Tag: healthy eating

  • Jowar Flour Idli | Jolada Idli | Sorghum Idli

    Jowar Flour Idli | Jolada Idli | Sorghum Idli

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    Jowar flour idli is a healthy twist to the usual one we often make. They are ideal for people of all age group, healthier and keeps going for a longer period of time.

    Eating healthy food is a choice we need to make it often. Do we break the norm or just once in a while? Yes, we are spoilt for choices and ultimately the decision rests in us. Balancing is the key, and as home makers we need to include millets and other related items in our cooking.

    jowar flour idli

    Idli is considered as healthy breakfast. I have shared many different variety of idli recipes  as Sago Idli, Ragi Idli, Rawa Idli, Instant Ragi Idli and Chennai Idli. Today, I am sharing idlis made with jowar flour.

    Jowar flour is the main ingredient. Use fresh jowar flour. Anything stored for a few days, are soon attacked by pests or molds due to the climatic conditions. We need to keep a check on all the ingredients stored at home.

    Urad dal is the other ingredient which we use to make these idlis. It is soaked for two hours and then made into a batter.

    Water is needed for soaking and grinding the batter. We also need it for steaming the idly in the idly cooker.

    Salt is essential in cooking, there is no taste to the food without it.

    As usual, making of idly involves five steps:

    1. Soaking
    2. Grinding
    3. Mixing
    4. Fermentation
    5. Steaming

    Urad dal needs to be soaked for atleast two hours. Rinse it well, put water and keep it aside. Later, grind to a fine batter. Jowar flour is mixed well in the batter, be careful as lumps are easily formed. Adjust the consistency of the batter. Put it in a wide bowl and keep it in a warm place to ferment. The time of fermentation depends on the season.

    Once the batter is fermented, add salt to it. Heat the idli steamer and put the batter to two-third of the capacity in each of the moulds. Steam it for fifteen minutes. Check if it is properly done and then turn off the stove.

    As the idli is made with millet and not the usual rice, it tends to get sour easily. I suggest that you make a small quantity and use it on the same day. Do not keep it outside for a long time.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup urad dal
    • 2 cup jowar flour
    • salt to taste
    • water for soaking and grinding

    About the event :

    Sending this to Shhh Secretly Cooking Challenge. It is a monthly event. The theme for the month of August was Fermented Foods. I was paired with Preethi and she has made Savoury Chia Seed Pudding. The secret ingredients were cucumber and chia seed. Do check out the recipe on her blog.

    I wanted to make jowar flour and she gave the ingredients accordingly.

    Print Recipe
    jowar flour idli
    Evergreendishesdev

    Jowar Flour Idli

    Jowar Flour Idli is healthy, tasty and ideal for people of all ages. Serve it with chutney and sambar for a filling breakfast.
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    8 hours
    Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: South Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup urad dal
    • 2 cup jowar flour
    • salt to taste
    • water for soaking and grinding

    Method
     

    1. Wash urad dal. Soak it in water for two hours.
    2. Grind urad dal to a fine batter.
    3. Remove the batter in a wide bowl. Mix two cups of jowar flour to it. See that no lumps are formed as you mix. Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding water to it.
    4. Keep it covered in a warm place.
    5. Next day, add salt to it and mix well.
    6. Take the idly cooker. Put the batter in the idly mold and steam it for fifteen minutes.
    7. Serve with chutney and sambar.

    Notes

    Jowar flour can be made fresh by pounding in small quantity.
    You can use the ready jowar flour. 
    Do not keep it outside for a long time, the taste of the idli turns sour.
    Make a small quantity of batter, do not keep it for the next day to use.

    Pin it for later:

    jowar flour idli
    jowar flour idli

    If you ever make Jowar Flour Idli in your kitchen, take a photo and share with me by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram and @evergreendishes on Facebook.

  • Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry

    Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry

    Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry is a tasty, healthy, easy to prepare side dish from Konkani cuisine. It is  a good  way to  include sprouted fenugreek, which is a slightly difficult to consume by itself. You can serve it as an accompaniment with chapathi or along with rice and rasam.

    Sprouting duration varies for both.  Moong sprouts in a day while fenugreek needs more time. Soak them separately for six to eight hours, put them in a colander, once the water is drained and semi-dry, tie them in a thin  muslin cloth and keep them in a warm place. Check them the next day and store them in a container in refigerator. Alternatively, you can keep in a closed container with a tight lid.

    I have shared in detail here regarding the making of sprouts. Do check the post. The other recipes with moong which we often relish is the salad, it is ideal as a snack too.

    The stir fry is called as Sukke in Konkani households and the recipe is adopted from  Healthy Cooking with Mitha. We know each other through a facebook group and remember reading and trying her recipe then. We liked it and it has been a regular feature.The bitterness of the fenugreek is neglible and adds a good taste to the moong stir fry. You can also check out the earlier shared menthe gojju  

     

     

      What goes in the sprouted moong methi stir fry ?

    • sprouted green gram : Planning is essential here. We need to soak and sprout them a day prior.
    • sprouted fenugreek seed: Make it two days prior, as sometimes it needs a little longer time.
    • oil: The preferred oil is coconut oil for this recipe but you can use any other oil.
    • mustard seed : for seasoning
    • tamarind paste: You can add a little bit of tamarind extract if you do not have the tamarind paste.
    • coconut: Do not skip it for this recipe.
    • salt: As per the taste
    • chilli powder: For the hot and spicy taste.
    • curry leaves : A few leaves are needed

    Pre-requisites :

    You need to have the sprouted moong and fenugreek ready. To make the sprouts, read the above paragraph, it is mentioned in detail. 1 cup of green gram yields three cups of sprouted moong while 1/4 cup of fenugreek yields a cup of sprouted fenugreek.

    Take adequate precaution while sprouting. Keeping them for a longer may turn them sticky. Weather conditions too play an important role.

    1. Why should you make sprouted moong methi stir fry ?
    1. It is easy to prepare if you have the sprouted grains.
    2. A good way to include fenugreek in your diet.
    3. It is vegan and gluten-free.
    4. It is a no onion garlic recipe.
    5. It makes a good accompaniment with any meal.
    Evergreendishesdev

    Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry

    5 from 10 votes
    Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry is a tasty, healthy, easy to make accompaniment.
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: karnataka

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cup sprouted green gram moong
    • 1 cup sprouted fenugreek seed menthe
    • 2 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard
    • a few curry leaves
    • 3 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
    • 2 teaspoon chilli powder
    • salt to taste
    • 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut

    Method
     

    1. Take oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. As it splutters, put curry leaves and the sprouted green gram. Also add the sprouted fenugreek seed. Put some water to it and allow to cook for sometime.
    2. Once it is cooked, add salt to it.
    3. Now, put the tamarind paste and chilli powder to it.
    4. Finally, put grated coconut to it, heat for a minute and keep it aside.
    5. Serve with any meal as an accompaniment.

    Notes

    You need to have the sprouted moong and fenugreek ready. To make the sprouts, read the above paragraph, it is mentioned in detail. 1 cup of green gram yields three cups of sprouted moong while 1/4 cup of fenugreek yields a cup of sprouted fenugreek.
    Take adequate precaution while sprouting. Keeping tied for a longer time may turn them sticky. Weather conditions too play an important role.

    About the event:

    Sending this to Cooking with Sprouts theme for the month of January 2024 at Shhh Secretly Cooking Challenge. The theme was suggested by yours truly. I was paired with Kalyani Sri of sizzling tastebuds, a blog with varied kind of recipes.  Kalyani has prepared Sprouts Dosa with Jowar, a filling breakfast to kickstart a busy day with chana sprrouts and spinach, the secret ingredients given by me. Inturn, I have made moong methi sprouts stir fry with the secret ingredients, chilli powder and methi sprouts.

    shhh cooking secretlyIf you  make  Sprouted Moong Methi Stir Fry, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram and @evergreendishes on Facebook.  Subscribe to get all updates and an e-book for free.

    sprouted moong methi stir fry
    sprouted moong methi stir fry
  • Tri-colour stir fry for Independence Day

    Tri-colour stir fry for Independence Day

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    Tricolour Stir Fry is a simple yet tasty accompaniment with chapati or pulka. It is a no onion garlic recipe.

    It’s that time of the year again when we rejoice and our hearts bow down to the warriors of the country. India celebrates the 76th year of Independence. It was after a long struggle India was declared an independent nation, free from the British rule.

    Be proud of your country. It’s the duty of every citizen to safeguard the hard-won freedom.

    I was wondering what I could post for the Independence Day, and soon I decided it would be a simple yet flavoursome dish which can be easily prepared in the busy mornings. It pairs well with chapati or Phulka. It is ideal to pack in the lunch box too.

    Since it is made as an Independence Day Special dish, I have used beans, capsicum and green peas for the green colour. Carrot represents the green colour, and potato represents the white colour. It is a no onion garlic stir fry.

    tri-colour stir fry
    tri-colour stir fry

    I often make mixed vegetable at home. It is one way  assorted  vegetables are served to all members. Here are some of the other recipes shared earlier : Bengali Mixed Vegetable, Rajasthani Vegetable Curry, Kerala Aviyal

    What goes in the tri-colour stir fry?

    The vegetables used for saffron colour is carror. Beans, capsicum and green peas to represent the green colour. Potato, peeled and cut into pieces is used for the white colour. Along with it cashewnut is also used.

    • Beans cut into long strips
    • Carrot : cut into lone inch long strips.
    • Capsicum : cut into long strips.
    • Potato : It is peeled and cut in the similar way.
    • Green peas: I have used the fresh ones
    •  Cashew : Take a handful of cashew and soak them for 15 minutes.
    • Coriander, green chillies, ginger and cumin are made into a paste.
    • Oil : Any neutral cooking oil
    • Asafoetida
    • Turmeric powder
    • Cumin : a pinch for the seasoning
    • Salt to taste
    • Lemon juice to balance the flavours

    The other Independent Day recipes shared earlier are : 

     

    Tri-colour pulav
    Tri-colour pulav

     

    tri-colour idli
    tri-colour idli

    Why should you make Tricolour Stir Fry?

    1. To celebrate national day.
    2. To use the leftover vegetables in the refrigerator.
    3. If your children are fussy eaters, it is a good way to feed varied vegetables.
    4. When you need something different, from the usual cooking.
    5. To add different vegetables in the daily diet.

     

    Print Recipe
    tri-colour stir fry
    Evergreendishesdev

    Tri-colour Stir Fry

    5 from 4 votes
    Tri-colour stir fry is a simple yet tasty stir fry. It pairs with chapathi or phulka.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Course: dinner ideas, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups beans cut into thin of1 inch long
    • 1.25 cup carrot cut into thin strips of one inch long
    • 1 capsicum
    • 1 potato peeled and cut similarly
    • 1/4 cup green peas
    • 1/4 cup cashew soak for 15 minutes
    To be made into a paste :
    • 1/4 cup coriander
    • 5 green chilli
    • 1/2 inch ginger
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    For seasoning :
    • 2 tablespoon oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    Other ingredients:
    • salt
    • 1/2 lemon

    Equipment

    • 4 4 bowls
    • 2 plates
    • 1 kadai
    • 1 long spoon

    Method
     

    1. Soak cashew for fifteen to twenty minutes. Make a paste of the mentioned ingredients above.
    2. Cut the vegetables and keep them aside. I have cut into one inch long, neither too thick nor thin. The potatoes are peeled here to give the desired white colour.
    3. Take oil in a pan, add cumin. As it sizzles, put beans followed by carrot, potato, capsicum and green peas. Lastly, put the soaked cashew into it. Cover a lid with some water over it, it hastens the cooking process.
    4. Allow them to cook for sometime
    5. Put salt. Add the prepared paste to it. Mix well and remove it after heating it for two minutes on a low flame.
    6. Finally, add lemon juice to it.

    Pin it for later :

    tri-colour stir fry
    tri-colour stir fry

    Wishing all a very happy Independence Day ! If you ever make Tri-Colour Stir Fry  in your 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!

     

  • How to make Oats Idli

    How to make Oats Idli

    Oats Idli is a healthy choice for the busy mornings. It is easy to prepare and tastes good too.

    Idli is one of the food items at home. It is usually for breakfast but at times I prepare it for dinner too. There is a need of change in the menu and different versions of idli come to our rescue. Oats Idli is ideal to serve for breakfast, brunch or a quick dinner. A simple chutney pairs well with it.

    Oats contains quality proteins, carbohydrates and fibre along with other nutrients which helps to carry on our daily activities. Oats Idli is a tasty, protein rich  breakfast. It is easy to prepare as it needs no fermentation. It is a healthy twist to the semolina idli which is commonly made in South India. Give a try to this oats idli, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

    A few facts about oats :

    1. Oats is a  winter crop. It needs cool season to grow.  It is planted during summer, germinate during winter and the oats begin during the spring.
    2.  The use of oats dates back to thousands of years. It was first introduced in North America in 1602.
    3. The oats are of two kinds : husked and naked.
    4. The cereal have high protein content and rich in antioxidants and beta glucan.
    5. Apart from using as a quick breakfast, it is used as livestock feed. It is also used in industries. The starch is used as an adhesive. It is commonly used in the manufacture of beauty products.

     

    The other recipes which you can make for the busy mornings are Oats Khichdi, Pesarattu and Aloo Palak Paratha.

    Oats Idli
    Oats idli

    Oats Idli Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1.5 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard
    • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon bengal gram
    • 1//2 teaspoon urad dal
    • 2 green chillies
    • 1/2 inch ginger
    • 1/2 cup semolina
    • 1 cup oats
    • 1 cup sour curd
    • 2 tablespoon grated carrot
    • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2  teaspoon soda

     

    Pre-requisites:

    • Grind the oats to a powder.
    • Make a paste of green chilli and ginger.
    • Keep all the ingredients ready.

    Method :

    1. Take oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. As it crackles, put asafoetida and turmeric. Throw in the green chilli-ginger paste along with a few curry leaves.
    2. Add the semolina, roast it for two minutes.
    3. Now, put the powdered oats to it and continue to roast it for a minute.
    4. Let it cool for sometime.
    5. Put the grated carrot, chopped coriander and curds. Mix it. Add salt.
    6. Time to get the idli steamer ready. Put water in the steamer, grease the mould plate if you are used to it. I, usually, wash the moulds under running water, put it aside for sometime  and use them.
    7. Add baking soda to the batter, mix it thoroughly and put it in the moulds.
    8. Now, steam it for twelve minutes on moderate heat.
    9. Once the oats idli is done, allow them to cool for a while. Remove them and serve with coconut chutney.

    Take a tip :

    1. Use a day old curd which is kept outside.
    2. Instead of baking soda, you may use a teaspoon of eno powder.

     

    About the event :

    Sending this to Protein rich Vegetarian  Breakfast Dishes at Shhh Secretly Cooking Challenge. For the month of February, Renu Agarwal asked us to make Protein rich dishes for the busy day ahead. I liked her Tofu Scramble a good substitute for  the egg burji .

    Here we are paired as partners and the partners decide on the secret ingredients. My partner was Preethi Tandon Sridhar. PreeWe exchanged the ingredients as per our convenience. Since, I wanted to make oats idli, I asked my partner Preethi Tandon Shridhar to give the ingredients accordingly. Preethi has made Peas Paratha, a good choice for the season. I shared the ingredients accordingly as milk and amchoor powder.

     

    Evergreendishesdev

    Oats Idli

    5 from 16 votes
    Oats Idli is a tasty, easy to make, protein rich breakfast.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: 12 idli
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: karnataka

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard
    • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon bengal gram
    • 1//2 teaspoon urad dal
    • 2 green chillies
    • 1/2 inch ginger
    • 1/2 cup semolina
    • 1 cup oats
    • 1 cup sour curd
    • 2 tablespoon grated carrot
    • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon soda

    Equipment

    • 3 small bowls
    • 1 big bowl
    • 1 ladle
    • 1 idli maker / pressure cooker
    • set of idli plates

    Method
     

    1. Grind the oats to a powder.
    2. Make a paste of green chilli and ginger.
    3. Keep all the ingredients ready.
    4. Method :
    5. Take oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. As it crackles, put asafoetida and turmeric. Throw in the green chilli-ginger paste along with a few curry leaves.
    6. Add the semolina, roast it for two minutes.
    7. Now, put the powdered oats to it and continue to roast it for a minute.
    8. Let it cool for sometime.
    9. Put the grated carrot, chopped coriander and curds. Mix it. Add salt.
    10. Time to get the idli steamer ready. Put water in the steamer, grease the mould plate if you are used to it. I, usually, wash the moulds under running water, put it aside for sometime  and use them.
    11. Add baking soda to the batter, mix it thoroughly and put it in the moulds.
    12. Now, steam it for twelve minutes on moderate heat.
    13. Once the oats idli is done, allow them to cool for a while. Remove them and serve with coconut chutney.

    Notes

    Use a day old curd which is kept outside.
    Instead of baking soda, you may use a teaspoon of eno powder.
    Oats Idli
    Oats idli

    If you ever make Oats Idli in your 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! Until next time, happy cooking ! 

  • Menthe Matvadi Palya | Matodi Palya | Karnataka recipes

    Menthe Matvadi Palya | Matodi Palya | Karnataka recipes

    Jump to Recipe 

    Menthe Matvadi Palya / Matodi Palya  is a traditional side dish from Karnataka. Fenugreek leaves are cooked along with ground paste of bengal gram to make this delicious accompaniment. It is a no onion garlic recipe. It is vegan and makes a healthy side dish. A delicious side dish, one can eat it as a snack too. 

    It is one of the heirloom recipes, I wanted to post it since a long time and it is on my blog today.  Menthe Matodi Palya  is a dish you make it once in a way and enjoy, it needs good amount of oil to cook and ample time also. Thus, one needs to be liberal with the use of oil here.  It pairs well with steamed rice or one can serve it as a side dish along with rice and rasam. It may eaten by itself as a snack too. 

    I love using fenugreek leaves in my cooking as it gives a good flavour to many dishes. Moreover, it is rich in nutrients as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, Riboflavin and Pyridoxine. It also contains many antioxidants. It is low in calories. It helps to control diabetes and anaemia. It is good for the digestive system.

    menthe matvada palya

    About the event: 

    It’s time for Shhh Secretly Cooking Challenge post. The theme for the month of June was suggested by Seema Doraiswamy Sriram as ” Fear Not The Bitter”. Seema is a wonderful blogger who blogs at Mildly Indian. She  has many delicious recipes with a good twist in them. I love the simplicity of her cooking and bookmarked the black rice ladoo and guava chutney to make it soon.  Seema was my partner and she gave me coconut and  green chilly as the secret ingredients. But since I had not used coconut, I asked for a change and it was oil she gave me and I made this Matvadi Palya.  I had given oil and cumin as the secret ingredients to Seema  and she has made this delicious side dish Karela ka Bharta

    Karnataka recipes :

    The other karnataka recipes shared earlier on the blog are Huli Nuchu, Mixed Vegetable Kootu, Bisebelebath. Among the sweets, we cherish the traditional Ragi Halbai and Bellada Sheera.

    Let’s get to the recipe of Menthe Matvada Palya /Matodi Palya : 

    Ingredients:


    1 cup bengal gram  (Measurement used: 1 cup = 150ml) 
    2 cluster (bunch) fenugreek leaves
    5 green chilly
    water (little)
    3 tablespoon oil
    1/2 teaspoon mustard
    asafoetida
    1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    salt

    Method:


    1.Wash and soak bengal gram for two hours.
    2. Separate the fenugreek leaves. Chop them and put them in water. Clean it several times to remove the grime.
    3.Remove the bengal gram from water and grind it along with green chilly. Add little water while grinding.
    4. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. As it splutters, put asafoetida and turmeric powder to it. Now, put the fenugreek leaves. Let them cook for a minute. Once the methi leaves are cooked, add the ground mixture to it. Put salt and mix it. Let it cook on a low flame. Keep on stirring with a ladle, otherwise, the wet mixture forms a mass and  it will stick to the pan. All the efforts  turn to be a waste.  From the wet mixture, it cooks to a dry, delicious curry. It needs at least ten to fifteen minutes to cook perfectly. A perfectly cooked dish is dry and grainy. 

     

     

    Take a tip: 

    • Add very little  water to grind it to a coarse paste.
    • Coconut and ginger may be added while grinding. I have not added. 
    • A little cumin may be put in the seasoning.
    Print Recipe

    Menthe Matodi Palya

    Menthe Matodi Palya is a delicious side dish from Karnataka. It is a , healthy, vegan, no onion garlic, side dish.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Soaking time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: karnataka, South Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup bengal gram
    • 2 cluster bunch fenugreek leaves
    • 5 green chilly
    • water little
    • 3 tablespoon oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard
    • asafoetida
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • salt

    Method
     

    1. 1.Wash and soak bengal gram for two hours.
    2. Separate the fenugreek leaves. Chop them and put them in water. Clean it several times to remove the grime.
    3. 3.Remove the bengal gram from water and grind it along with green chilly. Add little water while grinding.
    4. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. As it splutters, put asafoetida and turmeric powder to it. Now, put the fenugreek leaves. Let them cook for a minute. Once the methi leaves are cooked, add the ground mixture to it. Put salt and mix it. Let it cook on a low flame. Keep on stirring with a ladle, the wet mixture forms a mass and  it will stick to the pan. All the efforts will turn to be a waste.  From the wet mixture, it cooks to a dry, delicious curry. It needs at least ten to fifteen minutes to cook.

    Notes

    Add very little  water to grind it to a coarse paste.
    Coconut and ginger may be added while grinding. I have not added. 
    A little cumin may be put in the seasoning.

    Pin it for later: 

    Menthe Matvada Palya is one of the heirloom recipes. It is a tasty side dish ideal to pair with rice and rasam.
    Menthe Matvada Palyaacc

     

    If you ever make this Menthe Matvadi  recipe or any of my other dishes,  do take a picture and tag @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter. I will be glad to see your creation and share it further. Let’s be connected, do follow on social media platforms. Until next time, let’s stay connected.  Subscribe to get all updates in your inbox. Happy Cooking !

  • Baked Katori Chaat | Katori Chaat recipe

    Baked Katori Chaat | Katori Chaat recipe

    Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

    Baked Katori Chaat makes a quick snack to serve as appetiser or weekend menu  when everyone is at home. This is a guilt-free snack one can enjoy. 

    What is Chaat ?

    Chaat is a kind of savoury  snack from the Indian sub-cintinent. The word Chaat is derived from the Hindi word “Chatna” which refers to licking ones fingers  while eating. It is full of flavours, sweet, spicy, tangy and loved by most people.. Chaats are of many kind. Some of the popular ones are Bhel Puri, Sev Puri and Pani Puri. While I love making Ragda Patties, these are  usual ones that we enjoy frequently. Cornflakes Bjhel, Pomegranate Chaat, Dahi Puri, 

    What is Katori? 

    Katori is a small utensil regularly used at home. The chaat is served in a small canopy and hence the name.

    What goes into this chaat ? 

    The baked katori chaat recipe is an easy one to make. It is healthier than the fried version. Like all the  other chaat recipes, tamarind chutney and green chutney are essential in preparing it. . Sev is used for topping.  The filling can be made with potatoes and onion along with sprouted green gram or boiled chana. It is open-end where one can be creative enough to use as per their preferences. 

    baked katori chaat
    baked katori chaat

    Baked Katori Chaat Recipe

    Ingredients:

    For the canopy :


    2 cups maida
    a little salt
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
    1/4 cup oil
    3/4  cup milk

    For the filling:

    1 onion
    2 boiled potato
    2 tbsp boiled kala chana
    green chutney
    sweet  chutney
    1 tomato
    sev for garnishing

    Method : 

     

    To make the katori : 

     

    1. In a wide bowl add maida, salt and baking powder. Mix it well. Put oil and mix it thoroughly. Now add  milk in small quantity and mix to a smooth dough. Keep it covered. 
    2. Grease the mould. I have used silicon moulds. Take a small ball of the dough, put it in the mould and press it along the sides. Repeat for the number of moulds that you have. Keep the remaining dough covered.
    3. Pre-heat the oven. Put the moulds to bake. I needed about ten minutes for a batch to bake  in my oven. 
    4. Once it is golden to the edges, demold and put the next back of canopy to bake. 
    5. You can make these ahead and keep. 

    To assemble the katori chaat. 

     

    1. Keep all the ingredients ready. Chop the onion nicely. Cut the tomato into small pieces, avoid using the seeds here. 
    2. Peel and mash the potato. Add a little salt to it. 
    3. Take a small quantity of green chutney and tamarind chutney, dilute them if needed.
    4. Arrange the canopies in a plate. The filling can be put in any order. Here is how I  do it: Put a little bit of potato mixture, followed by boiled chana and onion. Now put a little green chutney and sweet chutney. Put one or two pieces of tomato and top with sev. The quantity of chutney that you put into each canopy will depend on the size of the canopy and the spiciness that you need. 
    5. Serve immediately. 

     

    Take a tip: 

     

    • You can make it a no onion garlic recipe. Avoid using them.
    • You can use black or white chana for the filling. I used black chana. 
    • Sprouts may be used.
    • Using boiled potato in small quantity gives a good taste. 
    • A little bit of curd may be added for the topping. I have not put it here as my children preferred without it. 
    • Sweet chutney can be prepared  in two ways, one with the dates and the other without it. The above one is without dates. The dates chutney recipe is put along with bhel puri recipe. You can use either of them. 
    Baked Katori Chaat
    baked katori chaat

    Baked Katori Chaat

    Baked Katori Chaat is a delicious snack. It is a healthy twist as the katoris are baked here.
    Course: evening snacks
    Cuisine: north indian

    Ingredients
      

    For the canopy :
    • 2 cups maida
    • a little salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1/4 cup oil
    • 3/4 cup milk
    For the filling:
    • 1 onion
    • 2 boiled potato
    • 2 tbsp boiled kala chana
    • green chutney
    • sweet chutney
    • 1 to mato
    • sev for garnishing

    Method
     

    To make the katori :
    1. In a wide bowl add maida, salt and baking powder. Mix it well. Put oil and mix it thoroughly. Now add milk in small quantity and mix to a smooth dough. Keep it covered.
    2. Grease the mould. I have used silicon moulds. Take a small ball of the dough, put it in the mould and press it along the sides. Repeat for the number of moulds that you have. Keep the remaining dough covered.
    3. Pre-heat the oven. Put the moulds to bake. I needed about ten minutes for a batch to bake in my oven.
    4. Once it is golden to the edges, demold and put the next back of canopy to bake.
    5. You can make these ahead and keep.
    To assemble the katori chaat.
    1. Keep all the ingredients ready. Chop the onion nicely. Cut the tomato into small pieces, avoid using the seeds here.
    2. Peel and mash the potato. Add a little salt to it.
    3. Take a small quantity of green chutney and tamarind chutney, dilute them if needed.
    4. Arrange the canopies in a plate. The filling can be put in any order. Here is how I do it: Put a little bit of potato mixture, followed by boiled chana and onion. Now put a little green chutney and sweet chutney. Put one or two pieces of tomato and top with sev. The quantity of chutney that you put into each canopy will depend on the size of the canopy and the spiciness that you need.
    5. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    You can make it a no onion garlic recipe. Avoid using them.
    You can use black or white chana for the filling. I used black chana.
    Sprouts may be used.
    Using boiled potato in small quantity gives a good taste.
    A little bit of curd may be added for the topping. I have not put it here as my children preferred without it.
    Sweet chutney can be prepared in two ways, one with the dates and the other without it. The above one is without dates.
    The dates chutney recipe is put along with bhel puri recipe. You can use either of them.

    If you ever recreate this recipe, take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @foodiejayashree or on Facebook by tagging @evergreendishes. I will be glad to see your creation. Have you  check out my e-books ?

    Subscribe to get an e-book of handy hints and all updates in your inbox. 

  • Easy Poha Idli

    Easy Poha Idli

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    Poha Idli is another easy breakfast recipe to prepare for the busy mornings. They are soft, bright smiling white and  delicious. Serve with coconut chutney. Poha Idli is easy to prepare as no soaking, grinding and fermentation is required.

    Idli is the ideal breakfast for busy mornings. But, grinding the batter needs time and patience. Instant idlis as Rawa Idli and Ragi Idli always come to my rescue. But, when you want to make something different, give a try to this Poha Idli. Poha is flattened rice commonly used in South Indian households. This is easy poha idli recipe is ideal for all.

    Poha and South Indians:

    South Indians love using poha in their daily routine. It is so commonly used,  chiwda is usually present in the kitchen shelves. Tangy  beaten rice is tasty and  usually served for breakfast. And not to mention, on the fasting days, it is a no cook food eaten by most people.

    About the event:

     

     

     

    Poha Idli

    Poha Idli Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup poha
    • 1.5 cup idli rawa
    • 2 cup sour yoghurt
    • salt to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon soda

    Method:

    1. Wash the flattened rice. Soak it for ten minutes.
    2. Mash it with a ladle.
    3. Add curd and idli rawa to it. Put salt and mix it. Keep it aside for twenty minutes.
    4. Heat a idli cooker. Add soda to the batter, mix it and immediately put it in the moulds.
    5. Cook it on moderate heat for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
    6. Once they are done, turn off and keep it aside for sometime. Remove and serve with coconut chutney.

    Take a note:

    • Poha Idli  requires time as the flattened rice needs to be cooked. It is not ready in a jiffy as 1-2-3. Once they are cooked, leave them for sometime. They are too soft.
    • I used the thin variety of flattened rice. You can use any variety.

    idli
    Evergreendishesdev

    Poha Idli

    Poha Idli is another kind of instant idli. They are soft and delicious.
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Resting time 10 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 25 idlis
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Indian, South Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup poha
    • 1.5 cup idli rawa
    • 2 cup sour yoghurt
    • salt to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon soda
    • water

    Equipment

    • Idli cooker
    • idli plates
    • ladle
    • bowl

    Method
     

    1. Wash the flattened rice. Soak it for ten minutes.
    2. Mash it with a ladle.
    3. Add curd and idli rawa to it. Put salt and mix it. Keep it aside for twenty minutes.
    4. Heat a idli cooker. Add soda to the batter, mix it and immediately put it in the moulds. Adjust the consistency, by adding water.
    5. Cook it on moderate heat for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
    6. Once they are done, turn off and keep it aside for sometime. Remove and serve with coconut chutney.

    Notes

    It requires time as the flattened rice needs to be cooked. It is not ready in a jiffy as 1-2-3. Once they are cooked, leave them for sometime and later remove and serve.

    Pin it for later:

     Poha Idli is soft and delicious, ideal to serve as breakfast menu. It is easy to prepare as no grinding or fermentation of batter is needed. Site title Title Primary category Separator
    Poha idli

    If you have liked this post, do share it with your family and friends. If you ever make this, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter.

  • Millet Pulao / Foxtail millet Pulao

    Millet Pulao / Foxtail millet Pulao

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    Millet Pulao / Foxtail millet pulao is healthy, filling and tasty. It is ideal to serve for lunch or dinner.

    Foxtail millet is widely used in India and Asian countries. It is known as Navane in Kannada, korralu  or korra in Telugu, Kangni in Hindi, kang in Gujarati and Marathi,  Kaon Dana in Bengali and Kavalai in Tamil.

    It is an annual grass with slim and vertical leaves.The small seeds are covered with a thin, papery hull. It is removed by threshing. This is the highest grown millet in Asia and second widely used.

    Millets are ideal for all those who are conscious about their eating habits, it keeps a check on the weight.  It is diabetic friendly as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It is gluten-free. It is also good against heart ailments.

    Since I am using millets regularly, here is a millets pulao recipe that you can make for lunch or dinner. It is vegan and gluten-free.

    millet pulao / foxtail millet pulao
    Foxtail millet pulao is healthy and tasty.

    Children are used to eating the regular food, including millets required me to change it into something spicy for lunch, so I thought of making pulao with it.

    Ingredients:

    measurement used : 1 cup =150 ml

    • 1 cup foxtail millet
    • 1/2 cup mixed vegetable
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 cardamom
    • 3 clove
    • 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
    • 3 cup water

    Method:

    1. Clean, wash and soak the millet for half an hour.
    2. Chop and cut the vegetables.
    3. Take oil in a pan, add cumin, as it splutters, put the spices. Then put onion to it. Saute it for sometime. Add ginger-garlic paste to it and contiue to saute for sometime. The raw smell should go.
    4. Now, add the veggies to it. Mix them together.
    5. After sometime, put the soaked millet to it.
    6. Add water, chilli powder and salt to it. Stir it. Let it cook on a medium flame.
    7. Keep it covered for ten minutes.
    8. Serve with any curry or yoghurt based salad.

    millet pulao / foxtail millet pulao

    Millet Pulao / Foxtail Millet Pulao

    5 from 6 votes
    Millet Pulao is filling, packed with nutrients and tasty.
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: karnataka, South Indian

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup foxtail millet
    • 1/2 cup mixed vegetable
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 cardamom
    • 3 clove
    • 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • salt
    • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
    • 3 cup water

    Method
     

    1. Clean, wash and soak the millet for half an hour.
    2. Chop and cut the vegetables.
    3. Take oil in a pan, add cumin, as it splutters, put the spices. Then put onion to it. Saute it for sometime. Add ginger-garlic paste to it and contiue to saute for sometime. The raw smell should go.
    4. Now, add the veggies to it. Mix them together.
    5. After sometime, put the soaked millet to it.
    6. Add water and salt to it. Stir it. Let it cook on a medium, flame.
    7. Keep it covered for sometime.
    8. Serve with any curry or yoghurt based salad.

    Narmadha makes a foxtail sweet porridge ideal for children.Priya makes a sweet dish with this   Thinal Sarkarai Pongal while Kalyani, makes a spicy version Thinai Khara Pongal.

    Pin it for later :

    Millet pulao / Foxtail Millet Pulao is filling, packed with nutrients and tasty. It is ideal to serve for lunch or dinner.
    Millet Pulao / Foxtail Millet Pulao

    If you have liked this Foxtail Millet Pulao recipe, do share it with your family and friends. If you ever make it, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter.

  • Kala Chana Salad | Black Chickpea Salad | Kala Chana Chaat

    Kala Chana Salad | Black Chickpea Salad | Kala Chana Chaat

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    Kala Chana Salad is a tasty and healthy salad. It is an easy to make snack for the evenings. It is vegan and gluten-free.

    Some days are a bit dull, we feel bored to cook but need something tasty on the platter. This salad comes handy, it can be assembled with just a handful of ingredients. It is ideal to serve as a light snack too.

    Nutrition:

    Kala Chana is rich in proteins and fibre. It also contains carbohydrates, vitamins like B6, C, folate and minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous.

    Benefits of Kala Chana

    1. It is a good source of proteins for vegetarians.
    2. It is diabetic friendly. It helps to keep the blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day.
    3. It helps in weight loss. Roasted chana provides a good amount of fibre and protein. It keeps satiated for a longer period.
    4. The iron content in it helps to prevent anaemia and boosts the energy levels.
    5. The fibre helps in reducing the constipation disorders.

    Uses :

    1. It can be used in numerous ways, as for breakfast, with chapati  to make delicious dhaba style kala chana or  a simple, no onion garlic sundal for fasting days.

    About the event:

    Sending this to theme”Salads” at Shhhh Secretly Cooking Challenge. It is a monthly event, theme is suggested by a member, members are paired and work with the secret ingredients given. The theme was suggested by Kalyani, a talented blogger. I loved her  Barley Summer Salad and Onion Sesame Pull Apart Bread . I was paired with an old friend and wonderful blogger Shobana Vijay, she gave me black chickpea and lemon juice as the secret ingredients and I have prepared this one. We enjoyed this salad, it makes a good snack too. I had given Shobha, salt and raw mango as the ingredients and she made the healthy  Sprouted Moth Salad. I loved her recently published  chocolate almond cake, looks so delicious.

    shhh cooking secretly

    Kala  Chana Salad / Black Chick Pea Salad

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bowl black chana
    • 1 onion
    • 1 tomato
    • 1 cucumber
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2 lemon
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder

    Method:

    1. Wash and soak them overnight.
    2. Next day, discard the water, wash and cook with fresh water in a pressure cooker. Let the pressure release by itself.
    3. Cut onion, tomato and cucumber finely.
    4. Drain the water and keep it aside.
    5. In a wide bowl put the boiled chana. Add the vegetables, salt and pepper powder.
    6. Add lemon juice.
    7. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander.

    Kala Chana Salad

    Black Chana Salad is tasty and healthy, ideal to serve as a snack also.

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bowl black chana
    • 1 onion
    • 1 to mato
    • 1 cucumber
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2 lemon
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder

    Method
     

    1. Wash and soak them overnight.
    2. Next day, discard the water, wash and cook with fresh water in a pressure cooker. Let the pressure release by itself.
    3. Cut onion, tomato and cucumber finely.
    4. Drain the water and keep it aside.
    5. In a wide bowl put the boiled chana. Add the vegetables, salt and pepper powder.
    6. Add lemon juice.
    7. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander.

    Notes

    • The boiled water can be used in soups. 

    Pin it for later :

    Kala Chana Salad is a tasty and healthy salad. It is an easy to make snack for the evenings. Give a try to this recipe.
    Black Chana Salad / Chick pea salad

    If you have liked this post, do share it with your family and friends. If you ever make this, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter.

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  • Oats Dhokla / how to make instant oats dhokla

    Oats Dhokla / how to make instant oats dhokla

    Oats Dhokla is a healthy twist to the usual one. Powdered oats, semolina and yoghurt are used to make this snack. This is an instant version, needs no soaking or fermentation. It can be prepared within an hour.

    (more…)