The use of cauliflower in South Indian cuisine is almost unheard of. We do use “other English vegetables” like carrots quite a bit but cauliflower rarely finds a place in mainstream cooking. The two versions that are quite popular in my home are Cauliflower Vepudu (Cauliflower Stir Fry) and Cauliflower Pesara Pappu Koora. Cauliflower Pesara…
Cauliflower Pesara Pappu Koora (Cauliflower aur Moong Dal ki Bhaji)
Vankaya Pachadi (Brinjal/Eggplant Chutney)
Vankaya Pachadi is Andhra Pradesh’s variation of the North Indian Baingan Bharta. My father loves this pachadi and I make it often for him. In fact, my father loves Brinjals. He can eat brinjals in any form that is served to him. Another person who loves brinjals is Sanjeev, my nephew. This pachadi is a variation…
Idli Upma
Sometimes, I have leftover Idlis or a little leftover Idli batter. In either case, I use the resulting Idlis to make Idli Upma. This is a dish that tastes best when made with Idlis that are at least a few hours old. I keep the extra Idlis in the an air-tight container and leave them…
Menthi Podi Veysina Dondakaya Koora (Ivy Gourd with Fenugreek Powder)
Dondakaya (Ivy Gourd/Tondli) is a vegetable found in abundance in South and West India. We make it a variety of ways at home and this version is a particular favourite because it of its mild flavour. Menthi Podi Veysina Dondakaya Koora is a yummmm accompaniment to pappu annam or majjiga annam. Ingredients Dondakaya/Ivy Gourd/Tondli –…
Mukkala Pulusu, Teepi Pulusu or Bellam Pulusu
Mukkala Pulusu—also called Teepi Pulusu or Bellam Pulusu—is a traditional Andhra mixed vegetable stew that is both sweet and tangy. It is an absolute must on most festive and religious occasions.
It also uses a whole host of vegetables, from pumpkin to lady finger to sweet potato. 🙂
Besan Laddoo
It is Dhana Trayodashi/Dhanteras today, the first of Diwali. Today, I made Besan Laddoo, a sweet that I love. I made it great abundance this year and will share it with family, friends and colleagues at work. 🙂 Makes: 12-15 Besan Laddus Ingredients Besan/Gram Flour/Senaga Pindi – 2 Cups Ghee/Clarified Butter/Neyyi – 1/2 Cups Green Cardamom – 4…
Sevai (Rice Noodles with Vegetables)
Rice Sevai is so very light on the stomach and a great way to start a day when had as breakfast. It also makes for a great evening snack. This recipe uses readymade sevai as that is what I use to make breakfast. However, there are days when I make the sevai from scratch, but that is…
Masala Pohe (Beaten Rice with Tomato)
I try to find as many different breakfasts as I can to avoid monotony. I learnt this version of pohe from my North Indian friends and my father likes it because it is more moist than the conventional kanda pohe/batata pohe. Ingredients Pohe/Beaten Rice – 1 Cup Tomato – 1 Small Onion – 1 Small Chilli…
Piyush (A Sweet Drink with Shrikhand)
Maharashtrians always have Shrikhand for festive meals. In addition to serving it with Puri, in Maharashtra, Shrikhand is also transformed into a delicious drink called Piyush. I first discovered this wonderful drink at Prakash, that venerable food place near Shiv Sena Bhavan, Mumbai, which is home to a traditional Maharashtrian snacks. It was when I went there with my…
Beetroot Koora | Beetroot Curry
Here is an easy to make beetroot curry, where the garlic and chillies offset the sweet taste of the beetroot. It tastes awesome with hot rotis or just by itself. 🙂 Ingredients Beetroot – 1/4 Kg Onion – 1 Garlic Cloves – 3 Grated Coconut – 3 tbsp Rice Flour – 1/2 tsp Turmeric –…
Bangala Dumpa Mudda Kura (Mashed Potato Curry)
Bangala Dumpa Mudda Kura is a mashed potato curry made in Andhra and other parts of South India.
It is commonly served with puris. In my home, it is also a favoured side dish for sambar rice or curd rice.
Chikkudikaya Nuvvulu Podi Kura (Lima Beans, Indian Broad Beans with Roasted Sesame Powder)
I really like chikkudikaya in all its forms. This Chikkudikaya Kura made with Indian Broad Beans is a particular favourite of mine. Ingredients Chikkudikaya/Indian Broad Beans – 1/2 Kg Udad Dal – 1.5 tsp Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp Red Chillies – 3 or 4 Curry Leaves – 6 to 8 Nuvvula Podi – 1…
