Steamed Rawa/Semolina Balls#SundayFunday

These are delicious small round delights which is made with rawa/semolina, an easy and quick breakfast. It's a great breakfast, Taste Bhi Health Bhi, has all the needed nutrients and is yummy. 

This can be had just as it is, it doesn't required any sauce or chutney.

Ingredients
1 Cup Semolina/Rawa
1½ Cups Water
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
1" Grated Ginger
Salt To Taste
For The Tadka
2 Tablespoons Heaped Oil
1 Teaspoon Urad Dal
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A Sprig Curry Leaves
2 Dried Red Chillies
1 - 1½ Teaspoon Heaped Sambar Powder -Homemade
Salt To Taste
¼ Cup Heaped Freshly Grated Coconut

Method

In a big saucepan bring the water to a rolling boil, add in the black paper , ginger and salt and give it a good mix, then as you are stirring add in the semolina, switch of the flame and mix it very well. Cover with a lid and let is rest for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes mix it well with oiled hand and knead it into a smooth and soft dough (taking care that there are no lumps).

Make small balls out of the dough.

Arrange them in an oiled steamer

Let it steam on covered with a lid on medium low flame for 18- 20 minutes. 

After 20 minutes switch off the flame and let the semolina balls cool down completely.

Let's prepare the Tadka

Heat a kadai pan with oil , add the mustard seeds when they crackle add the urad dal, stir till it starts to brown, add the curry leaves and dried red chillies, give it a good stir. Take this pan off the flame add the coconut, sambar powder and mix it well. Place this kadai back on medium low flame and add the steamed semolina balls and give it a good mix till the spices and coconut has coated the balls well. Cover it with a lid and reduce the flame to low, let is heat for a 2-3 minutes. Switch off the flame.

Our breakfast is ready. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve it in a plate with a tooth pick. 

Enjoy this delicious and healthy breakfast...Taste Bhi Health Bhi!! 

Labels: Breakfast, Semolina, Homemade, Sambar powder, Coconut, Healthy, Steamed, Sunday Funday, Vegan

For our event called Sunday Funday, wherein we share recipes our families will love to enjoy on a Sunday. I thank our host for this week's event - Sue of https://palatablepastime.com/.

Sunday Funday: Breakfast for Supper

• Baked Grits with Sausage Gravy from Food Lust People Love
• Breakfast at Tiffany's Burgers from Making Miracles
• Breakfast Spelt and Oats Muffins from Cook with Renu
• Egg & Bacon Sandwich (Homemade Egg McMuffin) from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Eggplant Shakshuka from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Famous Breakfast Burritos (copycat Lucky Boy) from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Shrimp and Grits from Palatable Pastime
• Steamed Rawa /Semolina Balls from Sneha's Recipe
• Zege from Mayuri's Jikoni

Sambar Powder

This is a homemade, quick and easy sambar powder, which is preservatives free. 
Ingredients
10 Dried Red Chilies
2 Tablespoons Coriander seeds
2 Teaspoons Whole Black Peppercorns
1 Teaspoon Fenugreek seeds 
1 Teaspoon Cumin seeds 
2 Sticks Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Turmeric powder
1/2 Teaspoon Asafoetida/ Hinge
2 Sprigs Curry Leaves

MethodOn low flame lightly roast each of the ingredient separately  in a pan until it  just begins change and release an aroma. Do not roast the turmeric and asafoetida. 
When the all the ingredients are roasted. Cool completely and powder it in a small mixer jar. Mix in the asafoetida and turmeric powder and pulse it once or twice. Store in an airtight container. 
Labels: Masalas, South Indian, Homemade, Sambar, Preservatives free, Gluten free, Vegan, No Onion No Garlic 

Thatte Idli / Plate Idli

This is also called Tumkur Idli and it is a Karnataka special. When I visited my daughter in Bangalore she took me to this street somewhere near VVPuram which is a street food road. At this place I had this awesome food. These are so soft and spongy and served in a bamboo plate and banana leaf . You must try this recipe in your kitchen and I am sure you too will love this idlis Well, I don't own that specialized thatte idli vessel which are plates but, I used a plate to prepare it, turned out perfect.

Ingredients
1/2 cup  Parboiled rice
1/2 cup  Raw rice

3/4 cup  Urad dal
1/2 cup  Cooked rice
1/2 teaspoon Soda 

Salt to taste
1 teaspoon  Oil

Method
Soak raw and paroiled rice together in water for at least 5 hours. Soak Urad dal separately.
Grind them separately, using very little water as possible. Grind the cooked rice to finely and mix all the ground paste well. Add soda (dissolved in water), sesame oil. Allow it to ferment. May be for about 7 hours. Once the fermented Idly batter is ready. Grease plate either ghee or sesame oil. Pour little batter to it. Steam cook for about 15 mins. Serve warm along with chutney and sambar. We had with Sambar.

Labels: Breakfast, Brunch, Healthy, South Indian, Vegan,  Lentils,  Idli, Gluten free, Sourdough, Steamed

Idli – Steamed Sourdough Rice and Lentil Buns#BreadBakers

Bake a gluten free yeast, sourdough or quick bread for this month's, event for Bread Bakers our Host is  Stacy Livingston Rushton.

Idlis are naturally fermented buns, yeast free, gluten free, vegan and oil free too. They are soft, spongy and easy to digest.

Making idlis, is not difficult, nor does it need a lot of attention, the sourdough however, does need preparation time for soaking and fermentation. So, just plan it a day in advance before making them since it requires soaking time and depending on weather 8 to 12 hours fermentation time.

While a basic proportion for idli is using 2 parts rice to 1 part lentils, for the texture and softness I, sometimes use 2 and 1/2 cups parboiled rice or idli rawa to 3/4 part lentils / urad dal and 1/2 cup of rice flakes or poha into the batter also, which  makes a huge difference, it gives a fantastic soft texture. To make a good idli it's essential to use a short grain parboiled rice or what it's also know as idli rice or even idli rawa which is readily available , rather than the long grain basmati rice or any other raw / cooking rice.

Ingredients
2 Cups Parboiled Rice / Idli Rice
3/4 cup White lentils / Urad Dal
1/2 Cup Poha /  Beaten Rice Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
1 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
Water for soaking and grinding
Oil for Greasing the moulds

Method
Soak the rice and the lentils separately  for at least 4 to 5 hours. Soak the fenugreek seeds along with the lentils.
Wash and drain the grains.

Just before you start blending wash and soak the poha in just a little water.

Place the half the  rice in the blender with 1/4 cup  water and  blend in a blender, pausing if needed to ensure a smooth paste with just a hint of  coarseness.  Grind the remaining rice also the same way.  Remove this into a large pot  / vessel, or  a large container with a lid which has  enough space to allow the batter to ferment and expand, much like bread dough. 

In the same  blender  (it is not necessary to wash the blender) add in the soaked lentils / urad dal with 1/4 cup of water and blend the mixture until light and super soft and fluffy.  Remove this into the same pot / vessel of the ground rice.  Now grind soaked  beaten rice and blend for another minute. 

Add this also to the blended lentils and rice mixture,  whisk well until they are mixed to form a smooth batter and light and fluffy.  Keep this batter overnight   or more depending on the weather ( in summer it take 6 to 7 hours ) to let the batter ferment.  A good batter will actually double in size.

 In a idli cooker or  large stock pot, or a pressure cooker.  that fits the idli moulds.  Add about 2 inches of water.    Bring the water to a simmer.  Brush oil  on the idli moulds.

Add salt to the fermented batter and mix it lightly, the batter should have the consistency of thick pancake or waffle batter. 

Pour the batter into the mould till about 3/4 full, allowing a little room to let the buns rise.  Gently lower the filled idli moulds  in the idli cooker and cover it with a lid. Let it steam on high flame for 12 t0 15 minutes or till a knife inserted comes out clean.

Turn off the heat and let the idlies rest for about 10 minutes, before gently un-molding them and serving.

Dunk them in mouthwatering Instant Sambar and enjoy..
Instant Sambar recipe.

Labels :  South Indian, Gluten free, Vegan, Oil free, Lentils,  Parboiled Rice, Breads, Bread Bakers, Steamed, Sourdough, Healthy, Breakfast, Main course

Gluten Free Breads -- check the other recipes

Coconut Flour Pancakes from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Gluten Free Cheddar Garlic Biscuits from What Smells So Good?
Gluten-Free Petite Vanilla Bean Scones from All That's Left Are The Crumbs
Idli – Steamed Sourdough Rice and Lentil Buns from Sneha's Recipe
Japanese Rice Crackers from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Low Carb Garlic Rosemary Bread from Gayathri's Cook Spot
Pan de Yuca from Mayuri’s Jikoni
Pão de Queijo - Brazilian Cheese Bread from Food Lust People Love
Quinoa Chia Multiseed Bread (Vegan ~ Gluten Free ~ Dairy Free) from CookWithRenu
Spicy Besan and Fenugreek Crackers (GF and Vegan) from Sizzling Tastebuds

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page.

We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.

Thakkali Chammanthi / Tomato Chutney

Tomato Chutney is a tangy and tasty South Indian chutney made from tomatoes, herbs and spices, there is no onion no garlic or coconut in it. There are many variations of making Tomato chutney / Thakkali Chammanthi. 

Ingredients
3 Rip Tomatoes - diced
3 Dried Red Chillies
1 Tablespoon Split Urad Dal
Salt to taste
1 Tablespoon Oil or as required
1 Teaspoon Finely Chopped Ginger
1 Whole Clove
For The Tadka
A Sprig Curry Leaves
½ Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
A Pinch Asafoetida
1 Tablespoon Oil

Method

Heat oil in the pan and add in the urad dal first. On low heat allow it to turn light golden. Now add in the ginger , red chillies (break them into pieces) and the clove. Sauté for a minute till the red chilly changes color. Now add in the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook the tomatoes till they are soft and mushy.

Take off heat and allow this mix to cool. Now grind this mixture to a fine paste and keep aside. While grinding, you can add 2-4 tablespoons of water to get the desired consistency of the chutney.

For The Tadka

Heat oil in a small tadka pan add the mustard seeds when they splutter, add the asafoetida and curry leaves give this a good mix. Add in the ground tomato chutney, taste for salt, add if needed. Cook for 2 minutes till all comes together. Take it off heat and enjoy this yum..mm chutney!

This Tomato Chutney taste good and is a perfect accompaniment to enjoy with Idli, Dosa, Vada, Uttapam or even rice and dal. 

We enjoyed this with Ragi Idli and Drumstick Sambar | Murungakkai Sambar... a perfect combo!! 

Labels: Vegan, No Onion No Garlic, Chutney, Tomato, Gluten free, Appetizer, South Indian

Kalingana Saali Polo /Watermelon Rind Dosa#Improv

Watermelon Dosa / Kalingana Saali Polo is a dosa made using watermelon rind (the white part, which is in between the red part and the outer green skin). It is a traditional dosa recipe from the Konkani cuisine of Karnataka. In Konkani language, Kalingan means Watermelon, Saali means peel and Polo means Dosa. 

I have  posted  so many Watermelon recipes earlier check below. Watermelon is everyone’s favorite summer fruit. Since it's made up of 90 percent water, it provides  refreshment during  summer. 

I always use  the white part/rind in cooking recipes. So after my Watermelon Paratha, its this quick and easy Watermelon Rind Dosa. This dosa is so soft and has a very spongy texture. You won’t even come to know that it has watermelon rind added to it and you will love it. The coconut added to the batter gives  a slight sweetness to the dosa's. Serve it along with any Chutney or Sambar .

Ingredients
11/3 Cup Idli Rava
1 Cup Heaped Chopped Watermelon rind
1/4 Cup Fresh Grated Coconut
1/2 Cup Poha /Flattened Rice
Salt to taste
Olive Oil as required
Method

Wash and soak the idli rice in water just enough to the level of the rava for 2 hours.

Wash and drain the poha in water using a strainer and keep aside.

Now in a mixer grinder, grind the watermelon rind along with grated coconut to a smooth paste. Take it out in a mixing bowl. Add the soaked poha and idli rice, season with salt and make a smooth dosa batter by adding very little water.
The consistency of the batter should be a little thick.

Leave the batter to ferment for 4 -5 hours, before  making the dosas.

Now, heat a dosa pan or a cast iron tawa on a medium heat, brush it with a little oil, pour a ladle full of the dosa batter, pour a teaspoon of oil on the sides. 

Cover it with a lid and let the dosa cook in its own steam till done. 

Then flip it and cook for a minute on that side too.

Remove it on a plate and proceed to make rest of the Kalingana Saali Polo similarly with the remaining batter.

Serve the Karwar Style Kalingana Polo Recipe- Watermelon Rind Dosa along with Peanut Coconut Chutney  or Sambar for the weekend breakfast or a dinner.
You would like other Watermelon recipes
Watermelon Paratha
Watermelon Agua Fresca 

Watermelon Granita
Apple & Watermelon Crush
Sparkling Apple & Watermelon Lemonade Spritzers
Vegan & Gluten Free Watermelon Jelly

Lables : South Indian, Karnataka, Watermelon, Rind, Dosa, Healthy, Coconut, Breakfast, Dinner,  Vegan, Gluten free,Improv Cooking Challenge 

Improv Cooking Challenge; July 2020

Watermelon and Olive Oil

• Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber by Making Miracles
• Andalusian Watermelon Gazpacho by Pandemonium Noshery
• Summery Grilled Haloumi Salad by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Kalingana Saali Polo / Watermelon Rind Dosa by Sneha's Recipe
• Sweet Heat Watermelon Gazpacho by Cookaholic Wife
• Watermelon, Blueberry, and Mint Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Watermelon Chaat Salad By Palatable Pastime

Instant Urad Dal Flour & Rava Medhu Vadas

These are instant and crispy, but not so spongy  like the freshly ground dal, but  taste delicious . Have these with this Sambar and you will enjoy this.   

The  key to make these light is to beat for at least 15 minutes with a electric hand beater till bubbles are seen and the batter is fluffy.

Makes 12 - 14 depending on the size
Ingredients
1 Cup Urad Dal Flour
4 Tablespoons Heaped Rice Flour
½ Cup Heaped Fine Rava /Semolina
½ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 Green Chilly -finely chopped
6 Curry Leaves - finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Coriander leaves
1/2 Teaspoon Salt 
1½ Cups Water
Oil for deep frying

Method 

Whisk  the urad dal flour with water( adding a little water at a time) till light and fluffy  dough for at least 15 minutes with a electric hand beater. When light, fluffy add rice flour, whisk till thick  and bubbly batter is formed. 

Now add the rava/semolina and beat again for 2 - 3 minutes.  Let it rest for 10 minutes.  Then add chopped green chillies, cumin seeds, coriander and curry leaves. 

Mix well and again keep it aside.

Let this rest  till oil is getting hot in a kadai.

When the oil is hot make small vadas and fry on medium flame till crisp and golden.

Enjoy!!

We had it with Moong Dal Sambar for our Sunday lunch, a change from the routine food.  Enjoyed it thoroughly!!

Labels : South Indian, Instant Mixes, Snacks, Breakfast, Main course, Deep Fried, Vegan

Sambrasam#SoupSwappers

This is a fusion of sambar & rasam, really so very de ..ee ..licious, it has a tangy, peppery garlic flavor. It so simple to make and once you taste it, your addict to it and will have more servings. 

A super delicious, lip-smacking meal, that goes perfectly well with rice, idli or dosa . In this recipe the use of turmeric is more, so do use it as given in the ingredients list.

Ingredients
1/3 Cup Tur dal - wash and soaked for an hour
1 Cup Tamarind juice

Coarsely Grind
1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns
6 Big Cloves Garlic
½ Teaspoon Cumin seeds

Other Ingredients
2 Medium Tomato -chopped
3 Dried Red Chillies
2 Tablespoons Turmeric powder
1 Tablespoon Heaped Oil
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A Bundle Coriander with stalks
3 -4 Sprig Curry leaves with stalks

1 Green Chilly
Salt to taste
½ Teaspoon Asafoetida 
Method

Soak a lemon size ball of tamarind in 250ml warm water and squeeze out the juice as much as you can.

Take a pressure cooker add washed tur dal and sufficient water. Cover with the lid and cook till on medium high flame for 3 whistles. Let the cooker cool completely.

In the meantime heat oil, in a large pot/kadai, add mustard seeds, turmeric powder, dry chillies, sauté for a minute. Add tomatoes, salt and cover simmer on low flame till soft and mushy. 

Once the tomatoes are softly mashed

add the tamarind juice

bundle of curry leaves, coriander stalks, the ground garlic, cumin, pepper, salt to taste

cooked dal, give it a good mix and bring it to a boil. 

Then add 2 cups water let is simmer for 5 - 6 minutes over on medium low flame, stirring after every 2 minutes.

Now add the asafoetida and green chilly let it simmer for 2 minutes, that's it. Switch off the flame. Drizzle a teaspoon of lemon juice this is optional, but it does give a tangy flavor.

Sambrasam is ready. It is very good to drink as a hot soup, taste delicious, serve with hot steamed rice.

It's so yummilicious and delightful, you will love it we had this as our soup with steamed rice.
Labels: Sambar, Rasam, South Indian, Soup, Soup Swappers, Main course, Spicy  

Soup Swappers - September 2021

 Spicy Soups

• Fire Roasted Hatch Chili and Corn Soup by Magical Ingredients
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Make-Ahead Spicy Oktoberfest Meatball Stew by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Sambrasam by Sneha's Recipe
• Sausage, Vegetable, and Bean Soup by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Cajun Gumbo with Chicken, Andouille, and Shrimp + 2018 Maricool Muscadet by Culinary Adventures with Camilla