Every Indian transplant in the US or elsewhere brings with her (or him) a plethora of specialized kitchen utensils and equipments specific to Indian cooking. We need a big pressure cooker and a small one (and a medium one, if you are very particular), moulds and steamer vessels for making idlis, a traditional roti rolling-pin…
Chettinad Chicken Curry {Chicken In A Spicy, Roasted Coconut Curry}
Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu is known for its spicy and delectable creations. There are many variations of roasted coconut curries in the South, but the Chettinad one is special because of the use of a host of aromatic spices. The spice list consists of dried red chilis, coriander, cumin, fennel, black pepper, cloves, cardamom…
Beetroot Pachadi (Beetroot in A Mild Coconut And Yogurt Gravy)
The idea of posting ultra-traditional, everyday recipes rarely crosses my mind. I never think to share recipes for dal, sambar or the usual vegetable stir-fry or gravy, that make up a typical South Indian meal. I grew up on these, observed my mom cooking them a million times, and have scoured the web for recipes…
Coconut-Mint Chutney
India is the land to umpteen chutneys and pickles. Here is a simple recipe for a popular coconut-mint chutney. Chutney is usually made by grinding fresh herbs and coconut, but I have sauteed them first. So this chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. You will need: Oil – 1 tbsp Mint leaves…
Chicken Korma
Korma is a South Asian curry made with vegetables or meat, simmered in a creamy sauce made of yogurt, cream, cashew nut/almond paste or coconut milk. It is more like a stew than a curry. As any Indian will tell you, there is no set rules to making a particular curry. Each household has their…
How To Make A *Bunny Cake*
Easter is almost here! What’s more appropriate than a bunny cake? I am sure you have heard of the famous Betty Crocker bunny cake. I hadn’t… till recently. And when I saw it, I knew it would be a good project for Boy and me. Here is how I made our own version of the ‘Bunny…
Coconut Rice
This is an easy rice recipe, yet quite different from the traditional and simple steamed rice or even pulaos/pilafs. There are many lunchbox-ready rice recipes from Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. We call it ‘thaalicha choru’ or ‘variety rice’. It literally means rice tempered with spices, and mixed with vegetables and/or sauces. There is curd…
