USES & BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK

     Coconut Tree is considered as 'KALPA VRIKSHA', which means, 'DIVINE TREE' which can fulfill all wishes. But in real terms, it could be termed as ' a tree which provides all that is necessary for a living'.  From the root to its leaves, each and every part of a coconut tree proves useful and is loaded with therapeutic benefits.
     Coconut Milk is often called as 'Miracle Liquid' - because of its high nutritional content and it's great ability to fight and prevent diseases and build up the body’s immunity. Coconut milk is a liquid naturally found in mature coconuts. When a coconut is cracked open, the thin liquid which is inside the coconut is the COCONUT WATER.  But the COCONUT MILK is what you get when you blend the white coconut flesh and then strain it.
     Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. coconut Milk can be used as a milk substitute for people with lactose tolerance.
    Coconut Milk is one best Vegan choice and can be used in various recipes from curries, desserts, ice creams, smoothies, milk shakes etc., Coconut milk is higher in healthy saturated fatty acids and especially the lower fat variety and is advised to use in moderation. 
     Coconut Milk has loads of health benefits and innumerable culinary usage.  It enhances the taste and flavour of the dish it is added into.  Giving fresh note and slightly sweeter tinge to the dish.For homemade Coconut Milk recipe, click here...

1 Cup of Coconut Milk contains...

• Calories: 552.
• Fat: 57 grams.
• Protein: 5 grams.
• Carbs: 13 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.
• Folate: 10% of the RDI.
• Iron: 22% of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 22% of the RDI.
• Potassium: 18% of the RDI.
• Copper: 32% of the RDI.
• Manganese: 110% of the RDI.
• Selenium: 21% of the RDI.

*RDI - Recommended Daily Intake

BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK :

FOR HEALTH :

Strong Bones : 

     Coconut milk contains Calcium and Phosphorus, the two major minerals which help to strengthen the bones.

Treatment of Arthritis:

     Selenium an antioxidant, found in coconut milk controls free radicals and thus relieves arthritis symptoms and decreases the risk of inflammation in joints.

Lowers Cholesterol:

     Though Coconut milk contains saturated fat it can reduce cholesterol levels, as it has Lauric Acid which boosts HDL (good) cholesterol. Coconut milk is easily broken down during digestion and metabolizes healthy fats such as omega 6, which is an essential fatty acid.

Source of Magnesium:

     Coconut milk is a rich source of Magnesium. This mineral helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure as well as prevent nerve cells from becoming overactive. Magnesium also reduces muscle contraction and makes you feel more relaxed.

Aids Weight Loss:

If taken in moderation, can help to control weight. Though coconut milk is rich in saturated fats (fattening agent), it is also rich in Fiber, which makes you feel full for a longer time.

Stronger Immune System:

     Coconut milk contains Lauric Acid, Antimicrobial Lipids and Capric Acid which possesses Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral properties. This lauric acid is converted into a compound called Monolaurin when it enters the body, which is believed to fight the viruses and bacteria that cause Herpes, Influenza and even HIV.

FOR SKIN & HAIR

     Coconut milk can be beneficial for your hair like Coconut Oil. It is used in hair masks as it nourishes our hair with Proteins.

Nourishes the Hair :

     Coconut milk cools the scalp and nourishes the hair by naturally moisturizing the root ends, hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.  Massage fresh coconut milk into your scalp for 3-5 minutes and leave it for at least 15 minutes before washing it off, which can prove beneficial in restoring dry & damaged hair.

Prevents Balding :

   Massaging the scalp with Coconut Milk diluted in water along with Camphor solution is a very good home remedy for balding. Massage your scalp including the bald spots with this mixture and leave it for a couple of hours. Rinse it off with warm water.

Helps in detangling the Hair :

    Apply some Coconut milk through your hair before combing. It acts as a natural detangler for your hair.

As Hair Conditioner:

    Coconut milk is a great hair conditioner, use it as a leave-on conditioner. Coconut Milk provides you with longer and thicker hair and also gives an added volume to your hair without making them greasy. Rub the coconut milk on your hair from roots to ends and leave them or wash it off with warm water after few hours.

Coconut Milk For Skin

     Coconut Milk is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and natural proteins which contribute to a smooth and radiant skin.

Moisturizer:

    Coconut milk replaces moisture in the dehydrated skin and is a great moisturizer. Rub some coconut milk on your skin and leave it for 30 minutes to get absorbed. This will combat dryness and promote healthy and glowing skin. Fresh homemade coconut milk serves best for this purpose.

Treatment of Sunburns:

     Coconut Milk can be very effective in treating skin damaged by harsh sunlight.Apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to the area, leave it overnight or for few hours before washing it off. It helps in easing the pain of burns and rashes and gradually lightens the darkened scars formed due to sun burns.

Anti-ageing Benefits:

     Applying topically and using them in your diet improves skin conditions.  Nutrients in it help to slow down the ageing process of your skin and body by maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. Thus, it prevents wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

Treatment of Skin Ailments:

     The moisturizing properties of coconut milk can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The natural fatty acids in this milk can help treat dry and irritated skin and also help remove harmful bacterias from your skin.

     From a part of the world where coconut, coconut and more coconuts with a name so synonymous to go along KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY / LAND OF COCONUTS. We use it as grated coconut, coconut milk, coconut oil - it is been in our daily diet and lifestyle for ages. Coconut in grated form and as Milk is used in a variety of dishes.  Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is used for cooking and also as hair & body oil and in the preparation of medicated oils in Ayurveda. Oil prepared from the roots of Coconut Tree proves beneficial to get rid of joint pains. Nothing new as far as we know.  With new dimensions of Virgin Coconut Oils in stores with an unimaginable price for a small bottle - make me wince a bit. But the very name 'KALPA VRIKSHA' or Divine Tree which can fulfil any wish - would have been named by wise men of the ages who lived along with 'Nature' and who has understood the basic nature and benefits of Coconuts and its products from time immemorial.

______________________________________________________________

*DISCLAIMER:

Please remember these options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This is for information purposes only.

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE IN RICE COOKER

     Equally good and perfect as authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice is this easy 'Rice Cooker Chicken Rice'.  Though a shortcut method of the original version this method proves handy when cooking in a small batch.  If you are in short of time and really in a quest for something special, then go ahead with this lazy method of cooking.
      I have already posted the recipe and method for Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice. As this dish is one of my family favourites, I have started to frequent it and usually, we do not need a full chicken for this rice, and then I started to ponder for easier versions and came up with this.
     Cooking Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker does total justice to the dish too. Even the texture and aroma of the rice also turns out equally good. Instead of full Chicken, Chicken Pieces are used in this recipe along with home made Chicken Stock. You can also use store bought Chicken Stock Concentrate or Cube for the purpose. For Home-made Chicken Stock Recipe, click here...
     Cook the Jasmine Rice and Chicken Pieces together and as for serving suggestion serve it along with the heavenly add-ons to drench the chicken and rice - the Sauces & Soup

          - Dipping Soup
          - Ginger-Garlic Sauce &
          - Soy Sauce


Cuisine : Chinese (Hainanese)
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Spice Level : Low
Serves : 3-4
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 10-15 Minutes
Cooking Time : 25 - 30 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE IN RICE COOKER

INGREDIENTS :

Chicken Pieces - 400 Gms
Rice - 2 Cups
Chicken Stock - 11/2 Cups
Garlic - 6-8 cloves
Ginger - 1" Piece
Screw Pine/Pandan Leaves - 2 Leaves
Salt - To Taste
Chicken Fat/Oil - 2 Tbspn

METHOD :

• Clean, Wash and pat dry the Chicken Pieces, Sprinkle some salt and pepper over it and leave it aside. 
• Rinse and wash the Rice until water runs clear.
• Drain the Rice and keep it aside.
• Heat a pan, add the Chicken Fat/Oil and allow it to melt.
• Saute finely minced Garlic & Ginger in a low flame for few minutes.(It shouldn't burn)
• Add the Rice and fry this for about two minutes on a low flame.
• Turn off the heat and scoop the rice into the rice cooker.
• Place the marinated Chicken Pieces into the rice cooker.
• Boil the Chicken Stock along with Salt and pour it into the rice.
• Tie the Screw pine Leaves into a knot and drop it into the rice cooker
• Close the lid and press START.
• Allow it to cook until the switch falls to WARM UP mode.
• Fluff it up with a fork, and close the lid.
• Let it sit in warm-mode for another 15-20 minutes.
• Switch off, fluff the rice with a fork. 
• Serve individual portions with Rice, sliced Chicken Pieces, Dipping Sauces and Soup.

NOTES:

• Rice Water Ratio for cooking in Rice Cooker is usually 1:11/2 Cups, but use only half the amount of water, as the chicken pieces tend to ooze out water while cooking. I have used only 11/2 Cups of Chicken Stock for 2 Cups of Rice.
• I have used Jasmine Rice in this recipe, which is fragrant and gives a nice aroma to the dish.
• Adjust the amount of water, if you feel the rice is too dry.
• Alternatively, it can be cooked in a sauce pan too.  
• If Cooking in a Pressure Cooker, follow the above instructions as for the rice cooker with an extra 1/2 Cup of Chicken Stock and cook for a whistle on a high flame.  Leave it aside until the pressure releases, fluff the rice.  Rice & Chicken Pieces tends to become softer when cooked in Pressure Cooker.

 

GINGER & GARLIC SAUCE FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

GINGER & GARLIC SAUCE FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

INGREDIENTS:

For Ginger Garlic Sauce:

Ginger- 1" Piece.
Garlic - 2 Cloves
Chicken Stock - 2 Tbspns
Sweet Chilli Sauce - 2 Tbspns
Sriracha Chilli Sauce - 2 Tbspns
Rice Wine vinegar - 1 Tspn
Lemon Juice - 1 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - 1 Tspn

METHOD :

• Pound Ginger & Garlic with a mortar & a pestle into a fine paste.
• Alternatively can finely chop the ingredients.
• Add Chicken Stock, Sweet Chilli Sauce and Sriracha Sauce to the above.
• Add Salt, Sugar and Lemon Juice and Mix well.
• This dipping Sauce is a bit spicy version, as I have used Sriracha sauce.

 

SOUP FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

SOUP FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

INGREDIENTS :

For the Soup:

Vegetable Oil - 2 Tspns
Garlic - 2 Cloves
Chicken Stock - 1 Cup
Light Soy Sauce - 1 Tspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

For Garnishing:

Spring Onions - Few

METHOD :

• Heat Oil in a pan and saute minced Garlic until aromatic.
• Pour in the Chicken Stock, Light Soy Sauce, Salt and Sugar.
• Allow it to boil for few minutes.
• Garnish with Spring Onions and serve it along with Hainanese Chicken Rice.

HOW TO SERVE HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

SERVING SUGGESTION :

     To plate it up - scoop out a bowl of rice, serve it along with thinly sliced chicken pieces, soup and sauces.  Can add some cucumber and tomato slices, if preferred.  Can serve hot or cold - both ways Hainanese Chicken Rice taste heavenly.

HOME MADE BUTTER

     Origin of Butter dates back to more than 10,000 years and it has been in the lifestyle of civilizations from the time animals were domesticated and reared for dairy products. Butter by its nature has been enhancing the flavours and textures with its versatility to be compatible in various dishes converting them into a delicacy. Not only as a food, it is also valued cosmetically and also highly esteemed for its healing properties.
     Butter can be prepared by churning fresh cream or yogurt/curd.  Mostly butter is prepared from Cow's Milk, but it can also be prepared with Buffalo/Sheep/Goat/Yak Milk. Churning process produces small grains of solidified butter separating the whey or butter milk from it.
     Imagine the old fashioned churning method, sitting all the way and churning butter from a large pot of cream or curd with a butter churn, the swirling and swooshing splish-splash, splish-splash sound.  Though reminiscent of stories of Gopikas' churning butter and Krishna stealing it from the pots, sounds quite good.  But the idea really makes me wince a bit.  For one reason, you need a lot of cream or butter and another reason the time and labour it takes.  But this was the method my grandmother and almost for years, my MOM had followed.  There was a big herd of cows and buffaloes in my grandmother's house that preparing Curd, Butter, Buttermilk and Ghee was a part of their daily routine.
     But with small batches of milk, we buy these days, it is easy and fast to churn it up in a blender or a food processor. Even Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer can be used for the purpose.  The idea behind the method is to separate the fat from the milk/cream/yogurt.  I usually use my blender for the purpose and use the whipping option available in it. If you do not have the whipping option you can just agitate the milk by switching on the lowest speed button for few seconds, switch it off and again continue with the process until fat globules start to coagulates over the milk.
     Butter can be made by collecting :
         - the thick layer of cream from Curd
         - heavy sheet of cream from Milk
     Homemade butter is one routine in our kitchen.  My MOM and my MIL both prepare it so frequently that we never buy butter or ghee from the market. We usually prepare Butter from thick layer of cream from Curd. Or just collect the heavy sheet of cream from milk which floats over it. Collect it in a bottle, close the lid tightly and store it in the freezer until use.  When there is enough cream may be around three to four cups then we can go ahead with the process of making Butter.  Thaw the cream before the process.
      The options and uses with this home-made Butter is vast enough. But the highlight of home made butter is that it has no additives, preservatives or colouring agents.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER :

Ingredients :

Fresh Cream - 3-4 Cups
Ice Water - 2 Cups

Method :

• Pour the fresh cream into the jar of your blender.
• Add Ice Water to the above and close the lid of the jar.
• Turn on the whipping option in your blender or turn on to the lowest speed for few second i.e for about 10 - 20 seconds.
• Switch off and again do the above process until small fat globules solidify above the milk.
• The total process may take about 3-5 minutes.
• When you feel that all the fat from the milk has solidified, pour it out through a strainer.
• Or simply remove it using a slotted spoon or with your hands.
• Collect all the solidified butter into a wide bowl.
• Rinse the Butter in ice water and remove any remaining butter milk out of it.
• Repeat the process and rinse the butter with ice water until the water runs clear.
• Can store the butter in airtight containers.
• For Salted Butter - Can add a dash of salt and mix it well into the butter before storing. 
• Can spread this fresh butter over Toasts, or serve hot rotis or parathas with a blob of butter over it.
• Can use this butter to prepare cakes, cookies and pastries or while baking potatoes, for basting chicken or meat.
• Or simply heat it up to make Ghee/Clarified Butter.
• Can flavour the butter to your fancy like Garlic Butter, Lemon/Lime Butter, Herb flavoured Butter or mix it up with some spices like Cayenne or Pepper to it.
• Mix along with some Preserved Fruits or Honey/Maple for a sweeter flavour.
• Home-made Flavoured Butter can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and in the freezer for about two months.

NOTES :

• Store the collected cream in the freezer and thaw it up before making butter.
• Ice cold water will help in solidifying the butter soon. 
• If using a hand mixer or stand mixer the butter will stick on to the beater. 
• Rinse and store the Solidified Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 
• Do not throw the whey or otherwise called Butter milk.
• Season it up with shallots, green chillies, ginger, lemon juice and curry leaves to make Sambharam/Moru or simply add a dash of salt into it.
• This makes a very good drink on a sunny day.

*TIPS & TRICKS :

     Cleaning the blender jar is one mess of a thing in the process of making Butter. Pour slightly hot water (not boiling water, which can spoil the blender jar) into the jar, close and beat it up on low speed for few seconds in the blender. Can add few drops of dish wash liquid and beat it up again. Pour out the warm water and wash it as usual.

     Pour hot water into the bowls used for making butter and leave them aside for few minutes. Then wash it up as usual. Hot water helps to remove the grease from nook and corner making the process easy and clean.

MOOLI/RADISH PARATHA

     Stuffed Indian Bread, colloquially named Parathas are Rotis made with immediately available ingredients in an Indian Kitchen. North Indian Cuisine is filled with variable recipes with a variety of stuffed Parathas. These parathas are made with Whole wheat flour(Gehun ka Aatta).  We can get wild with the choice of stuffings, Aloo Paratha with Potatoes Stuffed in it, or Methi (Fenugreek Leaves) Paratha/Thepla, Mint Paratha, Onion/Spring Onion Paratha, Gobi(Cauliflower) Paratha, Mooli(Radish) Paratha, Dhal Paratha, Paneer Paratha etc., & etc.,
     My acquaintance with these stuffed Parathas started during my college days, where I had quite a lot of North Indian classmates.  As normal as it is, they used to love our Sambar Idli and Dosa, Upma, Pongal or Sambar/Thayir(Curd) Sadham and we South Indians love their Parathas, Pooris, Kulchas, Dhoklas, Theplas, Baturas etc., So it became a routine in our class to share, literally we used to swap our lunch boxes. My favourite among the dishes was Dhokla and stuffed Parathas with Punjabi Mango Pickle/Sweet Mango Pickle. It was during those time that I started preparing stuffed Parathas, Baturas etc., which was quiet new to our palate at home.
     And among other Parathas, the most frequented is this Mooli Paratha.  Mooli/Radish Paratha is prepared with whole wheat flour and grated radish seasoned to taste.  Radish tends to ooze out a lot of water from it, so it's quite important to squeeze out the excess water, before kneading it into a dough, otherwise, the dough would be very difficult to handle.  Parathas are usually cooked over the griddle with oil/ghee drizzled over it.  The smell of Radish and ghee wafts out a pleasant aroma while cooking. This Mooli/Radish Paratha can be eaten with just some Curd Raitha or Pickle.


For more INDIAN BREADS, Click here...

Cuisine : North Indian ( Punjabi)
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Spice Level - Low
Serves : 4
Yields : 12 - 15 Parathas
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 10-15 Minutes
Leavening Time : 5-8 Minutes
Cooking Time : 15 - 20 Minutes

 

For more PARATHA RECIPES, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE MOOLI/RADISH PARATHA

INGREDIENTS :

For the Dough :

Whole Wheat Flour - 2 Cups
Radish - 1 Cup.
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Tspn.
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - 1 Tspn (Optional)
Oil - 3 Tspns(for Dough)
Water - as Required

To Cook :

Ghee/Oil - 4-5 Tspns (To Drizzle)

METHOD :

• Clean, Wash, Peel and Grate the radish, sprinkle a dash of salt over it and leave it aside for few minutes.
• Squeeze out the excess water from the grated radish.
• Mix all the ingredients mentioned under 'For the dough', adding a little water and knead it into a pliable dough.
• Finally, add oil and knead it again for about 7-8 minutes.
• Cover and leave it aside for 5-8 minutes.
• Before rolling them, knead it again.
• Divide the dough into 12-15  medium sized balls.
• Then roll them out into thin circles.
• Heat a griddle(Tawa) and cook each paratha in medium flame.
• Drizzle 1/4 Tspn of Oil/Ghee over each Mooli Paratha and cook them until they turn into golden brown colour on both the sides.
• Serve Mooli/Radish Parathas hot with a bowl of Curd(yoghurt), Raitha or Pickle.

NOTES :

• Grated radish tends to ooze out excess water from it, make sure to squeeze it out.
• Can substitute 1/4 Cup of grated radish for Radish leaves too.
• Can substitute Red Chilli Powder for Green Chillies.
• Garam Masala/Chat Masala can also be added while kneading the dough.
• Can add Spring Onions/Coriander leaves along with grated radish.
• Can stuff the radish mix and then roll it out too, instead of kneading it along with the flour.
• Some recipes even call for sauteing out the grated radish to ensure that there is no water in it.
• Add very little water as required while kneading the dough.
• Can also smear a blob of butter over hot Mooli Parathas just before serving.

MOONG DHAL FRY

     Moong Dhal Fry or Tadka is one of the popular and most sought recipes.  It is one of the most common dishes prepared to go along with Chapathis and rotis. Dhal Fry is usually prepared with Moong Dhal/Masoor Dhal/ Tuvar Dhal/Bengal Gram Dhal.  It is an easy recipe with very few ingredients and all the more it can be prepared within minutes. This Dhal Fry goes well with Chapthis, Rotis, Parathas, Naans, Kulchas and Pulkas; with rice dishes like Steamed Basmati Rice, Jeera Rice etc.,
      It is basically Dhal Tadka where Dhals(Lentils) is cooked and seasoned with mild spices, 'Tadka' simply means tempering, where the spices are spluttered in oil/ghee to add flavour and taste to the dish. Tadka instantaneously enhances the aroma of the dish. Tadka or Tempering is literally an Art.  If performed well you get instant results. Some Temperings should be Poured into the dish, and some temperings should be done initially and then the ingredients should be mixed and cooked over it. Indian cooking stresses on various strict methods of tempering. Tempering includes spluttering of spices in oil or ghee or butter until they crackle, or just simply enhancing the flavour of the spices in low flame without allowing them to splutter. We can just brush off the idea, but the in depth notion behind the art gives an extra special note to the dish transforming it into a tasty, aromatic and flavour filled dish.
    This is a North Indian Style of preparation where the tempering is mostly done with Cumin Seeds rather than with Mustard. Cumin Seeds along with other spices and condiments are tempered in Ghee in low flame until the flavour is released for this Dhal Fry. To get a restaurant like Dhal with a smoky flavour, Dungar method can be used to infuse the authentic smoky smell. This dhal has a beautiful creamy texture and a bright yellow colour and the tempering enhances the feel of the dish with a heart warming aromatic effect.


Cuisine : North Indian
Course : Side Dish
Spice Level  : Low
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 3 - 4
Author : SM


Preparation Time - 5 - 10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15 - 20 Minutes

HOW TO COOK MOONG DHAL FRY

INGREDIENTS:

For Dhal :

Moong Dhal - 1/2 Cup
Water - 11/2 Cups
Onions - 1 No.
Green Chillies - 3-4 Nos.
Ginger - a Small Piece
Garlic - 2 Cloves
Tomato - 1 No.(Optional)
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Garam Masala Powder - a Pinch (optional)
Kasoori Methi(Dried Fenugreek Leaves) - Few
Butter/Ghee - 1 Tspn

For Tempering :

Ghee/Oil - 2 Tbspn
Cumin Seeds - 1 Tspn
Dry Red Chillies - 2 Nos.
Asafoetida Powder - 1/4 Tspn
Kasuri Methi - Few

To Garnish :

Cream - 1 Tbspn(optional)
Coriander Leaves - Few

For the Smoky Flavour :

Charcoal Briquette - Small Piece
Vegetable Oil - 1/2 Tspn
Ramekin - 1 No.

METHOD :

For Dhal :

• Clean and wash the dhal until the water runs clear.
• Add 11/2 Cups of Water to the dhal along with other ingredients mentioned under 'For Dhal'.
• Pressure cook the dhal for a whistle in high flame and for another whistle in low flame.
• Switch off the flame and allow to pressure to release. 

For Tempering :

• Heat Oil/Ghee, immediately lower the flame and splutter Cumin seeds, Dry Red Chillies and Asafoetida powder and Kasuri Methi.
• Pour the tempering to the Dhal and mix well.
• Garnish it with Cream and Coriander Leaves.
• Serve hot with the dish of your choice.

For Smoky Flavour (Optional) :

• Place a small ramekin in the middle with some vegetable oil inside.
• Add the red hot coal inside the oil and cover the pot with a lid.
• Leave the smoky charcoal inside the pot for a while.
• It will give the Dhal Fry a smoky flavour.

NOTES :

• Can use Masoor Dhal for the dish or mix equal amount of Masoor dhal and Moong dhal for the recipe.
• The above dhals do not require soaking and both Dhals require the same amount of cooking time.
• If using Tuvar Dhal or Bengal Gram Dhal soak them before cooking.
• For more details on How to cook Beans, Lentils and Pulses, click here ... 
• Adding butter or ghee while cooking dhal will speed up the process and also adds a nice flavour to the dhal.
• According to Ayurveda, Moong Dhal should be cooked with ghee (or other oil) to antidote its dry and astringent qualities.
• Do not add salt while cooking dhal, once the dhal is cooked add salt and mix well before tempering.
• Adding Tomatoes and Cream are totally optional.
• Do not splutter cumin seeds and asafoetida powder in high flame this will burn them and will give a bitter taste to the dish. 
• Pour the Tempering to the cooked dhal.
• Can also substitute Green Chillies with Red Chilli Powder.
• Infusing the Smoky Flavour to the dhal is totally optional. 

TOMATO RICE /THAKKALI SADHAM

     Tomato is one vegetable with its counterpart Onion which finds its Highs and Lows in its price journey in an Indian market. Sometimes priced high and sometimes at its low - it scares us with its price most of the time.  On the other hand, if the cultivation hits its mark, then needless to say it would be sold for such a low price that we can buy a big basket full of Tomatoes at no cost. That is the time Indian kitchens line up with Tomato dishes on a row.  My mom prepares Tomato Juice, Tomato Pickle etc., and even I have tried my hand preparing Tomato Sauce thrice, while I was in India.  Even I make Tomato Purees and store them up in refrigerate for future usage.
     Indian cooking especially South Indian cooking is incomplete without tomatoes.  Debated until today as a Vegetable or a Fruit, these red coloured luscious Tomatoes are always a treat to our eyes.  With varieties of different tomatoes in the market, varying with shades, tastes and sizes, we are totally spoilt by choices.
     Tomatoes always come for a rescue when you are in short of time or a vegetable in the kitchen, may be for a chutney, pickle, salad, rice mix, soup or a curry.  It hits the show as 'one man army'. Most of the recipes are quick enough and all the more adds a richness and lusciousness to the dish its added into adding a slight note of tanginess and sweetness.
    Along with other variety rice list, Tomato Rice takes a special part with its fiery red colour and tanginess. Tomato Rice can be prepared by different methods, most commonly prepared Tomato Rice is the simple version and another one is Tomato Pulao prepared using Basmati/Seeraga Samba Rice with more flavours and spices.
    This simple version of Tomato Rice suits well for a weekday lunch, also suits best for Lunch Box packing.  This is one rice dish I had frequented in my lunch box during my school days. Simple Potato Poriyal/ Potato Fry/Potato Roast goes hand-in-hand with it, veggie poriyals or sautes also accompany well with this humble Tomato Rice. Serve it along with a cup of Yogurt/Curd or Curd Raitha or simply complete it with a smidgen of Pickle and crunchy appetizers like Appalam/Pappadam or Vadagam.


Cuisine - South Indian
Course - Main
Spice Level - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3- 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

• Cook raw rice as per instructions until soft (But not mushy). Allow it to cool down.
• Mix the Rice with 1 Tbspn of Oil/Ghee and leave it aside.
• Finely chop Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger and Garlic.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram Dhal, Dry Red Chillies and Curry Leaves.
• Sprinkle Asafoetida Powder and immediately add finely chopped Onions, Green Chillies, Ginger and Garlic and saute them until onions turn translucent.
• Add Turmeric Powder and Red Chilli Powder and fry them for a while in very low flame.
• Add finely chopped Tomatoes, along with Salt and a pinch of Sugar to it and mix well.
• Saute until tomatoes turn soft and well cooked.
• Add Tamarind paste to the above and mix well.
• Sprinkle few teaspoons of water if necessary and leave this on a low flame until oil separates from the mix.
• Add the cooked Rice and mix it until well combined on a very low flame.
• Serve hot with any veggie dish of your choice, or simply serve it with Potato Chips/Appalam/Vadagam.

NOTES :

• Can prepare this dish with par-boiled rice too. 
• Cook the rice variety you are using, Al dente.
• Adjust the amount of green chillies and dry chillies to your preference.
• Gingelly (sesame) Oil would suit best for the dish. 
• Adding tamarind paste is purely optional, the tomatoes I get here are not as sour as the ones in India, so my MIL suggested me this idea and it does total justice to Tomato Rice.
• Adjust the amount of tomatoes to suit your level of tanginess. 

PARUPPU PODI

     Any South Indian Pantry would be incomplete without Spice Powders or Podi Varieties.  As simple as it is, the list is quite long and versatile - Idli Milagai Podi, Paruppu Podi, Kariveppilai(Curry Leaves) Podi, Ellu Podi, Poondu Podi, even Nellikkai(Gooseberry Podi and Pavakka(Bitter gourd) Podis are prevalent these days.  These spice Powders are coarsely ground spice mixes traditionally prepared and used as condiments. Some times mixed with Sesame Oil/Gingelly Oil or sometimes with a drizzle of hot melted Ghee(Clarified Butter), these condiments play a spicy and wholesome role.
     Virundhu, an elaborate South Indian meal, especially served for lunch in Thalai Vazhai Ilai(Banana Leaf) consists of a long list of local delicacies and one main item is always Paruppu Podi.  The first item to be served along with rice would always be either Paruppu Kadasal or Paruppu Podi with ghee.
     Fuming hot rice with Paruppu podi and ghee, followed with Rasam, then Curd(yoghurt) accompanied with some Veggie side dish, Appalam and needless to mention the most lovable flavour enhancer - the one and only Pickle, may sound quite simple but the taste and wholesome feel it gives takes you to another world of contentment. This Spice powder suits for all occasions may be for  Virundhu(banquet) or for simple lunch menu or when you are totally lazy to cook, this ready to mix homemade Paruppu podi comes handy.
     This recipe of Paruppu Podi is an easy one with very fewer ingredients. I usually prepare a small batch which could last for a month or so. As I use Pottukadalai in this recipe, the texture of this Spice Powder is quite soft and gives a fullness while mixed with rice.  We have it along with hot melted ghee, even Gingelly Oil/Coconut oil tastes good along with this. The tropical climate here reduces the shelf life.  If planning for a large batch, add Tuvar Dhal instead of Pottukadalai or store it in the freezer.

Cuisine : South Indian
Recipe Type : Spice Powder
Spice Level : Medium
Difficulty : Easy
Yields : 200 - 250 Gms
Author : SM

Preparation Time - 5-10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 5 - 10 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Bengal Gram Dhal - 1/2 Cup
Roasted Gram Dhal(Pottukaladai)/Tuvar Dhal - 1/2 Cup
Dry Red Chillies - 4-5 Nos.
Pepper Corns - 5- 6 Nos.
Asafoetida - 1/4 Tspn
Salt - To Taste

METHOD :

• Dry roast Bengal Gram Dhal and Pottukadalai in a very low flame until it turns slightly golden brown in colour.
• Switch off the flame and keep it aside.
• Dry Roast red chillies until they are fragrant with brown spots. Do not over toast.
• Add Peppercorns, Asafoetida Powder and fry for a while.
• Allow the ingredients to cool down. 
• Toss them into a blender jar along with salt and grind it into fine/coarse powder.
• Can serve this Paruppu Podi mixed with Gingelly Oil/Coconut Oil/Melted ghee.
• Goes well with Rice.
  

NOTES :

• Keep the flame low while dry roasting the ingredients.
• Perfectly roasted ingredients increase the shelf life. 
• Can use Tuvar dhal instead of Pottukadalai.
• Adjust the amount of Red Chillies according to your spice preference.
• Can grind them to a coarse powder, if preferred.
• Store them in sterilized air tight jars in moisture free place.
• Can store them up to one month at room temperature.
• Can store them in the freezer for about two to three months.