Taste Of Sopanam

Idichakka Thoran (young jackfruit)

2010-07-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jackfruit is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines.It can be eaten unripe (young) when cooked, or ripe uncooked.The young fruit is called 'Idichakka" in Kerala.Only the skin of the young jackfruit need to discarded.The rest of the whole fruit can be used.Here is an image of young jackfruit.

Idichakka thoran is very famous in kerala kitchen.So here is my recipe for idichakka thoran from my kitchen to yours...

Ingredients

Tender green jackfruit (I used a cans of tender jackfruit available in most Indian grocery stores)
Coconut-1/2 cup
Cumin seeds-1 tsp
Shallots-2-3 nos
Mustard-1 tsp
Turmeric Powder-1 tsp
Chilly Powder-1 tsp
Curry Leaves (Optional)
green hilly-2 nos
Red Chilly-2 for tempering

Method Of Preparation

Clean the jackfruit and cut into small chunks. Add some water, salt and 1/4tsp of turmeric powder and cook covered in a pan till soft.
When the jackfruit is cooled down,chop them in a food processor for once
Combine the coconut,chillypowder,green chillies and cumin seeds in a food processor (not to fine paste)
Combine the jackfruit and the ground mixture
Heat a pan,add oil(coconut oil preferred) splutter mustard and then add shallots,curry leaves,red chillies and saute for 2 mins
Add the the jackruit mixture and cook covered for 5 -10mins.Server hot
This goes well with rice.

Beef Roast

2010-07-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

I know i have not blogged the famous non-veg dish of kerala.The very famous Beef dish.Beef is the most favorite dish of non veg lovers of kerala.This goes well with the kerala parathas.In my childhood days my dad used to get beef once or twice in a month.Later i remember my dad stopped having beef and we used to cook beef dishes very rarely.My husband who is a beef lover,loves to cook beef by his own also.These beef dishes are very famous in thattukadas,small food joints in kerala.....So here is my beef roast recipe from my kitchen to yours....................

Ingredients

Beef cut into small cubes-1 lb
Chilly powder-1+1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder-1+1 tsp
Garam Masala-1+1 tbsp
Vinegar-2 tsp
Corainder Powder-2 tbsp
Whole Garam Masala(1tsp fennel seeds,3 cloves,1 cinnamon stick,3 cardamom)
Onion-2 large
Garlic-6 pods minced
Ginger minced-1+1 tbsp
Curry leaves -1 handful ( I dint use,Optional)
Mustard-1 tsp
Green Chillies-3 splitted
Tomato-2
Salt

Method Of Preparation

Marinate Beef with 1 tsp turmeric powder,1 tbsp chilly powder,vinegar,1 tbsp corainder powder, 3 garlic pods minced,1 tbsp minced ginger,1 tbsp garam masala ,1/2 Onion,Salt and curry leaves and keep aside for 1-2 hrs
Place the marinated beef in Pressure cooker and cook for around 4 whistles or till the beef is tender .
Heat a skillet splutter mustard and whole garam masala,add onion and saute till the onion is transparent
After that add rest of the garlic ,ginger and curry leaves and saute.
Add tomatoes and cover cook for 2-3 mins
Add the cooked beef and cook till the water evaporates and till it is dry
Serve with rotis or rice /Moru curry or rice/Yogurt

Chicken Roast(My Version)

2010-06-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Chicken is our all time favorite.This cannot be claimed as the traditional Kerala chicken roast.I kind of made up the recipe while i was cooking.Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

Chicken Cut into small pieces-1 lb
Green Chillies-2-3 sliced
Tomato-1
Onion-2 nos medium size
Red Chilly flakes-1 tbsp
Curry leaves-1 spring
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Chilly Powder-1 tbsp
Pepper Powder-1 tbsp
Garam masala-1 tbsp+1 tsp
Ginger minced-2 tbsp
Garlic-2 tbsp
Coconut mil-1/4 cup
Vinegar-1 tbsp
Oil(coconut oil preferred)
Salt

Method of Preparation

Marinate chicken with turmeric powder,chilly powder,vinegar,pepper powder ,garam masala (1 tbsp) half of minced garlic ,ginger and salt.Keep aside for 1 hr
Cook the marinated chicken in coconut milk without adding water.
Cook until the chicken is done and there is no gravy .
Add 1 tbsp oil and sauté the pieces in medium heat for chicken pieces to be crispy
Heat oil in a kadai add chopped onion saute till transparent and light brown color
Add Green chillies,ginger and garlic and saute for 5 mins
Add Curry Leaves .
Add Cooked chicken pieces and saute till it gets coated with all the ingredients.
Add rest of garam masala and saute well.
Add Red chilly flakes.(If you don want the dish to be hot avoid this step)
Serve with rice or rotis

Mathi/Sardine Peera Vattichathu

2010-06-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Mathi/Sardine-4 nos
Pearl Onions-1/2 cup
Shredded Coconut-1 Cup
Kokum Tamariand(Kudam Puli)-2-3 nos
Green Chillies-2-3 nos
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Chilly Powder-1/2 tbsp
Corainder Powder-1 tbsp
Coconut Oil-
Salt
Curry Leaves-1 spring

Method Of Preparation

Clean mathi well.cut into half
Soak kudam puli in water
Combine coconut,green chillies,all powders and grind with little amount of water.Take care not to grind into coarse paste
Take a pan(preferably meen chatti) add the ground mixture,onion and kodam puli and also add sardines.
Close pan and cook for 15 mins on medium flame.
Add curry leaves and saute slowly.
Finally when sardines are cooked add Coconut oil and close the lid for 5 mins
Serve with rice.

Paneer Masala

2010-06-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Paneer cubes-1 cup
Cumin seeds-1 tsp
Green Bell Pepper-1 sliced
Onion-1 sliced
Tomato-1 made to small cubes
Garam Masala- 1 tbsp
Chilly Powder-1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder-1 tsp
Cream-1/2 cup
Salt
Oil
Sugar-1/2 tbsp

Method of Preparation

Take a non stick pan add oil and splutter cumin seeds
Add Onion and saute till it turns golden brown color
Add Bell pepper and saute for 5 mins
Add all the masalas and saute for 3-4 mins
Then add tomatoes and saute till it is cooked
Add Paneer and close the pan and cook for 10 mins
Finally add cream and sugar and saute till the gravy coats the paneer and veggies
Serve with rice or rotis!!!!!

Chicken Puffs

2010-06-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Puff Pastry sheets
Boneless Chicken pieces (Cook chicken well in pressure cooker adding turmeic and salt.Chop the chicken into small pieces.)
Chopped Onion -1 large
Green Chillies – 3
Ginger Garlic paste -1 tbsp
Chopped tomato -1
Vegetables – 1 cup (I used carrots,green bellpepper,cabbage,celery)
Soya Sauce – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste
Oil – as needed
Egg -1 Beaten
Red Chilly Powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
Pepper powder -1/2 tsp
Garam Masala- 2 tsp

Method Of Preparation

Cook vegetables if you are using veggies with little amount of water adding pepper powder and salt
Heat oil and add onions,salt,green chillies and ginger garlic paste.
Saute till onions turn brown.
Add all the masalas and saute for few minutes.
Then add tomatoes,veggies,soyasauce and chicken pieces.
Simmer for 15 mins stirring in between.
Chicken should be well cooked and almost fried.
If necessary add oil in between.
Now the filling is ready.
Take the pastry sheet and fill it with filling
Brush beaten egg on top of the puffs to get golden brown color
Grease baking dish with butter and arrange the puffs in it
Bake in a preheated 400 F for 10-15 mins or until one side is golden brown
When cooled ,puffs are ready to serve.

Chicken Thoran

2010-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Chicken-1 lb
Onion-Cut into small pieces-2
Corainder leaves-For Garnishing
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Garlic Ginger paste-1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder-2 tsp
Chilly Powder-1 tbsp
Garam Masala-1 tbsp
Vineger-1 tbsp
Coconut grated-1 cup

Method Of Preparation

Marinate chicken pieces with vinegar,slat and turmeric powder for 15 mins and cook till chicken is done.
After chicken is done shred the chicken into small pieces.
Splutter mustard,add Onion and saute till onions are transparent
Add Ginger garlic paste and saute for 2 mins
Add turmeric powder ,garam masala and sauté for a min
Add grated coconut add saute for 2-3 mins
Add the shredded chicken and saute till chicken is well coated with the ingredients
Finally add corainder leaves and garnish
Server hot with rotis or rice!!!!!!!

Note:Add curry leaves if you have.I dint have so i have not used.

Vegetable Pulav

2010-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Basmati rice – 2 cups
Water – 4 cups
Carrot & Beans – 1/2 cup each
Cinnammon, cardamom & clove – 4 pieces each
Bay Leaf-1 nos
Onion-1 big
Ghee – 4 Tablespoon
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Cashews-2 tbsp
Raisins-3 tbsp
Salt – to taste

Method Of Preparation

Soak the basmati rice for 25 minutes. After that drain out the water completely.
Heat 2 tablespoon of ghee in a pan.
Splutter the remaining cardamom, cinnamon & clove.
Add the rice & stir.
When the rice starts cracking add the 4 Cups of water, lemon juice & salt.
Cover & cook until the rice is cooked & water is completely absorbed.
Cook carrot ,Beans for 5-6 mins
Heat remaining ghee in another pan.
Add onion and fry till golden brown color
Add the cooked carrot & green peas, stir for 5 minutes.
Add the rice & mix wel
Fry cashew and raisins in ghee and garnish.
Serve with Raita

Uzhunnu Vada

2010-03-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Urad Dal -2cups
Onion - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Green chillies -3-4nos
Curry leaves -1 spring
Crushed Black Pepper Corns -1tbsp
Ginger -1 inch piece
Salt to taste
Baking Soda -1 tsp
Rice Flour-2tbsp
Oil to fry

Method Of Preparation

Soak urad dal in a vessel and keep aside for 1hr.
In a wet grinder, grind the dal in small portions without adding water,If unable to grind well, sprinkle some water and grind again till you get a smooth, thick paste,the batter has to be as thick as possible.
To this dal batter, add chopped ginger, green chillies, onion, curry leaves, crushed whole black pepper corns, baking soda and salt and mix well.
To have a crispy vada, add 2 tbsp rice flour to the batter,Let the batter sit for 15 mins.
Heat oil in a kadai
Make round shapes ball with the batter either using the palm of your hand.
Wet the palm of your hand with water and place a ball of the vada mix on it, Press it down slightly with the fingers of your other hand. Now using one finger make a hole in the middle of it. Drop it slowly and carefully into the hot oil.
Wet your palm each time to prevent the batter from sticking on your hand.
Fry the vadas till golden brown

Cup Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

2010-03-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients-For CupCake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

Ingredients for Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup frozen strawberries pureed

Method Of Preparation-Cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
In another medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light and foamy, about 2 minutes. While beating, gradually pour in the butter and then the vanilla.
While mixing slowly, add half the dry ingredients, then add all the milk, and follow with the rest of the dry ingredients. Take care not to over mix the batter. Divide the batter evenly in the prepared tin.
Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cupcakes on a rack in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove

Method of Preparation-Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.
Use a rubber spatula spread the icing on the top of the cupcakes.

Chicken Varutharacha Curry

2010-03-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Chicken - 1 lb
Vinegar-1 tbsp
Onions - 3 nos(chopped)
Garlic minced- 1 1/2 tsp
Ginger minced- 1 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 Tbsp
Garam masala - 2 tsp
Coconut grated - 3/4 cup
Small onions(Kunjulli) (shallots)- 2 - 3 nos
Fennel seeds(Perinjeerakam) - 1 pinch
Coconut oil
Potatoes - 2 medium size
Red chillies - 2 nos or as reqd
Salt - As reqd.
Curry Leaves

Method Of Preparation

Wash and clean chicken .
Marinate chicken peices with vinegar and salt
Heat 1 tsp of coconut oil in a pan.
Fry coconut with small onions fennel seeds.
When it turns brown ,Remove from fire.
When this cools, Grind it using little water.
Heat oil in pan add onion and saute till it becomes transparent
Add ginger,garlic and saute for 5-7 mins
Then add turmeric powder ,chilly powder,Corainder powder,garam masala and saute for 2-3 mins
Add chicken and cubed potatoes and mix well.Add 1/4 cups of water
Cook until chicken is half done and then add the ground mixture.
Again cook until the chicken if fully done.
Pour 2 tbsp of coconut oil in a sauce pan and add small onions ,red chillies and curry leaves and saute for 2-3 mins.(here i dint have curry leaves)
Pour this to prepared curry
Serve hot with paratha,chappathis and appam.

French Toast

2010-03-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Bread Slices-3(Remove crust)
Egg-1
Milk-1/4 cup
Sugar-3 tbsp
Ghee

Method Of Preparation

Beat egg well.Add Sugar and milk to this and beat well
In a sauce pan heat ghee/butter
Dip bread into the above mixture,allow to soak for 30 secs on each side
Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown

Moru Kachiyathu

2010-03-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Curd/Butter milk-1 cup
Mustard-1 tsp
Ginger-1 tsp minced
Garlic-1 tsp minced
Corainder leaves - a Handful
Red Chillies- 2 nos
Fenugreek powder or seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Oil
Salt
Water-1/2 cup

Method Of Preparation

Add water and salt to curd and mix well.If you are using butter milk do not add water
Splutter mustard.
Add Red chillies and fenugreek seeds or powder and saute for 2 mins
Add ginger,garlic and saute well for 5 mins
Add Corainder leaves and saute .
Add turmeric powder and saute for 2 mins
Turn into low flame.Finally add curd .
This should not boil ,just heat this
Serve hot with rice

Aloo paratha

2010-03-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Cumin-1 tsp
Potato -3 nos
Onion- 1 large
Green Chillies -1
Turmeric powdeer-1 tsp
Gara Masala-2 tbsp
Garlic -2-3 pods
Ginger-3 tbsp
Atta-2.5 Cups
Butter
Salt

Method of Preparation

Cook Potatoes in Pressure Cooker for 4 whistles
Prepare dough with atta as we do for chapathi
Splutter Cumin seeds in oil or butter.
Add minced onion and saute till it turns light brown in color
Add ginger garlic and green chillies and saute
Add turmeric and garam masala and saute for 2 mins
Finally add mashed potatoes ,salt and mix well
Mix this with the prepared atta dough
Roll the dough into circles as we do for making chapathi
Place the paratha over the pan. After a few seconds you will see the paratha change color and puff in different places
Serve hot with curd,pickles.

Grape Jam

2010-03-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Grapes-2 cups
Sugar-2 cups
Lemon juice-Juice of one lemon
Corn Starch-2 tbsp
Water -1 cup

Method Of Preparation

Cook grapes with water in a Sauce pan until grapes are fully cooked
Mash grapes with a spoon while cooking
Add lemon juice and stir well.
After that add sugar and stir for 10 mins.
Add Cornstarch blended with water and keep stirring till it thickens
After it is thickened remove from heat and allow it to cool
Transfer it into a air tight jar and refrigerate.

Peas Pulav

2010-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Peas-1/2 cup
Basmati Rice-1 cup
Cumin seeds-1 tbsp
Cinnamon stick-1 nos
Cloves-3-4 pods
Cardamom-2 nos
Ghee-4 tbsp
Salt
Coriander Leaves-1 handful

Method Of Preparation

Cook peas in pressure cooker(for 3 whistles) with salt
Splutter cumin,cinnamon,cloves,cardamom in ghee ,after that saute rice in ghee for 5 mins
After that cook rice by adding water and salt
Finally add peas and coriander and mix well.

Chicken Fry

2010-03-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Chicken-1 lb
Ginger-4 tbsp
Garlic -3 tbsp
Soya Sauce-3 tbsp
Corn Flour-3 tbsp
Yogurt-1/2 cup
Salt
Oil to fry

Method of Preparation

Cook chicken in yogurt
Make a paste out of ginger-garlic paste,soya sauce and corn flour
When it is cooked marinate chicken with the above paste and keep aside for 1 hr.
Deep fry or shallow fry in oil.Here i have made a shallow fry
Chicken fry is ready.

Fruit Custard

2010-03-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Diced Fruits(Apple,Grapes,Strawberry,Banana etc ) of your choice
Milk-3 1/2 cups
Custard Powder-6 tbsp
Sugar -1 1/2 cups
Whipping cream-1/2 cup

Method of Preparation

Mix custard powder with 1/2 cup of milk without lumps .Milk should be in room temp.
Boil rest of the milk and sugar and when milk is boiled add the custard powder mix and stir well.
Keep stirring until it thicken.
When this thicken allow it to cool completely.
After that add whipping cream and fruits and refrigerate

Cherupayar Vada

2010-03-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Cherupayar(green gram)-1 cup
Green Chillies-3
Ginger-3 tbsp
Onion-1 big
Salt
Oil-To fry
Garam Masala - 1 tbsp

Method Of Preparation

Soak Cherupayar in water overnight

Grind Cherupayar to a coarse paste or semi ground without adding water.(Don't grind them for long)

Mix chopped onion,ginger,garam masala,salt,green chillies with the ground paste

Heat oil in a pan for deep fry on medium heat.

Wet your palms and take small amount of the mixture and make a ball.Place in the center of the palm and flatten to a round shape and drop into the hot oil.

Flip after 5 minutes and Cook until the vada is a dark golden brown color

This is my entry for "Sunday-Healthy Snacks" event being hosted by Divya at "Dil Se".

Chicken Curry in Yogurt(Curd)

2010-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Chicken-1 lb
Ginger-3 tbsp
Garlic -3 tbsp
Red Chilly-4-5
Onion-1 Big
Cumin Powder-1 tbsp
Garam masala-1 tbsp
Yogurt-1 cup
Oil
Salt

Method of Preparation

Marinate chicken with minced garlic and ginger ,salt and keep aside for 10-20 mins
Heat oil in a pan add saute chicken for 10 mins
After that add onion and Red chilly and saute for another 10 mins
Add yogurt and cook until chicken is done
After the chicken is done add cumin powder and garam masala and cook for another 10 mins

Beans & Potato Mezhukuperatti(Fry)

2010-02-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

We all like beans in our family.........We always prefer mezhukkuperatti to thoran (both kerala tyle).My dad always make the best mezhukkuperatti

Ingredients

Beans-1 cup(cut into pieces)
Potato-1 cup(cut into pieces)
Red chilly flakes-2 tbsp
Turmeric Powder-1tsp
Shallots
Garlic- 2 pods
Salt
Oil

Method Of Preparation

Cook Beans and potato adding salt and turmeric until they are cooked
Heat oil in pan add shallots and garlic and saute till onions are soft
Add cooked beans and potato to this and saute for 3-4 mins
Add redchilly flakes and saute for 2-3 mins
Serve hot with rice.

Chicken Curry in Coconut Milk

2010-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Chicken-1 lb
Onion-1 big
Ginger -2 tbsp
Garlic-2-4 pods
Green Chillies-4
Corainder Powder-1-11/2 tbsp
Garam Masala-2 tbsp
Chicken Masala-2 tbsp(optional)
Chilly Powder-1 tsp(optional)
Turmeric Powder-1 tbsp
Tomato-2 nos
Medium Thick Coconut Milk- 1-1/2 cup
Thick Coconut Milk-1 Cup
Curry Leaves
Salt
Oil
Mustard

Method of Preparation

Marinate Chicken pieces with half of ginger,garlic,green chilly,half of corainder powder,half of garam masala,turmeric powder,chilly powder,chicken masala,curry leaves,salt and keep it aside for 20-30 mins in the fridge
Cook chicken pieces in medium thick coconut milk until chicken is tender
Heat oil in pan and splutter mustard,add onion,garlic,ginger ,green chillies and saute till onions are soft and tender
Add remaining corainder powder and garam masala and saute for 2-3 mins
Add chopped tomatoes and cook till tomatoes are soft
Add cooked chicken along with the gravy and mix well
Add thick coconut milk and cook for 5-7 mins
Server hot with rotis appam or rice!!!

Cherupayar Thoran

2010-02-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Cherupayar(green gram)-1 cup
Coconut Shredded-1/4 cup
Dry Red Chillies-2 nos
Turmeric Powder-1/2 tsp
Chilly Powder-1/2 tsp
Onion-1 (cut into small pieces)
Garlic -2 pods
Salt
Water
Curry Leaves

Method of Preparation

Cook green gram with salt and water in pressure cooker for 3 -4 whistles
Take a pan splutter mustard ,add Dry red chillies,Curry leaves saute for a minute
Add onion and garlic and saute till transparent and brown color
Add Turmeric powder and chilly powder and saute for a minute
Add Coconut shredded and saute for a minute
Finally add Cooked Cherupayar(green gram) and cook for 5 -10 mins.
Serve with rice!

Nadan Chicken Fry

2010-02-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Chicken(Cut into small pieces)-1 lb
Vinegar-2 tbsp
Chilly Powder-2 tsp
Turmeric Powder-1/2 tsp
Garam Masala-1 tsp
Pepper Powder-1/2 tsp
Corainder Powder-1 tsp
Green Chilly-2-3 os
Onion-1
Red chilly flakes-2 tbsp
Oil for frying
Salt
Curry leaves

Preparation

Wash and clean chicken and drain all the water
Make a paste of all the powders with vinegar and salt
Marinate chicken pieces with the paste and keep in the fridge for 1/2 hr- 1 hr
After an hour take a pan add small amount of oil and add chicken pieces into it and green chillies(split into two pieces) and curry leaves.
Cook covered for 10 mins
After that cook uncovered on medium flame for 15-20 mins or till chicken pieces becomes dark brown.
Finally add Sliced onion.
Serve hot with roti or rice!!!!