Quick Moong - Avalakki Kichidi...

Quick Moong -Avalakki kichidi can be done quickly and is very simple, not much of spices used.

I have used Thick Avalakki/Aval/Poha/flatter or beaten rice, moong dal and some mild spices.

Kichidi does mean mixture. Rice, dal, spices cooked together becomes a whole meal. It is always healthy when you don't use much of oil and spice. Kichidi can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner or it can eaten as brunch on a lazy sunday. (Breakfast and Lunch combined).

Moong dal contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Moong dal is good for people who diet because consuming moong helps to stay full for a long time. It is also said it is one of the best legume for vegetarians because it provides needed minerals and vitamins to the body. 

Avalakki/poha/aval/ flattened rice also good for our body. It is good for people who wants to diet. There is no onion or garlic used in this dish. You can prepare prepare Moong -Avalakki Kichidi within a short time. 

Lets see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

Moong dal : 1 Cup

Avalakki/Flattened Rice (Thick variety) : 2 Cups

Green Chilly : 2 

Ginger : 1 Teaspoon (an inch)

Pepper pods : 6 to 8

Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1 Teaspoon

Ingh/Asafoetida : a pinch

Salt : Required Salt/

Ghee : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Coriander leaves : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Cashew Nuts : 2 to 3 Tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Coconut : 2 Tablespoons .(Optional)

Method :
1. Wash and soak thick variety of flattened rice/Avalakki/Aval/Poha/Pova in 1/2 Cup of water. (For 10 minutes).
2. Wash and cook moong dal and keep it aside.

3. Wash and cut green chilly, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
4. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and grate it. Keep it asdie.
5. Crush pepper pods and keep it aside.
6. Keep a big pan on the fire. Put ghee and fry cashew nuts and take out cashews.
7. Add jeera and crushed pods. Add ingh/Asafoetida and curry leaves.
8. Add cut green chilly and fry for 10 seconds.
9. Add cooked moong dal, turmeric powder and salt. Add 2 glasses of water.

10. Let it mix well and boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
11. Add soaked Avalakki/flattened rice and mix it well. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Stir in between so that it does not burnt at the bottom. Add a tablespoon of ghee. Mix it well.
13. Shift the cooked kichidi to a serving dish. Add cut coriander leaves.

14. Add grated coconut and fried cashew nuts.
15. Serve with papad, pickle and curd.

Note :
You can use raw rice/broken wheat instead of Avalakki. (Optional).
Use of onions and garlic is optional.
Use of more/less ghee is optional.
Use of cashew nuts and coconut is optional.
You can cook moong dal in a big pan instead of pressure cooking the dal. (Dal cooked in pressure cooker get smashed). (Optional).
Use of spices is also optional. You can use garam masala/cloves/cinnemon along with green chilly adds to the taste. But it is not that healthy.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.

Moong Dal -Millet Dosa (Plain Dosa).

Moong dal is always does wonder with its healthy properties. We do use Moong dal in our cooking in many ways. Like wise dals, curry, vadas, (fried fritters), Payasas/Kheer, Dosas, Doklas (famous Gujarati dish), etc etc.
I have tried Moong Dal and Millet dosa here. It has turned out just beautiful. You can prepare it immediately or after fermantation. I have tried it with both the ways.
I have used Moong dal, millet flour and some spices.

Millet is known as Jola in Kannada, (Karnataka), Sorghum/Jowar - Hindi, Cholam - Tamil (Tamilnadu), Jonna - Telugu (Andra Pradesh), Cholum - Malayalam (Kerala).
Let us know the benefits of eating Millets in our diet.
Millets are gluten free. They are highly nutritious. They are very good for our body and easy to digest. They are full of fiber. They do contain less amount of glucose. They are very good food for diabetic people.  Millets are rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.
It is an easy recipe and anyone can prepare this. Very healthy dish to have in the morning for breakfast or as snack or for dinner.

Things Needed :

Moong Dal : 1  Cup
Millet flour : 1 Cup
Dry ginger : 1 Teaspoon
Pepper Pods : 6 to 8
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Salt : Required
Oil : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Soak moong dal for an hour or 2 and grind it with pepper pods, jeera and ginger.
2. Remove from the mixi jar and put it in a big bowl.

3. Add millet flower, salt and mix it well. Allow it to ferment for 5 to 6 hours. (Or over night).

4. Keep a dosa tava on the fire. Heat and sprinkle oil. Clean it with a kitchen tissue.
5.Mix the dosa dough and take a ladleful of dough and spread it on the hot tava.

6. Sprinkle little oil on the top and cover. Cook for 1 minute.
7.Turn the other side and cook. Hot Moong dal and millet dosa is ready to serve.

8. Serve with any chutney or side of your wish. Add a spoon of ghee on the top.

9. Repeat the same with remaining dough.

 Note :

No need to soak moong dal for a long time. Use of ghee instead of oil while preparing is optional.
Use fresh millet flour to get good taste. Adding any other spice while grinding is optional. (Garam masala, chat masala etc). You can also use cut onions and spread it on the dosa.
Time : Soaking time : 1 Hour, Grinding 5 minutes. Fermentation : 5 to 6 hours.
Preparation of dosa : 10 to 15 minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 
You can also prepare dosa with out fermenting the dough. 

Moong Dal-Cucumber Dal

Cucumber - Moong dal is gravy dish. It goes well with almost all the main dishes even with different varieties of rice and rotis. Best combination is with jeera rice or peas palau. The weather is getting hotter and each day the temperature is rising. Moong and cucumber are known to be as cooling agent for the body,  they really helps to keep our body cool systematically.

I have used moong dal, Cucumber (small cucumbers) and some spices which are readily available in the kitchen. I used Gongura chutney to give a tangy taste. Adding this chutney gives a beautiful aroma and a good taste to the dall.
Let us see some benefits of having "Green Chilly" in our diet.
Green chilly adds taste and spice to the food. It is very rich in Vitamins like A, C B6. It contains minerals like iron, copper, potassium and small amount  of protein and carbohydrates. Green chilly.
Green chilly aids in digestion. They also helps in dissolving blood clots. It increases our metabolism by burning the calories. Green chilly helps to stay in better mood. They contain good amount of anti-oxidants. They are good for eyes and immune system. They maintain the cholesterol level in our body. Green chilly contain Vitamin A and good for maintaining our bones, teeth. They also take care of good health in Intestine. Green chilly  helps to keep away the wrinkles.
Lets see the recipe now : Moong Dal - Cucumber Tovve has no onion or no garlic. It can be prepared for any special day, festival or feast.

Things Needed :

To Cook
Moong Dal : 1/2 Cup
Cucumber : 3 to 4  (Small sized)

To Add :
Green Chilly : 2 to 3
Ginger : A small piece
Coriander Leaves : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Salt : To taste
Gongura Chutney : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard Seasoning : 1 Teaspoon

For Seasoning :
Oil/Ghee : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh/Asafotida : a pinch
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6

Method :

1. Wash and cook toor dal. (Pressure cook for 5 to 6 minuts).
2. Wash and cut small cucumbers in to desired size. (Big/Small). Wash green chilly and cut in to big pieces. Wash ginger and remove the outer layer and wash again. Grate it and keep it aside.

3. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add oil/ghee and let it become hot. Add mustard seeds.
4. Let it splutter. Add jeera and ingh. Add cut green chilly. Fry for 10 seconds.
5. Add cut cucumber and stir. Add a cup of water and cook for 2 minutes. Add grated ginger.
6. Add turmeric powder, cooked dal and required salt. Mix it well. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

8. Now add Gongura chutney to the cooked dal and stir nicely.(Slowly).

9. Let it cook for 1 minute. Put off the fire and shift ready dal to a serving dish.
10. Add coriander leaves and serve with hot rice and ghee.

Note : 

I have used Gongura chutney instead of lemon extract. Adding lemon instead of gongura chutney is optional.  See that cucumber pieces cooks soft. Adding more water is optional. It taste better if the gravy is thick. Adding more/less chilly is also optional. Adding coconut gratings is optional.
Time : 20 minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 .
   Gongura Chutney recipe link.....    
http://nsomayaji.blogspot.in/2015/07/gogura-kenaf-leaves-chutney.html

Lady Finger & Moong dal curry

Lady finger & Moong dal curry is a side dish. This is one of our Udupi style traditional curry. We call it as bolu huli. Because this curry is prepared with out using any spice like coriander seeds/methi/ jeera etc. Even the coconut is not used. So the name it self says it is plain and simple curry which really taste good.

I have used lady's finger, moong dal and green chilly. Green chilly adds spicy taste to the curry. And the ingh/asafoetida's aroma invites and tempts you very much.
Lets see some benefits of Lady's finger :
Eating Lady's finger in our diet helps to improve our immunity. It contains iron and folate and Vitamin K, nutrients that help in treating anemia. It has good amount of fiber and helps in better digestion. It is very good for people who suffer from constipation. It is very good for weight loss. It  provides minimum calories and high fibre levels so that you feel full for a longer time. Lady's finger contains soluble fibre pectin. Pectin helps in lowering bad cholesterol. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Lady's finger contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin K. The minerals in lady's finger are copper, calcium, potassium, iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc and Phosphorus.
Now Lets see the recipe. " Lady Finger and Moong Dal Curry" do not have garlic or onions. So it can be prepared Feast of festival or any special day. 
You can use toor dal instead of moong dal.

Things needed :

To cook
Lady's Finger/Bendekai/Bhindi : 1/4 Kg. (10 to 15)
Moong Dal : 1 Small cup or two handful
Tamarind Pulp : 2 Tablespoons
Salt : as required
Turmeric Powder : a pinch
To Add :
Jaggey : 1 Tablespoon (Optional)
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons
To season : 
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Ingh/Asafoetida : a pinch

Method :
1. Wash and cook moong dal with little water.
2. Wash and clean bendi and allow the moisture disappear. Cut it in to small. (check any worm inside lady's finger while cutting).

3. Soak a marble size tamarind in hot water and squeeze out the pulp.

4. Now keep a pan on the fire. Heat and put oil. Put mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add jeera and ingh. Fry nicely. Add green chilly. Fry nicely.
5. Add curry leaves and cut lady's finger. Fry for at least 2 minutes. Let lady's finger fry a bit.

6. Add water if required. Do not make it more watery. Add cooked moong dal. Mix it slowly.
7. Adjust the salt (add little more) and mix it well.

8. By this time bendi turns into soft. The curry is ready to serve. Shift the curry into a serving dish and add coriander leaves.

9. Lady's Finger and Moong Curry is ready to serve. Add a spoon of ghee before serving.

Note :
You can fry lady's finger in oil and then mix with other ingredients. Lady's finger cooks nicely (with out sticky in tamarind and salt mixture. Cooking bendi is healthy. You can add any amount of chilly. (Optional).  You can also add fried garlic to the curry. (optional). It looks like bendi dal. It is one of the traditional dish from South Canara, Ypu can add sambar powder and use it as bendi sambar. Use of jaggery is also optional.
Time : 20 minutes
Serves : 3  

Refreshing Drinks and Kosumbari (Salad)

Happy Maha Shivarathri to one and all. Shivarathri is one of the many festivals celebrated by Hindus. It is said that Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvathi on this day.

People do visit temples and worship Lord Shiva on this special day. Prayers, bhajans and bhakti geetas are chanted on Lord Shiva. "Om Namah Shivaaya" is the Panchakshari Mantra and people keep chanting this Mantra most of the day.
People do fasting and keep themselves awake (jagaran) whole night. The next day it is a festival day. They enjoy having feast.
Here are some fresh drinks and fruit bowls, salads which can be prepared easily and quickly and enjoyed on the Shivaratri day.
We all know Fresh fruit drinks do refresh us and helps to keep us healthy. Fresh Fruits adds to our energy and it is good for health too.
Let us see some fruit drinks which can be done easily.

1. Banana Milk Shake :

Things Needed 

Ripe Banana : 2 to 3
Fresh boiled and cooled milk : 2 to 3 Cups
Honey : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method : 

Remove the outer skin of banana and put it in a mixi jar. Add milk and honey and give a churn for 2 minutes till banana grinds and mixes well with milk. Pour it out to serving glass and serve. (Adding cardamom is optional).

2. Pomegranate & Apple drink

Things Needed :

Pomegranate : 1 Cup
Apple : 1 (Red)
Honey : 2 to 3 Tablespoon
Milk : 2 to 3 Glasses (Boiled and cooled)

Method :

Wash and remove the skin of apple and cut into small pieces. Remove the pods from pomegranate.
Now put these apple pieces and pomegranate into the mixi jar. Add milk and honey and grind for 2 minutes. Put this ready drink to a bowl. Mix it well and serve . (Adding ice cube is optional).

3. Poppy Seeds & Almond Drink 

Things Needed :

Poppy Seeds/Gasagase : 2 Tablespoons (Cleaned)
Almonds : 1 Handful
Fresh coconut gratings : 2 Tablespoons
Jaggery : 2 To 3 Tablespoons
Cardamom : 1 pod

Method : 

Soak poppy seeds in water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Soak almonds in hot water and remove its skin. Remove the seeds from cardamom. Grate coconut and grind all the ingredients nicely till paste. (Add required water to grind. Add jaggery at the end and churn for 2 minutes. Let everything mixes well. Pour it a bowl add little more water and mix it nicely and then serve.

4. Pomegranate Sweet Kosumbari

Things Needed : 

Beetroot : 1
Pomegranate : 1
Coconut : 2 Tablespoons
Honey : 1 Teaspoon

Method :

Wash and remove the outer layer of beetroot and grate. Remove the pods from pomegranate and grate coconut. Now put all the ingredients together in a big bowl and mix it with little honey and serve. (Adding Chat Masala is optional).

5. Corn - Cucumber and Gooseberry Kosumbari 

Things Needed :

Corn : 1 Cob
Cucumber : 2 Small ones
Gooseberry : 1
Coconut : 1 Tablespoon
Green chilly : 1
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : Required

Method :

Boil corn cob and remove the seeds from the cob. (You can use frozen corns). Wash and cut cucumber and keep it aside. Grate coconut and goose berry . Wash and cut green chilly.
Now mix all the ingredients in a big bowl. Add salt and mix it well.

6. Channa Kosumbari 

Things Needed :

Any Channa (Kabooli / black) : 1 Cup
Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Green chilly : 2
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons
Ginger : 1 Teaspoon (grated)
Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera/Cumin seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6
Ingh/Asafoetida : a pinch

Method :

1. Wash and soak channa for over night or 5 to 6 hours and pressure cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Wash and cut green chilly, coriander leaves and grate coconut and ginger.
3. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. . Add oil. Let it heat. Add mustard seeds. Let it splutter.
4. Add jeera, ingh and greenchilly. Add curry leaves. Add cooked channa and mix it well.
5. Add little turmeric powder and salt. Mix it nicely. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add grated coconut and cut coriander leaves. Put it in a serving bowl.
Note :
Channa has to be cooked well to get good taste. Drain all the water from channa after cooking. You can use that water for rasam or soup. Adding more chilly is optional.

7. Mash Mellon & Banana Fruit bowl :

 Things Needed :

Mash Mellon : 1 (Small One)
Banana : 3 to  4 (Ripe Bananas)
Chat Masala : 1/4 Teaspoon

Method : 

Wash and remove the outer layer of mash melon and cut into pieces. (According to your wish). Remove the skin of bananas and cut into circle shape. Mix it well in a big bowl and sprinkle chat masala. Fruit bowl is ready to serve.