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Urad Dhal Laddu / Minapa Sunnundalu

One of the traditional sweets in South India, nutrient-rich Urad dhal laddu helps you have healthy indulgent during festivals. It is also known as ‘Ulutham laadu’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Minapa Sunnundalu’ in Andhra.

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Kootchulu | Fermented Rice Drink

#HealthDrink #AgeOldRecipe #TraditionalSouthIndianFood #Neeragaram #ComfortFood #GrandmasRecipe

Kootchulu or Neeragaram is a simple, age-old recipe made from overnight fermentation of cooked rice. For over many generations, this has been a staple health drink in many parts of India. It acts as a natural body cooler, especially in summer. This unique porridge or kanji tastes slightly sour with the aroma of sesame oil and the crunchiness of onions.

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Paanagam

#TraditionalSouthIndianRecipe #VratRecipe #EnergyDrink #HerbalDrink

A healthy and refreshing drink, ‘Paanagam’ is made as a part of neivedhyam during Sri Rama Navami and many other festivals. It is also served in South Indian weddings especially after the main function ‘Muhurtham’. Since it is rich in nutrition, it’s a best option to relish frequently in summers than having store-bought soft drinks and juices.

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Brinjal Bajji | Vankaya Bajji

#Monsoonsnack #Pakora #Fakkura #Pakoda #Bajji

‘Monsoons’ and ‘deep-fried snacks’ always go hand in hand. During rains when we have sudden craving for a quick munch, bajji is my go-to option. Now, this delectable snack has got several names across India… pakora, pakoda, bhajjia, fakkura, ponako, fritters etc… and in down South it’s fondly known as ‘Bajji’

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Puliyotharai Gojju | Pulikaachal

#TraditionalSouthIndianCondiment #Authentic #BasicRecipe

This is a basic recipe for preparing tangy, spicy and scrumptious South Indian delicacy ‘Puliyotharai Rice that has a long shelf life.

How to make Puliyotharai Gojju | Pulikaachal?

Though there are many versions of this delectable recipe that belong to various parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra, I always have followed the one which is inherited from my family, especially from my father (yes! he is so fond of trying out authentic dishes with great flair).

This version has a fine blend of Andhra style and Iyengar style of making puliyotharai. You can make this recipe in large quantity and store to relish puliyotharai as and when required. It is an ideal option for tiffin box or as a travel food.

Puliyotharai rice goes well with Avial

Ingredients

  1. Tamarind / Imli – a small orange-sized, appr 150g
  2. Sesame / Til – 1/3 cup
  3. Turmeric powder / Haldi – 1/2 tsp
  4. Jaggery / Gud – a small-lemon sized
  5. Salt to taste
  6. Desi ghee – 1 tbsp

For Tadka

  1. Sesame / Til Oil – 3/4 cup
  2. Mustard Seeds / Rai – 1 tsp
  3. Urad Dal – 1 tsp
  4. Channa Dal – 2 tsp
  5. Fenugreek / Methi Seeds – 3/4 tsp
  6. Red Chilly – 6 or 8 nos
  7. Groundnut – a handful, roasted and peeled
  8. Sesame Seeds / Til – 2 tsp
  9. Curry Leaves – 2 twigs, torn into pieces
  10. Asafoetida / Hing- 1 1/2 tsp

For Puliyotharai Masala

  1. Red Chilly – 10 nos
  2. Urad Dal – 2 tsp
  3. Channa Dal – 1 tbsp
  4. Fenugreek / Methi Seeds – 3/4 tsp
  5. Coriander / Dhania Seeds – 3 tbsp
Dry roasted sesame seeds
Tadka
After adding imli water
Puliyotharai in the making..

Method

  • Soak imli in a cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes.
  • In the meanwhile, dry roast sesame or til (black or white) and coarsely powder it. Keep it separately.
  • Dry roast one by one the ingredients given for puliyotharai masala and finely powder it.
  • Extract the thick juice from the soaked imli.
  • In a heavy bottomed vessel / kadai, heat til oil and add rai.
  • When it splutters, add the remaining ingredients given for tadka (please follow the same order mentioned above) and sauté till the dals and groundnuts turn golden in colour.
  • Add imli water, haldi and give a boil.
  • Add powdered puliyotharai masala, salt, jaggery, half the amount of powdered til and boil till the raw flavour of imli lessens.
  • Keep stirring the gravy periodically till it thickens and forms a thick paste like consistency.
  • Add the remaining til powder and a tbsp of desi ghee, mix well and switch off the flame.
  • Let it cool and store it in a clean and dry container.
  • This gojju stays good for at least 2 weeks in normal temperature and almost 2-3 months when refrigerated.
Puliyotharai Gojju ready to be mixed with rice
Gojju with steamed rice

Notes

  • For making puliyotharai rice, mix 2 tbsp of puliyotharai gojju with a cup of steamed rice (increase or decrease the amount of paste as per taste) and serve with papad and curd.
Delectable Puliyotharai!

For more such authentic recipes, plz checkout Thenga Paruppu Thogaiyal , Nellai Milagai Podi, Puzhimilagai, Getti chutney, Curry Leaves Spice Paste.

Happy Cooking!