tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51375250262814007952009-12-06T05:12:36.844-08:00Simple Indian Recipes for dummies to amateursChamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-47657319124827065942009-12-02T21:13:00.000-08:002009-12-03T13:47:59.388-08:00

We celebrated Karthigai Deepam yesterday! Not many beyond of Tamil Nadu knows about this Festival of light including my better half! Clay lamps filled with oil are lit and placed outside of the house like Diwali in North. Some of Diwali firecrackers are burst on this day. The next day, we call it "Nattu karthigai" which is today, all non-veg items are cooked, I am not sure if it is observed in

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-36285624654479533752009-11-30T12:43:00.000-08:002009-11-30T12:49:22.790-08:00

Starting of this year, Srivalli approached me if I could host her MEC event. Without much hesitation, I accepted and she blocked December for me. I had enough time to prepare myself to host my first event after two years of blogging! I got to admit after participating her MEC events. My "under-utilized" microwave is no longer for reheating my leftover and for preparing  my cup of coffee. If

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-73389190129914064012009-11-24T15:31:00.000-08:002009-11-24T17:06:45.850-08:00

Chivda is a traditional and popular Maharashtrian snack. It is a savory delight made with beaten rice (poha). It is crunchy, salty and mildly sweet at the end.I only tasted few years back when my neighbor Marathi friend offered me a small packet of chivda for Diwali.She was kind enough to give a brief recipe over the stove. As I am neither sweet or snack person and I almost forgot it. I was

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-46684299641772942642009-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:002009-11-17T16:06:44.770-08:00

Probably you have tasted these cookies in Chinese restaurant or in any Chinese bakery. The shiny glazed cookie with the blanched almond on top is crispy and light.It was on my try list. While searching for this recipe, I bumped on many recipes using lard for fat content. I was surprised seeing lard used for baking Authentic Chinese cookies!After a quick search I found: China raise more pigs than

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-58415204628252130012009-11-11T21:01:00.000-08:002009-11-11T22:29:33.450-08:00

We never sit together in weekdays to have our breakfast. We are not the one who skip breakfast either. It is always grab and go situation: bars, piece of toast, wrap, etc...But when it comes to weekend. There is no particular time table, everything is shifted. I guess, it is the same scenario in your home too. When we are usually up, it is neither breakfast time or lunch time. It really depends

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-27741222585838464162009-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:002009-11-04T21:03:12.242-08:00

After seeing the fresh cranberry in my grocery store last week. I remembered my Cranberry Dhal pictures. Yes, I cooked exactly a year ago when I found those fresh cranberries. I cooked with dhal, clicked, downloaded in my hard drive and saved carefully under “unblogged” file. And forgot forever until I saw some fresh berries.This “superfruit” is only available fresh for shorter period.

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-91978620955184743902009-10-28T09:56:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:25:22.511-07:00

The first title doesn’t justify anything. This gravy is well known under pori kuzhambu in my house. Pori means puffed rice in tamil and “kuzhambu” gravy, none has an idea why this gravy got this “bizarre” name. But the second one Pathiya Kuzhambu is probably the right one.Pathiyam is usually referred to Diet Food / pathiya sapadu in tamil. The specialty of this gravy is: no spice, no tamarind, no

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-7384137743646951672009-10-21T15:07:00.000-07:002009-10-21T16:00:35.209-07:00

Cloudy and rainy forecast will let you think about a warm comfy bowl of soup. Break the routine soup idea with this chili. Nothing beats a hearty bowl of spicy chili for fall dinner. This chili falls in between stew and soup. Whether you have planned ahead to cook the whole day in stove top by simmering or want to whip up in minutes. This warm vegetarian chili will suit your choice.Chili has lots

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-78715692162667316072009-10-14T10:38:00.000-07:002009-10-14T22:06:58.833-07:00

Diwali around the corner, some have already started making sweets to share with friends and family, some still in dilemma what to prepare and end up buying a sweet box. Well, this coconut burfi is easy to whip up with only few ingredients and less than 30 minutes. Well if you are the one who doesn’t know what is sugar thread, which is most important stage in many Indian sweet including this burfi

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-70200326493797924882009-10-08T11:27:00.000-07:002009-10-08T13:45:06.186-07:00

Shortbread cookies give the melting feeling in your mouth! The effect comes from the load of butter incorporate in the recipe! Yes, the butter holds the flour and spices! Is it a cookie version of pound cake recipe?Well, that doesn't matter as long you taste once in a while. Those cookies are simply delectable and delicate the fact they are crumbly! Especially this Savory Spicy Shortbread got my

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-59306488195141538042009-09-29T18:32:00.000-07:002009-09-30T21:36:14.714-07:00

Upon searching with different keywords for the RCI- Kongunadu, I ended up with many recipes. Personally, I was not quiet familiar with that particular cuisine even though being a Tamilian.I came across many blogs stating: My blog contains “XYZ regional food” but found any introduction about the dish only the recipe was available. Really sad when your recipe didn't reach any audience, when someone

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-16965046620024396312009-09-17T13:04:00.000-07:002009-09-22T11:49:41.521-07:00

My mom complains Couscous is a heavy food but dad not. Once in a while, probably once in a year or two when they get a chance to find a box of couscous and harissa in hand. The menu will be sure Couscous with meat and vegetable sauce like this one. This is how couscous got introduced to me.Later, when I moved to Paris, I had Algerian colleague. She introduced me this Couscous salad, which I

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-73152657925104775292009-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:002009-09-09T15:56:01.551-07:00

Some recipes fade away from our memories in time period. Either you hate or don’t get in abundance all year around, result the veggie made appearance rarely in the kitchen. Like this one: Turkey berry, scientifically know as Solanum torvum, is a perennial plant could be easily invade wet or dry places. Well know as Sundaikkai in tamil, Usthikaya in telugu, pea aubergine and many more names …

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-4470803368380279952009-09-01T13:48:00.000-07:002009-09-09T15:51:58.815-07:00

I am back! Hope everyone had a great summer vacation.Have fun reading and viewing my exciting travel log!Trip 1: Pondy-Chennai-Mumbai-ShirdiMy first road trip was Mumbai to Shirdi. I heard a lot about the Mumbai traffic, got a real experience when I got struck on road for hours. We reached Shirdi for evening Aarti, had a peaceful darshan and left the next day morning to Mumbai. I flew back the

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-78711835232941182422009-06-03T22:14:00.000-07:002009-06-03T22:52:53.951-07:00

Wondering why I didn't filled ur comment box? I ve been quiet busy these week. I will be flying this weekend to India for spending the summer holidays. I have a busy travel schedule! I will try to click as many good and decent pictures in my trip. I will try to say "hi" from my place if my internet connection is healthy! Until then I wish everyone a Happy and Safe Summer!Cham :)

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-601143852913757982009-05-27T11:16:00.000-07:002009-05-27T12:05:35.466-07:00

Every year, we eagerly wait for the summer break. Not only we can go bed late, no homework to be completed, we wait our uncle and aunty from Salem. Not that we were eager to meet them after a year, we were pretty much interested to the fruit they bring to us.Salem Mulgoa mangoes are quiet popular and tastiest one; the mango is small (like a pear size), extremely juicy. No need to slice the fruit,

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-48530197900481341632009-05-19T13:53:00.000-07:002009-05-19T15:09:57.451-07:00

One of the biggest thing, I missed once moving abroad is Greens. Back home, greens are served in everyday lunch menu. We get plenty of varieties according the season and availability. To tell the truth, I cannot even recognize just by seeing many green leaves till now.In my home none was fussy eating the greens, usually we start eating greens first with rice and move forward to gravy and finish

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-55676128190985279332009-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:002009-05-15T10:02:25.059-07:00

Moong dhal payasam is another authentic south-Indian dessert prepared during the festival time. It is fairly easy and doesn’t involve many ingredients. I usually make a small quantity, as we don’t eat much sweet. The recipe will yield for two people. Moong dhal PayasamPrint Ingredients:Moong dhal (yellow) / pasi Payir/ Green gram lentils: 1/3 cupWater: 1 cupMilk: 1/2 cupJaggery: ½ cup powdered (

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-9819403489206585612009-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:002009-05-08T14:07:25.157-07:00

Okonomiyaki is Japanese savory pancake or pizza. The word “Okonomi” means “what you like” or “what you want” and “yaki” grilled or cooked. A customer can choose whatever he/she likes to top: from seafood to meat of their choice.If you are a purist please forgive me, I tweaked into vegan the batter. Originally, the batter contains flour and egg, dashi (fish stock) as main ingredients, the cabbage

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-33079546046050183852009-05-04T19:19:00.000-07:002009-05-04T20:44:13.131-07:00

Pondicherry, recently crown as Puducherry is my native place. Situated along the coastline of Bay of Bengal, is rich in culture, attracts many tourists around the world.The small coastal city stands alone for his rich and unique history, fought for his own Independence (August 16 is celebrated as Pondicherry Independence) against the French rulers. Dutch were the first to settle down and hand

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-3897169824949774282009-04-29T13:48:00.000-07:002009-04-29T16:11:15.488-07:00

I fill my shopping chart without hesitation every week with this herb: cilantro. The aromatic green herb is always used at the end of curry/gravy to garnish or bring the extra flavor to my dish. Well if you are not used to cilantro, you might feel the smell is overpowering the dish. But like any other herb, we have to acquire the taste in time period.But, featuring a recipe with cilantro as a

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-30473343146249459662009-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:002009-04-23T19:29:15.785-07:00

Side dish is important in our daily menu. My mom does at least 2 side dishes, one gravy for rice, without counting of rasam . But for me to make one side dish, I always scratch my head everyday! How I could make the same veggie without much work and tasty!A curry could be either dry fry (varuval), stir fry (vathakal), steamed (vega veittal), or with podi.Podi (masala powder) vegetable has a

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-51264321859573667572009-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:002009-04-20T19:10:21.196-07:00

The weather turned extremely hot! There is plenty of sunshine and I feel like summer. Well, it is only for 2 more days and we will be back in 60’s, which is pretty normal for spring. We are enjoying the heat, with some refreshing drink, salad, and barbeque! I prepared a vegan Thai treat. Thai sweet corn fritters served with sweet chilli sauce, for the side dish, I made the Thai mango salad with

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-81039031035643676752009-04-13T21:12:00.000-07:002009-04-14T08:54:38.685-07:00

Any Indian festival is not completed without a simple kheer or payasam. A dessert or offering to God prepared in milk base and sugar. It could be made with rice, vermicelli, tapioca pearl even lentils! Indian ladies whip up this one with whatever they have in hand at the time.I usually do with the super fine vermicelli my payasam, which is cooked under 3 minutes! You cannot really feel the

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5137525026281400795.post-72171686827879834112009-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:002009-04-09T20:02:47.484-07:00

I always asked my mom, was I so fussy when I was a kid? Frankly, I don’t even remember I was wasting food or leaving all the veggies in my plate! You might say mom’s cooking is rocking! Ok, I agree but beyond that I never got any other choice I guess! My mom never ran behind us to feed! I neither did to my son. Forcing a kid to eat will definitely backfire; he/she might feel uncomfortable or even

Chamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912395013740648068spiceclub@hotmail.com67