Oats Paniyaram Recipe | Easy Oats Paniyaram Using Idli Batter | Left over Idli Batter Recipe Ideas

Oats paniyaram is an Instant recipe that can be prepared using some left over idli/dosa batter. This oats paniyaram is a healthy, yummy and filling dish that can be served for breakfast, dinner or a perfect after school snack for kids. Here, I used store bought oat flour but you can make it home easily by grinding the rolled oats or quick cooking oats in blender and add it to the recipe. It is good to include oats and other whole grains in your daily meal. Whole grains are rich in fiber and low in calories and also they helps to reduce blood cholesterol and aids in good digestion. I use oats, millets, legumes and lentils in my daily cooking along with veggies.
Oats Paniyaram is one such healthy recipe with great taste. To make it even more tasty and crispy I also added some semolina/sooji/rava and rice flour to the batter. This oats paniyaram is not only my kids' favorite V also loved it a lot. If you don't have paniyam pan/Appam pan or Aebleskiver pan no worries, you can use your tawa/griddle or any wide pan and make it as thick pancake or Oats Oothappam. I tried that too, oats oothappam turned out soft and yummy. Now off to the recipe.

Read More >>>>

Sweet Corn Clear Soup | Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe | Sweet Corn Soup Recipe | Restaurant Style Vegetable Soup

Easy, healthy and delicious Restaurant style Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup Recipe with Step by Step Photos. I always love simple and clear soups than the blended/creamy soups. I often make Cabbage clear soup for me, it is like a diet soup. Except me no one likes that cabbage soup so for them I made this restaurant style Clear Soup with Sweet corn, Mixed vegetables & green onion(spring onion). It turned out good and even my kids loved this soup.

This is a mildly spiced, light soup loaded with fresh vegetables. You can add any vegetables of your choice, here I used Sweet corn, carrots, beans, cabbage, green onion. Like my other soup recipes, here also I used Homemade Vegetable Stock/Broth but you can use store bought or plain water too. But try to make it vegetable stock. Making stock at home is so simple and easy, if interested checkout my Vegetable Stock recipe. This time, I added a small piece of Cinnamon to my stock and the cinnamon flavor was well incorporated with the stock and the soup was flavorful and healthy too.

Read More >>>>

Kale Stir Fry | Kale Poriyal Recipe | Indian Kale Recipes

Kale or borecole (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group) is a vegetable with green or purple leaves, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms of vegetables, wiki says. Kale is rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium,  anit oxidants etc.,Most important health benefits of consuming Kale regularly helps in blood glucose control in Diabetes and also lowers the blood pressure. Though I cook Kale dishes often, never get a chance to click and share here.
Like Broccoli, Kale also suits well with Indian spices and Indian recipes. The taste of Kale Poriyal is similar to that Drumstick leaves Poriyal. Though the fresh kale has different flavor from Drumstick leaves, the cooked one tastes like Drumtick leaves. I love drumstick leaves recipes a lot, but I do not see here often. So, started using Kale in place of Drumstick leaves. This Kale Poriyal is a simple recipe and makes a perfect accompaniment for Rice & Rasam or with Curd Rice, Lemon Rice & Sambar Sadham. We had Kale Poriyal with plain rice, Brinjal Puli kuzhambu, Vazhakkai Varuval & Fresh Homemade Curd.

Read More >>>>

Beetroot Soup Recipe | Vegan Beetroot Soup | Roasted Beets Almond Soup | Beets Soup With Almonds

Vegan Beetroot Soup|Beetroot Soup Recipe|Beetroot Almond Soup Recipe with step by step pictures. I am here with another healthy, delicious and interesting soup recipe that is perfect for your Valentines Day Dinner Menu. The smooth, creamy and silky texture with bright red color is sure to impress everyone. For a change, I added some Almonds to the soup and instead of adding beetroot as such I roasted in oven and added to the soup. It was so flavorful and delicious with mild sweet taste from beets. I loved this soup a lot, even without cream or milk the soup got its rich taste and flavor from almonds. It was filing too. If you want are planning for a healthy meal to serve on this Valentines Day occasion, please add this soup to your menu and give it a try and am sure you will love it.

Read More >>>>

Podi Idli Recipe | Beetroot Idli | Beetroot Podi Idli Recipe | Kids Friendly Valentines Day Recipe Ideas

Podi Idli Recipe / Beetroot Idli recipe/ Roasted Beets Idli with step by step photos. I wanted to share few Valentine Recipes with red or pink colored dishes. But at the same time I do not want to make any cakes or cookies or desserts. Because, I have already had so much of sweets/desserts in the name of blog during Diwali & Christmas. So I am staying away from sweets and no more sweets or desserts for sometime.

Then after a long thought, I decided to cook few savory dishes with beetroot. And first in the row comes, Beetroot Podi Idli. Once I have tried Roasted Beets Pasta and used the left over beets pesto to make dosa. With that recipe in mind, I tried this Beetroot Podi Idli. To make it even more attractive,I cut the idlis with heat shaped cutter and my kids were so much excited to see the red colored heart shaped idlis. They kept asking me, How the idlis got red color? How I made it? Why heart idlis? Are we having Valentines Party at home? and so on until I gave them their plate of beets podi idli :)

Read More >>>>

Carrot Soup Recipe | Vegan Carrot Soup | Carrot Soup With Lime !

Carrot Soup|Vegan Carrot Soup Recipe with step by step pictures. Carrot and Tomato soup are my favorite soups and these are the soups that my Mom prepares at home once in a while.
As I do not like adding cream or milk based soups I prefer mostly vegan or simple soups with any veggies. This Carrot soup is one such recipe with great taste and flavor.  Any crispy bread pairs well with this soup and makes a perfect meal.

I followed the same Vegan Broccoli Soup recipe but instead of roasted broccoli I added carrots. And i have seen in many carrot soup recipes with lemon and ginger, here i used lime juice and it paired well. I have made it couple of times and this our family's favorite soup now.

Read More >>>>

Chole Masala Recipe | Easy Chole Recipe | Channa Masala For Batura

Easy Chole Masala Recipe/Chole Recipe for Batura with Step by Step photos. I have already shared Chole Batura and Restaurant style Channa Masala recipes, this chole version is a quick and easy pressure cooker method. I always prefer one pot meal or one pot cooking method and this is one such recipe using store bought chole masala powder. Actually, I wanted to share the authentic Punjabi Chole recipe. Being a friend and neighbor to Punjabi family, I wanted to learn  authentic Punjabi recipes. I have tasted Punjbai Samosa, Aloo Parantha, chaats, Kadhi Pakora, Punjabi Chole, Batura & few more recipes prepared by Auntie. She makes the best samosa, kadhi and all her dishes are yummy.

When I asked Auntie for the Chole recipe, She said that they use an unique Chole Masala Powder for Chole. And she added that the Chole Masala Powder is from Delhi, India from their well know spice store. Auntie & myself tried to identify the ingredients from that powder but in vain. We able to judge 1 or 2 ingredients but not the whole and the proportions. She said that she have tried couple of time to make homemade channa masala powder but wasn't successful. But she suggested to try the it the same way with any store bought Chole Masala Powder. Then one fine day as per her suggestion I tried this recipe and it turned out good.

Read More >>>>

Channa Chaat | Aloo Channa Chaat Recipe | Chickpeas Chaat Recipe

Channa Chaat Recipe / Aloo Channa Chaat with step wise pictures. Channa Chaat is a simple, healthy and refreshing Indian style Salad with chaat chutneys, fresh onion, tomato and cilantro. I love all kinds of chaat, the name is enough to make me feel fresh and good. Love anything with chaat chutneys. Instead of making Channa Sundal I made this channa chaat, this is a zero oil, vegan, healthy, filling and delicious snack. I had pomegranate in hand, so added few pom seeds to the chaat. The sweet and mild sour taste of pom seeds took the simple chaat to next level. But Channa Chaat can be made without pom seeds too.

Read More >>>>

Phulka Recipe | How To Make Soft & Puffed Roti | Phulka Roti Recipe With Video

Phulka Recipe | How To Make Soft Puffed Phulka Roti with video and step wise photos. For Week 2 under Kitchen Basics/How To's theme I am sharing Phulka Roti recipe. Phulka is an Indian flat bread, very soft and healthy zero oil rotis that is cooked on direct flame method. Making perfect and soft phulka is really a tricky job for many south Indians. If you over do, the rotis turn crisp and hard and if you did not cook properly the rotis will taste raw and also result in digestion problem. So today, I will be sharing few tips and tricks to make soft and puffy phulka rotis without any oil/curd or any leavening ingredients. I learned few tips from my friends and from my own experience. The same way you can puff up the rotis on tawa itself, will make a separate post of it later.

All you need is a whole wheat flour/Atta and water to make dough. And you have to make really a soft, smooth and loose dough, that is you have to use more water to knead dough and also knead the dough with less pressure by folding the dough. Also the dough resting time is important, allow the dough to rest for minimum 20-30 minutes. I tried a short video to show hot to cook phulka on tawa and direct flame. Hope it helps.

Read More >>>>

Oven Roasted Broccoli Soup | Roasted Broccoli Soup Recipe | Vegan Broccoli Soup

Oven Roasted Broccoli Soup / Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe. I wanted to try Broccoli Soup since long time but most of the recipe uses either milk or cream. I do not like milk or cream based soups and V too. So bit hesitated to try soup with milk. Earlier this month saw this Roasted Broccoli Soup on Foodgawker site and the recipe does not require any milk or cream and also it is simple and healthy. Immediately after making Homemade Vegetable Stock, I tried this soup and loved it to the core. Roasted broccoli flavor was too good and without milk and cream the soup got nice creamy texture due to the addition of potato. I added 1/2 of a medium potato and the result was awesome. I also tried Carrot Soup the similar way(recipe coming soon) Here I made it Vegan using olive oil for sauteing but you can also use butter. Now off to the recipe...

Read More >>>>

Thinai Idli Recipe | Foxtail Millet Idli Recipe | Millet Idli Recipe - Healthy Indian Breakfast Recipe!

Thinai Idli Recipe / Foxtail Millet Idli recipe with step by step pictures. Idli is one my favorite and comfort meal. I can have idlis for all 3 meals and my kids too love idlis. Most of our weekends breakfast will be Idli & Dosa. Idli is not only delicious, comfort meal it is also considered as one of the best healthy meal that is perfect for a wholesome breakfast. Idli itself a healthy treat and if it is prepared with whole grains or Millets then it is considered as the best meal and a simple way to include Millets/Whole grains in our diet. After trying idlis, with Brown Rice, Ragi Idli, Barley Idli and now comes Thinai Idli / Fox Tail Millet idli. I tried this Thinai Idlis way long back. I simply followed my regular idli Batter recipe, by replacing 1 cup of rice with 1 cup of foxtail millet. Millet idlis turned out soft and yummy with light pale color due to the millet.

Read More >>>>

Oats Sweet Pongal Recipe | Oats Sakkarai Pongal | Easy Sweet Pongal Recipe

Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes To Everyone! May the Sun Radiate Peace, Prosperity & Happiness in Your Life On this special Occasion and Always!!

I am sharing a healthy sweet on this special day, Oats Sweet Pongal / Oats Sakkarai Pongal. Last year I shared Thinai Sakkarai Pongal / Millet Sweet Pongal and this year sweet Pongal using Oats. Oats Sweet Pongal is quicker and easier than the regular Sakkarai Pongal using Rice. I followed the Basic Sakkarai Pongal recipe and cooked it on stove top without pressure cooker method. Jaggery Paired well with Oats and the pongal turned out finger licking good. For all Oats Recipes lover this sweet pongal is a must try. I thoroughly enjoyed this delicious Pongal and even My kids loved it a lot.

Read More >>>>

Guacamole Recipe | Spicy Guacamole Recipe | Easy Avocado Dip

Guacamole is nothing but a creamy and delicious dip/Condiment prepared using Avocados. One of the healthiest Dip for snacks, spread of Sandwiches/Burritos. It is one of the popular Mexican recipe.
After referring few sites and recipe card from Fresh Markets, I made this yummy Dip and it turned out perfect and tasted similar to restaurant style guacamole. Adding Jalapeno Pepper is optional, if you want it spicy then add it or simply skip it and add some fresh ground pepper for mild spice and flavor. Once in a while we buy Tortilla/Tostitos Chips for snacking and I usually make Fresh Tomato Salsa or sometimes we buy canned ones from store.
This time I had Avocados in hand, so made this creamy and yummy dip and we thoroughly enjoyed munching those crunchy tortilla with this delicious Spicy Guacamole. Next time when you buy Avocados from Market, please try this Guacamole and enjoy with chips/sandwiches/Burritos or You can make it as a salad with adding some steamed or grilled corn & some black beans.

Read More >>>>

Pasiparuppu Paniyaram | Moongdal Paniyaram ~ Healthy Snack Recipe

Today's recipe is one healthy, delicious, simple and easy after school snack recipe for kids using Moongdal / Pasiparuppu - Pasiparuppu Paniyaram. This is my Grandma's recipe and one of my favorite childhood food. Pasiparuppu Paniyaram is a good old recipe that many of you did not even heard or completely forgotten, I am happy that I learned such healthy, delicious recipes from her. My grandma is good in making different varieties of Paniyaram / Adai & Vadai. Most of our evening tiffin or snack will be Idli Batter Paniyaram, Chola Paniyaram, Pasiparuppu paniyaram, Ragi Adai, Murungai Adai. These are delicious, nutritious and filling snack. If you love Paniyram then you must try this recipe, this pasiparuppu paniyaram needs any spicy tangy dip like tomato garlic chutney, kara chutney, coconut chutney with dry red chilies. My kids love to have it with tomato sauce.I have posted this recipe long back and now updating it with new pictures and step wise pictures.  Now off to the recipe

Read More >>>>

Quinoa Black Bean Salad Recipe | Quinoa Black Bean Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing

I am eagerly waiting for the Kids Winter Break that is starting from this Friday. I have scheduled each day an assignment with my kids along with their reading and kumon work. Wanted to enjoy this winter break usefully and creatively with my kids. Both my boys are also waiting for the school break, they wanna bake and cook with me. Little one has bookmarked few cookies from the Taste of Home cookies book and wanted to bake it for Christmas. Also, I bought some surprise toys (board games) and gifts for them. Hope everything will go as our plan.

Now coming to the recipe, Quinoa Black Bean Salad / Quinoa Salad. This is a salad cum meal recipe. You can have this salad alone for lunch or dinner meal, since it is loaded with beans, carrot, onions, spices, lime dressing and almonds for crunch. What else you need for a healthy, filling and delicious meal more than this. You can also make this Salad as a side along with grilled chicken breast or fish. A wholesome dish to enjoy anytime of the day. If you are a fan for Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl, then you will love this salad too. Here, I used Quinoa but you can use any millet, Brown Rice, Whole grain Pasta for a carb susbtitute in the salad.

Read More >>>>

Quinoa Pulao Recipe | Quinoa Capsicum Pulao | Quinoa Pilaf Recipe

Today's recipe is a healthy, delicious and Vegan One Pot meal with Quinoa and vegetables - Quinoa Capsicum Pulao. More than Millet I love Quinoa and including it in my diet regularly. This time experimented the Indian way as One Pot Meal and it turned out so good. When Hema of Aromatic Cooking, gave me the two secret Ingredients,Capsicum  and Cashew nuts for Shh Cooking Secretly Challenge Event, an event by Priya, I wanted to make some rich cashew tomato curry sauce with Mushrooms but then decided to go with simple cooking and prepared this Quinoa Pulao with both the Ingredients in it.

Read More >>>>

BARLEY IDLI RECIPE | BROWN RICE BARLEY IDLI | HOW TO MAKE IDLI BATTER WITH BARLEY

After a small pause today I am here with a Healthy Breakfast Recipe, Barley Idli / Brown Rice Barley Idli. Most of the weekends breakfast/brunch will be Indian food that too the typical South Indian Breakfast ~ Idli / Dosa or Pongal / Upma. There's never a problem with my kids they love all Indian Breakfast only the problematic person is V. He likes only Idli/Dosa and once in a while Pongal is ok but Upma no way. So mainly for him I prefer to make Idlis on Weekends and this time it is Barley Idli. I have tried idlis with Brown Rice and Ragi and now trying with Millets and other grains. This Barley idli turned out so soft and tasty than the miller Idlis. That too the Dosa with Barley Idli Batter was so crispy, flavorful and yummy. I have tried this Barley idli and dosa few times and everytime it turned out good. Only the color of the idli was slightly pale and muddy, the idlis were so soft and delicious and none can say it is made out of Barley. I used poha in this recipe and that is the reason for super soft idlis and crispy dosa. If interested check out my Barley Adai Recipe here.

Read More >>>>

Stir Fried Spaghetti Recipe | Stir fried Pasta with Tri-colored Pepper

Looking for something spicy, vegan, simple and quick meal, then you should try this Stir Fried Spaghetti. I like Pasta / Spaghetti a lot. More than the sauce based pasta, i love this kind of stir fried Pasta. It is simple without much spices, sauce and also i used whole grain spaghetti so tasty and equally healthy too. I also cook stir fried pasta with some Indian spices too.
On a lazy afternoon, i was craving for some savory dish, at the same was not in a mood to cook one pot meal as its only for me. Then after a long pause I decided to cook spicy Pasta for me. Then i remember about the colored pepper in the fridge and used it in my pasta. To the same recipe, you can also add some thinly stripped carrots, cabbage and any desired vegetable. But this simple garlic and pepper flavored shpagetti with tri colored pepper turned out so flavorful, yummy and satisfying.

Read More >>>>

Cherry Tomato Lettuce Salad / Cherry Tomato Salad With Simple Vinaigrette Dressing !

Salad is a simple dish that contains fresh vegetable, fruits or with cooked meat/chicken, even eggs. We love salads with fresh veggies and fruits than the meat salad.The most favorite part of any salad is its dressing or salad sauce. It may be a simple vinaigrette or creamy ranch. I mostly prefer tangy and sweet kind of salad dressing where as my kids prefer the creamy sauce dressing with ranch, honey mustard, sour cream or yogurt.
This Cherry tomato Lettuce salad is a refreshing and simple salad with basic vinaigrette dressing with honey touch. This can be either served as an appetizer salad or as a dessert salad after a meal.
I got some fresh cherry tomato from my friend Gaury's Garden. These tomatoes were literally sweet and perfect for this salad. Use cherry tomato or grape tomato or pear tomato for this salad.

Read More >>>>

Millet Patties / Millet Rajma Patties / Millet Bean Patties

Just playing with the only available millet/Foxtail millet. One or the other day i cook Millet/Foxtail Millet in any form. This time its Millet Patties / Millet Patties with Rajma or kidney beans. These millet patties are so easy to make, healthy, gluten free, vegan and perfect for a guilt free low calorie snack. These vegetarian Millet Bean Patties makes a perfect after school snack for kids. My kiddo loved these patties with his favorite Garlic Ranch.

Read More >>>>