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  • Veg cheese croquettes

    Veg Cheese Croquettes are crisp on the outside and soft gooey red colour inside. They make an ideal snack for evenings or as an appetiser for party or get together. I have chosen this  recipe as a starter for North Indian Thali of our Blogversary special.  (more…)

  • Making of Puri in steps

    Puri is a popular South Asian unleavened bread . It is usually known as puri or poori (pronounced as poori.  It is tasty and makes a great meal. This post is part of the Culinary Hoppers, Blogversary special. Yes, it’s been a year of our blog hop and truly a wonderful journey with like minded bloggers.  It is the part of the theme “South Indian Thali” (more…)

  • Best of my blog hop recipes

    Its’s  that time of the year , we a bunch of bloggers are super excited,  succesfully completing one year of our blog hop on December 10th. To mark this event, we have gathered best of blog hop for you. Culinary Hoppers , which was started by like minded  bloggers, has grown immensly, giving a lot of scope for us to interact and learn.

    A difficult task, but did manage to find two of my favourite posts.

    https://evergreendishes.com/2015/03/19/ugadi-platter/

    http;//evergreendishes.com/semolina-dosa

     

    Ugadi platter

    kadubu
    kadubu
    madur wada
    madur wada

     

    kadubu

    pulandyogare
    pulandyogare
    Semolina dosa
    Semolina Dosa
    Semolina Dosa

    A special edition of blogversary is coming up soon ! Do keep an eye for it.

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  • Groundnut chutney

    Groundnut chutney is a very tasty accompaniment that can be served with idli or dosa. It was during last winter that I first made it, and since then , it has become a routine.

    Usually, roasted groundnuts are grinded with  green chillies  and salt along with a little tamarind pulp. But, I have made a slight variation here. The consistency was dense, adding a little coconut was appropriate and a dash of ginger gave more taste to it..

    Ingredients:

    • Roasted groundnuts 1/2 cup
    • coconut 1tsp
    • green chilly 2
    • curry leaves a few
    • ginger 1/2 inch
    • tamarind pulp 1tsp
    • salt to taste
    • water very little
    • oil 1/2tsp
    groundnut chutney
    groundnut chutney

     

    Method :

    Take oil in a kadai, roast the green chillies. curry leaves and ginger. Grind all ingredients together with a little water. Serve with idli or dosa. Seasoning may be added.

     

  • Bisebelebath

    This is a famous dish of Karnataka. Its made on many occassions, be it the festivals or get togethers. A dish made of rice and tuvar dal, with goodness of vegetables and some condiments ground together makes it an outstanding one pot meal, which is cherished by many.

    Bisebelebath
    Bisebelebath

    The ingredients that you need are:

    I1/2  bowl rice

    1 bowl tuvar dal

    15beans

    2 carrots

    2 potatoes

    1/2 bowl of green peas

    lemon size tamarind

    sambar masala powder 3tbsp

    oil 2 tbsp

    mustard seeds 1/2 tsp

    asafoetida a pinch

    turmeric powder

    bengal gram 1tsp

    urad dal 1 tsp

    cashew pieces a fw

    curry leaves

    groundnuts 1/2 bowl

    To make the sambar powder :

    • coriander seeds 5tsp
    • bengal gram 1tsp
    • urad dal 1tsp
    • cinnamon 1 small stick
    • cumin 1/2 tsp
    • pepper 5
    • dessicated coconut little
    • red chilli 8
    • oil

    Method ;

    • This is the direct method of cooking. In a thick bottom vessel,  boil adequate quantity of water. Add tuvar dal and turmeric powder. Close a lid, and let cook on a low flame.
    • Split the beans and cut the potatoes into small cubes.
    • After fifteen minutes, when it is half cooked, add the beans.
    • a little later add the rice, potatoes and peas.
    • Add adequate quantity of water.
    • Meanwhile,  roast the spices seperately with a little oil. When cool,g rind them to a powder and keep aside.
    • Squeeze the pulp of the tamarind.
    • Add the tamarind pulp and sambar powder to it.
    • Make seasoning in another pan. Put it over the rice and mix well.
    • Allow to cook for sometime.
    • Serve with papad and cucumber raita.

    Take a tip :

    Raita is a salad with yoghurt and dressing.

    Adding of peanuts is optional. While adding , you can soak them in water and use, it gives the taste of fresh ones.

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    rice

     

     

  • Rajma masala recipe | Two way cooking of rajma

    Rajma masala recipe | Two way cooking of rajma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Rajma Masala is a delicious side dish from North Indian cuisine. It is a comfort food for them.

    Rajma is one of the most loved pulses in the northern states. It is served with rice or any kind of Indian flat  bread. Chawal Rajma is a very popular dish.The long bean is kidney shaped, hence it is known as Kidney bean. It is a rich in nutrients and  highly recommended for the vegetarians. More information is here.

    Cooking the kidney bean properly is a necessary, otherwise, it cannot be eaten and may cause stomach disorder too. I remember, a few years back, I advented to cooking this one. A newbie at this, it was a total disaster. The kidney beans, though cooked, were still hard. I stopped cooking for sometime.  Now, again, it has made a comeback and the cooking the right way. The kidney bean, needs to be cooked for nearly half an hour in the pressure cooker,  at least ten to twelve whistles. Let it cool by itself. Later, check and if they are not tender, cook them again for some more time.

    Here, I am sharing two methods of making rajma masala. Follow whichever you prefer.

    rajma masala
    rajma masala

    Ingredients :

    • 1/4 kg Rajma
    • 3 tomato
    • 2 onion
    • 1 inch ginger
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 red chilli
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dhania powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
    • amchur powder
    • 2 teaspoon chilli powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • salt to taste
    • 2 teaspoon oil

    Method :

    Pre requisites:

    • Rajma need to be soaked overnight.
    • Put tomatoes in hot water. Peel the skin.
    • Cut onions into chunks.

    First method to prepare:

    • Drain the water from the soaked kidney bean, put fresh water to it and cook in a pressure cooker for fifteen whistles.
    • Grind tomato, onion, ginger, garlic and chilli to a paste.
    • The kidney beans need to be really soft, otherwise it will not taste good.
    • Heat oil, Put cumin, red chilly and bay leaf to it. As it sizzles, add  the tomato mix puree and saute for a while.
    • The oil should leave the sides , then add the spice powders.
    • Add  turmeric powder and salt. Let boil, make it to a gravy consistency by adding adequate quantity of water.
    • Add the cooked rajma to it.
    • Simmer on a low flame for sometime.
    • Rajma masala is ready to serve.
    • Serve hot with any flat bread or rice.

    Alternate Method :

    • Grind tomato, onion, ginger, garlic and green chilli to a paste.
    • Take oil in a pressure pan, add cumin seed as it sizzles throw in the red chilli and bay leaf to it. Put the tomato onion paste to it. Saute it for sometime. Let the oil leave the sides.
    • Put turmeric powder, dhania powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chilli powder and amchur powder to it. Saute it for sometime.
    • Drain the water from the soaked rajma. Rinse it in water.
    • Put the washed rajma to it along with salt and five cups of water. Close the lid. Put the whistle and allow it to cook for eight whistles.
    • Let the pressure release by itself. Check the consistency, if needed boil it for sometime.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Rajma in pressure cooker is ready to serve.

    The other North Indian dishes you may like are Malai Kaofta, Chana Masala, Alu Palak, Vegetable Makhanwala 

    Evergreendishesdev

    Rajma Masala

    5 from 6 votes
    Rajma Masala is a delicious accompaniment from North Indian cuisine. It pairs well with any kind of flat bread or hot steamed rice. Rajma chawal is a popular food in North India.
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: north indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/4 kg Rajma
    • 3 to mato
    • 2 onion
    • 1 inch ginger
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 red chilli
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dhania powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
    • amchur powder
    • 2 teaspoon chilli powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • salt to taste
    • 2 teaspoon oil

    Method
     

    Pre requisites:
    1. Rajma need to be soaked overnight.
    2. Put tomatoes in hot water. Peel the skin.
    3. Cut onions into chunks.
    First Method To prepare ;
    1. Drain the water from the soaked kidney bean, put fresh water to it and cook in a pressure cooker for fifteen whistles.
    2. Grind tomato, onion, ginger, garlic and chilli to a paste.
    3. The kidney beans need to be really soft, otherwise it will not taste good.
    4. Heat oil, Put cumin, red chilly and bay leaf to it. As it sizzles, add  the tomato mix puree and saute for a while.
    5. The oil should leave the sides , then add the spice powders.
    6. Add  turmeric powder and salt. Let boil, make it to a gravy consistency by adding adequate quantity of water.
    7. Add the cooked rajma to it.
    8. Simmer on a low flame for sometime.
    9. Rajma masala is ready to serve.
    10. Serve hot with any flat bread or rice.
    Alternate Method :
    1. Grind tomato, onion, ginger, garlic and green chilli to a paste.
    2. Take oil in a pressure pan, add cumin seed as it sizzles throw in the red chilli and bay leaf to it. Put the tomato onion paste to it. Saute it for sometime. Let the oil leave the sides.
    3. Put turmeric powder, dhania powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chilli powder and amchur powder to it. Saute it for sometime.
    4. Drain the water from the soaked rajma. Rinse it in water.
    5. Put the washed rajma to it along with salt and five cups of water. Close the lid. Put the whistle and allow it to cook for eight whistles.
    6. Let the pressure release by itself. Check the consistency, if needed boil it for sometime.
    7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Rajma in pressure cooker is ready to serve.

    Notes

    To check the rajma if they are cooked properly, it should easily smudge between two fingers. 

    Pin it for later :

    rajma masala
    rajma masala

    If you ever make Rajma Masala recipe in yoour kitchen, take a picture and tag @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook. Subscribe to get all updates in your inbox and an e-book for free!

  • Roasted murmura/ dry snacks

    Roasted murmura/ dry snacks

    Roasted murmura is a light and dry snack ideal to store at home. It is liked by children as well as adults.

    Roasted murmura and rice flakes are commonly found in most homes of South India.  They are ideal  as a light snack with tea in the evenings and  stay good for a long time.

    Murmura is commonly called as puffed rice in English. Other names of murmura are mandalu , churmuri, mandakki, mamra, kurmura, mudi

    Growing up, we always had it at home. Now, I too prepare either one of them  to have as a light snack when children are hungry. Advantages of having roasted murmura at home

    • easy to binge
    • liked by adults and kids
    • good to have a few snacks ready on the shelf
    • it is low in calorie
    • light on stomach

    Roasted murmura

    Roasted Murmura Recipe:

    Ingredients :

    • 1/2 kg murmura
    • 1 bowl peanuts
    • 1/2 bowl split dalia
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • salt to taste
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • a pinch of asafoetida
    • a few curry leaves

    Method :

    Take a kadai, add oil and make the seasoning. Add cumin, asafoetida, turmeric powder and then put in groundnuts. Allow to cook them for two minutes, then add split dalia.  Add curry leaves and cumin powder. After a few  seconds, add chilli powder and salt, mix well and switch of the gas. Add the murmura and mix well. Heat it for sometime. This make it crisper. When cool, store in an airtight container.

    Take a tip:

    • Murmura should be crisp.
    • Adjust the quantity of chilli powder.
    • Roast the peanuts for a few seconds, they should be crunchy.
    • Adding curry leaves gives a good taste to it.
    • Do not skip adding asafoetida.

    About the event:

    This is an old post which I have redone with better pictures and text. Sending this to Foodies_Redoing Old Post39, a fortnightly event where we work on an old post that we wish. With time, our writing and photography has improved a bit, so giving a better look to the old blog posts.

    Roasted murmura
    Evergreendishesdev

    Roasted Murmura

    Roasted murmura is a handy snack to store at home. When kids are hungry, a ready to eat snack.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/2 kg murmura
    • 1/2 bowl dalia
    • 1 bowl groundnuts
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • a pinch asafoetida
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • a few curry leaves

    Method
     

    1. Take oil in a kadai, heat it, add cumin, asafoetida and turmeric powder. As it splutters, put the groundnuts and let it cook for sometime. 
    2. Then add split dalia. Put cumin powder and curry leaves. Put salt, chilli powder and give a stir. Remove from heat.
    3. Mix the murmura in it. Now, heat it on a low flame for sometime to give crispiness.
    4. When cool, store in an air tight container.

    Notes

    • Adjust the quantity if chilli powder.
    • Roast the peanuts for a few seconds, they should be crunchy.
    • Adding curry leaves gives a good taste to it.
    • Do not skip adding asafoetida.

    Pin it for later:

    roasted murmura
    roasted murmura.

    If you ever make any of these recipes, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook. I will be glad to see and share your creation further.
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  • Khasta Kachori

    Kachori is a savoury snack which originated in  Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.  Today, it is popular in many states as Madhya pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and all the  northern states. Various kind are prepared with different filling inclusive of sweet and dry fruits. Both baked and fried versions are made. It’s festivity time  and  the theme of our blog hop is “Kachoris ” I am presenting to you a popular and tasty one ” Khasta Kachori ” Do find a picturesque presentation below.

    kastha kachori
    kastha kachori

    Ingredients :

    For the dough :

    • Refined flour 2 cups
    • soda 1/2 tsp
    • salt 1/2 tsp
    • water
    • oil 3tbsp

    For the filling :

    • urad dal 1/2 cup
    • green chilly
    • ginger 1 inch
    • dhania powder 1tsp
    • cuminpowder 1/2 tsp
    •   fennel powder 1/2 tsp
    • chilly powder 2tsp
    • sugar 1/2 tsp
    • salt
    • cashew pieces
    • raisins
    • oil for deep frying

    Take a tip : I pounded fresh spice powder and it tasted great. Take a spoon each of dhania, cumin and fennel and powder it in the small jar.

    Method :

    To make the dough :

    • Sift the flour, salt and soda together.
    • Add oil and mix well with fingers.
    • Knead to a dough of thick consistency,
    • Cover it with a moist cloth and keep aside.

     

    To make the filling :

    • Soak the urad dal for an hour.
    • Coarsely grind  it along with ginger and green chilly.
    • Heat oil in a pan. Add the ground paste to it.
    • Along with it add asafoetida and other spice mix.
    • Let the moisture evaporate. Add salt and lime juice.
    • Let cool.

    To  make the kachoris :

    • Make 15 balls of the dough and the filling.
    • Take a ball of the dough, roll it into a puri. Keep it thick at the centre and thin at the edges.
    • Take a ball of the mixture, enclose it by sealing the edges.
    • Flatten it by pressing with fingers.
    • Repeat for others.
    • Heat oil in a frying pan.
    • Deep fry by putting three or four at a time.
    • It should be golden in colour.
    • Remove and put it on absorbent paper.
    • Serve with sweet chutney and green chutney.
    dough
    dough
    filling mixture
    filling mixture
    balls of the dough
    balls of the dough
    balls of the filling
    balls of the filling
    dough rolled
    dough rolled
    place the filling
    place the filling
    seal the edges
    seal the edges
    flatten it with fingers
    flatten it with fingers
    deep fry
    deep fry

    kachori1

    kastha kachori
    kastha kachori

    Do check out the other variety of kachoris by Culinary Hoppers.

    Aloo pyaz ki kachori by Vani

    Green peas kachori by Piyali

    Tuvar lilva kachori by Parvathy

    Sattu ki kachori by Swati

    Dry fruit kachori by Padma

    Khasta kachori by Shubha

    Kabuli channa kachori by Shobana

    kachori collage
    kachori collage

     

     

     

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    Glad if you could share it !

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  • Veg Seekh Kabab

    Veg Seekh Kabab

    The affair with kababs continues.The pleasant weather of September, it was raining here then, (late rains) and these kababs made a wonderful treat. When I saw this Veg Seekh Kabab on my dear friend Piyali Sekhar Mutha’sblog, I could not desist. The recipe can be read here.They looked delicious and I knew it would be liked by my children. Last week. I had made these and they were really good. Now, sharing it here with you all.

    My other kabab recipes are :

    moong seekh kabab,

    hara bhara kabab

    Ingredients :

    yielded 15 kababs

    • Beans cut finely 15
    • Carrot cut finely 1
    • Capsicum green 1
    • Potato boiled 3
    • Sweet corn kernels 1 cup
    • Onion 2
    • Cottage cheese 6cubes
    • Bread crumbs of 4 slices
    • Hung curd 2tbsp
    • Coriander finely chopped ½ cup
    • Mint leaves finely cut ½ cup
    • Gram flour 1tbsp
    • Amchur powder 1tsp
    • Ginger ,garlic chilli paste 2tsp
    • Chilli powder 1tsp•
    • Oil for shallow frying
    • Corn flour 1tbsp

    • dry fruit mix
    • garam masala powder 1tsp
    • salt to taste

     

    veg seekh kabab
    veg seekh kabab
    1. Sauté the beans,carrot and capsicum in a non stick pan and cook till tender on a low flame.
    2. If using fresh corns , add them too. I used frozen corn, added them a little later.
    3. Remove from fire.
    4. Now add all ingredients to it.Mash the potatoes and put it.
    5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with hand. . Knead them together to a dough.
    6. Shape them into long strips .
    7. Heat a skillet.

     

    veg kabab mixture
    veg kabab mixture
    1. In another bowl, mix cornflour with a little water to a smooth paste.
    2. Dip the kebab into this and put it on the skillet.
    3. Alternatively, you can put them on a skewer and grill them . Serve them with mint chutney or tzatziki dip.
    veg seekh kabab
    veg seekh kabab

     

    To make Tzatziki dip:

    Ingredients :

    • cucumber deseeded 1 (big variety)
    • hung curd 2cup
    • mint leaves 2tbsp
    • salt to taste
    • black peppercorns 6
    • garlic 1clove

    To make : Blend all ingredients together to form a thick pulp. Serve with any snack of your choice.

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  • Brown rice pongal

    I have earlier mentioned that I am trying various kind of dishes with brown rice.  This Brown rice pongal is awesome and it’s become a quick meal for me to make at night.  Here, as the lentil and  rice are cooked together, the taste of the brown rice is much less and hence more tastier. (more…)