Kondakadalai Sundal/Chickpeas Sundal#AlphabetChallenge

Sundal is a healthy and nutritious evening snack or salad with legumes. There are many types of  and variations of sundals prepared with different legumes.  This is a chickpea sundal also know as Kondakadlai Sundal. 

We had this as a salad for healthy dinner,  it's filling that it makes you feel full and reduces hunger pangs, also reduces the urge to have any unhealthy snacks, its simple, healthy and yum too. Lets make the sundal. 

Ingredients
1 Cup Dried Chickpeas/ Garbanzo beans/ Kondakadalai
1/3 Cup Freshly Grated Coconut
A Sprig Curry leaves
3 Dry Red chillies
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A pinch of Asafoetida
¼ Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Oil

Method 

Soak chickpeas/kondakadalai for about 6 - 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water that they were soaked in and rinse them in fresh water.
Pressure cook the these in 2 -3 cups of water and ½ a teaspoon of salt till done. When done and the pressure has cooled down completely then drain the chickpeas in a strainer.  

Heat oil a pan or wok oil, add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Then add curry leaves, asafoetida, dry red chillies, sauté for a few seconds. Add the grated coconut and again saute for a second, add the chickpeas and salt, toss them till they are well mixed in the seasoning. Take off flame.
Serve and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal!!

Labels: Lentils, Chickpea, Salads, South Indian, Healthy, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "K"

• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Baby Kale Salad with Steak and Citrus Vinaigrette
• Blogghetti: Brown Sugar and Ketchup Pork Chops
• Food Lust People Love: Easy Chicken Kapama
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Individual No Bake Key Lime Pies
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Kachhe Kele Ke Kofte
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Kahlua and Cream: Brown Cow Cocktail
• A Messy Kitchen: Kielbasa Pasta Medley (Sicilian Medley)
• Mildly Indian: Kohlrabi Pasta
• Sneha’s Recipe: Kondakadalai Sundal / Chickpeas Sundal
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice:Spicy Cheddar Krispies Crackers  

Vegan & Gluten Free Thai Tofu Red Curry#SundayFunday

This tofu curry is so delicious, quick and easy.  Add more curry paste if you want it spicy.  This had just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients

250 Grams Tofu - cut into big pieces

250 Grams Broccoli - cut into florets
100 Grams French beans - cut into long sticks
100 Grams Carrot - cut into long stcks
1 Small Green Capsicum - cut into big pieces
1 Small Red Capsicum - cut into big pieces
1 Small Yellow Capsicum - cut into big pieces
4 Small Shallots / Baby Red Onions - cut into two
5 -6 Kaffir Lime Leaves - chiffonade cut
5 -6 Basil leaves - torn
1 Teaspoon Palm Sugar
Salt to Taste
1 Can (400 ML) Coconut Milk
3  Tablespoons Vegetarain Thai Red Curry Paste
1 Teaspoon Heaped Corn Flour Slurry

3 Tablespoons Oil

Method

In oil in a deep pan or kadai, add the curry paste, beans, onion, broccoli and carrot, saute till the veggies are well coated with the paste for 3 minutes.  Then add 1 cup water and cover  with a lid, cook on medium low flame till the  veggies are cooked.  

When the veggies are cooked open the lid, add salt to taste and sugar, give it a quick stir, add the kaffir lime chiffonade and the basil leaves, stir again,  add the coconut milk , tofu and colored capsicums, bring it to a rolling boil stirring continuously.  Reduce the flame and check for gravy consistency.  Add more water if necessary, cover and cook for 2 minutes.  Then open the lid, add the cornflour slurry and stir it, let it cook so that it thickens the gravy a little.  Take off flame and serve hot with steamed noodles or rice.  

We enjoyed with steamed rice.  

Labels : Thailand, Thai,  Red Curry Paste, Tofu, Vegan, Gluten free, Healthy, Main course, Sunday Funday 

• Dacquoise Fraisier from Culinary Cam
• Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Charred Peppers from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Mediterranean Salad from Amy’s Cooking Adventures
• Protein Rich Quinoa Bowl from Mayuri's Jikoni
• Pumpkin leaf dal from Mildly Indian
• Spicy Mini Cucumber Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Vegan Danish Flødeboller from A Messy Kitchen
• Vegan & Gluten Free Thai Tofu Red Curry from Sneha’s Recipe
• Vegan Mango Chia Pudding from Cook with Renu 

Vegan Strawberry Dream Cake - No Bake#SundayFunday

This is one dessert that is so easy to make. I have used virgin coconut oil to make this dream cake and this is an excellent choice of fat for vegans.

Made this for my vegan daughter and her vegan friends. This is delicious cake, made it twice the second time I made a small one for two. 

The first time I made,  it, was hot summer here and  did not refrigerate it overnight.  So after some time the top layer started to melt, so un mould it again refrigerate it till you are ready to serve. Do not remove it early and keep it on the dining table like I did it. 

This dream cake, you must freeze for 3 hours then refrigerate it overnight then only serve it.
Serves 5 - 6
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 Cup Almonds - coarsely minced
200 Grams Medjool Dates or any good quality dates
¼ Teaspoon Sea Salt

For the Filling 

1½ Cups Cashewnuts
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
Few Drops of Strawberry essence
1/3 Cup Virgin Coconut oil
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Chopped Strawberries + 1 Tablespoon Sugar

Method

In a saucepan heat boil 2 to 3 cups of water. When the water comes to a boil, add the cashewnuts and take one boil, take off flame let is sit in this water for 5 minutes, Then drain the cashewnuts and rinse them in fresh water well. Soak them fresh warm water overnight or for 5 - 6 hours at least.

For The Crust

Place almonds and dates in a a blender with sea salt and pulse to chop until they are finely grounds. Take a tablespoon of the prepared date mixture for the crust and roll it in your hands. If it holds together, the crust is perfect. Take out crust mixture in a 6 to 7” spring-form pan and press firmly, making sure that the edges are well packed and that the base is relatively even throughout. Rinse the blender well.

In the same blender, add the cashewnuts, coconut oil, sugar,lemon juice. Blend to make smooth paste. Add the essence and pulse it twice.

Pour about 2/3 ( I eyeballed it) of the mixture out onto the crust and smooth with a spatula, cling wrap the pan. Place in freezer until solid or for 15 to 20 minutes. 

In the remaining paste add the strawberries and the tablespoon of sugar, 

blend until smooth. 

Pour onto the chilled layer. Again cling wrap it and place in freezer until solid.

To Serve

Run a smooth, sharp knife under hot water and un mould it, cut into slices and again refrigerate till ready to serve. Serve with fresh strawberries. 

This is a rich dessert and delicious.

This one piece that remained for me which I kept overnight in the refrigerator.  See how well it is set.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Labels : No Bake Desserts, Strawberry, Cashewnuts, Almond, Dates, Coconut Oil, Vegan, Sweets & Desserts, Healthy, Sunday Funday

For Sunday Funday we are sharing Strawberry Recipes

• Grilled Chicken Breasts with Strawberry Butter from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Iced Strawberry Basil Hand Pies from A Messy Kitchen
• Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt from Mayuri's Jikoni
• Strawberry Neapolitan Cookies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Strawberry Butter from Making Miracles
• Vanilla Cheesecake with Strawberry Curd Topping from Amy’s Cooking Adventures
• Vegan Strawberry Dream Cake - No Bake from Sneha’s Recipe
• Watermelon Strawberry Feta Salad from Food Lust People Love

Energy High Protein Shake#SundayFunday

My son in law prefers a Energy High Protein Shake when he comes back from his running or hiking. So this my to go recipe for him whenever he stays with us. This shake will make you feel full and satisfied for longer.

Serves One
Ingredients
5 Almonds
2 Whole Walnuts
5 Cashewnuts
200 Ml Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Teaspoon Heaped Chia seeds
2 Cubes Sugar Free Dark Chocolate
5 Dates
1 Tablespoon Heaped Sugar Free Creamy Peanut Butter
Crushed Pistachios For Garnish
Method

Blend all ingredients well and serve garnished with crushed pistachios. Enjoy!!
Labels: Juices, Healthy, Almond, Cashewnuts, Dates, Vegan, Gluten free, Sugar Free, Sunday Funday

For Sunday Funday we are sharing recipes with "Almonds"

• Mayuri's Jikoni : Almond Date Balls 
• Sid's Sea Palm Cooking: Banana Pancakes 
• Sizzling Tastebuds: Basil Almond Pesto 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories: Chinese Almond Cookies 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Copycat Panera Thai Chicken Salad 
• Sneha's Recipe: Energy High Protein Shake 
• Culinary Cam: Gató de Almendras Mallorquín 
• A Messy Kitchen: Grain Free Almond Flour Cinnamon Pancakes 
• Making Miracles: Lemon Almond Muffins 
• Food Lust People Love: Smoky Spicy Roasted Almonds

Creamy Avocado & Egg Salad - Keto#SundayFunday

Creamy Avocado & Egg Salad is a healthy, protein-packed, and low-carb alternative to traditional egg salad. This is my to go salad meal which have for my lunch, especially carry it whenever I, attend a first Saturday retreat. I love this salad, it's filling and satisfying.
Ingredients 
2 Hard Boiled Eggs 
1 Large Hass Avocado 
1 Small Carrot - finely chopped
1 Medium Onion - finely chopped 
1 Medium Cucumber -finely chopped 
1 Tomato - chopped 
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
Salt & Pepper to taste 
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise 
2 Tablespoon Fresh Cream 
1 Teaspoon Sriracha Sauce 
Chopped Coriander Leaves - for garnishing
Method

Cut the eggs into large pieces, reserve 2 wedges for garnishing.
Mash the avocado lightly, there should be few chunks in it.
In a small bowl add the olive oil, mayonnaise, fresh cream Sriracha sauce, salt and pepper to taste mix it well, keep aside.
In a large bowl, add the chopped veggies, egg and avocado, toss to combine. Add the mayo mix and lightly mix it. Place it into a serving bowl, garnish with coriander leaves.

Enjoy!! This is a perfect filling keto meal. 
Labels: Keto, Low Carb, Avocado, Egg, Cucumber, Mayonnaise, Fresh Cream, Sriracha Sauce, Carrot, Tomato, Healthy, Main course, Sunday Funday

For Sunday Funday we are celebrating National Avocado Month. Check the recipes using Avocado!

• A Messy Kitchen: Avocado Chicken Salad
• Mayuri's Jikoni: Avocado Strawberry Salad 
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Avocado Toast with Crispy Chickpeas 
• Making Miracles: Chocolate Avocado Pudding 
• Food Lust People Love: Chunky Avocado Egg Salad 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Crab and Avocado Salad 
• Sneha's Recipe: Creamy Avocado & Egg Salad- Keto 
• Cook with Renu: Grilled Tofu Avocado Sandwich 
• Sizzling Tastebuds: No cook Avocado Spread 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories: Pineapple Avocado Salsa 
• Sid's Sea Palm Cooking: Spicy Avocado Deviled Eggs 
• Our Good Life: Winter Citrus & Avocado Salad with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Cheese Corn Tomato Coriander Soup#SundayFunday

Soup is delicious any time of the year, my family can have this for lunch or for dinner.
A sizzling bowl of soup is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. The soup taste best with fresh tomatoes ,corn and coriander simply because they have the ideal flavor.

Ingredients
1 Medium Carrot - chopped
3 Medium Tomato - chopped
1 Small Onion - chopped
1 Small Potato - chopped
2 Cups Coriander Stock or one bundle coriander stems
¼ Teaspoon Each Salt Black Pepper powder
2 Tablespoon Boiled Sweet Corn
1 Teaspoon Sugar
For Garnishing
1 Tablespoon Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Tablespoon Coriander leaves
Method 

Place all the ingredients in a cooker take 2 whistles and remove the coriander stem, blend the veggies well and then strain it into a sauce pan. Place the pan on low flame add 2 tablespoon boiled corn, sugar and coriander leaves bring it to a boil.

Serve garnished with coriander leaves & grated cheddar cheese. Enjoy hot!!  

Labels: Sunday Funday, Soup, Cheese, Corn, Carrot, Coriander Leaves, Healthy

For Sunday Funday we are sharing Soup Recipes.

Cook With Renu: Budget Friendly Minestrone Soup 

 Sizzling Tastebuds : Cheddar and Burnt Garlic Cauliflower Soup 

Sneha's Recipe: Cheese Corn Tomato Coriander Soup

Amy's Cooking Adventures: Creamy Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Sid's Sea Palm Cooking: Dry Cream Soup Mix 

Mayuri's Jikoni : One Pot Ravioli Soup

Food Lust People Love: Salmon Coconut Curry Chowder

Karen's Kitchen Stories: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

Our Good Life: Stuffed Pepper Soup

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Anday Aur Subzi Pulao#AlphabetChallenge

This Anday Aur Subzi Pulao / Egg & Vegetable Pulao is quick and easy to make. I have made this in the pressure cooker. It's  a complete meal or what you could say, a One Dish Meal. Healthy and filling with all the required nutrients.

Ingredients

2 Cups Rice - washed and soaked for at least 30 minutes
1 Tablespoon Garlic Paste - mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 Medium Onions - chopped
1 Large Capsicum - sliced
1 Cup French Beans -chopped
2 Potatoes - cubed
2 Carrots- cubed
1½ Teaspoon Red Chili Powder or according to taste
2 Green Chilies -slit or cut into big pieces
2 Tomatoes - chopped
4 Eggs 
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
2 Veg Soup Cubes
1/3 Cup Oil
1 Tablespoon Desi Ghee
Whole Spice Mix
2 Green Cardamoms
1 Brown Cardamom
4 Cloves
5 Black Peppercorns
1 Bay Leaf
1 Cinnamon Stick 

Method

Heat oil and ghee in a pressure pan add garlic paste, sauté till it dries then add the onion fry till light golden. Add whole spices with chopped tomatoes, salt, soup cube, chilly powder and green chilies, fry for a minute. Add all the chopped vegetables, sauté for 2 minutes. 

Then add in the soaked and drained rice. Fry the rice for 2 minutes. Add 3 cups water, bringing it to rolling boil. Give it a light stir, place the eggs to top.  Cover with the pressure cooker lid, on high flame take 2 whistles. Switch off the flame, keep it covered till the cooker has cooled down or when ready to serve. Remove the shell of the eggs, cut them.   Serve hot with garnished with eggs.

Labels: Rice, Vegetables, Egg, Healthy, Pressure Cooker, One Dish Meal, One Pan Dinners, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "A" 

• Food Lust People Love: Ají de Cerdo - Peruvian Pork Stew 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Aloo Bhaji & Poori 
• A Messy Kitchen: Amygdalopita
• Sneha’s Recipe: Anday Aur Subzi Pulao
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Apple Crumb Pie 
• Blogghetti: Apple Pork Chops 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Arancini
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Argentine-Style Burgers with Chimichurri Sauce 
• Magical Ingredients: Artichoke Spinach Rolls
• Culinary Cam: Atchara: A Pickle from My People…and My Grandmother 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Homemade Apple & Whiskey Barbecue Sauce 
• Palatable Pastime: Magic Pan Orange and Almond Salad 

Mini Oat Pancakes With Guacamole Topping#SundayFunday

Gluten Free, Sugar Free & Low Carb pancakes are very tasty and healthy and make a delicious breakfast! A healthy breakfast ready in 15 minutes!

Ingredients 

80 Grams Oatmeal - I used quick cooking oats 

2 Eggs
Olive Oil/ Desi Ghee Or Butter - as required
¼ Teaspoon Salt
For The Guacamole Topping
1 Avocado Salt & Black pepper to taste 

Juice Of One Lime
5 Cherry Tomatoes - finely chopped
1 Scallion/ Spring Onion - finely chopped
Method

In bowl add the oats, salt, eggs and mix well. Grease a nonstick pan with little oil or ghee and make small mini pancakes. 

Let them cook till golden on both sides. 

Flipping after each side is golden. Fry on both sides until done.

For The Guacamole Topping 

Remove the stone and cut the avocado. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado with a tablespoon. add the salt, pepper and lemon juice mix well mashing it. then add the chopped cherry tomatoes and spring onion and mix well. 

Spread the filling on each pancake and enjoy these for breakfast or a quick dinner. Enjoy your meal!
Labels: Pancake, Oats, Gluten free, Sugar Free, Guacamole, Avocado, Scallions, Cherry Tomatoes, Healthy, Breakfast, Healthy Dinners, American, International Cuisine

For Sunday Funday we are celebrating National Oatmeal Month, check here to see other recipes.

• Sizzling Tastebuds: Almond meal Muffins with Oats and Honey 
• Sid's Sea Palm Cooking: Cranachan Trifle 
• Food Lust People Love: Goetta - Cincinnati Breakfast Sausage 
• Palatable Pastime: High Protein Scottish Porridge Oats 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories: Maple Pecan Oatmeal Scones 
• Sneha's Recipe: Mini Oat Pancakes With Guacamole Topping 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Mud Cookies 
• Mayuri's Jikoni: Oatmeal Banana Quick Bread 
• A Messy Kitchen: Oatmeal Honey Date Loaf 
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Orange Cranberry Baked Oatmeal 

Baked Sweet Potato#SundayFunday

These baked sweet potatoes are perfectly tender and silky smooth. They are healthy and yummy sweet potatoes, easy to make. 
Ingredients
3 Large Sweet Potatoes
3 Teaspoons Butter
A pinch Black pepper for each sweet potato
Method

Preheat oven to 180°C. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place each sweet potatoes on foil and seal them individually. Bake until tender, about 1½ hours. Once baked let them cool a little. Open, make a slit in the top of each sweet potato. Top with a tablespoon of butter and season with the salt and pepper. Enjoy!!

Labels: Sweet Potato, Vegetables, Baked, Healthy, Sunday Funday, Vegan, Gluten free

For Sunday Funday we are sharing Quick Appetizers Recipes.

• Baked Sweet Potato from Sneha's Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Celery from Palatable Pastime
• Go-to Queso Dip from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Jalapeño Popper Dip from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Savory Chevre Truffles from Culinary Cam
• Spicy Baked Artichoke Dip from Food Lust People Love
• Tomato and Boursin Bruschetta from Karen's Kitchen Stories