of the  the water with tissue
   In the same pan, add 1tbsp of oil & once hot, add onions and  chopped green chilli.
   microwave your vegetables for 4-5 min /add them directly to the pan,cook them on low flame with lid on.It may take 5-10 min ,stir it occasionally not to let them burn.
   Once they are cooked, add the masala & mix it thoroughly
   To it add noodles and mix
    switch off the stove and serve hot with ketchup
   Enjoy & Thanks for visiting

Beerakai pappu [ridge gourd dal] -my little secret

Hi,
   'History repeats itself''  that is what i think when ever my little girl shouts 'No Daal' because i was shouting the same thing when i was of  the same age. I know she is just like me and so i have one advantage of knowing one little secret recipe to make her eat dal.When i made it,  my home was filled with silence,no shouts & screams.Hurray!she liked it & once again I'm very happy that she is like me.Now let me tell you my little secret

Ingredients:
      beerakaya/ridge gourd=1
      toor Dal                    =1 cup [rice cooker measuring cup]
      onion                         =1, chopped
      tomato                       =1. chopped
      green chillies              =6 no
      tamarind                    =small lemon size
      salt
      turmeric                    =a pinch
      oil
For seasoning:
     mustard        =1/2 tbsp
     zeera            =1/2 tbsp
     methi seeds  =6-7
     garlic pods   =2, crushed
     red chillies    = 4 split
     curry leaves  =5-6 leaves
     cilantro         =1/4 cup

preparation:
     To Pressure cooker add the dal, green chillies, chopped tomato's,turmeric & cook for 6-7 whistles
      When the pressure is off,remove the whistle and mash the dal
      Peel the ridge gourd,clean it & chop into small pieces
      Make tamarind paste by soaking the tamarind in hot water for 15 min
      Take pan, add 1 tbsp of oil ,once hot add onion ,fry them till they turn golden brown color
      Add chopped ridge gourd & salt and let it cook with lid, on medium flame.It make take 6-7 min
      When it is cooked thoroughly,add the tamarind paste and mashed dal
       Taste it and adjust salt & karam[chili] .If  is less spice,add 1/2 tbsp of chili powder
        Just before switching off ,just add cilantro and keep the lid
    for seasoning:
       Take a small pan add 1/2 tbsp of oil & 1/2 tbsp of ghee
       Once it is hot ,add mustard,zeera,methi seeds & when they splutter add crushed garlic pods
        Fry them and then add red chillies,then the curry leaves.Be careful  when you add curry leaves ,oil may
splatter.
      Add the seasoning to the dal.
      Take it into bowl and serve with hot rice ,pickle & any fry
          Enjoy & Thanks for visiting
   

Spicy masala Fish curry-Spices & Fish all at same time

Hi,

    One of my friend's mother made this for me when i went for lunch,it was tasty and spicy, i liked it a lot.I wanted to try, but somehow i became very busy & never got a chance. We always make pulusu/ fry with fish & i i was getting bored to eat the same thing all my life,last time when i made fish fry,I told my husband its time to try the masala fish curry.I'm spice lover & I'm happy i tried it as i can have my spices and fish all at the same time.All the spice lovers who also love fish should try this

Ingredients:
    Fish            = 1 pound [salmon/tilapia fillets]
    onion          = 2 small/1 big  chopped
    green chillies=4 no
    ginger garlic paste=1 tbsp
    tomato        = 1 chopped
    tamarind     =big lemon size.Make the tamarind paste from it[soak the tamarind in hot water for 15-20 min /microwave it for 30 sec once it cools down ,squeeze it for paste and throw away the waste]
    chili powder=1 tbsp
    dhaniya powder=1 1/2 tbsp
    garam masala   = 1/2 tbsp
    cloves            = 4 no
    cinnamon       =1 inch
    cardamom     = 1 no
    lemon juice    =1 tbsp
    cilantro         = 1/2 cup chopped
    turmeric         = a pinch
    salt
    oil
For marination=
    Fish           = 2 pounds
    turmeric     =1/4 tbsp
    chili powder=1 tbsp
    salt           =ac to taste
    vinegar     =1/2 tbsp
if u don't have vinegar ,u can use lemon juice also

preparation:
    chop and wash the fish. i chop my fish into smaller pieces, u can  chop them to  the size you like it
    marinate the fish overnight or at least 6 hrs with salt,chili powder, turmeric and little bit lemon juice / 1/2 tbsp of vinegar
    take a pan, keep it on medium flame add 1 tbsp of oil once it is hot add marinated fish and when it is cooked through halfway ,take them aside into a bowl
    In the same pan add another tbsp of oil,to it add whole spices then add onions,pinch of turmeric & green chillies
    once the onions are translucent add ginger garlic paste and fry till raw smell goes away
    to it add chopped tomato's ,chili powder,dhaniya powder,garam masala,salt.
    When the tomato's are mashed and oil oozes out of it ,add fish and cook with lid on for 2-3 min
     Now lower the flame & add tamarind paste,1 tbsp of lemon juice and  1 cup of water  and cook it with lid on,fish will be cooked very quickly so don't keep it on high flame,it will get burnt and if you stir it often it will tear into pieces.so keep it on low flame and don't stir until u think it will burn
     When the curry  is of right consistency switch off the stove ,garnish it with coriander and u are done
     It goes well with rice,chapati's etc
         Enjoy it & Thanks for visiting

okra/bhendi fry with egg -different but a delicious recipe

hi,
   When i heard about this for the first time from my husband i thought it is different ,but when i tried, it was tasty thus this became different but a delicious recipe .In my family we like both okra & eggs so it was an instant hit & now i don't spend much of  my time chopping okra's to do the fry instead i do this but the only thing i miss is my little girl's dramas.Everyone should try this even if you don't like the okra's/eggs.So let me tell you the recipe

Ingredients:
    okra           =15 no
    eggs           =2 eggs
    onion         =1 no chopped
    green chillies=4
    chili powder=1 tbsp
    turmeric     =pinch
    salt            =ac to taste
    oil

preparation:
   Wash the okra and pat it dry, cut them into pieces [1/2 inch thick]
     keep the pan on medium flame ,add 2  tbsp of oil,once hot add chopped okra,add little bit of salt just for okra
    stir  it occasionally, it will be done in 5 min,then take it aside in a bowl
    In the same pan if oil is less, add 1 tbsp of oil
    once hot add chopped onions & green chillies,fry them till onions are translucent
    beat the eggs in bowl with chili powder & add it to the pan and scramble it to the way u like it
    once they are cooked ,add the okra pieces and just mix it thoroughly
    Adj salt & spice to your taste & switch off the stove
    Enjoy guys & Thanks for Visiting
   
 
   

Pudina Rice - A recipe ready in 10 min

Hi,
    This dish is one thing that goes into my husband's lunch box at least once in a week as it is very easy to prepare.It looks ,smells & tastes very good so my husband who is a picky eater also doesn't mind eating frequently.Let me tell you the recipe so that your lunch box is ready in 10 min

Ingredients:
Rice                         = 2 cup {rice cooker measuring cup}              
 pudina                     = 1 bunch/1 cup
 cilantro/kothimeera  = 1 bunch/1 cup
 green chilles            =5 no
 ginger                      =1 inch chopped
 zeera                       = 1/4 tbsp
cloves                      =3
cinnamon                 = 1 inch
cashews                  = 10 split
 If u want u can also add groundnuts,chana dal .
turmeric                  =pinch
salt                         = ac to taste
oil

preparation:
  cook the rice in cooker and keep it aside or u can use left over rice
  Wash the pudina & cilantro leaves and pat them dry & add them to mixer along with green chilles ,salt & grind it  to smooth paste.
  Take a pan add 2 tbsp of oil ,once it is hot add zeera,cloves,cinnamon,turmeric,salt.If you have groundnuts,chana dal add it now
  To it add chopped ginger and fry them for 2 min
  Then add cashews ,once they are light brown add the pudina ground paste and fry till raw smell goes away .
  To it[ the pan ] add rice and just mix it ,adjust the salt if you want and switch off  the stove & serve
           Enjoy guys & Thank you for visiting.
 

okra/lady finger fry

hi,
   I love okra especially the fry but the problem is everyone in my family loves it.It's a big task because i have to chop so many of them to make fry enough for every one.So i don't make it often, instead i go with okra curries,but whenever i make this ,it just vanishes in minutes and a lot of complaining will be seen on who got the major portion.My daughter says 'Daddy ate my fry' or 'I didn't get enough' so on &on.Love to see the dramas and my okra's.It's really simple to make and i made it mushy the way i like it.So lets see what is this drama about

Ingredients:
      okra              = 2lbs
      onion            =1 big /2 small, finely chopped
      zeera            =1/4 tbsp
      chili powder =1 tbsp
      turmeric        = a pinch
      salt               =ac to taste
      curry leaves  =5-7 leaves
      oil for frying

preparation:
     wash the okra & pat it dry with dry towel
     I chop my okra finely but if u want u can chop it into 1/2 inch thick pieces
     Take a pan ,add 2 tbsp of oil,when its hot add zeera,curry leaves.be careful they will splutter
     then add onions,salt, turmeric.Once they are golden brown add chopped okra
     keep it on low flame and cook it without lid
     let it sit like that & only stir occasionally not to let it burn
     If u stir frequently it gets mushy
     Once okra is cooked ,add chili powder
     switch off the stove after 5 min and serve
                    Enjoy,Thanks for visiting
     
   
 

prawns/shrimp with egg

Hi again,

            This was something no one ever told me,this dish was made out of necessity on one lazy Sunday afternoon.I thought i had enough prawns to make curry so i didn't even bother to make a trip to market but when i opened my freezer there it was 1/2 pound of prawns bag staring at my face & laughing but i had to make it work as my kid is hungry and i promised her prawns.thank god at least i had eggs and something very funny flashed in my mind and i went ahead with it.My baby was very happy with the outcome & so am i.Later i found out from my friends that there are different variations to make it but so many people never knew about it including me.So now lets see what the funny idea is

Ingredients:
          prawns               =250 grams/1/2 pound ,washed & cleaned
          eggs                   =3
          cloves                =3
          cinnamon           =1 inch
          zeera                 =1/2 tbsp
          onion                  = 1  chopped
          green chillies       =6 no  chopped
          ginger garlic paste=1 tbsp
          tomato               =1  chopped finely
          chili powder      = 2 tbsp
          dhaniya powder =2 tbsp
          garam masala    =1/2 tbsp
          cilantro             = 1 cup chopped
          salt                   = ac to taste
          turmeric
          oil

preparation:
         Take a shallow pan,add 3 tbsp of oil,once it is hot,add zeera,cinnamon,cloves
          then add onions and chillies,once onions are golden brown ,add ginger garlic paste and fry it
         To it add cleaned prawns with salt & turmeric,keep it on medium flame ,let the water ooze from the prawns and let them cook in it,stir occasionally ,make sure not to burn them.
         if prawns are not cooked,add some water & let prawns cook completely
         Once they are cooked,add chopped tomato's and saute them till tomato's become mashed
         To it add chili powder,dhaniya powder and fry them
          Now break the eggs in a bowl and mix it
         Add the eggs mixture to the pan and scramble it and cook till they are done, taste for salt and adjust accordingly
         Now add chopped cilantro
         switch off the stove and serve hot,goes well with plain rice,chapatis etc
         Thank You for visiting & enjoy
     
       
       
       


       
       

Fish 65

Hi,
   Today i made Fish 65 with salmon which i normally don't like but it came out very tasty,it was the same recipe my hubby's granny used to make but it was more simpler version of  what i made today.It was passed on to generations & is altered by everyone in some way including me.The one i like the best is my Mil's.

  NOTE:  Try this with boneless fish/fillets.I usually make these with fish fillets{tilapia/salmon}

Ingredients:
  For Marination:
     Salmon fillets    =2 fillets cleaned & chopped into small pieces
     chili powder       =2 tbsp
     dhaniya powder =1 tbsp
     ginger garlic paste=2 tbsp
     vinegar               = 1/2 tbsp
     pepper powder  = 1 tbsp
     garam masala     =  1/2 tbsp
     salt                    = ac to your taste
     turmeric             =1/4 tbsp
For Frying:
      egg                   = 1 no
      corn flour         = 1/2 cup
For seasoning & base:
     zeera                =1/4 tbsp
     onion                =1 no  chopped very small
     garlic                =4 no  chopped
     green chillies     = 5 no chopped very small,if u want less spice add only 3
     chili powder     = 1/2 tbsp
     dhaniya powder=1/2 tbsp
     salt                  ac to taste
     cilantro            =1 cup chopped
     oil  for frying

Preparation:
       chop the fish into small  pieces & clean them
       marinate it with chili powder,dhaniya powder,ginger garlic paste,garam masala,,vinegar,turmeric,pepper powder,salt.
       marinate overnight for best results / at least for 6 hours
       just before frying add egg & corn flour and let it be there for 2-3 min
       take a shallow pan,add the oil & once it is hot ,fry the fish in batches on medium flame
       take them into bowl /in a tissue paper to absorb oil.
       for preparing base, take a pan add 1 tbsp of oil,once it is hot add zeera,chopped onions,chopped chilies,
garlic,fry them till onions are golden brown color.
       add chili powder,dhaniya powder,fry them & to it add fried fish,mix them thoroughly
       add cilantro,adjust the salt if u want
       switch off the stove ,take them into plate,squeeze lemon on top,garnish with onions & serve hot
       Also goes well with tomato ketchup. ENJOY FISH 65.
 

Garam masala my MIL's way

Hi,

  I always bought ready made masala from store before but it had its distinct taste to it which altered the outcome of the food.When my MIL came to stay us for sometime she made really tasty spicy food but it never had that distinct flavor ,i wondered how could she do it.Later she told  me she never used the store made garam masala as she made her own.Its been years since it happened and after that i never went to store for garam masala.

Ingredients:
      Dhaniyalu/Coriander seeds=2 oz/60 grams
      cinnamon                          =4 inch/ 2 times your index finger
      cloves                               =1 spoon
      gasalu/poppy seeds           =1 oz/30 grams

preparation:
      dry roast them separately.
      careful not to burn them,it should be done within 5 min
      let it cool off completely,then grind them to fine powder in mixer.
      mixer should be dry,don't add any water to it
      once it is done ,store it in airtight container/Ziploc in your freezer compartment
            If you made this exact quantities ,it will last you for at least 3 months.So do this & be worry free for next 3 months & also enjoy the food without distinct flavor