Thursday, December 27, 2012

CAULIFLOWER PALYA. ( DRY CURRY )

Cauliflower palya is a dry curry. It can be served as one of the side dish along with other dishes. Cauliflower is used in many types of curries, manchuris, dry curry, pakoda, parota etc etc.


I have used cauliflower, spice powder and some simple spices.
Let us see some benefits of eating " Cauliflower " in our diet.
Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family and broccoli, Kale and Cabbage also included in the same group. Cauliflower helps to reduce the risk of heart and brain disorders, It helps to give a relief from indigestion. It boost eye health and maintain the hormone balance. Detoxify our body and aids in weight loss. It helps to keep away us from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and diabetes. It is filled with antioxidant properties and helps in strengthening the immune system. It helps to balance cholesterol level in our body. Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins like, Vitamin C,folate, Vitamin K and E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, B2, B3. Cauliflower contain minerals like, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and low amount of unsaturated fat. It does contain omega -3 fatty acids. It has good dietary fiber in it.
Let us see the recipe now "

Things Needed : 

To cook :
Cauliflower : 2 cups. ( 1 medium size cauliflower).
To season : 
Oil : 2 Tablespoons.
Curry leaves : 2 Tablespoons.( cut into small pieces).
Jeera : 1 Teaspoon.
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon.
Urd daal: 1/2 Tea spoon.
To Add :
Green chilly : 1
Vanghi baat  powder: 2 Teaspoons.
Salt : to taste.
Turmeric Powder: a pinch.
Coriander leaves: 2 Table spoons.( cut into small pieces).
Coconut : (Optional). : 1 Table spoon. ( grated).

Method :

1.Wash and soak cauliflower in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Wash it again and put it in salt water. Let the water be hot/warm. Add 2 teaspoons of salt  to water.
3.Soak  cauliflower in it for at elast 10 minutes. Cut it into small pieces. (like flower bud).


4. Grate coconut and keep it aside. Wash green chilly , curry leaves and coriander leaves. Slit green chilly.
5. Keep a pan and heat. Add oil, mustard seeds, urid dal and fy till mustard seeds splutter.
6. Add curry leaves and cut green chilly. Add cauliflower and fry for 2 minutes.
7. Add very little water and cook on low flame till it turn slightly soft. ( Do not over cook).
8.Add salt, turmeric powder and mix it well. Let all the moisture disappear.
9. Add  vanghi baath powder and mix it nicely. Let it be on low flame.
10. Add a teaspoon of oil on the top. Do not mix it as soon as you put the oil.
11. Add grated coconut and mix the whole ingredients slowly. Add cut coriander leaves.
12. Shift the curry to a serving dish and serve as you want to be.

Note : 

Add water if only required. Cauliflower turns soft very quickly. Just frying on the low flame helps the vegetable to be soft. Do not over cook cauliflower. It turns as messy and does not taste good. Adding any spice is your choice. I have added vanghi baat powder and it really taste good. Adding onions or garlic is optional. ( I have not added).
Time : 15 minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3
Style : Karnataka. 

Vanghi baat powder :
 Dry roast channa dal, urid dal, (each 1 teaspoon), coriander seeds (2 teaspoons), and 2 to 3 cloves. Dry roast 5 to 6 red chilly ( Byadagi chilly ). Dry grind when it cools down. Add ingh and curry leaves while frying.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Dry Dates - Nuts - Honey Laddus.

Dates and Nuts Laddus are very nutritious and has no sugar added and YOU can munch them
I have tried these laddu with nuts and dry  dates.(Uttutte as we say). Added Honey to bind all the ingredients well. You can munch these laddus any time of the day. Try and enjoy. These Laddus are good for kids and the elders .


Let us see the recipe now.

Things Needed :

Dates.Uttutte  : 1 cup.
Almonds : 1 Cup
Raisins : 1/2 Cut
Cashew Nuts : 1/2 Cup
Honey : 2 to 3  Tablespoons

Method:

1.Roast Almonds and cashews separately for 2 to 3 minutes and dry grind them for few seconds.
2. Cut dry dates into small pieces and dry grind it. (into powder consistency.
3. Now mix dates and nuts along with raisins nicely in a big bowl.

4. You need to kneed them thoroughly. Now add honey and mix well
5.Take a handful of  this mixture and prepare laddu.
6. Repeat the same with the rest of the mixture.
7. Serve " Dry Dates and Nuts - Honey Laddu at any time of the day.

Note :
Do not add any ghee while dry roasting. Cut the dry dates before dry grind. (It is bit hard to grind the whole dry dates). Adding more/less honey is optional. No need to add any sugar or jaggery to the laddu. No need to dry roast dry dates.
Time : 20 Minutes.
15 Laddus can be prepared.

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About

author
My name is Nalini Somayaji. Teaching is my profession. Cooking is my passion. Reading, travelling, visiting new places, having fun with kids are some of the hobbies I can say. My recipes are Healthy, quick, easy and simple. Grown up being a traditional family member I love and respect Indian culture and traditions. Love classical dance and music.
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