PEAR JUICE WITH HONEY, LEMON & GINGER

      When it comes to fresh fruit juices, there is always a preference level running in the family.  But anything in the name of a fruit or a fruit juice is always devoured with eyes shut by me.  I am the only person who loves the combination drinks at home and all these types of fruit juices are prepared to fascinate my taste buds.  Prepared for my whims and fancies.  I love smoothies and juices with a combination of fruits.

     This is a wonderful and all the more a detoxifying fruit juice prepared with Pear.  I have added Ginger and Lemon.  I usually sweeten this drink with honey.  I make a similar juice substituting Pears with Green Apples or sometimes combine both the fruits too.  Pear, Ginger & Lemon when combined together in this drink helps boost immunity, aids digestion, increase your energy levels and detoxifies your body. Pear Juice helps to get rid of Toxins and harmful elements from your liver, kidney and digestive system. Though this drink might be a simple recipe, it comes with a punch. The flavours combine for a sweet-tart concoction that hits your taste buds with a spicy kick from Ginger.

For Green Apple Juice with Honey, Lemon & Ginger, Click here...

Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 1
Author - SM  

Preparation Time : 3 -5 Minutes


For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE PEAR JUICE WITH HONEY, LEMON & GINGER

 

PEAR JUICE WITH HONEY, LEMON & GINGER

INGREDIENTS :

METHOD:

• Peel and cut Ginger into small pieces.
• Peel, Core and Dice the Pear.
• Grind Pear and Ginger in a blender until smooth.
• Pour out the blended mixture into a tall glass.
• Squeeze out the juice from Lemon.
• Pour in the Lemon Juice and Honey to the blended mixture.
• Stir thoroughly until well combined.
• Top it up with Ice Cubes and serve Pear Juice chilled.

PEAR JUICE WITH HONEY, LEMON & GINGER

NOTES:

• Can substitute Pear with Green Apple, or combine both the fruits and make the same juice.
  
• Adjust the amount of Honey to suit your taste preference.  

THAYIR VADAI - CURD VADAI

    Thayir Vadai/Curd Vadai - a snack or a dish on its own is nothing but Uzhundhu Vadai alias Medhu Vadais, extensively soaked in a spicy Curd/Yogurt base, seasoned to taste, tempered and garnished with grated carrots, finely chopped Coriander leaves and served with a few teaspoons of Kaara Boondhi over it.

    Well, a day after a festival or a function in a typical South Indian household, we could see a lot of left-over dishes from the special day and Uzhundhu Vadais happens to be one such item.  The idea of Thayir Vadai would have popped up into a thrift Indian housewife's mind, who wanted to easily finish off any left-over Uzhundhu Vadais.  And it often happens too, a call for a function or to treat a guest, it is a common scenario to serve Vadai, Coffee along with some Tiffin Items.  And at times a few of the dishes or Medhu Vadais gets left and these Vadais made for Breakfast or Dinner can easily be converted into a Thayir Vadai which could be easily sneaked up as an evening snack or for Breakfast.  

    Do not worry about storing left-over Vadais in the refrigerator, thinking that it could turn hard.  While making Thayir Vadai you have a few tricks which could make these Vadais totally soft and give a feel that it is freshly cooked.  Its not that Thayir Vadai can be made with just left-over Uzhundhu Vadais,  freshly deep-fried Vadais could also be easily converted into Thayir Vadais.

Well, what we need to make excellent Thayir Vadais are,

UZHUNDHU/MEDHU VADAI:

UZHUNDHU VADAI/MEDHU VADAI

• You need freshly fried Uzhundhu Vadais or left-over Uzhundhu Vadais. 
• Fresh batch or left-over Uzhundhu Vadais - you need to soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes.
• Once soaked,  gently squeeze the Uzhundhu Vadais to remove any excess water from it.
  

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE UZHUNDHU VADAI, Click here...

CURD/YOGURT:

HOME MADE CURD/YOGURT

• Then the most important ingredient for this dish is Fresh & thick Curd/Yogurt.  
• The curd should not be sour or watery.  
• I usually add finely ground coconut paste to the Curd Mixture which gives a wonderful taste and flavour to Thayir Vadai. 

 For a detailed Recipe for HOMEMADE CURD/YOGURT, Click here... 

THAYIR VADAI - CURD VADAI

TEMPERING:

    When it comes to tempering Thayir Vadai, it is usually tempered with Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram Dhal/ Urad Dhal, Dry Red Chillies, Cashew Nuts, Curry Leaves & finely chopped Green Chillies and Ginger. But Apart from Mustard Seeds, you can opt what should go into the tempering.  Go with your whims and fancies.

GARNISHING:

    I garnish Thayir Vadai with finely grated Carrots and chopped Coriander Leaves.  If I have Kara Boondi at home then I would  add a few teaspoons of it on top, just before serving Thayir Vadais. It adds a crunchiness to the dish.

For a detailed recipe on KARA BOONDI, Click here... 

For more VADAI RECIPES, Click here...

Cuisine - South Indian
Recipe Type - Snacks
Spice Level  - Low- Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Yields - 8 Thayir Vadais
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes.
Soaking Time - 1- 2 Hours.
Cooking Time - 5-10 Minutes.

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE UZHUNDHU VADAI, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE THAYIR VADAI- CURD VADAI

THAYIR VADAI - CURD VADAI

INGREDIENTS:

To Soak Uzhundhu Vadais:

 

For Curd Mixture:

Curd/Yogurt - 11/2  Cups
Milk - 1/2 Cup
Coconut - 4 Tablespoons
Cashew Nuts - 4-6 Nos.
Green Chillies - 2 Nos.
Ginger - a small Piece
Salt - To Taste  

For Tempering:

Ghee/Oil - 2 Tablespoons
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Dry Red Chilly - 1 No.
Bengal Gram Dhal - 1/2 Teaspoon
Cashew Nuts - 6-8 Pieces
Curry Leaves - a Sprig
Green Chillies - 2 Nos.
Ginger - 1/2 an Inch

For Garnishing:

Carrot - a few Teaspoons
Coriander Leaves - a few Teaspoons
Kara Boondi - - a few Teaspoons

 

METHOD:

To Soak Uzhundhu Vadais:

• Take the Deep-fried Uzhundhu Vadais and drop them into a bowl filled with hot water.
• Let the water be hot enough.  Do not use boiling water.
• Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
• Once soaked, squeeze the Uzhundhu Vadais and remove any excess water from it.
• Leave this aside or can leave it in the refrigerator until you add them into the Curd Mixture.
  

 

For Curd Mixture:

• Grind grated Coconut along with Cashew Nuts, Green Chillies and Ginger into a very fine paste.
• Whisk the Curd/Yogurt, pour in the Milk and whisk until well combined. 
• Add a dash of salt and add in the coconut Paste to the Curd-Milk Mix.
• Whisk well until well combined.

 

For Tempering:

• Meanwhile, heat Ghee/Oil in a tempering pan.
• Splutter Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram Dhal, Cashew Nuts, Dry Red Chilly & Curry Leaves.
• Then add finely chopped Ginger and Green Chillies and give quick stir.
• Pour the tempering over to the Curd Mixture and mix well until well combined.

 

THAYIR VADAI - CURD VADAI

For Thayir Vadai:

• Add in the soaked & then squeezed out Uzhundhu Vadai into the Curd Mixture.
• Let the bowl be big enough to place all the Vadais and let the Curd Mixture cover the Vadais.
• Do not overcrowd the Vadais in the Curd Mixture.
• Let it soak for about 2-3 hours. Can keep it refrigerated.
  

 

For Garnishing:

• Grate the Carrots and keep it aside.
• Finely chop the Coriander Leaves and keep it aside.
• Serve Thayir Vadais garnished with finely grated Carrots and Coriander Leaves.
• Add in a few Teaspoons of Kara Boondi just before serving.
• Serve Thayir Vadai chilled or at room temperature.

THAYIR VADAI - CURD VADAI

NOTES:

• Can use freshly fried Uzhundhu Vadais or left-over ones for this recipe.
• Soak the Vadais in hot water.  This will help Vadais absorb the Curd Mixture well.
• Adding Coconut Paste Mixture to the Curd is purely optional.
• Use fresh Curd/Yogurt for the recipe.  Sour or Watery Curd may not yield you with tasty Thayir Vadais.
• If using fresh Curd, can avoid adding Milk.  Adding Milk helps to cut down the sourness in the Curd.
• Temper and Garnish Thayir Vadais with your preferred ingredients.
  

MANGO RABDI - MANGO RABRI

    Rabri/ Rabdi is one of the most delectable Indian Desserts. It is a tasty & creamy traditional Indian Dessert basically prepared with Milk - reduced, sweetened and flavoured.  This Rabri recipe is a simple twist given to the authentic version, where freshly pureed Mangoes are added in the Rabdi converting it into a mango flavoured Rabri/Rabdi.  Though a summer treat, if you can get hold of Mangoes or tinned Pureed Mangoes during Diwali, then this classic dessert is going to be an added treat to you Diwali Platter.  And if you are a Mango lover, then this desert is for you.

    Traditionally, milk is slow-cooked in a Kadai or a flat pan, until layers of Malai forms which is collected and added into the Rabdi which forms layers of Malai/Cream in it giving it a name "Lachedhar Rabri".   In Gujarat & Maharashtra, a similar Sweet dish called Basundi is prevalent. But the style of preparation and the texture of the dessert is totally different.  But ingredients and taste-wise both the recipes look similar.  

   
      Rabri/Rabdi is slightly time-consuming recipe when it comes to preparation. The authentic recipe call for reducing and thickening the milk on a low flame, then it is sweetened with Sugar, flavoured with Cardamom, Kewra Essence & Saffron Strands and elaborately garnished with slivered Nuts and Rose Petals.  Slow cooking on a low flame gives a rich & creamy texture to the Rabri/Rabdi, freshly pureed Mangoes are added into the Rabdi once it cools down.  Mix well thoroughly and there you go with an Mango flavoured Rabdi.

 
     Rabri/Rabdi is usually served warm/chilled as such. It can be served as a standalone dessert or can be paired with other sweets.  Add a Kulfi/Mango Kulfi to Mango Rabdi and convert it into a fancy Mango Falooda. Mango Rabri/Rabdi is one of the best way to end a scrumptious meal.   

For more INDIAN SWEETS, Click here..

 
Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30-45 Minutes

For more Recipes 'FOR THE SWEET TOOTH', Click here...

   

HOW TO MAKE MANGO RABRI/RABDI

MANGO RABDI - MANGO RABRI

INGREDIENTS:

For MangoRabri/Rabdi:

Mango Puree - 2 Cups
Milk - 4 Cups
Condensed Milk - 2 Cups
Cardamom -7-8 Pods
Saffron - few Strands
Kewra Essence - few Drops
Mango Pieces - 1/2 Cup

MANGO RABDI - MANGO RABRI

METHOD:

For Mango Rabri/Rabdi:

• Puree the Mangoes and keep it aside. 
• Cut Mango into small pieces nd keep it aside.
  
• Grind Cardamoms along with few teaspoons of Sugar into a fine powder and keep it aside. 
• Finely Chop/Sliver the Nuts and keep it aside.
• Soak Saffron strands in 1/4 Cup of warm milk and keep it aside.
• Combine Milk and Condensed Milk in a heavy-bottomed pan(preferable a wide open-mouthed pan) & mix well.
• Boil this mixture on a low flame stirring it at intervals.
• After about 15-20 Minutes the mixture would start to thicken.
• Scrap the sides and collect the cream(malai) which collects at the top.
• Add it back into the Rabri mixture and mix well.
• Pour in the soaked Saffron strands, add Kewra Essence, Cardamom Powder and give a quick stir.
• Add half the amount of finely chopped/slivered Nuts and mix well.
• Cook Rabri/Rabdi on a low flame, collecting the thickened Malai(cream) from the top and adding it back into the mix.
• Rabri/Rabdi gets layered and textured with this Malai(cream).
• Cook for few more minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool down.
  
• Then, pour in the Mango Puree, add the Mango pieces and mix well until it is well incorporated into the Rabdi mix. 
• Garnish Mango Rabri/Rabdi with remaining Chopped/Slivered Nuts, Rose Petals and a few strands of Saffron, just before serving.
• Serve Mango Rabri/Rabdi as such, warm or chilled. 
• Combine Mango Rabri/Rabdi along with Mango Kulfi for a wonderful Mango Falooda for an utter Royal treat.

For more 'PAYASAMS, PRADHAMANS & KHEERS', Click here...

 

MANGO RABDI - MANGO RABRI

 

NOTES:

• Cook Rabri/Rabdi on a low flame stirring it at intervals, preferably in an wide open-mouthed heavy-bottomed pan.
• Care should be taken that the milk does not scorch at the bottom, which will totally spoil the taste of the dessert. 
• Grinding Cardamoms with Sugar yield a fine powder.
• Adding Saffron is purely optional.
• Adjust the amount of Sugar to suit your Sweet Tooth.
• Adjust the consistency of  Rabri/Rabdi to suit your preference.
• Allow the mixture to cool down.  Then, pour in the Mango Puree and mix well until it is well incorporated into the Rabdi mix.
• Add Mango Puree once  the rabri cools down, otherwise it may curdle.
• You do not need to cook after the Mango puree is added.
  
• Mango Rabri/Rabdi tends to get thicker when chilled.
• Garnish Mango Rabri/Rabdi with preferred choice of Nuts.
• Can can it with a few freshly cut Mango pieces.
  
• Garnishing it with Rose Petals & Saffron strands are purely optional.

RIBBON PAKODA-OTTU PAKODA-OLAI PAKODA

     Ribbon Pakoda, Ola Pakoda, Ottu Pakoda is a crispy South Indian snack made with Rice Flour, Gram Flour(Besan) & Roasted Gram Dhal Powder(Pottukadalai Powder).  Though there a quite a variations when it comes to Murukkus and Savouries like Ribbon Pakoda, Ring Murukku, Thatta Murukku etc.,   This recipe is a combination of all three flours and I have added Sesame Seeds, Red Chilli Powder and Asafoetida to add favour to Ribbon Pakoda.  Some recipes use Gram Flour as the major ingredients and combine it up with rice flour to just add texture.  This Ribbon Pakoda recipe tastes more or less like a Murukku.

      As I have mentioned, some snacks or savouries come out be family favourites and some are bought just as it is.  This Ribbon Pakoda or what we call at home is Ottu Pakoda is one savoury bought rarely at home.  It usually comes out as a "Kaaram" bought by somebody visiting home.  So Ribbon Pakoda happens to be a snack which is not a regular at home.  My initial trials with various recipes of Ribbon Pakoda had turned out to be a disaster.  And the major problem was that the mould I have, has slightly thin incisions and if I happen to add sesame seeds or Ajwain, it got struck into it.  So followed the trick by Mrs.Revathy Shanmugam, where she had mentioned to slightly pound or briefly pulse Sesame Seeds before adding it into the dough.  Worked well! Obviously its a tip from the Pro.

      When I saw a video from Sharmis Passion, I thought the recipe is an easy one and immediately got into action.  Just some readily available ingredients and I just made this snack with 1 Cup of Rice Flour.  A small batch for the trial version.  Adjusted the recipe by adding an extra bit of Asafoetida, Red Chilli Powder and Salt to suit my preference.  And measured the water required for the dough.  It required approximately 3/4 Cup of Water for the given amount of ingredients.  

       An easy and quick-fix Ribbon Pakoda recipe which takes less time. And above all, a tasty treat which serves best as a Tea Time snack or as a festive snack. So, try this Ribbon Pakoda/Ottu Pakoda for this Diwali. Olai Pakoda can be one easy addition to your 'DIWALI BAKSHANAM' list. Try your hand with this easy, crispy & flavourful Snack for this festive season.

For more DIWALI RECIPES, Click here... 

 Cuisine - South Indian

 Recipe Type - Snacks & Savouries 

 Spice Level - Medium

 Difficulty - Medium

 Yields - 2-3 Cups(Approx.)

 Author - SM

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 -30 Minutes

For more SNACKS & SAVOURIES, Click here... 

HOW TO MAKE RIBBON PAKODA

OTTU PAKODA-OLAI PAKODA

RIBBON PAKODA-OTTU PAKODA-OLAI PAKODA

INGREDIENTS:

For Ribbon Pakoda Dough:

For Deep Frying:

Oil

RIBBON PAKODA-OTTU PAKODA-OLAI PAKODA

METHOD:

For Ribbon Pakoda Dough:

• Melt the Butter and keep it aside.
• Slightly pound or pulse the Sesame seeds in a mixer.
  
• Powder the Roasted Gram Dhal/Pottukadalai into a fine powder
• Measure 3/4 Cup of finely powdered Roasted Gram Dhal/Pottukadalai, sieve it once and keep it aside.
• Sieve Rice Flour, Gram Flour, Pottukadalai Flour along with Red Chilli Powder, Asafoetida Powder and Salt twice.
  
• This would help get all the ingredients well incorporated.
• Then add Sesame Seeds and mix well.
  
• Pour in the Water to the above mix, little at a time and knead it into a smooth & soft dough.
• The dough should be pliable and kneaded without any cracks.

To Fry Ribbon Pakoda:

• Heat Oil in a deep pan.
• Place some dough into the Murukku Mould with a plate suitable to press Ribbon Pakoda.
• Press the dough through it. 
• Make a few swirls onto the reverse surface of a slotted spoon or directly press the Ribbon Pakoda into the oil.
• Do not press more than two swirls.
  
• I directly press it into the hot oil, fry the Ribbon Pakoda until it turns into golden brown in colour and the sizzling sound stops. 
• Drain the Ribbon Pakoda on a Paper Towel.
• Follow the suit for rest of the dough.
• Allow the Ribbon Pakoda  to cool down completely before storing.
• Store the Ribbon Pakoda in airtight jars.

RIBBON PAKODA-OTTU PAKODA-OLAI PAKODA

NOTES:

• The dough should be of the correct consistency. It should not be sticky or too hard and without any cracks.
• Do not substitute Butter with Ghee or Margarine.
• Butter should be melted before mixing it into the flour.
• Butter is one main ingredient for crispy and soft Ribbon Pakoda.
• I have used ready made Rice Flour in this recipe.
• Alternative can use Idiyappam flour for Ribbon Pakoda recipe,  if so, use boiled-hot water to knead the dough.
• Adjust the amount of Red Chilli Powder to suit your spice level.
• Adding Red Chilli Powder to the recipe is totally optional. 
• Alternatively can add soaked Dry Red Chillies ground into a fine paste & sieve it out through a fine mesh.
• Slightly pound or pulse the sesame seeds in a mixer.
  
• I do the above step to discard any seeds or large flakes which may block the holes of the Murukku Achu(tiny Plate) while pressing the Ribbon Pakoda dough.
• Can add ground Garlic to the dough for a Garlic flavoured Ribbon Pakoda.
• Powder the Roasted Gram Dhal/Pottukadalai into a fine powder and sieve it once.
• Care should be taken while pressing the Ribbon Pakoda directly into the oil. 
• Just make a swirl or two.  Do not over crowd the oil.
  
• If stored properly, it stays good for a Week up to 10 days.

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

      Spicy South Indian Mixture is one of the unavoidable snacking items.  It is one the most frequented savoury item bought from any sweet shop - 'A default combo of a Sweet and Mixture'. One of the best Tea-time snack ever! The number of varieties it caters in the name of "Mixture" is literally quite a number I should say.  And this Cornflakes Mixture is one among them.  An easy & quick version of a Mixture/Chivda which can be made within no time.

    When it comes to South Indian culture, when you visit a friend or a relative, it is a tradition to take along with them a Sweet & a Kaaram(Savoury). And it is the same when you serve a snack to a guest. Mostly South Indian Mixture  or Murukkus take a special place in the Kaaram(Savoury snack) list.  And the same rule goes for a festival too.  Diwali is synonymous to Sweets & Savouries, most of the households get busy preparing a variety of Bakshanams for the day. A few Sweets and some default Savouries like Murukku or Mixture are must haves when it comes to Diwali. So in midst of busy schedules, work pinches and long list of to do lists for Festival, let me bring you one simple snack which could be easily incorporated within minutes.

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

    You do not need any meticulous preparation, no mixing, no grinding, no ratios or measurements, no long cooking time, sweating out in the kitchen etc.,  Simply deep fry a few items - Cornflakes, Aval/Poha, Groundnuts, Cashewnuts, Curry Leaves and simply season it up with Asafoetida, Red Chilli Powder & Salt, there you go with a tasty, quick-fix Corn flakes Mixture.  

     This Corn /flakes Mixture turns out to be one quick-fix snack which could be easily sneaked into your 'DIWALI BAKSHANAM LIST", even at the last minute. 

For more DIWALI RECIPES, Click here... 

 Cuisine - Indian

 Recipe Type - Snacks & Savouries 

 Spice Level - Medium

 Difficulty - Easy

 Yields - 2-3 Cups(Approx.)

 Author - SM

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 -30 Minutes

For more SNACKS & SAVOURIES, Click here... 

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

 

HOW TO MAKE CORN FLAKES MIXTURE - CORN FLAKES CHIVDA

INGREDIENTS:

For Corn Flakes Mixture:

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

Corn Flakes - 1 - 11/2 Cups
Groundnuts - 1/4 Cup
Roasted Gram Dhal/Pottukadalai - 1/4 Cup
Cashew nuts - 15-20 Nos.
Beaten Rice(Poha/Aval) - 1/2 Cup
Curry Leaves - 2-3 Sprigs
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Tspn
Asafoetida - 1/8 Tspn
Ghee - 1 Tspn
Sugar - 1/2 Tspn
Salt - 1/2 Tspn

For Deep Frying:

Oil

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

METHOD:

• Heat ghee in a pan and fry the Cashew nuts until they turn into golden brown colour.
• Heat oil in a pan.
• Deep fry, Groundnuts on a medium flame stirring constantly.  I usually use groundnuts with skin over it. Remove them with slotted spoons and spread it over a paper towel.Care should be taken not to burn the ingredients.
• Deep fry Roasted Gram Dhal(Pottukadalai) on a medium flame stirring constantly. Can use whole/broken Roasted Gram Dhal for the recipe. Remove them with slotted spoons and spread it over a paper towel.
• Next deep fry the Curry Leaves, remove them from oil and keep them aside.
• Next deep fry the Corn Flakes on a medium flame stirring constantly until they turn crispy.  Spread them on a paper towel.  You can do this in 2-3 batches.
  
• Finally, fry the Beaten Rice(Poha/Aval) until they fluff up and turns crispy. 
• Transfer all the fried items to a mixing bowl, add Salt, Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Asafoetida Powder to the fried ingredients while they are still hot.
• Gently toss them until well combined.
• Finally, when the ingredients are at room temperature, add Sugar and give a quick toss.
• Store the spicy Corn Flakes Mixture in airtight containers.
• Serve Corn Flakes Mixture along with hot Coffee or Tea.
  

CORN FLAKES MIXTURE

 NOTES:

• The ingredients can be altered to your preference.
• Care should be taken not to burn the ingredients while frying them.  This will totally alter the taste of Corn Flake Mixture. 
• Mix the seasonings with the ingredients while they are still hot.
• Otherwise, the spices may smell raw in Corn Flakes Mixture.
• Adding Asafoetida and Sugar are truly optional.
• Frying Cashew nuts in Ghee gives an authentic flavour.
• For a rich version of Corn Flakes Mixture, can fry all the nuts and dhals in ghee too.