Breakfast

Jowar Sorghum Gluten free Rotis


Gluten free rotis

Jowar (Sorghum or Great Millet) Rotis

Jowar is the finest substitute for wheat and rice when it comes to nutrition because it has high levels of thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and folate.  It is  rich in minerals like phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

commonly called jwaarie, jowar, jola, or jondhalaa

1 cup Jowar Flour

1 cup water

½ tsp. salt

Ghee as required.

Sieve the jowar flour and keep aside.  Place a pan on heat and add 1 cup water and salt.  When the water starts boiling add the flour and stir and mix well so the flour gets partially cooked.  When the flour comes together and water is absorbed, remove from flame.  Transfer to a wide plate and leave to cool till comfortable to handle but still warm.  Knead to a soft, pliable dough.  Set aside for 15 minutes.

To prepares the rotis, divide the dough into 4 portions.  Dust one portion generously with flour and press flat while rotating the dough  between your palm and fingers to form a palm sized disc.  Then place on a rolling surface and roll as thin as possible dusting with flour as required.

Roast on a heated tawa/pan on medium low heat till brown spots appear on both side.  Smear with ghee.  Transfer to a casserole or a steel box to keep warm until served.

Puran Poli Traditional Puran Poli Recipe


PURAN POLI is an Indian sweet flatbread that originates from South India and Maharashtra. The origins of Puran Poli can be traced back to ancient India, where it was first mentioned in ancient texts such as the Vedas and the Mahabharata. Puran Poli is believed to have originated in the region of Maharashtra, where it quickly became a favourite among the locals. This sweet dish was traditionally prepared during festivals and special occasions and was often shared with friends and family.

Puran Poli is one of the most famous and beloved sweet dishes in Maharashtra, India. This delicacy has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its unique texture, flavour, and cultural significance.

Puran Poli is not just a dish, but a cultural symbol in Maharashtra. It is deeply ingrained in the state’s history and traditions and is often associated with festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and Diwali. Puran Poli is also a symbol of warmth and hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of respect and affection.

While the basic recipe for Puran Poli remains the same, there are many variations of this dish that can be found throughout Maharashtra. Some regions add coconut or sesame seeds to the filling, while others use different types of lentils or sweeteners.

Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a simple treat, Puran Poli is a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and tradition.

The various names for the flatbread include puran puri or vedmi in Gujarati, bobbattlu or baksham or oliga in Telegu, Andhra Pradesh,  holige or obbattu in Kannada, puran poli in Marathi,  payasabolli or simply bolli in Malayalam, Boli in Tamil, bhakshalu or pole or polae in Telugu, Telangana and ubbatti or simply poli in Konkani.

PURANPOLI – Makes 12 Puranpolis
For Puran
1 cup Chana dal/Split chickpeas, soaked for 2 hours
½ cup Jaggery
2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
¼ tsp. Saffron strands
½ tsp. Salt

For Dough
1 cup Maida
½ cup Wheat flour
½ cup Rice flour
½ tsp. Salt
10 tbsp. Oil
½ cup water

To make the dough:
In a large wide bowl or plate, add the maida, wheat flour, rice flour, salt, adding half the water and oil.  Knead well and repeat adding the water and oil little at a time till all the water and oil is used up. Knead well. Dough will be sticky.  Knead again adding 2 tbsp. water and 2 tbsp. oil.  Keep kneading for 10-15 minutes.  If the dough gets too sticky, take a little oil to make the dough soft and pliable. Dust a little flour if necessary. Kneading may be done using a stand mixer with dough hook.  Rub oil on the dough, cover with a wet cloth and rest for 2 hours.

To make the Puran::

Cook the soaked chana dal and about 3 cups water and and pressure cook it for 3 whistles. Drain and cool.
In a pan, add the dal, jaggery and sugar and cook on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly while mashing the dal with a spatula.  You may use the potato masher, or stand mixer to mash the dal. Add nutmeg powder, cardamom powder, saffron stands, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook till fairly dry.  Leave to cool.

To make the puranpolis:

Knead the dough for a minute and divide into 12 equal portions.  Divide the puran mixture into 12 portions.  Flatten the dough ball on your palm and stuff one portion of the puran and close bringing the edges together.

Sprinkle some flour on a rolling board and gently roll out the puranpoli into as thin a circle as possible.

Transfer the puranpoli to a tawa or non-stick pan, flipping to cook evenly till brown on both side.  Smear a little ghee if desired. Serve hot and enjoy with a tablespoon or two of melted tup/ghee.  Absolutely delicious and scrumptious.

Ponsache Gariyo Jackfruit Fritters


Ponsache Gariyo – Jackfruit Fritters

Halasina Hannina Mulka

½ cup boiled rice

½ cup basmati rice

2.5 cups jackfruit

¼ cup jaggery or to taste

1/2 cup fresh coconut

¼ tsp. Black pepper

Salt to taste

1 tsp. cardamom seeds

Oil as required for frying

Method

Soak rice for minimum 4 hours.  Grind Alongwith all ingredients to a smooth thick paste.  Drop spoonful of batter in hot oil or use your fingers to scoop up the batter and drop into the oil.  Fry on medium heat to golden brown.  Enjoy as tea-time snack or for breakfast.

Jackfruit Mandas, Ponsache Mandos, Dhonas


MANDAS, Jackfruit Mandas

Goan Ponsache Mandos or Dhonas

Ingredients

2 cups boiled rice

2 cups fresh grated coconut

2 cups jaggery

2 cups ripe jackfruit

1 tsp. cardamoms, powdered

1 tsp. Salt, or to taste

½ cup cashewnuts/almonds (optional)

Method

Wash and soak the rice for 3 to 4 hours and grind to a paste alongwith the coconut, grated cucumber, jaggery and salt.  Add the cardamom powder and let it stand for about an hour. Add the chopped nuts, if desired.  Bake or steam till done.  To test if the mandas is ready, insert a toothpick or a knife in the center and it should come out clean.

Moringa Leaves Drumstick Leaves Stir Fry Vegetable


The new superfood – Moringa leaves, healthy, nutritious, excellent for gut health and for diabetics.  My mother never had to buy these leaves, they were always available in the home garden or the neighbourhood.  Thankfully these are now available worldwide at Asian stores, albeit at a price!

Ingredients

  • 2 Bunches Drumstick Leaves
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Roast and grind to a coarse paste

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 flakes garlic
  • ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 4 dry red chilies
  • ½ cup fresh or dessicaed coconut
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 to 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Method

Separate the leaves from the stems of the drumsticks and remove as much of the stems as possible although the small tender stems may be retained.  Soak in plenty of water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly changing the water atleast twice so that any dust etc. can come off.  Drain and set aside.

Drumstick Leaves Moringa Leaves Stir Fry vegetable

The new superfood – Moringa leaves, healthy, nutritious, excellent for gut health and for diabetics.  My mother never had to buy these leaves, they were always available in the home garden or the neighbourhood.  Thankfully these are now available worldwide at Asian stores, albeit at a price!

Ingredients

2 Bunches Drumstick Leaves

1 medium onion

1 tsp. mustard seeds

2 tbsp. coconut oil

Roast and grind to a coarse paste

1 medium onion chopped

2 flakes garlic

¼ tsp. turmeric powder

4 dry red chilies

½ cup fresh or dessicaed coconut

Salt to taste

1 to 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Method

Separate the leaves from the stems of the drumsticks and remove as much of the stems as possible although the small tender stems may be retained.  Soak in plenty of water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly changing the water atleast twice so that any dust etc. can come off.  Drain and set aside.

Heat a pan and add oil.  When hot add the red chilies, garlic and onion.  When light brown add the coconut, turmeric powder and salt and saute for 2 minutes till light brown and you get a nice roasted aroma.  Set aside to cool. Then grind to a coarse paste.

Slice the remaining onion.  Heat a pan and add oil, when hot add the mustard seeds, when they pop add the sliced onion and fry till translucent and soft.  Add the ground masala and saute 2 to 3 minutes adding the rinsed water from the jar. Add the drained drumstick leaves, mix and stir fry for 10 minutes.  Remove to a serving dish and serve hot.  The vegetable will have a slight crunch to it and a slight bitter taste so is very healthy and excellent for diabetics, is very nutritious and good for gut health due to it’s fibre content.  Some may want the leaves to be more tender, in this case add ¼ cup water and cook further 5 minutes.  Serve hot. 

Vaal Usal


Vaal Usal Valache Usal Dalimbi Usal

Sprouted Vaal, Butterbeans, Lima Beans, field beans

Lima beans provide more protein per serving than any other type of beans and are rich in vitamins & minerals.  Good source of fibre alongwith micronutrients like manganese, copper and  magnesium – source: healthline

Ingredients

  • 2 cup Sprouted and Peeled Vaal beans
  • 3 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • ¼ tsp. asafoetida
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp. ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. chilli powder
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 2 tsp. jaggery
  • 6 Kokum petals
  • ½ cup coriander leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. oil

Soak the Vaal beans for 12 to 15 hours.  Drain the water, rinse and leave in the bowl to sprout for 24 hrs.

Sprinkle water or cover the beans and drain 2 or 3 times so that the beans stay moist to aid sprouting. In most markets in India, sprouted beans are readily available.

Once sprouted, peel and discard the skin.  Keep immersed in water whilst peeling which makes it easier for the peels to slip off.  Put the peeled beans in a bowl of water.  Soak the kokum in a little water.

Heat  a vessel, add oil.  When hot, add the cumin seed, asafoetida and curry leaves.  Stir and add ginger garlic paste, saute for a minute and add the chopped onions and fry till translucent.  Add the drained beans, salt and a cup of water.  Cook for 10 to 15 minutes till tender.  Then add, chilli powder, turmeric, kokum with the water and cook futher 5 minutes.  Substitute with 1 tbsp.  tamarind pulp if kokum not available. Then add the jaggery and coriander leaves.  Cook 2 minutes, adjust seasoning and consistency of gravy and take off flame.  Serve hot with rice for lunch or dinner or any bread of your choice for breakfast!  Delicious, spicy, tangy with a hint of sweetness makes this Usual an all time favorite!

Banana Muluks Banana Semolina Jaggery Balls


Kele Mulik Recipe – Konkani Banana Modak Recipe – Ganesh Chaturthi Special Recipes – Kela Muluk (Banana Sweet Dish), Kela Fritters.

Known by several names, this quick recipe is easy, simple and delicious.  Don’t ever throw away leftover bananas, when you can use them to make these crunchy, crispy, scrumptious muluks!!

Makes 12 to 14 lemon sized Muluks

Ingredients

  • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup coconut fresh or dessicated coconut
  • ½ cup jaggery
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cardamom powder
  • Rawa as much as required to make a smooth dough

Mash the bananas well, add the coconut and jaggery and mix well ensuring the jaggery is melted.  Add salt and cardamom powder and add rawa as much as required to make a smooth soft dough.  Set aside for 15 minutes.  Heat oil in a wok, when hot add spoonful of dough or form soft balls by hand and drop gently  into the pan.  Fry on medium low till golden brown and cooked through.  Remove and serve immediately.

Hot Cross Buns Soft & Fluffy


hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun usually made with fruit, marked with a cross on the top, and has been traditionally eaten on Good Friday. They are available all year round in some places.

Traditions:  English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or grow mouldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone ill is said to help them recover. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year.

The cross: The traditional method for making the cross on top of the bun is to use shortcrust pastry, though some 21st century recipes recommended a paste of flour and water. – Source   Wikipedia

Hot Cross Buns –

Makes 12 buns approx. 65 gms each

Soft fluffy anyone and everyone can make anytime! 

Easiest Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all purpose flour
  •  2 ½ tsp. active dry yeast (approx.. 9 gms.)
  • ½ cup caster sugar  
  • ½ tsp. ground all spice
  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp. salt, or to taste  
  •  200 ml milk (luke warm) 
  •  3 tbsp.(42 gms) butter, softened 
  • 1/2 cup black raisins soaked in hot water for 15 mns., drain and pat dry
  • ½ cup Mixed fruit peel  
  • 1 tbsp. grated orange zest (if not using mixed peel)   zest of ½ orange
  • 1 egg whisk with milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla essence
  • 375 F for 10mns then reduce to 350 for 12 to 15mns
  • Glaze with sugar water or apricot jam + water

For the Cross

  • ½ cup Maida (all purpose flour)
  • 5 tbsp. water and more as required      

For glaze

  • ½ cup caster sugar
  • 150 ml boiling hot water

Method

In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients, add the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, all spice, ground cinnamon and mix.

Heat milk on stove top or microwave 30 to 40 seconds. Add the softened butter and egg and whisk.

Then add the wet ingredients, mix. If  kneading by hand, tip the ingredients onto a floured surface and knead. In a stand mixer knead 2 mns. On speed 1. Scrape down the bowl in between. Dough may be sticky but don’t be tempted to add anymore flour. Then 7 to 8 mns. On speed 2  till dough becomes smooth and comes together in a ball.

Grease a bowl, place the dough and cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Keep in a warm place until double in volume 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature.  This is the first proving. Once double, punch to release the air.

Divide into 12 equal portions.  You may weigh each portion to make sure the buns are even in size about 62 to 65 gms each. Form each portion into a smooth ball.  Place all the shaped dough portions next to each other into a large baking tray 1 inch apart lined with parchment and cover with greased cling wrap. leave on the counter to prove until double in size. This is the second proving.

To Prepare the flour paste for the cross: Add water to the flour and whisk until smooth. Add water or flour to get the right consistency.  Pipe the cross on each bun using a piping bag or zip lock bag with the tip cut off.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 deg C for 20 to 25 minutes (depends on the oven) or until tops are golden brown.  Place tray in the middle of the oven. 

Remove the baked buns, glaze with the sugar water.  Allow to sit in the tray 10 mns to soak up the sugar water, then leave on wire rack to cool a bit.  Slice and apply butter while still warm. You can store in airtight container for 4 days and in the freezer for 4 months, then toast and enjoy!

Steamed Rice Vadas Dumplings with Peanut Chutney


A delicious and healthy breakfast option or snack. The spicy, tangy peanut chutney can be used for dosas, idlis, as a sandwich spread or as a dip!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2  cup matta rice (or 1/2 cup basmati and 1 cup boiled rice)
  • Salt to taste

Tempering

  • 1 tsp. Mustard seed
  • 1 tsp. Cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp. Chana dal
  • 1 tsp. Urad dal
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • 1” pc. Ginger, chopped (optional)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves, chopped
  • A pinch Asafoetida

Wash and soak rice for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. Grind to a smooth paste adding as little water as possible.  In case the rice paste has excess moisture, microwave at 30 second intervals, until the paste is dry and easy to form into a ball.  For the tempering, add 2 tbsp. oil to a heated pan.  When oil heats up, add 1 tsp. mustard seeds, cumin, asafoetida, chana dal, urad dal, chopped green chillies, chopped curry leaves and saute for a minute.  Add one chopped onion and fry till soft and translucent.  Remove from heat and when cool add to the rice paste and mix well.  Add salt and mix.  Form into 2” diameter balls.  Steam for 20 minutes till done.

Peanut Chutney

Ingredients

  • ½ cup raw peanuts
  • 8 red chillies
  • 2 tbsp. coconut
  • 1 tbsp. tamarind paste
  • 1 tsp. salt or to taste

  • Tempering
  • ½ tsp. mustard seeds
  • 3 to 4 flakes garlic crushed
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp. oil

Roast the peanuts with a little oil till light brown.  Transfer to a grinder.  Roast the red chillies and when you get an aroma and the chilles are roasted add 2 tbsp. grated fresh or dessicated coconut.  Add this to the peanuts, add tamarind pulp and salt, some water to grind to a thick paste.

For tempering, heat oil in pan, then add mustard seeds, when they splutter, add cumin and curry leaves.  Saute for a minute then add the ground peanut paste and mix well to heat thru.

Serve alongwith steamed vadas for a delicious & healthy breakfast!

Methi Thepla


Methi Thepla  Gujarati Theplas

Theplas are synonymous with Gujarati breakfast!  A Versatile item as they can be  served even as tea-time snack or to satisfy a hunger pang!  For travellers it makes a great home-made food as it preserves well for long periods.  Theplas can make for quick and sumptuous wraps with your desired filling or simply have them with yogurt, pickle, garlic chutney, raita or any vegetable.

Instead of methi try using pumpkin (doodhi), zucchini or raddish with dried herbs, etc. as variations!!  However,  methi leaves (fenugreek greens) are found in plenty in winters and have many health benefits.  They are full of fibre and nutrients, vitamin C & K in particular.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • Pinch of asafoetida
  • 1 tsp. turmeric powder
  • ½ cup each of bajra (pearl millet) and gram (chick pea flour) flour
  • 1 tsp. chilli powder
  • 1 tsp.Salt
  • 4 green chillies
  • A small bunch fenugreek leaves
  • 3 tbsp. ghee

Remove the methi leaves and tender stems and place in a bowl.  Cover with water, add a tsp. of salt and let soak 10 minutes.  Rinse and drain the water.  Chop roughly and keep aside. Chop green chillies.  In the stand mixer bowl, add the ingredients from wheat flour to salt and sieve.  Add chopped  green chilies, fenugreek leaves and ghee, mix on speed 1 for 2 minutes.  Add water (1 to 1.5 cups) to form a stiff dough.  Add the water little at a time.  Divide the dough into approx.. 6 equal portions and roll out into round discs as thin as possible.  Shallow fry on pre-heated pan till golden brown on both sides.  Serve hot with pickle, garlic chutney, raita or any vegetable of your choice.

Thalipeeth


A typical maharashtrian dish made with multi grain flours, usually served as breakfast or snack with butter, yogurt or some dry garlic chutney.  Although quite filling, it is light on the stomach and satisfying.

Thalipeeth can also be made with readymade ‘Bhajani flour’ available in most stores in India, specifically Maharashtra, as it a typical Maharashtrian dish.  In Maharashtrain household Bhajani is made at home by roasting various millets, lentils and grains, grinding to a flour and storing it.  Such flour comes handy when a quick meal is to be prepared.  Bhajani Thalipeeth is popular in West India and Maharashtra in particular which would include Mumbai, the place I grew up!  An important characteristic of making Thalipeeth is a hole is made in the centre so that ghee or oil can be drizzled into it for even frying.  Thalipeeth is a very good to carry for travel as it keeps very well for prolonged periods without refrigeration!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup besan (Gram/chickpea flour)
  • 1 cup jowar flour (Sorghum flour)
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • ½ cup bajra flour (Pearl millet flour)
  • ½ cup wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp. each, chilli, coriander, cumin & garam masala powder
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 2 tbsp. grated Jaggery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Ghee for applying

Mix all above ingredients and knead with enough water into a soft dough.  Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.  Knead lightly again and form the dough into small balls.  Place one ball in between  2 sheets of greased plastic or a wet muslin cloth and roll out the thalipeeth as thin as possible.  Meanwhile, heat the tawa.  Lift one side of the cloth and place the thalipeeth directly onto the hot tawa.  Carefully remove the cloth.  Make a hole in the center of the Thalipeeth.  Can use plastic sheet instead of cloth (make sure the plastic does not touch the tawa to avoid burning).  Cook well on both sides and smear with ghee.  Serve hot with dry garlic chutney or yogurt or raita or fresh coconut and chilli.

Banana Labaneh Sugar Free Pancakes


Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tbsp. Labneh (Yogurt or Greek Yogurt)
  • 1 cup wheat flour (substitute with coconut or almond flour for healthier version)
  • 3 tbsp. flaxseed, ground
  • ½ tsp. salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. vanilla essence (or ½ tsp. cinnamon powder)
  • 1 cup water

Peek and mash bananas, add the eggs and beat lightly, add the flour, flaxseed powder, baking powder, salt and essence.  Mix and add water as much as required.  Batter will be lumpy.  Heat a skillet, smear with ghee  or butter and put ½ cup full of batter for each pancake.  Fry on each side 2 minutes on medium low, as these pancakes tend to brown easily.

Enjoy hot with bluberry jam, honey or maple/pancake syrup.

Sambar Udupi Sambar


Vegetable Sambar

Udupi Sambar

Sambar is such a versatile dish, it can be paired with so many south Indian breakfasts, snacks or main meals.  This recipe turns out so delicious, you will never want to try another recipe.

Ingredients

  • 100 gms. Tur dal (Toovar) Split pigeon peas
  • 5 to 6 lady fingers
  • 1 brinjal
  • 1 potato
  • 1 drumstick
  • 8 small peeled onions (keep whole) or 2 medium onion cut into thick slices
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 6 red chillies (missed this in the video)
  • 1 tbsp. coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds
  • A pinch asafoetida
  • 6 green chillies
  • 1 lime sized ball tamarind paste
  • 1 tsp. turmeric powder
  • 2 big onions finely sliced
  • Few curry leaves
  • ½ tsp. mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp. cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. coconut oil

Method

Wash dal and soak in water for 1 hour. 

Roast and powder coriander seeds, red chillies, fenugreek seeds and asafoetida.  Cover tamarind with two cups of water for 5 minutes and squeeze out the pulp. 

Cook the dal in the water it was soaked, adding ½ tsp. turmeric and salt till soft.  Remove from fire, add warm water and pulse in a mixer to a paste.

Clean the vegetables and cut into small pieces.  You may use vegetables of your choice.

Heat 2 tbsp. oil and fry the sliced onions till soft.  Add tomatoes, turmeric and salt and cook till tomatoes turn soft.  Add all the vegetables except the lady fingers.  Mix well and add the powdered masala and cook till vegetables are almost done, then add the lady fingers.  When vegetables turn tender, add the dal mixture, mix and put in the chopped green chillies and bring to a boil.  Add tamarind pulp. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.  Meanwhile heat a pan add the remaining oil and put in curry leaves and mustard and cumin seeds.  When the seeds stop popping transfer immediately to the sambar and serve hot with plain boiled rice, idlis, vadas and dosas. The consistency of the sambar can be adjusted to your choice.

Check out the other Udupi specialities to enjoy with Sambar:-

Idli Sambar:  https://youtu.be/sjFC6Eo-FQ0

Sada Dosa :  https://youtu.be/LxuaPUfsMRU

Uttapam    : https://youtu.be/5NRoejIuUbc

Medu Vada : https://youtu.be/EOA_pY3m4gI

Instant Quinoa Idlis : https://youtu.be/MLVGUfpBRLE

Sweet Potato Khichidi – Ratalayache Kees


Sweet Potato Khichidi – Ratalyache Kees

Promotes gut health, say the health experts!  A dish so full of nutrients yet so simple and easy to make, apart from eating boiled sweet potatoes!

Fasting food!  Upvas recipe. Delicious sweet potatoes, rich in nutrients and fibre and antioxidants that promote the growth of good gut bacteria and contribute to a healthy gut.  Ashadi Ekadashi Special.  This flavourful dish is a combination of spicy, sweet, tart and can be cooked in a jiffy!

Ingredients

  • 2 large or 4 medium Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • ½ tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp. roasted peanut powder
  • 2 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp. fresh grated coconut
  • 1 tbsp. lemon, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp. ghee
  • 1 tsp. sugar (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Wash and scrub potatoes well.  Not necessary to peel.  Grate and transfer to a bowl of water to prevent oxidation.  Heat a pan and add the ghee.  Reduce flame and add the cumin seeds, when they crackle add curry leaves and green chilli and saute a few seconds.  Add the drained sweet potatoes and mix.  Cover and cook 7-10 minutes on low, stirring occasionally.  Add the peanut powder, salt, sugar and lemon juice and fresh coconut and mix well.  Switch off and let rest 5 minutes, before removing to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot.  Enjoy with yogurt and pickle.  An excellent breakfast or snack! Great as an accompaniment to any main meal.  If you have observed, no water is added to the dish and hence the sweet potatoes are likely to stick to the pan. Using a non-stick pan helps.  Nonetheless, the slightly browned part of the Kees that has stuck to the bottom of the pan tastes the best!

Instant Quinoa Idlis


Quinoa Idli – No fermentation required!

Makes 12 Idlis

Quinoa is rich in protein, dietry fibre, B vitamins and dietary minerals in amounts greater than in many grains.  Cooked quinoa provides energy and is a rich source of manganese and phosphorus and a moderate source of dietary fiber, folate, and the dietary minerals iron, zinc and magnesium.  Quinoa is gluten-free with a high concentration of protein.

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup White quinoa
  • 1 Cup Oats
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • ¼ cup green peas
  • 4 tbsp. grated carrot
  • ¼ cup who cashewnuts
  • 1 tsp. salt, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • 1 ½ cup Water, approx.

Powder the quinoa and oats in a grinder and add to a bowl.  Mix with 1 cup water.  Then add additional water a little at a time, as required to make a thick smooth batter or dropping consistency.  Batter should not be too watery. Add, salt, chillies and cumin seeds.  Mix.  Then add carrots, peas (preferably frozen peas as they cook faster).  Temper the mustard seed in the oil and add to the batter.  Add cashewnuts and mix well and keep aside.  Keep the steamer with some water to heat.  Grease the idli molds.  When the water starts boiling, fill the idli molds with approx. ¼ cup of batter in each mold.  Place the idli stand in the steamer, place the lid and steam for 15 to 20 minutes.  Pierce a toothpick, if it comes out clean the idlis are done.  Serve with coconut chutney.

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