Raw Turmeric Pickle

Overview
Raw Turmeric pickle has lot of medicinal values and is used more in North India. As this pickle ages all the flavors get into the julienne turmeric slices  and enhances the pickles taste. So let this pickle sit for at least a week before using it. This pickle is usually made in mustard oil but I have used vegetable oil here.

Raw Turmeric Pickle

Raw Turmeric Pickle Ingredients

Ingredients
Julienne raw turmeric - 1 cup
Lemon juice - Juice of one large lemon
Fennel seeds - 2 tablespoons
Fenugreek seeds - 1 tablespoon
Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon
Red Chilly powder - 2 tablespoons
Asafoetida powder- 1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil  - 4 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Peel the raw turmeric and then wash on water and pat dry. Cut the turmeric root in 2 inch julienne strips. Marinate the julienne raw turmeric slices in salt and lemon juice and keep in refrigerator for 2 - 3 days  mixing it everyday.
2. Coarsely grind the fennel seeds, mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and mix it with the red chilly powder and asafoetida powder and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in pan. When the oil gets hot turn the heat off. Add all the spice powder to this. Mix well and then add the raw turmeric slices marinated in lemon juice and salt. Mix well and add salt as needed.
4. Cool to room temperature and store in a clean jar.

Serve as a condiment with any rice or Indian bread.

Asparagus Stir fry

Overview
A quick and easy way to enjoy Asparagus. Crisp Asparagus mixed with the garlic and red pepper flakes adds nice flavor to this dish. My family loves Asparagus and loves this dish.

Asparagus Stir Fry

Ingredients
Fresh Asparagus - 1 pound trimmed and cut into two
Red onions thin sliced - 1 small
Garlic - 4 - 5 clones thin sliced
Red pepper flakes - 1 - 2 teaspoon
Turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Clean the Asparagus and trim the woody ends and cut into two pieces and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a saute pan.
2. When the oil is hot add the thin sliced onions and garlic. Saute till onions are light brown.
3. Add the turmeric powder and red pepper flakes to this and saute till the red flakes are browned.
4. Add the prepared Asparagus to this with salt. Mix well and cook on high flame till the asparagus is crisp and cooked. Should take just 3 - 4 minutes. Do not over cook.

Serve hot as a side dish.

Pork Piralan (Pork Roast)

Overview
A traditional Kerala Pork dish. There are many different ways to make this dish this is my version. A thick gravy coats the tender pork pieces to make this a delicious dish. A little bit of fenugreek seeds roasted and powdered adds a distinctive aroma and taste to this dish.

Pork Piralen

Pork Piralen Ingredients

Ingredients
Pork cut into cubes - 1 1/2 pounds
Finely chopped red onions - 1 1/2 cups
Ginger 2 inch finely chopped
Garlic about 10 - 12 cloves finely chopped
Green chilly - 4 - 6 split in center
Curry leaves 3 - 4 sprigs
Red Chilly powder -  2  teaspoons
Coriander powder - 2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon
Fenugreek seeds - 1 teaspoon
Oil  - 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds, powder it and keep it aside.
3. Heat oil in  heavy bottom pan. When oil gets hot add the finely chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves.
4. Saute till the onions are light brown.
5. Add the red chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and fenugreek powder to the light brown onions. stir for few minutes till the spice powder are browned.
6. Add the cleaned cubes pork along with salt and stir well.
7. Cover pan with lid and cook on slow flame for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally till the pork is cooked and tender.
8. Remove lid and cook for few more minutes till the gravy is thickened.

Serve hot with Rice or any Indian Bread.

Turkey Soup with Kale and Barly

Overview
A healthy soup to make with leftover turkey from thanksgiving. I used smoked turkey pieces which gives this soup a rich flavor.  You can add any green or vegetables you like. Kale and barly mixed with this soup is a unique combination.

Turkey Soup with Kale and Barly

Ingredients for Soup

Ingredients
Smoked turkey finely chopped - 1 cup
Kale finely chopped - 1 1/2 cup
Cherry tomatoes finely chopped - 1 cup
Quick cooking Barly - 1/4 cup
Red Onion 1 large finely chopped
Garlic - 2 cloves finely chopped
Chicken broth - 48 oz
Crushed red pepper - 1  - 2 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper - 1 - 2 teaspoon
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste.

Steps
1. Cook the barly and keep aside. Do not overcook barley.
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan and add the finely chopped garlic to it and saute few minutes and add the crushed red pepper flakes to this. Mix well and add finely chopped onions to this and saute till onions are soft.
3. Add tomatoes and a little salt and cover pan with lid and cook till tomatoes are soft. Add the finely chopped Kale and turkey to this along with broth.
4. Mix well and bring this mixture to boil. Add cooked barly and reduce flame and cook on slow heat for about 20 - 30 minutes so that all flavors mix together.
5. Turn off heat and add the freshly ground black pepper to this.

Serve hot with freshly ground black pepper

Idli Upma

Overview
A delicious way to use up left over idli's. The Urdu Dal and Channa Dal adds a nutty flavor to this upma. Add any vegetables you like to this to make it more nutritious. This is a very common breakfast dish in South India.

Idili Upma

Idili Upma Ingredients

Ingredients
Left over Idili - 8
Grated carrots - 1/2 cup
French cut green beans - 1/2 cup
Ginger inch piece - finely chopped
Green chillies finely chopped - 2 - 3
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
One medium size onion finely chopped
Cilantro finely chopped 3 tablespoons
Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon
Urdu Dal - 1 tablespoon
Channa Dal - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Whole red chilly broken into pieces - 3 - 4
Oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Finely cube the left over idli's and keep aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add the curry leaves and broken red chilly pieces to it and saute few minutes. Add the urdu Dal and Channa Dal and fry til it turns light brown.
3. Add the finely chopped onions, green chilly and ginger to this and saute till the onions are soft. Add turmeric powder and the carrots and green beans to this and saute few minutes and then add 1/4 cup water and salt as needed.
4. When the water boils turn heat to low flame and cover lid and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the cubed idili pieces to this and mix well. Stir till all the liquid coats the idliy. Sprinkle the  finely chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Serve hot

Beef Vindaloo

Overview
Vindaloo dish originated from Goa India. The main ingredients in all Vindaloo dishes are Garlic and Vinegar. Vinegar adds a tangy and distinctive flavor to this spicy beef dish. Thin slices of beef cooked in this tangy spicy gravy goes very well with any Indian bread or rice.

Beef Vindaloo

Beef Vindaloo Ingredients

Ingredients
Thin slices of cooked beef - 1 1/2 pound
Red Onions thin sliced - 1 1/2 cup
Tomatoes thin slices - 1 cup
Garlic - 6 - 8 cloves
Ginger 2 inch piece
Green chilly  split length wise 4 - 6
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Red Chilly powder - 2 - 3 teaspoon
Whole coriander seeds - 2 tablespoons
Vinegar 2 tablespoons
Garam Masala whole - 2 inch piece of cinnamon, 2 cardamom, 3 cloves, 1 star anise , Fennel seeds 1 teaspoon, whole black pepper.
Oil 4 tablespoons

Steps
1. Cook the whole chunk of beef with salt 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric,1/2 teaspoon red chilly powder and 1 cup water in a pressure cooker till it is cooked. Let the beef cool to room temperature and slice to thin slices and keep aside.
2. In a blender grind the garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, red chilly powder, coriander seeds, the whole garam masala with 1/2 cup water to a smooth paste and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. When the oil gets hot add the curry leaves followed by the thin sliced onions. Saute onions till it is light brown.
4. Add the ground masala paste to the oil and saute well till the oil separates. Add the sliced tomato slices to this along with little salt. Mix well cover pan with lid and cook on low flame till the tomatoes are cooked well.
5. Mix the tomatoes with the gravy and then add the beef slices along with salt as needed, vinegar and the green chillies to this. Mix well so that the gravy and all the flavors are mixed well with beef slices. Cover lid and cook on low flame for about 10 - 15 minutes.
6. Stir dish and cook on open flame for about 5 minutes till the gravy thickens.

Serve hot with rice or any Indian breads.

Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Bell Peppers

Overview
A simple bow tie pasta made with roasted bell peppers and onions. The roasted bell peppers adds a delicate smoky flavor to this pasta. I have used olive oil and fresh minced garlic to enhance the  taste. As an optional ingredient you can also add grated Parmesan cheese to this.

Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Bell Pepper

Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Bell Pepper

Ingredients
Dry bow tie pasta - 1 1/2 cup
Roasted red pepper sliced- 1/2 cup
Red Onions thin sliced - 1 medium size onion
Garlic - 5 - 6 cloves thin sliced
Dried basil leaves  - 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Red Pepper flakes 1 - 2 tablespoons

Steps
1. Bring a gallon of water in a heavy bottom pot to boil. Add salt and a tablespoon of oil to this and mix well. Add to this boiling water the dry pasta. Cook on medium heat till the pasta is cooked about 10 minutes. do not over cook the pasta. Drain pasta and keep aside.
2. In a pan heat the oil. When the oil gets hot add the sliced garlic to this. Saute till the garlic turns light brown. Add the red crushed pepper flakes and saute for 1 - 2 minutes.
3. Add the sliced onions to this and saute few minutes till the onions are soft. Add the sliced roasted pepper to this and mix well. Add salt as needed and the dry basil leaves and the cooked pasta. Mix well. Turn off heat and serve. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese t this.

Vallarikka Sambar (Yellow Cucumber Sambar)

Overview
A very simple sambar recipe made with fresh ingredients. Vallarikka  are yellow cucumbers we find plenty in Kerala, India. A refreshing side dish that goes well with rice. I did not use any Dal in this sambar but to thicken the gravy I have used roasted ground coconut which adds nice aroma and flavor.

Vallarikka Sambar

Vallarikka Sambar Ingredients

Ingredients
Vallarika cut into thick 2 inch pieces about 1 1/2 cups
Fresh grated coconut - 1/2 cup
Whole red chillies - 4 - 6
Whole coriander  - 3 -4 tablespoons
Fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Asafoetida powder 1 teaspoon
Tamarind about a tablespoon
Turmeric powder - 3/4 teaspoon
2 tablespoons oil

To Garnish
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Whole red chillies cut into 2 inch pieces - 2  - 3

Steps
1. Soak the tamarind in half cup warm water for about 30 minutes and squeeze and drain and get the tamarind water and keep aside.
2. Cook the Vallarikka in 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt till it is cooked well and keep aside.
3. Heat a heavy bottom pan and dry roast the red chillies, coriander, fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds one after the other and keep it aside to cool to room temperature. Once cooled grind these roasted ingredients in a coffee grinder to a smooth powder. Mix the asaofoetida powder to the is and mix well.
4. In the same pan and oil. When the oil gets hot add the fresh grated coconut to this and fry it on low flame till the coconut turns golden brown. Add the ground spices with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to the coconut and fry few more minutes. Turn off heat and let this roasted coconut mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Add the roasted coconut mixture to blender and grind to a smooth paste with half cup warm water. Add this mixture to the cooked Vallarika . Add the prepared tamarind juice to this. Mix well and add about a cup of water and mix everything together and bring it to boil.  Add salt as needed. Turn off heat.
6. In another pan heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add the whole red chilly pieces and curry leaves to it. Turn off heat and pour the mixture over the prepared sambar.

Serve hot over rice.

Kerala Fried Chciken

Overview
Spicy fried chicken  that can be prepared with few simple ingredients. Curry leaves fried with the chicken add s a very nice aroma to the chicken. Can be served as an appetizer with onion salad. There are many recipes for Kerala fried chicken this is one that my whole family likes.

Kerala Fried Chicken

Ingredients

Ingredients
One pound chicken skinned and cut into small pieces
One teaspoon ginger paste
One teaspoon garlic paste
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Cayenne powder - 1 teaspoon
Black pepper powder -  1 teaspoon
Curry eaves 3 sprig
Green chillies split at center - 4 or 5
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Steps
1. Mix all the spice powders with salt and ginger garlic paste and marinate for about 2 hours.
2. Heat oil in a pan to deep fry the chicken. When the oil gets hot  add few curry leaves and then the pieces of chicken. Fry on low flame so the chicken gets crispy and cooked inside. keep turning the chicken pieces so all sides are browned well.
3. In the same oil fry the green chillies.
5. Serve the fried chicken with the fried curry leaves and fried green chillies.

Blueberry Banana Bread

Overview
A simple delicious bread to make when you have overripe bananas. Blueberries adds a nice sweetness and texture to this moist bread. The whole loaf has just one egg and 3 tablespoon of oil so is low in fat. Serve this warm blueberry banana bread for breakfast or for tea.

Blueberry Banana Bread

Ingredients
2 cusp all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 large ripe bananas mashed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Steps
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease the loaf pan and keep aside.
2. Mash the ripe bananas
3. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add egg and 3 tablespoons of oil and vanilla extract to it. Add the mashed banana and mix well. Fold in the blueberries with a spatula till all the blueberries and mixed well. Pour batter in the loaf pan.
4. Bake at 350 F for about 60 minutes till a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve warm.

Red Spinach Stir Fry (Chuvanna Cheera Thoran)

Overview
Red Spinach is found plenty in Kerala in addition to the green spinach and is very nutritious and tasty. This is a very simple stir fry with few ingredients and fresh grated coconut that can be served as a side for any rice or bread. Fresh grated coconut is a Kerala specialty which does adds a nice texture and flavor. This is the first time I got Red Spinach from Indian store so had to make this dish.

Red Spinach Stir Fry (Chuvanna Cheera Thoran)

Ingredients

Ingredients
Washed and finely chopped red spinach - 4 cups
One red onion finely chopped
Half cup freshly grated coconut
One tablespoon finely chopped garlic
Half teaspoon turmeric powder
Crushed red pepper 2 - 3 tablespoon
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs optional
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tablespoon

Steps
1. Wash the red spinach leaves several times in water and finely chop and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the finely chopped red onions and garlic to it. Saute till the onions are light brown.
3. Add the turmeric powder and crushed red pepper to this and saute few minutes. Add curry leaves  and stir few minutes and then add the finely cut red spinach to this with salt. Mix well cover pan with lid and simmer till the spinach is cooked. Open lid and stir till all liquid is evaporated.
4. Add fresh grated coconut and mix well. Keep stirring till the coconut is well mixed with the spinach and all the liquid has evaporated. Turn off heat.

Serve hot with any rice or bread.

Dried Mango Pickle

Overview
Drying and preserving raw mangoes is very common in Kerala since Mango is a very common fruit we find through out the state. These dried raw mangoes are then used in many curries and pickles. I got these dried mangoes from India when I visited my parents. Dried mango pickle has a very unique and strong flavor very different than the raw mango pickle.

Dried Mango Pickle

Dried Mango Pickle Ingredients

Ingredients
Dried mango - 3/4 cup
Boiled water 1 cup
White Vinegar - 1/2 cup
Garlic cloves - 2 tablespoons
Ginger 1 tablespoon
Curry eaves 3 sprigs
Turmeric 1 teaspoon
Red Chilly powder - 3 tablespoon
Fenugreek powder 1 teaspoon
Brown sugar - 2 - 3 tablespoons
Asafoetida powder - 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil - 3 tablespoons

Steps
1. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds and grind to a smooth powder and keep aside.
2. Boil one cup of water. Turn off heat. Add Vinegar to this and soak the dried mangoes for 1 - 2 hours till the mango slices are soft.
3. Grind the garlic, ginger, red chilly powder and turmeric to a smooth paste with little water and keep aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the ground garlic ginger paste with spices to it and saute till the oil separates. Add curry leaves are fry few more minutes. Add the soaked mango slices with water and vinegar to this.
5. Add the fenugreek powder and asfoetida powder along with brown sugar and salt and mix well. Bring this mixture to boil. Turn off heat.  Brown sugar is added to balance the flavor of sourness so add brown sugar and salt as needed to adjust flavor,

Let it cool to room temperature and store in a clean jar.

Muringayila (drumstick leaves) Parippu curry

Overview
An authentic Kerala dish made with drumstick leaves. This is one of my favorite dishes that my mother used to make. Back in Kerala we had a drumstick tree in our yard so my mother use to make this often. I got fresh drumstick leaves from the Indian grocery store so had to make this dish. A very nutritious and healthy dish that goes well with plain rice or chapatti. The bark of the drumstick tree has the horseradish taste and  is ground to paste  and used in many dishes and hence the drumstick tree is also called the horseradish tree.

Muringayila Parrippu Curry

Ingredients
Toor Dal ( or split yellow peas) - 1/2 cup
Drumstick leaves all stems and vein's removed - 2 cups
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Chilly powder - 1 teaspoon
Fresh grated coconut - 3/4 cup
Garlic cloves - 3
Whole red chillies broken into 2 inch pieces- 3 - 4
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Mustard seeds - 1 tables spoon
Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Oil - 2 tablespoon
Salt to taste.

Steps
1. Wash the cleaned drumstick leaves in plenty of water, drain and keep aside.
2. Cook the toor dal is 1 1/2 cup water till is cooked well in pressure cooker.
3. Once the dal is cooked. Add the drumstick leaves to this with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, chilly powder and salt and cook well till the leaves are cooked.
4. In a blender grind the fresh grated coconut along with garlic, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1/2 cup warm water to a smooth paste.
5. Add this ground coconut to the cooked dal and dal and drum stick leaves and bring it to a boil. Turn off heat.
6. In another pan heat the 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. add the fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, red whole chillies and curry leaves to this. turn off heat and pour this oil mixture over the prepared curry.

Serve hot with plain rice or chapatti

Kozhuva Fry (Anchovy Fry)

Overview
This is a traditional Kerala style fish fry. Kozhuva or Anchovy are small salt water fish which is very nutritious. These spicy and crispy fried fish goes very well with plain  rice.

Kozhuva Fry

Ingredients
Kozhiva cleaned  - 1 pound
Chilly powder - 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper powder - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon
White Vinegar - 1 Tablespoon
Salt to Taste
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Oil to fry

Steps
1. Mix the chilly powder, pepper powder, tirmeric powder, salt , vinegar and lemon juice with water and make smooth paste and keep aside.
2. Marinate the cleaned fish with the spice paste and keep for 1 - 2 hours.
3. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add few curry leaves and then the fish and fry till crispy.

Serve hot with onion salad.

Lime and Dates Pickle

Overview
The sour taste of limes mixed with the sweet taste of dates makes this a unique sweet and sour pickle. A perfect accompaniment for any biriyani or any Indian meals. You can adjust the amount of green chillies and chilly powder to the level of spiciness you want. Like all pickles as this ages it becomes more tasty as the flavor of ginger, garlic and spices gets infused with the date and lime pieces in the pickle.

Lime and Dates Pickle

Limes and Dates pickle Ingredients

Ingredients
Lime cut into quarters  - 2 cups
Date cut into slices 1/2 cup
Garlic finely chopped 2 tablespoon
Ginger finely chopped 1 tablespoon
Green chillies finely chopped - 3  - 6
Curry leaves 2 - 3 sprigs
Kashmiri or red chilly powder - 2 - 3 tablespoons
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Fenugreek powder - 1 teaspoon
Asfaoetida powder 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon
Brown sugar 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
White Vinegar - 3 - 4 tablespoon
Oil about 3 tablespoons

Steps
1. Mix the clean cut lime pieces with salt and put in a clean jar for about 3 weeks. Mix the jar very day. This is to make the lime pieces soft.
2. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds and powder it and keep aside.
3. Soak the sliced dates in about 1/2 cup hot water for about 15 minutes till it becomes soft.
3. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds. After the mustard seeds splutter add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves to this.
4. Saute till the garlic turns light brown.. Add the turmeric and chilly powder to this and mix well till the raw flavor of red chillies is gone.
5. Add the marinated soft lime pieces and soaked dates to this along with vinegar, fenugreek seeds powder, asafoetida powder, brown sugar and mix well. Add salt as needed.
6. Bring this mixture to a boil. Turn off heat.
7. Bring the pickle to room temperature and store in an air tight jar and keep in the refrigerator,. Stays in the refrigerator for about 2 months. If you add more oil and vinegar it can be left at room temperature too.

Serve as a condiment with any Indian meal.

Chakka Erissary (Raw Jackfruit with ccoonut and garlic)

Overview
A traditional Kerala dish made with raw jackfruit. Erissery is made with other vegetables like butternut squash, pumpkin and raw plantains. Coconut ground with cumin and garlic and garnished with roasted coconut adds a very distinct flavor for this erissaery.  Raw jackfruit is very nutritious and this is very good side dish.

Chakka Erissary (Raw Jackfruit Curry with Cocconut

Chakka Erissary Ingredients

Ingredients
Raw jackfruit pieces - 1 pound cut into pieces
Fresh grated coconut 1 cup
Garlic cloves - about 10
Cumin seeds 1 1/4 teaspoons
Chilly powder - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds 1 tablespoons
Curry leaves 2 - 3 sprigs
Whole red chilly 4 - 5 cut into pieces.
Salt to taste
Oil - 3 tablespoon

Steps
1. Mix the raw jackfruit pieces with red chilly powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, salt and one cup water and cook on low flame till the jackfruit pieces are cooked.
2. Grind 3/4 cup of fresh grated coconut, garlic and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds with 1/ 2 cup warm water  to a smooth paste.
3. Mix the ground coconut paste with the cooked jackfruit pieces and mix well and bring this mixture to a boil. Turn off heat.
4. In another pan heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds. When the seeds splutter add the cumin seeds followed by red chilly pieces and curry leaves. Add the fresh grated coconuts to this and fry on low flame till the coconut turn golden brown.
5. Put the fried coconut mixture to the cooked jackfruit and mix well.

Serve hot with plain rice.

Split Urad Dal Stir Fry

Overview
Split urad dal is very nutrious and rich in fibre. This is a north Indian dish which can be served as a side dish with rice or chapati.  A touch of lemon juice enhances the flavor of this dish. This dal is very creamy and rich in protein.

Split Urad Dal Stir Fry

Ingredinets for Split Urad Dal Stir Fry

Ingredients
Split urad dal  - 1 cup
Red onions 1 medium finely chopped
Garlic one tablespoon finely chopped
Ginger 1 tablespoon finely chopped
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Red Crushed pepper flakes - 2 - 3 teaspoon
Lemon Juice about 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tablespoons

Steps
1. Wash and soak the split urad dal for about four hours in plenty of water. Drain and steam in a steamer till the urad dal is cooked. Do not overcook. If the dal is over cooked it will get mashed and be very sticky.
2. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. After the mustard seeds splutter and the cumin seeds.  Add the finely chopped red onions, garlic and ginger to this and saute well.
3. When the onions get light brown add the turmeric and crushed red pepper flakes and saute well. Add the steamed urad dal to this along with lemon juice and salt mix well. Keep strring till all teh liquid is evaporated and the dish is dry.

Serve hot as a side with any rice or Indian bread.

Sweet Potatoes and Carrot Stir Fry (Madhura Kizhangu Carrot Mezhukkupuratti)

Overview
A simple  and easy to make side dish with sweet potatoes and carrots. Dice the carrots and sweet potatoes the same size so they cook together at the same time. Crushed red peppers adds a spiciness to the sweet taste of carrots and sweet potatoes. In Kerala we use coconut oil to make such stir fries but any cooking oil can be used for this dish.

Sweet Potato Carrot Stir Fry Ingredients

Sweet Potato and Carrot Stir Fry

Ingredients
Sweets potatoes peeled and diced - 1/2 cup
Carrots peeled and diced - 1/2 cup
Shallots 2 tablespoons finely sliced
Garlic thin sliced 1 tablespoon
Crushed red pepper - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots and  keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the thin sliced shallots and garlic to it. Keep stirring till the  shallots are light brown. add the turmeric and crushed red peppers to this and saute well. Add the curry leaves and stir well.
3. Add the finely diced sweet potatoes and carrots to this and mix well. Add enough salt and 2 tablespoon of water. Mix well cover with lid and cook on slow flame till the carrots and sweet potatoes are just cooked(do not overcook).. Remove lid and stir and saute till all liquid is evaporated and it is dry.

Serve hot

Spicy Apple Chutney

Overview
A chunky spicy chutney made with granny smith apple. My mom used to make this chutney with green mangoes. The sweet and tart taste of the green apples mixed with the spices adds a delicious and unique flavor to this chutney. This chutney can be used as a condiment with any rice or Indian bread.

Spicy Apple Chutney

Spicy Apple Chutney Ingredients

Ingredients
Granny smith apples - 2 medium ones cleaned and finely chopped
Ginger finely chopped - 2 tablespoon
Garlic finely chopped - 2 tablespoons
Green chilly finely chopped - 1 teaspoon
Finely chopped shallots or red onions - 1/2 cup
Curry leaves - 3 sprigs
Whole coriander seeds - 2 tablespoons
Whole red chilly - 4 - 6
Fenugreek seeds - 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida powder  - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice - Juice i 1 big lemon
Oil 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Clean and chop the granny smith apples into small bite size pieces with skin. Mix apples with salt, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and lemon juice and keep aside for about 1 hour.
2. Dry roast the coriander seeds, whole red chillies  and fenugreek seeds separately and grind to a smooth powder and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan. when the it gets hot add the mustard seeds. once the seeds splutter add the finely ch oped ginger, garlic, onions and curry leaves and saute few minutes till the onions start to turn light brown.
4. Add the spice powder, 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and asafoetida powder to the sauteed onion mixture. Mix well. Add the marinated chopped apples to this and mix well. Cover pan with lid and cook on low flame till apples are cooked well and soft.

Green Peas Masala

Overview
This is a delicious curry my mom used to make for us with chapati and puri. This dish is made with dried green peas. We need to soak the green peas for at least four hours before cooking the green peas. Tomatoes mixed with the spices and green peas makes a delicious gravy for this curry.

Green Peas Masala

Green Peas Masala Ingredients

Ingredients
Dried green peas - 1 cup
Finely chopped onions - 1 cup
Finely chopped plum tomatoes - 1 cup
Finely chopped garlic - 2 tablespoons
Finely chopped ginger - 2 table spoons
Finely chopped cilantro leaves - 1/4 cup
Whole coriander seeds - 3 tablespoons
Whole red chili - 3 - 5
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Whole black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil - 3 tablespoons
Garam Masala
Cinnamon - 2 inch piece stick
Cardamom - 2
Cloves  - 3
Star anise - 1
Fennel seeds - 1 tablespoon

Steps
1. Soak the green peas in plenty of water overnight. Cook in pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and cook till it is well done.
2. Dry roast all the spices(coriander seeds, whole red chillies, cumin seeds and whole black pepper seeds) in a pan one at a time and keep aside. Dry roast the ingredients in the garam masala list and keep aside. Grind all these spices to a smooth powder and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in heavy bottom pan. When the oil gets hot had the finely chopped onions, garlic and ginger. Saute well till the onions turn light brown. Add turmeric and all ground spices to this and mix well for few minutes till the spices are browned. Add the finely chopped tomatoes to this with little salt and mix well.
4. Cover lid and cook tomatoes on a low flame till it is well done. Mix the cooked green peas to this  and mix well and enough hot water if gravy is too thick. Add salt as needed and bring this mixture to boil. Simmer few minutes. Turn off heat.  Add the finely chopped cilantro to this and mix well.

Serve hot with Chapati, Puri or Nann.

Instant Cranberry Pickle

Overview
A quick and easy cranberry pickle that you can make and use immediately. The sour and tart taste of cranberries mixed with the spices and little sugar balances the flavor.  I like to make this pickle when we get fresh cranberries during winter time.

Cranberry Pickle

Cranberry pickle ingredients

Ingredients
Cranberries cleaned and cut into four length wise - 1 cup
Finely chopped ginger - 1 teaspoon
Finely chopped garlic - 1 teaspoon
Red Chilly powder - 1 - 2 tablespoon
Fenugreek seeds - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida powder - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon\
Brown sugar - 2 teaspoon
Oil about 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Mix the cut and cleaned cranberries with salt and keep aside for about an hour.
2. Dry roast the cranberries and powder it and keep aside.
3. In a pan heat the oil. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add the curry leaves followed by the finely chopped ginger and garlic.
4. Saute mixture for few minutes till the garlic turns light brown. Add the turmeric powder and Chilly powder into this and saute well.
5. Add the cranberries mixed with salt to this and mix well. Add the fenugreek powder, asafoetida powder and sugar to this and mix well.
6. Saute till the cranberries and just soft. Turn off heat.

Can be served as a condiment with any rice or Indian breads