Bottle Gourd Peel Chutney

Bottle Gourd is known as one of the healthy vegetable. It is filled with fiber, minerals and vitamins.
I have prepared bottle gourd peel chutney and is very simple and yummy. It can be one of the side dish when you have lunch, dosa, idli, roti or chapatis.

We do prepare mangalore cucumber peel chutney and I have adopted the same method to prepare this bottle gourd chutney.
I have used Bottle Gourd peel, coconut, fried urid dal and red chilly.
Let us see the recipe Now :
No Onion or No Garlic is used in this : " Bottle Gourd Peel Chutney "

Ingredients :

To Fry :
Urid dal : 1 Tablespoon
Methi seeds 1/4 Teaspoon
Coriander seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 6 to 8 or little more
Ingh /Asafoetida : A littel
Bottle gourd peel : 1 Small bowl.
To Grind :
Fresh Grated coconut : 1 Cup
Tamarind : 1 Marble size ( Tamarind pulp is used)
Fried dal mixture
To Season :
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 4 to 5
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
To Add : Salt : As required
Required water

Method :

1. Wash Bottle gourd nicely and dip in water for at least 20 minutes.
2. Peel off the outer layer and keep it aside.

3. Grate coconut and soak a marble size of tamarind in warm water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp. Keep it aside.

4. Wash curry leaves and keep it aside.
5. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil and put methi seeds.
6. Add urid dal and fry till methi seeds and urid dal turn light golden brown.

7. Add coriander seeds and red chilly. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on low flame.
8. Add curry leaves and ingh. Add bottle gourd peels and fry nicely for 3 to 4 minutes

9. Put off the fire and add grated coconut and mix all the ingredients nicely.
10. Let it cool. Grind the fried mixture with coconut and tamarind extract. (Pulp extract).
11. Add salt and churn it for a second. Remove the chutney to a serving dish.

12. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves and ingh/asafoetida seasoning to chutney and serve.

Note:

Frying the ingredients on low flame adds to the taste. You can cook bottle gourd peel with little coriander seeds and tamarind and use it. Turns soft and nice. Frying urid dal is a must if you want to add urid or any other dals. Example : Toor dal, channa dal, Horse gram etc. Use of more/less chilly is optional.
Time : 20 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 .
Type : South Indian Chutneys

Little Millet Lemon Rice/Same Chitranna

Millets are known as healthy grains these days because of their health benefits. They are rich in fiber, free of gluten and keeps you in good health. I have used little millet and prepared lemon rice.
Little millet is known as Same akki in Kannada language/Karnataka/India. 

I have used Little millet, lemon, coconut and green chilly.
Let us see some benefits of using "Lemon" in our diet.
Lemon is known for its healthy properites. It is a good blood purifier, contain antioxidants, and helps in good digestion. It helps in treating indigestion, constipation, throat infections, fever and obesity. It also helps in treating respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure. They do take care of our skin and helps in strengthening our bones, immune system and cleanse our stomach. Lemon juice is helpful in treating kidney stones and lowering body temperature. They have vitamins like vitamin C, Vitamin B6, vitamin A, Vitamin E and minerals like copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein.
Let us see the recipe Now :
No Onion or No Garlic is used in this recipe.

Thing Needed :

To Cook :
Little Millet : 2 Cups
Water : 4 Cups
To Season :
Coconut Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Mustard seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Green chilly : 3 to 4
To Add :
Grated coconut : 1 Cup
Grated ginger : 1 Teaspoon
Salt : As required
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric Powder : A pinch
Cashew Nuts : 6 to 8 (Optional)
Lemon : 1
Coriander leaves : 2 to 3 Tablespoons.

Method :

1. Clean wash and cook little millet in pressure cooker. Leave it for cooling.

2. Wash and cut green chilly, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
3. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and grate it.
4. Grate coconut and keep it aside. Extract lemon and keep the juice aside.

5. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil, mustard seeds and urid dal.
6. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add slit green chilly and curry leaves.

7. Add cooled little millet and mix it slowly.
8. Add turmeric powder, ghee, lemon juice and mix it nicely. Let the flame be on low.

9. Add grated coconut and  fried cashew nuts. ( Fry it in a teaspoon of coconut oil).

10. Shift the ready Little millet lemon rice to a serving dish. Serve with a cup of curd.

Note :

Do not add more water. It might turn watery and the lemon rice does not taste good. Use the exact required water. ( The ratio is 1 : 2 - one cup millet and 2 cups of water).
Adding onions or garlic is optional. You can use more/less chilly. Use of any cooking oil is optional.
Adding fresh coconut is optional.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4.

Carrot Chitranna

Carrot Chitranna is a rice dish and it is very easy to prepare.  Chitranna is Lemon rice and lemon is added at the end it gives a little tangy taste. 

Carrot Lemon is a simple rice dish and you can have them for breakfast who likes to have rice dishes in the morning. It can be eaten for brunch who gets up late and miss breakfast and can combine breakfast and lunch and it is said as brunch. It is good for lunch too. Lazy days or holidays when you want to relax and not much of time to spend in kitchen can plan for this rice. It is also ideal for dinner.
Let us see some benefits of eating Lemon in our diet.
Lemon is used for treating indigestion, constipation, dental problems, throat infections, fever, obesity, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure. It is also good for hair and skin care. Lemon helps to strengthen our immune system, cleanses our stomach. They are considered as a blood purifier. Lemon is used for treating kidney stones, reducing strokes and lowering body temperature. Lemon juice is one of the best refreshing drink. They are filled with vitamins like vitamin C, Vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate and minerals like copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein. they are filled with antioxidant properties and it helps in peeventing diabetes, constipation and high blood pressure.
As  I said it is simple, quick and takes very less time to prepare once you cook your rice.
I have used plain rice (Sona Masuri ), lemon, carrots, coconut and green chilly.
Let us see the recipe now :

Ingredients :

Cooked rice : 1 Cup
To Add :
Carrots : 2
Lemon : 1
Coconut : 1 Cup
Coriander leaves : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Salt : As required
Turmeric powder : A pinch
For Seasoning :
Cooking oil : 1 Tablespoon
Ghee : 2 Tablespoons
Mustard seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 6 to 8
Green chilly : 2

Method :

1. Wash and cut green chilly, coriander leaves and curry leaves.
2. Wash and peel off the outer layer of carrots and grate it. Keep it aside.
3. Wash and cut lemon and squeeze out the juice. Keep it aside.
4. Grate coconut and keep it aside.
5. Keep a pan on the fire and put oil. Put mustard seeds and urid dal.
6. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add cut green chilly and curry leaves.
7. Fry nicely for 10 seconds. Add grated carrots and fry nicely for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Add cooked rice and mix it well. Add salt, turmeric powder and mix it well.
9. Let it cook on low flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add grated coconut and put off the fire.
11 Add lemon extract (juice) and mix it again. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and mix it well.
11. Shift the ready " Carrot Chitranna " to a serving dish.
12. Add cut coriander leaves and serve with a cup of curd.

Note : 

Cook rice and cool it before adding to seasoning. Use of any brand of rice is optional. I have used sona masuri and required water ration is 1: 3 ( 1 cup rice and 3 cups of water). Use of green or red chilly is optional. Use of more /less chilly is optional. Use of ghee adds to the taste. Use of onions or garlic is optional.

Time : 20 Minutes if rice is already cooked. Or 20 more minutes to cook rice.
Serves : 2 to 3.
Type : South Indian ..

Pigeon Peas & Cluster Beans Dry Curry

Its the time to get Pigeon peas. Pigeon Peas is winter's crop and it is tender, filled with loads of vitamins and minerals and more than that it is fresh. I have used this pigeon pea, cluster beans and prepared simple dry curry.

One should make use  and eat the seasonal vegetables and pulses during their seasons.

It does provide good effect on our body since they do contain loads of minerals and vitamins. 

Dry curry is one of the side dish and we can prepare with many vegetables and is good to eat with little ghee and hot rice/chapatis/rotis etc.

I have used pigeon peas, cluster beans, coconut and some simple spices.

Let us see some benefits of eating pigeon peas in our diet.

Pigeon peas helps to stimulate growth. They helps to prevent anemia and boost heart health. They also helps to improve digestion and strengthen our immune system. They boost energy and eleminate inflammation. They have good source of potassium and helps in regulating blood pressure in our body. They are filled with proteins and good for people who are suffering from anemia. Pigeon pea is loaded with nutrients and they have some amount of calories and very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. It is filled with dietary fiber. They have Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Carbohydrates. Dietary fibers in them helps to balance cholesterol level in our body. It also magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese in it.

Let us see the recipe Now :

No Onion or No Garlic is used in this recipe and it is very simple and easy to prepare. 

Things Needed :

To Cook :

Pigeon Peas : 1 Cup 

Cluster Beans : 1 Cup ( 150 gr).

To Add :

Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Green chilly : 1 to 3

Ginger : 1 Teaspoon

Methi seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon

Salt : As required

Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons

To Season : 

Coconut oil : 1 Tablespoon

Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Urid dal: 1/2 Teaspoon

Jeera / Cumin seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Curry Leaves : 6 to 8

Method :

1. Remove pods and wash it. Wash and cut the edges of cluster beans and cut into small.

2. Grate coconut, wash and cut green chilly, coriander leaves and curry leaves.

3. Wash and remove the outer layer of ginger and wash it again. Grate it and keep it aside.

4. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil, mustard seeds and urid dal.

5. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add jeera, slit chilly and curry leaves.

6. Add pigeon peas and mix it well. Add cut cluster beans and mix it again. 

7. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, methi seeds and 1/2 cup of water. Let it cook on medium flame.    

I have used pressure cooker to cook pigeon peas and cluster beans.

8. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes and put off the gas. Let it cool.

9. Keep a pan on the fire and put cooked pigeon peas & cluster beans. 

10. Add salt, grated ginger and mix it nicely. Let all the moisture disappear.

11. Add grated coconut and cut coriander leaves. Mix it well and shift the ready curry to a serving dish. 

12. Pigeon Peas & Cluster Beans Dry Curry is ready to serve. We had it with lunch as one of the side dish.

Note:

It is better to use pressure cooker to cook pigeon peas. Or it takes longer time to cook and the pea pod turns a bit hard. Use of red chilly powder is optional. Use of garlic or onion is optional. Use of roasted methi seeds powder is optional. ( Dry roast methi seeds and powder it. Keep this powder in a air tight bottle/box. Use it for curries and any type of chitranna or masala rice.

Time : 15 Minutes.

Serves : 2  to 3.

Methi - Palak & Capsicum Dry Curry

Methi Palak Capsicum dry curry is one of the side dish that goes well with almost all the main dishes.   I have prepared Udupi special dry curry using Palak and methi /fenugrik leaves.

Adding leaves in our diet is one of the healthiest choice. You can prepare lots of dishes using varieties of leaves which is available around the year.
I have used methi leaves, palak/spinach leaves, coconut and some spices.
Let us see some benefits of having mustard seeds in our diet. 
Mustard seeds are loaded with medicinal values. They are good remedy for detoxification of the body. It helps to get relief from pains. They are good for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also good for women during menopause. Mustard seeds are rich source of minerals and vitamins. They are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. They are good source of dietary fiber.They do contain vitamin A and vitamin K and vitamin C. They help in managing diabetes and cholesterol level in our body. They are good source of anti bacterial properties and helps in treating ringworm. (skin disease).
Let us see the recipe Now :
It is an Udupi Special - Traditional Recipe. No Onion or Garlic is used in this recipe. 

Things Needed : 

To Cook :
Methi /Fenugrik leaves : 1 Bundle
Palak/spinach leaves : 1 Bundle
To Season :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Coconut Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
To Dry grind :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Red chilly powder/Red chilly :1 Teaspoon/ 3 to 4
Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
To Add :
Coriander leaves : 1 Teaspoon
Lemon extract/Tamarind pulp : 1 Teaspoon
Jaggery : 1 Teaspoon

 Method :

1. Wash and cut palak and methi leaves into very small. Keep it aside. Wash and cut capsicum into small pieces.

2. Grate coconut and dry grind it with red chilly powder and mustard seeds. Keep it aside.

3. Wash and cut coriander leaves and soak very little tamarind in hot water and squeeze out the pulp.
4. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil and mustard seeds, urid dal.
5. Let it splutter. Add washed curry leaves and ingh. Add cut leaves and capsicum. Fry it on low flame for 2 minutes.

6. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and mix it well. Add 1/4 cup of water and cool on low flame.

7. Let all the moisture disappear. Add salt, jaggery and tamarind pulp. Let it cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add dry ground coconut - mustard mixture and stir slowly. So that it mixes well.

9. Let it cook on low flame for a minute. Shift the ready curry to a serving bowl.

10. Add cut coriander leaves to Ready Methi - Palak & Capsicum Dry Curry and serve.

Note :

Adding more chilly powder is optional. I have used tamarind pulp and lemon extract/juice can be used instead of tamarind pulp. Adding jaggery is optional. Do not cook dry curry for a long time after adding coconut. Adding onions or garlic is optional.
Time 15 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3. 

Baragu / Proso Millet Dosa/

 Baragu/Proso mIllet is one of the millet family grain. We can prepare lots of dishes using baragu in our Indian style. I have prepared dosa using baragu instead of rice.

Millets have become very popular these days because of their healthy content and it has rich source of minerals and vitamins.
I have used Baragu/ Proso Millet, urid dal and methi dal for dosa. Dosa turns out very colourful and it is better to have them when they are hot.
Let us see some benefits of eating " Baragu/ Proso Millet " in our diet.
Baragu has rich source of antioxidants and it helps to get rid of wrinkles. They contain high amount of lecithin and it helps in strengthening nervous system. Baragu/Proso millet has calcium and it is good for growing kids. Proso millet reduces and controls the cholesterol level in our body. Baragu is gluten free and it provides energy,It has carbohydrates in very small level. It has minerals in it. They do contain minerals like phosphorus, mangaese, magnesium etc.
Let us see the recipe now:

Things needed :

Baragu : 2 Cups
Urid dal : 1/2 Cup
Methi Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Avaalakki : One handful
Toor dal : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : As required

Method :

1. Clean and soak Baragu/Proso Millet, urid dal, toor dal, methi seeds for 3 to 4 hours.

2.Wash and soak avalakki./flattened rice for 1 to 2 hours.

3. Grind all the ingredients together and remove it from the mixi jar.

4. Put it in a big bowl and add salt. Mix it well and leave it for formentation. 6 to 8 hours or over night.

5. Keep a tava/pan on the fire and heat. Clean the tava with a kitchen tissue.
6. Mix the dough nicely and take a ladle of dough and spread it on the hot tava. (Let the flame be low). ( Add water if required and adjust the dough to proper consistency.

7. Sprinkle oil on the top and turn the dosa other side and cook for a minute.

8. Hot baragu dosa is ready to serve. Repeat the same with remaining dough.

9. Serve Baragu/Proso Millet dosa with the side dish you have prepared.

Note :

Dosa dough should not be watery. Use only the required water while grinding. And then you can ad water and adjust the dough. No need to add any cooking soda. Let the dough be ferment well. Dosas are soft and yummy. Serve hot dosas to get the good taste of it. Though looks nice but it is softer than normal dosa. This time I have used a mixi to grind. You can use a grinder. It gives a best result.
Do not add oil on tava and put the dough to spread. It will stick to the ladle and you may not be able to spread it evenly. So add oil on hot tava and clean it nicely with a kitchen tissue. Lower the flame. Now you add dough and spread it as big dosa as you need.
Time : Soaking time 4 hours + grinding and ferment 6 to 7 hours. Dosa preparation 30 Minutes.
Serves : 5 to 6 .