Yum! Yum! Yum!

Zero Oil - Tandoori Chicken Legs (Oven Baked)

2026-02-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

This has recently become my go-to high-protein recipe for lazy days—when I want something delicious without standing over the stove. The oven does all the work, and each serving packs just around 300 calories with 40+ grams of protein. It’s incredibly versatile too: pair it with rice and yogurt for a wholesome lunch, toss it over a fresh salad for an effortless dinner, or serve it as-is for snacks (my kids’ absolute favorite!) or game night gatherings. It’s truly a winner recipe and definitely a keeper. Enjoy!

Tandoori Chicken Legs

Juicy, smoky, restaurant-style chicken legs made with no added oil in the marinade — bold flavors, beautiful color, and that perfect char!

Ingredients

Chicken Leg Quarters – 4

For initial seasoning:

Crushed sea salt – as needed
Freshly ground black pepper – as needed

Marinade:

1 cup curd (plain yogurt)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2 Tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 Tbsp Tandoori Chicken Masala or Chicken Tikka Masala (Shaan brand)

Method

1️⃣ Prep the chicken

Wash the chicken legs and pat them completely dry.

Season with crushed sea salt and black pepper. Set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, combine yogurt and all the listed spices. Whisk well until smooth and lump-free.

3️⃣ Marinate

Apply the marinade generously and evenly over all the chicken legs, coating them thoroughly inside the slits as well.

4️⃣ Arrange & Bake

Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray (like PAM).

Arrange the chicken legs without touching each other.

Bake at 400°F for 50 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

5️⃣ Char for that restaurant finish

After 50 minutes, switch the oven to High Broil for 2 minutes to get a beautiful char.

⚠️ Keep a close eye during broiling — it can burn quickly.

Once done, remove immediately.

🌿 Serve With

Lime wedges
Sliced onions
Fresh cilantro

Pair with:

Salads for a light dinner
Rice and raita for a hearty lunch

✨ Tips & Notes

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder is a must! It gives that vibrant tandoori color without making the dish overly spicy.
Broil mode is key for that smoky, slightly charred restaurant-style finish — but watch carefully.
For deeper flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

Serve for Dinner

Serve as Lunch

Serve as Appetizer or Snack

Will be back with another easy recipe!

Until then, Keep Smiling, Spread the Joy

-Mythreyi

Protein Rich Tofu Masala Curry with Hemp Hearts ~ Vegan Version

2026-01-30T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I’ve been consciously focusing on my protein intake lately, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. I’ve always eaten healthy, but prioritizing protein has helped me stay fuller for longer, cut down cravings significantly, and feel energized throughout the day—plus it’s been amazing for muscle recovery. My nutritionist recently introduced me to a powerful plant-based ingredient: hemp hearts. They’re packed with protein and omega-3s, and I instantly loved the nutty taste. I started using them as salad toppers, but soon I wanted to experiment more. That’s when hemp hearts inspired me to give my classic tofu masala curry a protein-rich twist. Today, I’m sharing that upgraded recipe with you—simple, nourishing, and so good. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Tofu - Extra Firm - 1 block
Black Peppper - 1/4 tsp ( freshly ground)
Bell Pepper - 1 (any color of your choice)

For Onion Tomato Paste:
Olive Oil - 1 tsp
Onion - 1
Tomato - 2 (Cluster)
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Almonds - 12 to 15

For Gravy:
Vegetable Oil - 1 Tbsp
Star Anice - 1
Cinnamon - 1 stick
Clove - 2
Green Chili - 2
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp
salt - 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp (Kashmiri)
Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
Hemp Hearts - 2 Tbsp
Kasori Methi ( dry fenu greek leaves) - 1 Tbsp

Cilantro - for garnish

Method:

Tofu Saute:

First remove the Tofu from the water in the package and wash it. Chop this into equal bite size cubes.
Heat the non-stick pan and add 1 tsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot add the Tofu cubes to the pan, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and saute them until they get golden color by turning on all sides in between. Take these out into a bowl and set aside.
Add bell pepper cubes to the pan and saute them on high flame for 5 min. take them out on to a wide plate

Onion Tomato Puree:

To the same pan add Chopped Onion and saute it along with cumin seeds, once the onions become translucent, add almonds, chopped tomato. in 2 min tomatoes becomes soft. switch off the stove and set aside.
Once this mixture is cooled off, grind it into Puree ( in blender or mixie ), add water little by little as needed to the Puree and grind it well. You will get the creamy Onion and Tomato Puree.

Masala Gravy:

Heat the vegetable oil in the heavy bottomed vessel. Add Star anice, Cinnamon and cloves.
After 1 min add ginger garlic paste and chopped green chili. Saute until the ginger garlic raw smell goes away.
Add Onion Tomato Puree to the pan and mix it well. Now add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder. If requires add some water and mix well and let is simmer for 5 min on medium heat.
Now add the sauteed Tofu and Bell Pepper Cubes to the gravy. Simmer for another 2 min.
Add Hemp Hearts to the gravy, mix it well into the gravy. Taste and adjust the seasonings per your taste.
Now take the Kasoori Methi into your palm and rub until it becomes flakes. Add this to the gravy and mix well and top with cilantro and simmer for 2 min.
Switch off the heat and serve this into Serving Bowl and garnish with some cilantro or spring onions. Serve immediately with soft chapati.

The color is superb

Notes:

I have served fresh with warm roti and onion greek yogurt raita. (for extra protein)
It is absolute hit and loved by my family, definitely a keeper recipe.
It serves 4, each serving has 25g protein

Hope you have enjoyed this healthy variation!

see you soon with another new twisted recipe,

until then take care

-Mythreyi

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (copy cat of PF Chang's)

2025-11-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

I’ve always loved lettuce wraps—especially the PF Chang’s ones I constantly crave—and they’ve become a staple as I focus more on clean, low-carb, protein-rich meals. They make eating lettuce feel fancy and fun, and they’re always my go-to healthy appetizer when dining out. So when Thanksgiving 2025 potluck sign-ups came around, I knew exactly what I wanted to bring. With so many heavy dishes on the table, these chicken lettuce wraps felt like the perfect fresh, flavorful option—and they ended up being a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s the recipe that made Thanksgiving just a little lighter and a lot more delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

Meat:

1 lb ground chicken
1 tsp salt
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp - coriander powder
1/2 tsp - cumin powder

Veggies:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 green bell pepper finely diced
4 to 5 mushrooms finely diced
1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained & diced
2 jalapeños, sliced
1 tbsp chopped mint leaves (optional)
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce:

1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
1 tbsp Peanut butter (Optional)

To serve:

1 head butter lettuce or romaine
Extra sliced jalapeños (for some kick)
chopped peanuts (optional for some crunch)
sesame seeds (optional, use for garnish)

Method:

Cook the chicken: heat the heavy bottom pan, add ground chicken. break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, ~5–6 minutes. add salt, chili powder, coriander and cumin powder and mix it well so that meat gets infused with the spices. Transfer it to the plate
Cook the veggies: In the same pan, stir fry the veggies along with oil for 2 to 3 min. veggies should be semi cooked and slightly crunchy. keep these aside.
Prepare the sauce: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add all the ingredients in the sauce section, mix it well, until the sauce becomes thick. taste and adjust the seasoning to your taste needs
Putting it all together: add cooked meat and veggies to the sauce pan and toss it well so that everything is coated evenly with the sauce. ( for 2 to 3 min)
Garnish: Transfer this to a wide bowl, garnish with diced jalapeños for some kick, chopped peanuts and sesame seeds for some crunch.
Assemble wraps: Separate the lettuce wraps and wash and dry them gently and leave them on a wide platter. Spoon warm filling into lettuce leaves. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Lettuce Wraps - Romaine Lettuce

Tips:

Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken with finely chopped crumbled tofu.More crunch: Add shredded carrots or chopped peanuts.
Star ingredient: Water chestnuts are the star secret ingredient, it's must. Don't skip it. It adds a nice crunch in between the bites. Hoisin sauce is must, don't make this dish with out that sauce.
Peanut Allergy alert: If you are allergic to peanut butter, replace it with honey or 1 tbsp brown sugar for slight sweet taste. avoid peanut crunch in the garnish.
Scale up: The ratio fo the sauces is critical, use this ratio to scale up or down for more servings (Hoisin:Soy:RiceVinegar:SesameOil:Sriracha = 3:2:1:1:1)

Enjoy it and do let me know your response in the comments. :-)

keep smiling and spread the joy

-Mythreyi

AshGourd Juice ~ Fresh Juices

2023-04-04T16:16:00.003-07:00

Ash Gourd Juice has become popular lately, as people are getting the awareness around the medical benefits of this wonder fruit. I have heard this from Sadguru talks first and then from my mom, and from my cousin. So after convinced with these medical benefits, i have decided to attempt to make this powerful Juice that is full of medicinal values. After making it and tasting it, it is so easy to make and tastes good. Ok, don't expect it to be taste like Sugarcane Juice, but it is not as bad as Karela (BitterGourd) juice either. Actually it didn't have strong taste or flavor. This looks/tastes as cool as coconut water, but gives the twice energy boost that is equivalent to coffee, while keeping you calm (with out making you hyper or excited as Coffee does to you). :-)

The hardest part in this recipe is peeling and chopping the AshGourd. AshGourd is thick and looks tough from outside, it won't be encouraging to process it quickly. If you just make an attempt with chopping, it is very easy and piece of a cake. (please check the video below or on my channel for quick instructions). Here is the recipe for you, Njoy!

Ash Gourd Juice

Ingredients:

AshGourd - 1/8 of Medium Size Gourd

*servings - 4

Method:

Remove the outer edge and inner core and seeds of the Ash Gourd Quarter
Chop the wedges into medium size cubes
Add these pieces to NinjA bullet and grind in Extract mode for 10 sec
Add some water to jar and pulse in Smoothie mode for 20 sec
Strain the juice using colander and remove the excess pulp
Pour into glasses and serve immediately

Notes:

You don't need to add any sugar to this juice. If you feel it is strong in flavor, you can add pinch of salt or lime juice for added flavor.
This juice is very cool naturally, if you like chilled version, you can add 2 ice cubed while serving
You can use NinjA bullet or Magic Bullet also to extract the juice. NinjA bullet is my new addition from last year Thanksgiving purchase. I am so happy with this purchase and keeping it to full use.
I buy the Green Pumpkin Quarter at India Store (Patel Brothers) in states.
This year my neighbor shared many long AshGourds from her Garden Yield.

My Healthy Breakfast Plate :-)

Don't forget to check out all other Fresh Juice Recipes.

Here is the Video Recipe:

Will be back with another simple recipe, Take care until then

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

DIY - Rosemary Hibiscus Coconut Oil (for Hair Nourshing)

2023-03-12T18:09:00.003-07:00

During my childhood I have witnessed, Hibiscus playing vital role as part of natural Hair Care remedies. My Grand ma used to mix Hibiscus Leaves with Soapnut water (Kunkundu Kaya Rasam in Telugu), which was a natural Shampoo in those days. Mom used to make Hibiscus flower infused Hair Oil, that helps with hair growth, strong roots and replenish the hair. As my patio garden showered many Hibiscus flowers last year, after making fresh Hibiscus Herbal Tea, i have dried few flowers and saved, those came in handy to make this DIY - Rosemary Hibiscus Coconut Oil. As I love the smell of Rosemary herb and and it is known as good natural hair care agent, i have enhanced my mom's Hibiscus Coconut Oil recipe infused with Rosemary flavor. Here is the recipe, enjoy!

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil - 2 cups

Hibiscus Flowers - 6 to 8 (dried, red color is preferred)

Rosemary Strands - 5 to 6 (3 inch stems)

Method:

Take Coconut Oil in a steal pot ( with heavy bottom). Keep it on the stove on low heat.
Add rosemary strands in the oil, simmer for 2 min
Add dried hibiscus flowers or petals to the oil and simmer for 2 min
Increase the heat to medium, boil for 3 min, by now you will notice the oil color changing
Switch off the stove, close the lid for 5 min, to let it cool off
Then strain into a wide mouth vessel with a strainer to remove all the hibiscus and rosemary strands
Carefully pour into a glass bottle and store in the dark place
Apply this oil to your hair weekly once, leave it for 1 hour, then wash your hair. (this routine helps to nourish your hair).

Notes:

Only Red Color Hibiscus Flowers are preferred for this recipe
Coconut Oil i have used in this recipe, i got from our beloved Costco. :-)
You can reuse the soy-sauce glass bottles to store oils like these (reminder to reduce, reuse, recycle policy)

Here is the Video Recipe:

Check out other DIY Recipes:

Rosemary Oil
Ginger Garlic Paste
Vangeebath Masala Powder
Garam Masala Powder

will be back with another DIY recipe,

Until then take care, Keep Smiling and Spread the joy

-Mythreyi

Vegan Corn Chowder Soup ~ Soup Recipes

2022-11-25T15:01:00.004-08:00

This recipe is on my 'recipes to try' list from long time, actually long long time, when we visited Pier 39 in the Bay Area in California in 2014. Clam Chowder served in a sourdough bread is a popular recipe on this pier, since I am not a fan of Seafood, i couldn't dare to try any Clam Chowder on the pier at that time, but I was determined to make a Veggie version of Chowder since then. Now it is happening, I wanted to try a simple soup recipe for this Thanksgiving potluck, i made this Vegan Corn Chowder recipe, that is thick, creamy and makes it very filling, however I made it little spicy in my version, that made it a popular hit at the table for our Indian Guests. And one more thing, finally i get to use my crock pot (slow cooker) for the first time that I bought couple of years ago as part of the Thanksgiving Sale. I am so thankful for this crock pot and this recipe, where you have to keep all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it take care of itself. Loved that two pending things on my list are done #1making this soup and #2 using my Crock-pot, :-) here is the recipe for you, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Oil - 1 Tbsp

Onion - 1 medium

Cumin Powder - 1 tsp

Potato - 4 medium (Russet Potato)

Carrot - 1 medium (optional)

Jalapeno - 1 (Optional)

Red Chili Powder - 1 Tbsp

Coriander Powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

Oregano - 2 strands

Sweet Corn - 16 oz (frozen variety) (if you are using fresh, use 4 cups of sweet corn)

Water - 1/2 cup

Coconut Milk - 1 can (16 oz)

Vegetable Broth - 32 oz ( 1 box) ( i have used plant based broth, low sodium)

Salt - 2 tsp salt ( as per your taste)

Lime Juice - 1 Tbsp (Optional)

Preparation:

Peel and Chop Onion into medium size cubes. Peel and chop potato into medium size cubes. If you are using carrot, trim edges, peel and chop into small size chunks. Thaw frozen corn in microwave and reserve 1/2 cup of corn (to add at the end)

Method:

Heat the non-stick pan, add oil to it. Once oil is hot, add chopped onion, jalapeno and saute for 2 min, add cumin powder, turmeric powder and saute for 2 more min
Add chopped potato, carrot, mix with onions and close the lid let it cook until outer edges becomes soft, add 1/2 cup water, coriander powder, red chili powder and cook on medium heat until potatoes become soft.
Add thawed corn to the pan, mix it well and cook for 5 min. After 5 min, everything becomes soft, use a potato masher and mash it nicely in the pan.
Start the Crock-pot in High mode for 4 Hours. Transfer the contents from pan to crock pot, add oregano strands, vegetable broth, taste and adjust salt as needed and close the crock-pot lid and let it cook
After 2 hours, add the can of coconut milk to the crock pot and give it a stir and close the lid and cook for remaining 2 hours
Finally add reserved corn and lime juice to the pot right before serving.
Transfer to bowl, serve warm with a side of dinner roll or your favorite bread. You can garnish with few jalapeno rounds for extra kick.

This soup is not very heavy like other creamy soups, but it is thick with loaded potatoes and has apt amount of creaminess from coconut milk, has enough warmth with lot of spice flavors. Trust me, Nobody won't say No to this soup, and your guests will go for second round for sure! :-)

Notes:

Making this soup in crock-pot gives couple benefits, the process of slow cooking gives additional taste to the soup, and also it keeps the soup hot for longer period. (that makes it convenient avoids single serving heating separately)
If you don't have crock pot, you can use the same recipe in InstaPot with Soup or slow cook option
If you use russet potatoes, they cook faster and becomes soft. Otherwise, if your potatoes doesn't become soft easily with potato masher, then you can mash it in with the hand blender.
If you want to make this soup overnight, in step#4 start the crock pot in Low mode for 8 hours, on the night before your party.
After adding coconut milk, if you feel like soup became thick, you can add more vegetable broth until you get the consistency you want. (make sure to taste and adjust salt as needed)

Check out my other Soup Recipes:

will be back with another easy recipe

until then keep smiling and spread the joy!

-Mythreyi

Bagara Rice with Left Over Rice

2022-01-16T07:14:00.002-08:00

When ever there is left over rice, Pulihora (Lemon Rice) happens with out any second thought at our home as it is our family's favorite. Sometimes i get bored and usually try variety rice recipes, today I have tried this Hydrabadi Bagara Rice that goes well with Chicken Fry or Stuffed Brinjal (Gutti Vankaya) recipe. The recipe is so simple and you can convert left over rice to exotic rice dish. Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Cooked White Rice - 2 cups

Oil - 1 Tbsp

Ghee - 1 Tbsp

Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 10

Onion - 1/2 (sliced vertically)

Green Chili - 2

Cilantro - 1/4 cup

Salt - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Cashew Nuts - 6 (whole)

Method:

Heat kadai on the stove, add Oil, once it is hot, add cumin seeds followed by mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Once curry leaves start spluttering, add sliced green chili and onions. Saute until onion becomes translucent.
Add Red Chili Powder and infuse the oil with spices. Add cashew nuts and mix with spices.
Add cooked white rice to the Kadai and mix well with onion and spices. stir-fry on high flame.
Add salt now to the rice and mix well. taste and adjust the salt and seasoning. Add chopped cilantro to the rice. Finally top with 1 tbsp Ghee and mix well.
Bagara Rice is ready, transfer to serving bowl and serve hot immediately with gravy dish.

Other Popular Left Over Rice Recipes:

Quick Mexican Rice
Coriander / Cilantro Rice
Chicken Masala Rice

will be back with another easy recipe

keep smiling until then

-Mythreyi

Vanjaram Vepudu ~ King Fish Fry

2022-01-16T06:56:00.006-08:00

This year (2022) I have started trying new fish varieties on our recent Florida Trip. I always have desire to try many sea food recipes, as they are considered lean meat and rich in omega 3 fatty acids which is rear to get in any veggies. But i can't deal with being to Fish Market to buy fish, as it sounds very Fishy to me. So mostly my easy avenue is Tilapia Filets either i get from Sprouts or Costco. Recently during my visit to Farm2Cook store, I was surprised to see many fish varieties that are neatly packed and organized. They have King Fish, Red Snapper, Pomfret, Tilapia etc, at last found a store where i don't have to deal with any fishiness in buying Fish. With that note, I will be bringing many Fish Recipes this year, so stay tuned, for today I am settling with this King Fish, it is called Vanjaram in Telugu. This recipe takes less than 30 minute from prep to cook to serve. Why late, make it today and impress your family, here is the recipe, Enjoy!

Ingredients:

King Fish - 2 Filet ( 1/2 kg)

Oil - 2 Tbsp

Onion, Cilantro, Lime Slices - for garnish

For Masala

Fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp

Fennel seeds - 1 Tbsp

Peppercorns (whole) - 2 tsp

Pink Salt - 1 Tbsp (adjust to your needs, if you eat less salt)

Red Chili Powder - 1 Tbsp

Turmeric Powder - 2 tsp

Kashmiri Chili Powder - 2 tsp (this gives nice color)

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp

Lime - 1/2

Preparation:

First grind Fenugreek, Fennel, Peppercorns in small mixie jar until it becomes coarse powder. Then add Salt, Turmeric, Red Chili Powder and grind again into fine powder. Add Kashmiri Chili powder, Ginger Garlic Paste, 1/2 Lime Juice and grind again until it becomes thick paste and set aside. Marinade Masala is ready.
Wash Fish filets gently under lukewarm water. Apply this paste on both sides of filets, cover with lid and marinate for 15 min.
Cut Red Onion, 1/2 Lime in circles and chop cilantro for Garnish.

Method:

Heat wide heavy saute pan on the stove. Add 2 Tbsp oil to it.
Once the oil is hot, add marinated fish filet gently and cook them on medium for 5 min.
Add cilantro on top, turn them over and cook for 5 min on other side. And again repeat this step one more time until the filets are cooked on all sides. You will notice it becomes soft and flaky. If you want charred effect, roast on high for 2 min. (that's what I did)
Transfer each filet carefully to serving plate and decorate with onion/lime garnish and serve immediately as an appetizer.
Or you can break the pieces gently and saute them again in the pan for 5 min, until all sides of pieces get charred effect and transfer to a plate and serve with white rice.

Notes:

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder adds nice color. If you already have bright red chili powder, then you can skip this in masala.
Making this masala fresh is the secret of the success for this recipe. I suggest always make this masala fresh when you are making this recipe. It is very easy and quick to make. No need to roast the spices for this masala.
This might be little spicy for kids, serve with Ghee Rice for kids. Grown-ups at our home thoroughly enjoyed the spicy version as it is as an Appetizer.

Other Popular Fish Recipes:

Nellore Style Chepala Pulusu
Flaky Tilapia
Telangana Chepala Pulusu

Here is the Video Recipe:

Hope you have enjoyed this recipe, will be back with another new recipe

Until then take care Ba Bye

-Mythreyi

Orange Beet Ginger Fresh Juice ~ Fresh Juices

2022-01-15T20:00:00.007-08:00

This Orange Beet Ginger Juice a simple yet very refreshing juice that you can make in the morning. The color is beautiful and it tastes so yum!

Ingredients:

Orange - 1 ( CaraCara, Seedless)

Beetroot - 2 inch stick

Ginger - 1 inch stick

Method:

Peel the Orange, separate slices, or cut in circles and remove inside pearls and keep it aside.
Peel and chop Beetroot in small pieces
Peel and grate ginger juice
Add all of them in Ninja Bullet, blend in extract mode until it becomes puree.
Then add 1 glass water and blend for 30 sec. Then strain in a large colander and serve in fancy glasses and enjoy it right away!

Note: The glass bottle i served this juice is a reused Ranch Bottle. Please reuse your glass bottles and glass jars for your daily uses or as storage containers instead of thrashing/throwing/recycling them.

#YummyOdds #YumYumYumRecipes #FreshJuices #MythreyiVattikuti

Instant Potato Uttapam ~ Lunch Box Recipes

2021-08-20T03:15:00.003-07:00

Today I have tried a new version of Potato Uttaapam ( Savory Pancakes) that are perfect for LunchBox or for evening snacks. It takes only around 15 min to make these and made with minimalistic and simple ingredients. My kids and I loved these in Breakfast, LunchBox and as evening snack. One recipe fits in all the meals, here is the recipe, Njoy!

Potato Uttapam ~ Savory Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

Potato - 2 ( medium, i have used Russet)

Onion - 1/2 medium

Egg - 2

Green Chili - 1 optional

Cilantro - 2 Tbsp ( chopped)

Salt - 1 tsp

Black Pepper - 1/2 tsp

Taco Seasoning - 1 tsp

Crushed Red Pepper - 1/4 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp (optional)

Pam Oil - for spraying the griddle

*yields - 4 servings

Method:

Peel and grate Potato (in small grate setting), Peel and grate Onion (in large grate setting), mix both in a medium bowl and set aside for 2 min. You see water gets oozed out from both veggies, drain the water that comes out ( don't do any squeezing, we need the left over moisture to reside in the veggies that helps to make the batter).
In a medium bowl beat 2 eggs, and add all the spices and seasonings listed in ingredients (Salt, Black Pepper, Taco Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Red Chili powder if using), add potato & onion grate, add chopped green chili and cilantro, mix every thing well, it turns out into batter consistency (no need to add any extra water)
Heat the pan on stove or electric griddle, spray with PAM oil, once the griddle is hot, add spoonfuls of batter in the small pancake size, spray with PAM again, cook these pancakes on both sides for 1 to 2 min until both sides are cooked evenly. Repeat until batter is done, it yields about 12 to 15 small to medium size pancakes.

Transfer to plate and serve as it is for Breakfast as it is savory,, or serve in Lunch Box as a side or serve as evening snack for kids retuned from school.

In HER Lunchbox!

in HIS Lunchbox!

Checkout other related recipes:

Eggless Potato Pancakes

Instant Breakfast Recipes

LunchBox Recipes

Potato Recipes

Will be back with another easy recipe for Lunchbox,

Stay safe and Happy until we meet here again

-Mythreyi

Food Options and Menu Planning for Long Road Trip

2021-08-13T12:52:00.005-07:00

Recently we had a 7 day road trip to Colorado, where i have planned all the food options, menu planning so that we can eat healthy through out the trip and be able to do the activities as planned. This food planning was super hit, all the families (including, kids, grown-ups, picky eaters) enjoyed the food and menu options through the road trip. Mostly we have planned to Breakfast and Dinner to be home made and grabbed quick lunches (sandwiches or subs or salads) on the way.

We have packed few Indian Spices, Oil and stuff, bought some breads/cakes from Costco. Bought Few Kids Snacks and single serving cereal at Walmart. Bought Eggs, Ground Chicken, Milk at the rental houses. We carried one ice chest, where we have kept some freezer items or left overs in the ice chest during the drive. That enabled us to have less food wastage. We have packed few cooking gadgets that are essential for Indian Cooking, like Pressure Cooker and IP etc.

8 Day Meal Planning:

Meal Planning
DAY	Breakfast	Dinner
Day #1	At Home	Lemon Rice, Roti + Curries
Day #2	Bagel + Cream Cheese + Fruits	Rice, Dal, Pickles, Papad, Curd, Mango
Day #3	Croissant, Coffee, Cold Cereal, Pound Cake, Fruits	Noodles, Roti with Scrambled Eggs, Rice + Curd + Mango
Day #4	Bread + Color Pepper Omelets, Banana, Strawberry	Rice, Chicken Keema Curry, Potato Fry, Curd, Mango
Day #5	Avocado Toast, Strawberries, Cutie Orange Slices	Veg Pulao, Raita, Keema Curry, White Rice, Mango
Day #6	Oatmeal with Dry Fruit + Nuts	Cheese Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, Pasta and Mango
Day #7	Tomato Rava Upma, Kaaram Podi, Lemon Pulihora, Strawberries, Blue Berries	White Rice, Mixed Veg Stir-Fry, Potato Tomato Curry, Left overs
Day #8	Oatmeal, Avocado Toast, Apples, Cutie Oranges	Lunch @ Punjabi Dhaba Dinner at Home

Here is the list of options that we bought and packed:

Things to Bring from Home

Honey

Sugar

Coffee Powder

Salt

Spices - Red Chili Powder + Dhaniya + turmeric

Pav Baji Masala

Pulao or Biryani masala

Slices Almonds + Cranberry mix for oatmeal

Taco Seasoning

Spice Powder (flax seed or vellulli podi etc)

Taalimpu Dinusulu / Stuff for Tempering

Ginger

Ginger Garlic Paste

Dry Pasta

Snack small Apples

Limes

Taco

Bread

Paper Plates / Spoons for travel

Ziplocks

Groceries to Buy

Priya Pickles - 2

Sona Masoori Rice - 10 lb bag

Tour Dal - 1 lb

Maggie Noodles

Limes

Semya

Green Chili

Potato

Onion

Oil

Cabbage

Marathon Mango

Cereals - single serving

Cream Cheese

Carrots

Mini Color Peppers

Pound Cake - 3 loaf pack

Bagels

Avocado

Crossiants

Fresh Chapathi - 4 ( 3 multi grain, 1 methi thepla)

Fresh Cream packs for coffee

Gadgets to Take

Pressure Cooker

Knife/Peeler/Scissors

Medium Omelet Pan

Ice Chest

Big InstaPot (IP)

Stuff to buy at Stay

Milk

Eggs

Tomato

Yogurt

Ground Chicken

Mixed Veg - Frozen

Banana

Berries

Here are the Daily Breakfast and Dinner Options we cooked during the trip:

Day 1 - Dinner:

We ate Breakfast and lunch at home and started driving by Noon. Packed Lemon Rice, Few Curries and Roti (ready made from Patel Brothers)

Lemon Rice, Mushroom Gravy Curry, Palak Panner, Potato Curry with Roti

Day 2 - Breakfast:

Through out the trip we ensured that we included lot of fruits in every meal.

Croissants, Bagels, Cream Cheese, Coffee, Mango, Guava, Apple fruit cut-up

Day 2 - Dinner:

We were so tired for day 2 Dinner time, we cooked rice and made dal, ate with pickles and ghee, ate curd rice with Mango, that was a satisfying and comfort dinner.

Rice, Dal, Pickles, Ghee, Curd, Mango - Yum and Full! :-)

Day 3 - Breakfast:

We ate light and filling breakfast as Day 3 is packed with adventurous activities.

Hot Oatmeal, Cereal + Milk, Pound Cake, Berries, Oranges, Apples, Guava

Day3 - Dinner:

Everyone was super hungry, ready for big meal. We made Mggie Noodles with color Peppers, Egg Porutu (Burji) with Roti, Cooked some Rice, Curd and Mango/Banana.

Noodles, Roti with Scrambled Eggs, Rice + Curd + Mango

Day 4 - Breakfast:

Bread + Color Pepper Omelets, Banana, Strawberry

Day 4 - Dinner:

We cooked rice, chicken keema curry, potato fry, curd and mango to serve veg and non-veg options.

Rice, Chicken Keema Curry, Potato Fry, Curd, Mango

Day 5 - Breakfast

Kids made breakfast today.

Avocado Toast, Strawberries, Cutie Orange Slices

Day5 - Dinner:

We cooked Vegetable Pulao and Raita, ate with left over Keema Curry, of course Mango and Curd is must to complete the meal.

Veg Pulao, Raita, Keema Curry, White Rice, Mango

Enjoyed cooking and eating Pulao at Cozy Cabin with Mountain Views.

Day 6 - Breakfast

No time for elaborate breakfast today, we got hit the road early to Rocky's so we ate minimilistic breakfast and packed fruits and nuts for on the go.

Oatmeal with Dry Fruit + Nuts

Packed Nuts, Fruits and Fun Snacks for On the Go Breakfast for family.

Day 6 - Dinner:

We bought the ready to bake pizza on the way before we reached mountains, kept in freezer, baked before we ate. and cooked pasta for dinner.

Cheese Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, Pasta and Mango

Day 7 - Breakfast:

We had time to make and enjoy good breakfast, so made Rava Upma, made Pulihora with Left Over Rice, and lot of berries.

Tomato Rava Upma, Kaaram Podi, Lemon Pulihora, Strawberries, Blue Berries

Day 7 - Dinner

We cooked Mixed Veg Stir-Fry, Potato & Tomato Curry and served with Rice. By now all the Mangoes are done!

White Rice, Mixed Veg Stir-Fry, Potato Tomato Curry, Left overs

Day 8 - Breakfast

Last breakfast on the trip, by now we are done with everything, Avocados, limes, Bread etc.

Oatmeal, Avocado Toast, Apples, Cutie Oranges

Day 8 - Lunch:

For lunch we have stopped at Punjabi Dhabaa, Alvrdo TX ( near Denton on 380 highway). The Starters and Naan were pretty good.

Panner Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken

their Naans are pretty good. Chili Naan is spicy and special one here.

Hope this will be helpful and handy for you, when you are in need to pack food for travel or cook on road trip.

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy until we meet here again!

-Mythreyi

Colorful Colorado Roadtrip

2021-08-13T11:45:00.008-07:00

Today I am bringing my experience and recommendations from our recent Colorado Road Trip. Since pandemic we have been locked down in homes, and I am craving for vacation big time. As vaccine reach is out now, we thought it is safe to vacation however with social distancing in place and with out getting on to flights. Colorado and Tennessee are about same distance from Texas, since Colorado is on our vacation list from long time and summer is the best to explore activities in Colorado (also we are not cold weather liking type family). We have made plans to make a Colorado Road Trip as our vacation destination for Summer 2021, and one of our friends family also joined this fun ride, that made a fun blasted road trip. Okay, you too can ride with us now by reading this post! :-)

St Mary Mount Glacier, Idaho Springs, CO

Colorado is about 10 to 11 hours drive from Dallas, Texas, though it can be covered in single stretch drive, we have decided to take a break in between so that the drive could be relaxing and enjoyable for kids. That made us to set the duration of this trip to 8 day and 7 night trip (Sat-Sat) 2 days for travel 5 days of stay + activities during the trip. Since we thought it's not safe to venture out in hotels yet, we have decided to stay in vacation rentals and opted for AirBnB. First we have booked houses in Colorado Springs and Idaho Springs (mountain cabin) that are close to cover the major attractions and must have scenic places in Colorado. We have listed out the main attractions to visit but we were flexible enough to adjust as needed. All the parks in Colorado are nice, their admission ticket is valid for 7 days for in and out. Based on our list only couple of parks requires early admission, based on the weather forecast we have bought tickets early to Estes Park - Rocky Mountain Attraction. Other attractions are mostly free entrance or you can buy tickets after going there.

Hop on, Ride with us!

Following are the must attractions we wanted to cover in this trip:

Pikes Peak Summit - Colorado Springs
Royal Gorge Bridge Park - Zip Line Activity - Colorado Springs
Garden of Gods - Colorado Springs
Seven Falls - Colorado Springs
Sanddunes National Park - Alamosa
Red Rocks - Amphitheater, Idaho Springs
Rocky's Mountains - Estes Park

Estes park required to buy Admission Ticket early, that is the only one we booked early on certain date. All other activities we have decided to buy at the place to go with the flow. Pikes Peak, Garden of Gods are free admission, Seven Falls requires tickets to buy at the park. Royal Gorge and Zip line tickets you can plan buy tickets early. We have decided not to buy these tickets early, as the weather forecast indicated chances of rain, duration of trip. We have been chasing the rain through out our trip, but Weather has cooperated very well, we escaped rain and able to cover all the attractions with out getting wet.

Hint: Always check weather forecast before you make activity plans, since weather in Colorado changes drastically, it may rain on top of mountains, but at the foothills it might be sunny. So don't disappoint if you see rain in forecast, adjust your plans accordingly and be prepared to have some gear for rainy weather. (umbrellas, dry fit shirts etc)

Day 1- Dallas to Amarillo TX

On Day 1 we have started at Noon from Frisco, TX and drove to Amarillo, TX about 5. 5 hours drive. We have reached Amarillo by evening and covered the Cadillac Ranch near by attraction and checked-in to our rental home.

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo TX

Day 2 - Amarillo to Sand Dunes, Alamosa, CO

On Day 2 we have started from Amarillo to Colorado Springs about 6 hours drive. Originally we were not sure what to cover either Seven Falls or Garden of Gods once we reach Colorado Springs. But as we made stop over at Trinidad, we have seen directions to Alamosa and realized Sand Dunes Park is closer to where we stopped over. So we detoured and went to Sand Dunes National Park, and that was a great change of plan, later it made all other activities fall in place saving a day for us. :-)

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a very unique experience, where you get to hike the Sand Dunes that are 800- 900 ft high above sea levels. But seeing the Sand Dunes just like in Desert, in the middle of Lush Green Spanish Mountains with snow tops, is totally amazing.

We reached our rental home at Colorado Springs by night 8:00 PM and we ate home made meal for dinner and crashed to bed.

Day3 - Royal Gorge + Seven Falls - Colorado Springs

On Day 3 we have planned Royal Gorge Bridge park, where there are several activities housed, including the ZipLine Activity that I didn't want to miss. And weather showed up as sunny and no rain, hence we picked this activity for this day. We ate breakfast early and got out of the home by 9:00 AM, and park was 1 hour from our rental house. The driving in Colorado Springs is very beautiful where ever you drive, surrounded by beautiful mountain backdrops.

We have reached to Royal Gorge Park, the Canyon Views, architecture of the Bridge, River down below are stunning. We have walked the Bridge, finished Zip Line Activity first, it started drizzling so the Gandola(tram) ride was stopped, so ate Lunch, by then the Tram started operating, Yay, we finished Tram Activity and there are few more activities for kids also over there. We did some souvenir shopping, by late afternoon we were done with activities and we headed back to Seven Falls attraction, which is a public park (which was listed to be Open until 6 PM).

Representing my State at Royal Gorge Bridge

As we reached to Seven Falls Parking lot, we came to know that actually there is a Bus Service offered by park, that takes you inside the Seven Falls Park, and the bus service will be closed by 4:00 PM, though the park is open until 6:00 PM, and you can not drive to park directly. We barely made it in time to the parking lot, we were told that there is slim chance that we could get on the bus, as there was already lot of crowd on that day, still we stood in line with the hope that we may get onto the last bus, and that was the best decision. We were able to get on to the last bus, and made it to Seven Falls, it is pretty nice park for an evening stroll with the Canyon Wall Backdrops, view of Seven Falls. There are stairs to climb to every fold of the Seven Falls ( stair climbing is pretty hard), either you take stairs and go near to seven falls and touch it or relax in their rocking chairs and enjoy the view of Seven Falls with the Canyon Backdrops. Park will be closed by 7 PM, as we started walking back to the Bus stop, it started raining, Park Staff is nice enough to offer Umbrellas to visitors. I am surprised at this service, may be they are used to it as Rain is pretty common on these mountains and looks like everyone is always prepared.

Overall Day 3 was pretty adventurous with all the activities and thrilling with the mystery whether we can make to Seven Falls or not. We ate dinner at home and crashed to bed.

Day 4 - Pikes Peak + Garden of Gods - Colorado Springs

On Day 4 we planned Pikes Peak, where mostly it is driving to top of the mountains and getting lost in the beautiful view of Mountains, and that relaxation and resting was needed for kids and family, after 2 active and adventurous days.

We ate breakfast were out of the home by 9:00 AM, we drove to Pikes Peak, stopped at few look out drives. You can drive up to 16 miles on the Mountains on your own, from there for 3 miles there is a Bus Service, you have to park your car and need to hop on to the Bus that takes you to the Peak of the Mountain. ( heard you can drive all the way to the top on your own, may be they changed that due to Pandemic or to control the traffic or to limit the crowd on top of mountain.

It is super cold on top of the Mountain (14000 ft), you need winter clothing just for that part, so it is wise to pack a hoodie with pockets, that helps to cover your ears and hands to keep you warm. We did some climbing at the peak and wandered in the middle of the clouds, caught some beautiful views of mountains and foot hills. Pikes Peak is called America's Top Mountain. We ate Lunch at the Cafe on top of the mountain at Summit ( new visitor center that opened this year May 2021), they made the cafe very environmental friendly all reusable cutlery/plates (avoiding plastic) and I loved it. You see that a lot in Colorado, as they want to keep it clean and green to preserve this mountain beauty.

Pikes Peak

On top of the Clouds, 14000ft, Pikes Peak

Lost in the Beautiful Views

We started driving back, and saw lot of traffic to uphill was controlled, good thing we went super early as we didn't had to face any of these traffic delays. We headed to Garden of God Park, where there are Red Rock Canyons standing in the middle of lush greenery. They are in Colorado Springs, it self very close to our rental home. The Garden of Gods Park is Open and free Admission (due to some one's donation, they made the admission to park is free). This activity is good for the whole family, you can stroll around these Canyons and climb some canyons too to catch the beautiful surrounding views. We spotted some of the must see Kissing Camels, Balancing Rock, Single Seeded Juniper Tree etc. You can cover this park by Bike Ride too where you can rent bikes.(that is saved for later trip may be).

We are so satisfied and relaxed as Day 4 is not as strenuous as Day 2 and 3. Tomorrow we have to head back to Idaho Springs, saying bye to this rental house. So we ate dinner at home, slept early.

Day 5 - Red Rocks + St Mary Mount Glacier - Idaho Springs

On Day 5 we started early to enjoy the trail at this house, we went running on the natural trail (our rental house has easy access to trail from the backyard that's pretty convenient), explored some views there, packed bags and vacated the house. We are on the way to our Mountain Cabin, looking forward for that stay.

View from the Walking Trail

We have decided to cover the Red Rocks Amphitheater on the way to Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs is popular for Gold Rush era. Since at the Cabin, there won't be any shop/gas with in 30 mile range, we shopped few groceries for dinner and filled gas and headed to Mountains. And we reached the Cabin it looked amazing, located in the midst of mountains, so cozy and comforting, with all the modern amenities.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Originally we didn't have any activity planned we wanted to relax and enjoy the mountain cabin, but the owner of the rental house suggested about St Mary Mount Glacier that is very close to our cabin. So we wanted to check it out, and that's the best decision we made. There is a 1 mile rocky path to reach this Glacier, And also it was raining at that time, so we took our umbrellas and started climbing, on the way several times we contemplated is it worth climbing? On the way we spotted Rushing Falls, looks like the snow on mountains melts and rushes down as Falls during the summer season, it is pretty beautiful sight, that made us motivated to finish this climb to reach the Glacier. Once we reached there, the rain stopped and it was sunny and the view of St Mary Mount Glacier and the lake was stunning, very peaceful and relaxing. If you have planned well, you can bring some food and make a picnic here and stay for long time. Noticed in Colorado the days were long, with lot of day light ( until 9 pm and early sunrise by 6 am) in summer.

St Mary Mount Glacier

It was late by the time we reached cabin, we ate early and crashed to bed as next day is early start to Rockys.

Next day is to Rockys, 2 days early, we realized that Este Park entrance admission that took was timed entry and we picked at Noon slot, which was a bummer because if we go at noon, the day won't be enough to cover rest of the Rockys, and the drive to Rockys from Cabin itself is 2 hours. But we came to know that if you go to Park before 9:00 AM, it is open to public not timed entry. Glad we checked all of this couple of days before and fixed the plan to hit Rockys as early morning as we could.

Day 6 - Rockys + Estes Park

Kids kept alarms and woke us up by 5 AM (we have prepared them enough to wake up early i guess), we were ready, packed some breakfast on the go and out by 7 AM, drove to Rockys, reached Este Park by 8:50 AM, right on time for free entry. Through out the drive we have seen the glimpse of Rocky's beauty from distant. The drive to Rockys itself is so beautiful, these are so Big, Huge and Wide Spread mountain range that I am sure why these are Inspiration to many Artists. We covered all the look-out drives, checked out beautiful mountain sights, learned about Tundra Regions and discovered some hidden Lake Beauties. We drove up the mountain until Alphine Peak, and took a hike via stairs (at 12000 ft) where you get to see the 360 view of Rockys. We drove back, it started raining heavily, we wanted to check out Bear Lake which requires special admission, so we couldn't make it. You need whole 3 days to cover just Rocky National Park and all the beautiful lakes, where they capture these Giant Mountains through their reflections.

Rocky Mountains

Alpine Peak

Tundra Region

Lake Irene

Stanley Hotel @ Lake Estes

We ate at Estes Park ( funny we thought it's a park, it is the town name at foot hill of Rockys), checkout the attractions Stanley Hotel, Estes lake. We drove back to Cabin via Peak to Peak Scenic Byway via Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, the route was amazing surrounded with beautiful mountain range.

We reached cabin before the sunset, we ate early, relaxed with Board Games, some movies and gupshup ( chatting) and enjoyed the mountain views from cozy cabin.

Day 7 - Idaho Springs to Canyon, TX

Our returned journey started from today, we have gave bid farewell to our cabin and headed back to Canyon Tx as it was 7 hours drive. We took breaks in between, stopped at Trinidad the historic town at the border to New Mexico and Colorado. We have passed through New Mexico, where Capulin Volcanic National Monument was spotted ( from here you can see 4 states, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas), and finally reached Canyon TX. As the name says you can find few Canyons in this town which unusual for the flat land Texas.

Trinidad, CO

Capulin Volcano National Monument, NM

Beautiful Sunset, Canyon, TX

Day 8 - Canyon to Dallas, TX

We started driving back to Home, on the way we planned to stop at popular Punjabi Dhaba for lunch, so we started driving early, reached the Dhaba by 1:00 ate and enjoyed the Dhaba Lunch here, from there we drove another 1 hour to reach home by 4:00 PM. Aha, Home Sweet Home.

As all the houses we rented are equipped with Washer and Dryer, we have completed most of our laundry at rental homes, returned home with clean clothes, means no major loads of Laundries after the vacation. Aha I call that strategy, thanks to Hubs for planning the houses perfectly.

Overall, this is the best roadtrip we had with many surprises but no compromises in enjoying the beauty of Colorado that is going to be cherished memory for years.

Few Important things:

1. Don't skimp on packing Shoes (2 to 3 pairs) (I packed, Running Shoes , slip-on Walking Shoes and Wedge Flipflops, House shoes)

2. Hats, Glasses, Sunscreens are must and Umbrellas (you never know when it rains, it is wise to pack in the car)

3. Pack 2 Sweaters or Cold weather gear (gloves/hoodies or mufflers to cover ears). On Pikes Peak and Rocky's in the morning times (before noon) it was super cold (due to alpine and tundra region weather)

4. Pack Motion Sickness medicine (Dramamine) since it's a road trip and drive on mountains can give you motion sickness. Better to take it to avoid the worst and enjoy the beauty of mountains.

I have planned menus and comforting foods for all the days, so that it's easy on our tummies letting us do all the possible activities with out missing much fun. We ate Breakfast and Dinner at home, grabbed quick lunches on the way or at activity. All the Food for Travel and Menu Planning can be found here.

Hope you have enjoyed this travelog, a detour from food and recipes,

Stay Happy and Keep Smiling until we meet here again!

-Mythreyi

Quick Mexican Rice ~ few minute wonders ~ Lunchbox Recipes

2021-08-09T14:40:00.004-07:00

When you have left over rice and bored with routine Indian Style Pulihora or Chinese Fried Rice, try this Quick Mexican Rice next time to jazz up your lunch or dinner routine. Here is the shortcut recipe for you from my kitchen to yours, Njoy!

Shortcut Mexican Rice! Ready in 10 min!

Ingredients:
Leftover White Rice - 2 cups
Mixed Veggies frozen - 1/2 cup
Oil - 2 Tbsp
Taco Seasoning- 2tsp
Mateos Gourmet Salsa - 2 Tbsp (from Costco)

Method:
Heat oil in a wok, add thawed frozen veggies (thaw for 1 min in microwave)
Add 1 tsp taco seasoning and sauté well. 
Add rice and mix well, add Salsa and sauté until every rice grain is coated, top with remaining taco seasoning! Ta da, Mexican rice is ready in minutes! 

Now you can serve this  Mexican flavored rice with Tacos, fill it in Fajitas with other meat/veggies or just pack as it is in Lunchbox for Lunch Rescue.

Other Related Recipes to Check:
Lunch Box Ideas
Lunch Box Recipes
Leftover Recipes
Few Minute Wonders


Will bring another few minute wonder recipe next time! 
Stay Happy and Keep Smiling until then
-Mythreyi

Besan Broccoli Stir-Fry ~ Under 15 Minutes

2021-02-24T14:41:00.002-08:00

Today I am bringing you the quickest magical recipe made with Broccoli, I have tried several recipes with Broccoli, by far this is the bestest that it not only gets ready in jiffy but you can serve this with Rice or Roti or even eat as it is as a snack! That's how good this is, I am totally devouring, added this to my few minute wonders recipe checklist. Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Besan Broccoli Fry

Ingredients:

Brocoli Florets - 2 cups

Besan Flour (Gram Flour/Chickpea Flour) - 1 cup

Salt - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp

Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp (Optional)

Oil - 2 Tbsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Preparatory Steps:

Wash and Drain Broccoli florets and keep them in wide plate
Mix Besan flour with salt and spices in a small bowl until combined well and keep it aside.

Method:

Heat non-stick pan on, add Oil to it. Once the oil is hot add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Wait for 2 min and let them splutter.
Add washed broccoli florets to the pan. Cover with the lid and steam/slow cook for 5 min.
After 5 min you see florets are wilted and shrink in size. Now add the Besan flour and spice mix. Mix gently until all florets are coated well. Close lid and cook for another 5 min.
After 5 min, you will notice all the Besan is cooked and coated well to florets (all the raw smell of besan should be gone by now)
Now cook open ( with out closing lid) on high flame for 2 min. Switch off the stove and let it sit on for 5 min and then serve warm with White Rice or Roti/Paratha.

It's ready under 15 min! Ta daaaa!

Will be back with another easy and quick recipe, Until then

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy

-Mythreyi

BellPepper & Mushroom Grilled Panini Sandwiches

2021-02-09T15:48:00.002-08:00

I have recently ventured into these Veggie Panini Sandwiches not knowing they could become family favorite and could be a super hit on the dinner table or on the road trip. I always loved the Bell Pepper and Onion filling that Charley Phili Steaks use in their Sub Sandwiches, I always ask for that just that filling to make a veggie sandwich out of it from their store. They are so goood, if you haven't tried yet, you gotta give it a try! However one day I have replaced their steak with Mushrooms and copy cat (aka inspired by ;-)) their Sub and converted into Veggie Panini Sandwich, and Boy, that was a super hit and turned into super delicious. Since then Bell Peppers and Mushrooms have become regular staples on my grocery list. Here is the recipe for you, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Bell Pepper - 1

Mushrooms - 10 to 15 or small package ( Baby Bella Mushrooms are preferred)

Onion - 1 medim

Multigrain Bread Slices - 10 (any bread of your choice will work, pick ThickSlice Bread)

Cheese - 2 cups

PAM or OilSpray - to spray on Panini Griddles

Spices:

Pink salt

Black Pepper - freshly ground

Crushed Red Pepper

Gadgets - Panini Sandwich Maker is preferred to get nice char effects, if not these can be made on stove top too

*yields - 5 Sandwiches

Preparatory Steps:

Clean and wash Bell Pepper, remove stem and remove the seeds & membranes inside. Chop into thin slices of 2 1 in length
Remove and trim edges of Onion, wash in water, thinly slice them into 1 inch length
For Mushroom, remove the stems at the bottom and clean the mushrooms with wet kitchen towel to remove any dirt on top. (DO NOT wash mushrooms, they become soggy quickly when you saute). Chop mushrooms into thin slices.

Method:

Heat a non-stick pan on stove and once hot, add 1 tsp of oil and saute the BellPeppers first until they wilted slightly and should be still crunchy. Add lil bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. (it enhances bell peppers taste), transfer peppers to a plate
In the same pan, now saute onion slices, until they turn slightly browned and caramelized; Transfer these to a plate
Now Finally saute the mushroom in the same pan, they ooze some water, let them simmer until they become slightly dry, add salt and crushed red pepper flakes (that enhances mushroom taste), transfer to plate.
Switch off the stove, now you are ready to grill.
Start the Panini Grill and spray with PAM or oil generously
First keep the 2 bread slices on grill and toast slightly, then reverse them, on one bread slice add mixture of sautéed onion, bell pepper and mushroom, sprinkle with 1 - 2 TBSP of cheese, top with another bread slice that is already toasted. Press hard and cook for 1-2 min on grill, until the cheese melts. Now remove the Panini Sandwich from Panini grill, cut them diagonally or in 4 squares and serve right away when cheese is smothered and melted.
Repeat the process until you are done with making all the sandwiches.

Packed and ready for Road Trip!

Tips:

Today i still have some stuffing left and I am out of bread, so i have used the Tortillas instead that are handy, and they turned into a good looking Quesadillas that are approved by kids.
These will be perfect for Roadtrips and/or picnics; and a great veggie finger food for game parties too.

Made this Grilled Panini Basket for SuperBowl 2021! GoBucs!

Hope you have enjoyed this quick magical and kids friendly recipe, will be back with another interesting one soon Until then take care!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Veg & Egg Puffs ~ Kids Corner

2021-01-27T14:23:00.003-08:00

When I was a kid Puff is an exotic snack, matter of fact any bakery items are like that, since these can't happen at home like any other regular snack or deep fried snack. But Thanks to this country (US) where Oven is default gadget in the kitchen and any bakery items can be made in jiffy with less effort. So recently when our cousin came to US for studies and visited us, I made these Veg Puffs possible when he mentioned he is craving for those. He astonished with thought itself that Puffs can be home made and later thrilled how easy it was to make once you have Puff Pastry Sheets at hand, and very happy at the end how tasty they turned out. ( yeah we got him trained on how to make best Puffs!;-)). Usually these are very addictive for me, that's why i don't keep these Pastry Sheets handy, otherwise I will eat more than my kids. Though it is quick and easy snack, it is little on the high calorie side, Kids can handle it well as they are at growing age, for grown-ups watch out for calorie intake and limit with at most 1 or 2 in a batch. I have to warn you because these are so addictive. Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Puff Pastry Sheets - 2 (I always use Pepperidge Farm Brand)

Potato Filling - 1 cup

Boiled Eggs - 2 ( 4 - halves)

*yields - 10 Puffs

Preparation:

Thaw the pastry sheets for about 1 hour

Cut each boiled egg into half, you will have 4 halves

Before they go in Oven, notice the ridge effect!

Method:

Unfold the pastry sheets cut into equal pieces (each pastry sheet you will get about 5 puffs)
On each puff sheet, place potato filling on one side and fold it with other side so that they are closed like book. Seal the edges by pressing with fork, it gives nice ridge effect.
Use Egg halves (facing Yellow/Yolk part down side) as filling in some sheets and repeat the process until all sheets are done
Heat Oven to 400 F, arrange the prepared Puffs on Baking Sheet.
Once oven is pre-heated, bake Puffs for about 15 to 17 min. (watch out the last 2 min to avoid any burns or over baking)
Once oven is done Ta daaa, Hot Veg and Egg Puffs are Ready to be served. Serve as it is and with some ketch-up on the side.

Hot and Tasty Puffs Ready!

Notes/Tips:

Thawing the pastry sheets is the only critical step you need to remember (so plan accordingly). Keep the sheets at room temperature to thaw at noon, in case you are making these as evening snack.
To save time, I keep Potatoes and Eggs in Pot in Pot, in Insta Pot, Pressure Cook mode for 10 min, so that boiling can be done at once.
Optionally You can apply egg wash on each of the Puff before it goes to Oven to get nice char effects on top (just like the bakery ones)
If you want to experiment more, having less puff sheet and more filling, then you can use half of the sheet, place filling in the middle and fold the sheet on four corners. it looks like a flower shape.
Or you can keep the filling one side of big pastry sheet (with out cutting into small pieces) and fold and roll like a log, cut the log into circles and bake. You will get like pin wheel shape snack. (for this shape, baking 14 to 15 min is enough, otherwise they get burnt)

Puffs experimented in many forms! :-) ( Flowers and PinWheels shape in one plate)

Hope you have enjoyed this Yummy and Exotic Snack Recipe,

Will be back with another one soon

Until then Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy

-Mythreyi

Potato Stuffing for Puffs and Parathas

2021-01-25T14:32:00.001-08:00

Today I am brining you an easy peasy potato stuffing recipe, that you could use in Puffs, Paratha or in Masala Dosas for filling, or you can make samosa with it too, if you want to take it to next level. I make this stuffing once a week and will keep it handy to make any snacks out of it for kids in jiffy. Mostly i have used this in Veg Puffs, those are my kids favorite!

Ingredients:

Potato - 3 medium

Oil - 2 Tbsp

Salt - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp

Amchur Powder - 1/2 tsp

Green peas - 1/4 cup (frozen, optional)

Method:

Boil Whole Potatoes in Insta Pot (Pressure Cook mode, for 10 min). Or Alternatively you can boil directly on stove or in pressure cooker for 10 to 15 min.
Once they are boiled, Peel the Potatoes and smash the potatoes with wide spatula/fork or potato masher and keep it side.
Heat non-stick pan and add oil to it. Once oil is hot, add salt and spices given above, let the oil infuse with these spices for 1 min.
Add mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well with spices, until potatoes are coated (and color changed) and comes together as stuffing.
In case you are using Peas, add the thawed Peas to the pan and mix well with stuffing.
That's all, Potato Stuffing is ready, now you can use it in any snacks or other dishes you want.

Other Related Recipes:

Aloo Paratha

Will be back with another submissive recipe, until then

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Spicy Gutti Vankaya - Andhra Style

2021-01-02T05:37:00.005-08:00

There is a deep justifying reason for Brinjal to be called as King of Vegetables, because you can make so many variations and varieties with this vegetable and every version gives a new perception to this vegetable. My love for this vegetable never stops, only grows as I explore and try many recipes with it. Today I am craving for a spicy version of Gutti Vankaya and settled with Andhra Style recipe, that won my family's taste buds. Even My daughter (youngest in family) approved this recipe, it is lil spicy for her, but she loved the flavors and asked for many servings (made mama so proud). Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Gutti Vankaya (Small Baby Eggplants) - 15

Onion - 1 large

Oil - 3 Tbsp

Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp

Salt - 2 tsp ( per taste)

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp

Stuffing Masala Ingredients:

Peanuts - 1 cup

Coriander Seeds - 2 Tbsp

Dry Coconut Flakes - 5 strings (or 2 Tbsp)

Cinnamon - 1 inch stick

Clove - 2

Red Chili Whole - 7

Sesame Seeds - 1/4 cup

Poppy Seeds - 2 Tbsp

Salt - 1 tsp

Stuffing Masala Preparation:

First dry roast peanuts and set aside. In same pan dry roast coriander along with cinnamon, clove and at the end add dry coconut flakes or coconut powder, roast slightly for 1min, keep them aside in a plate
Dry roast red chili for 1 to 2 min in a pan and keep them aside. In the same pan add sesame seeds and poppy seeds and roast for 1 min. ( be careful and watch out, sesame seeds can quickly burn out)
Let all these roasted ingredients cool for 5 min. Then grind all of these in mixie jar until it becomes fine powder. Add salt to this powder and mix it well

Stuffed Brinjal Preparation:

Wash eggplants, trim edges and make 2 slits at the bottom that makes into 4 sections, add these to warm water with salt in it.
Stuff the masala in baby egg plants and press firmly in between palms, that helps to seal the masala inside. keep aside in a wide plate.

Method:

Take a heavy bottomed wide pan and heat on stove. Add 2 Tbsp oil to it. Once oil is hot, add cumin seed, as they splutter, add chopped onion and saute for 2 to 3 min, until onion caramelizes.
Add ginger garlic paste and mix with onion and cook for 2 min (until the raw smell goes away)
Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder to onion mix; close the lid and cook on slow heat until onion mix come together (for 5 min)
Add Stuffed Eggplants to pan (arrange them carefully in pan) and cook for 10 min on slow heat by closing lid.
After 10 min, you notice eggplants change color and tend to become soft, turn over each eggplant carefully allowing them to cook on other side and cook for 5 min.
Add remaining stuffing masala in 1 glass of water, add water to pan on top of egg plats. change the heat to medium, close lid and cook/simmer for 10 min.
After 10 min, gravy comes together and egg plants are cooked fully becoming soft, taste and adjust any salt according to your taste
Top with Cilantro, switch off the heat, let the pan stay on stove for 10 min; when you are ready to eat, then serve warm along with white rice and enjoy the spicy flavors in this Andhra Style Curry!

Gutti Vankaya steals the show on Dinner Table any day! :-)

There are several other Gutti Vankaya Recipes in my space that may want to explore:

Bagara Baingan - Hydarabadi Style
Gutti Vankaya for Non-veg Lovers
Ulli Kaaram Gutti Vankaya

Happy New Year to you all! Sending a bid farewell to 2020, as human kind faced many challenges, will be a history for sure, Welcoming 2021 with new hope and aspirations.

Will be back with another regional recipe, Take care until then!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Mamidikaya Chepala Pulusu ~ Fish Stew with Raw Mango (Nellore Style)

2020-12-18T04:59:00.009-08:00

There are several variations in making the best Fish Stew solely in Andhra State. Today I have tried my hand at Fish Stew in Nellore Style. As Nellore is coastal area and nearing sea, it is popular for sea food for fish and prawn and also it is known for few Raw Mango varieties. Usually Fish Stew aka (Chepala Pulusu చేపల పులుసు in telugu) is known for it's spicy and flavorful taste, best served with white rice. I have studied my Inter College in Nellore, and in those days explored several different flavors in their cooking as they use a lot of spices to spice up the non veg curries. Today when I am making this curry, lot of goose bumps remembering the Nellore regional style flavors.

In this style curry, Fish is cooked in sour and spicy stew on slow flame allowing the fish to absorb all the spicy flavors. There are several variations to bring that sour state, today in this curry Raw Mango is used to add some more sourness. First time i have tried raw mango in cooking, the outcome is mind blowing, as there are certain spices paired in this curry, resulting this stew to be super flavorful and delicious. I can't really express in words, as I am typing this recipe, thinking about the flavors, my mouth waters. Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Fish Pieces - 8 - 10 medium (I have used Tilapia Filet, but fish with bone in is preferred)

For marination:

Red Chili Powder - 1 Tbsp

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

Salt - 1 tsp

For Masala:

Coriander Seeds - 1 Tbsp

Fenugreek Seeds - 1 tsp

For Tempering:

Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Oil - 1 Tbsp

Curry Leaves - 8 to 10

For Stew:

Onion - 1 medium

Green Chili - 2 to 3

Tomato - 1 medium

Raw Mango - 1 small

Tamarind - 2 Tbsp or lemon size ball

Cilantro - 1 Tbsp for Garnish

Salt - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 Tbsp

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

Preparatory Steps:

First wash fish pieces and pat them with paper towel to remove moisture.
Mix the spices under Marination section (salt red chili powder and turmeric powder) in a wide plate and apply this to coat all the fish pieces evenly and set aside to allow it to marinate for 15 min.
Add tamarind to 1 cup warm water, after some time squeeze and extract tamarind juice out of it and keep it aside
Make Masala: Dry roast Coriander Seeds and Fenugreek seeds for 1 to 2 min in pan. And grind them to fine powder in mortar using pestle.
Chop vegetables. Cut green chili length wise, chop onion into small pieces, chop tomato into small cubes. Leave the skin on mango. Cut Mango into half and de-seed, chop mango into medium size cubes or length wise.

Method:

First heat wide bottom vessel on stove and add Oil to it. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. As mustard starts spluttering, add curry leaves.
Add chopped green chili and onions to tempering. As they sautéed, add tomato cubes and simmer for 3 min, allowing the veggies to come together. Now add mango cubes to pan and close lid and cook for 2 min.
Then add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander&fenugreek masala powder and mix everything well. Close lid and keep the heat to medium and simmer for 5 min.
Now add tamarind juice to pan and allow to boil for 4 to 5 min. Taste and adjust any salt here.
Add marinated fish pieces to stew, spread them evenly keeping them separate from each other. Close lid and keep heat to low, simmer for 15 min.
Now open the lid and test if fish cooked properly, taste and adjust any salt. Do not mix the fish pieces, those will be flaky after cooked, if you mix they can fell apart easily.
Top with chopped cilantro and switch off the stove. Leave it in that pan/vessel for some time.
You can serve immediately with warm white rice. But to get the best and maximum flavors, serve after 4 to 5 hours, as it allows fish to marinate more in stew allowing flavors to sink in.

Notes:

This curry tastes even better when you use Fish in Bone pieces. Today I just used Tilapia Fish Filets but will try with real fish next time.
Do not over do mango, just add right amount. Make sure the raw mango is in sour taste not in sweet taste.
Make all the preparatory steps done ahead and keep things ready, before you start cooking. As this curry won't take long to make, but it is critical to add masalas at right time. so stay close and good with great attention.

Other Fish Recipes:

Telangana Chepala Pulusu
Tilapia Fish Curry with Star Anise
Pan fried Tilapia

As you know I am not a great sea food fan, but fell for the flavors in this stew, I will be experimenting with vegetable dishes with the same flavor combination soon. Stay tuned for more regional recipes!

Until we meet here agin, Take Care,

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy.

-Mythreyi

Aloo Matar Pulao ~ Potato Peas Pulao (Instant Pot Method)

2020-12-05T04:54:00.009-08:00

On every Friday night i like to settle with one comfort meal that takes less effort and cooks fast with out needing any of my supervision and attention. Always One Pot Meals comes as winner to suffice all above needs. And recently with IP (InstaPot), I make all the prep and dump in IP and let it take care of itself; By the time i finish my spa or shower, comforting dinner will be ready to indulge and enjoy my TGIF moment. I have tried many Pulao Recipes so far, but didn't try this particular exclusive Potato and Peas combo, so today I am set with exploring this combo that's how this Aloo Matar Pulao happened in IP! Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Aloo Matar Pulao

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice - 2 cups

Water - 2 cups

Oil - 1 Tbsp

Pulao Spices - Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove - 1 of each

Shawjeera - 1 tsp

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp

Onion - 1/2 medium

Tomato - 1 whole (big and juicy ones, prefer cluster tomato)

Potato - 1 Big

Peas - 1/3 cup

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Salt - 1 to 2 tsp ( according to your taste)

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp

Pulao Masala - 1 tsp (Optional, i have used Shaan brand)

Ghee - 1 Tbsp (Optional, for garnish at the end)

Preparation:

First soak Basmati Rice for 15 min, and rinse, drain water and set in colander
Chop Onions length wise. Chop Tomato into cubes and smash it with spoon roughly
Peel and Chop Potato into medium cubes

Method:

Keep IP in Saute mode, add 1 Tbsp Oil, followed by Pulao spices. After 1 min add chopped onions, after little bit caramelization, add ginger garlic paste and mix well. Add salt and turmeric powder to onion mixture.
Add tomato puree to pot, mix well and then add Red Chili Powder and Coriander Powder. Simmer for few min, until the gravy comes together and becomes thick. Add potato cubes, followed by peas. Fold gently so that potatoes are coated with spices.
Now spread basmati rice on top, sprinkle Pulao masala on top of rice (if using). Pour 2 cups water on top. Do not mix anything. Taste water at this time and add salt according to your taste.
Close the IP Lid. Cancel saute mode, keep in pressure cook mode (High) and set for 6 min.
After 6 min is done, do QR (Quick Release) and gently fork the rice out. Taste and adjust salt if you may need. Transfer Pulao into wide platter in layers and add cilantro leaves & drops of ghee in between layers. On top layer add some ghee and that gives very nice and shiny looks to rice making it very appealing. Serve warm with side of Onion Raita and Enjoy!

Notes:

Soaking Basmati rice helps rice to cook fast and evenly, if you don't have time at hand, to soak, you can skip the soaking part.
Prefer Cluster Tomatoes or Tomatoes on the Vine over Roma Tomatoes for this recipe, as cluster tomatoes add bright color and right amount of sourness that is required for this recipe.
I have used Kashmir Red Chili Powder here, another ingredient to add color factor in this recipe.
As you are making this is in IP, lot of water is not required. Since tomato juices will give some liquid, you should stick to 1:1 water ratio for this recipe, that gives nice texture keeping each rice grain separate from each other which makes it appealing. If you are making with 3 Cups rice add 4 cups water.
When you are adding rice in IP, do not mix it up, spread in layer on top of veggie mix and pour water on top of rice.
If you don't have IP, Alternatively you can cook this recipe same way in Pressure Cooker also, follow the same steps, cook for just 1 -2 whistles. (no too long).

Other Exotic Pulao Dishes you might be interested in:

Hope you have enjoyed this quick and comforting Pulao,

Will be back with another comforting dish, Take care until then!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Talapakattu Chicken Biryani

2020-11-06T04:49:00.007-08:00

Talapakattu Style Biryani is a Chennai (Tamilnadu) based regional Biryani that was popular from Dindigul region (Restaurant) in Tamilnadu from early 1900s. This biryani is from a chain of restaurant with the same name. It is called "Thalappakatti", which literally means the turban, the person who was founder wore a turban and that's how the biryani gets its name. The biryani is highly flavorful and it is different because of the spice mix that is used to make this biryani. And also this Biryani varies a lot from your typical Dum Biryani style and made with short grain rice (samba rice) that usually won't have any flavor, so that rice get infused with spices and meat flavors well when cooked on slow flame.

First time i have tried this style Biryani in Chennai Cafe restaurant in DFW, loved the flavors and determined to try this recipe one day. Later i have tried this style Biryani at Talapakattu Restaurant itself in Chennai during my recent India trip, and the flavors are even better authentic there. With those memories of flavors, today I am set to make this Biryani and it turned out superb and delicious.

Authentic Style of this Biryani is usually made with Lamb/Goat, as my family is not fond of mutton, i have varied this recipe with Chicken and it turned out excellent and soooo flavorful. Here is my version of Talapakattu Biryain, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Chicken (Whole Cut) - 2 lb (1 kg)

Rice - 4 cups ( Samba Rice or Sona Masoori or any short grain rice)

Water - 5 cups

Onion - 1 large

Tomato - 1

Green Chili - 5 (whole)

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp

Mint leaves - 1/4 cup

Coriander Leaves - 1/2 cup

Oil - 2 Tbsp

Ghee - 1 Tbsp

Salt - 2 tsp ( according to taste)

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp ( optional)

Red Chili Powder - 2 tsp ( adjust as needed)

Coriander Powder - 1 tsp

Thick Curd - 1 cup

Ghee - 1 Tbsp ( for final garnish and optional)

Biryani Masala:

Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp

Fennel Seeds - 2 tsp

Cardamom - 2

Clove - 3

Star Anice - 2 (whole)

Cinnamon - 1 inch stick

Jaji kaya /Nutmeg - 1/2 Whole (or 1/2 tsp if using powder)

Preparation:

Wash and clean the chicken thoroughly
Grind the ingredients under Biryani Masala section into fine powder
Soak rice for 30 min; wash and drain in colander and keep it aside
Chop onion and tomatoes into small pieces and keep them separate
Slit the Green chilis and keep them whole

Method:

In a pressure cooker add Oil and 1 Tbsp Ghee, add chicken and saute chicken pieces gently until they get browned, take those out from pan and put them in a wide plate.
To the pan add chopped onion, followed by ginger garlic paste and saute onion very well. Add 1 tsp salt (and turmeric powder if using) and mix well with onions. Add ground biryani masala and saute with onions for at least 5 min (this is critical step to get the biryani masala flavors sink in, so be patient)
Now Add chopped tomato and mix it well cook for 2 min. Add coriander leaves and mint leaves. Add red chili powder, coriander powder and mix well. Add curd to the pan and mix well until everything is combined well.
Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5 min, until chicken is coated with masalas.
Add 5 cups water to the pan, add remaining salt, let it simmer for 2 min. Add drained rice to the pan and mix well. Taste the water and adjust any salt or spice. Add whole chilies to the water.
Close the pressure cooker with a wide lid and keep some weight on it and cook for 15 min on medium to slow flame.
After 15min rice will be cooked fully and will come to top, gently fluff up the rice, taste and adjust any more salt. Finally add 1 Tbsp of Ghee to garnish and to get the shiny coating to rice.
Transfer Biryani to a wide platter and serve hot immediately with cooling raita like Cucumber Raita or Onion Raita.

Pictorial Steps:

Notes:

If you don't have Samba rice you can use sona masoori rice or any short grain rice variety. But DONOT use any flavored rice like Basmati or Jasmine Rice for this recipe
In this recipe you don't need to marinate the chicken, as chicken gets cooked under slow flame with spices, flavor gets infused in the cooking process.
If you don't have time to cook on slow flame or not comfortable cooking rice directly, alternatively you can keep pressure cooker lid and cook for just 1 whistle and let the pressure release naturally. That would do it.
In this recipe, chicken, tomato, curd etc adds some amount of moist, you don't need to add your typical 1:2 measure water. You need to add same amount of water as many cups rice + 1cup extra water. So if you are using 4 cups rice, add 5 cups of water, if you are suing 3 cups of rice add 4 cups of water.
Sauteing chicken pieces in the beginning gives a nice brown effects for chicken and it conceals the chicken moist inside keeps the pieces intact with out withering much when slow cooked

Checkout Other Biryani Recipes:

Hope you have enjoyed this flavorful regional Biryani for today,

will be back with another regional recipe soon, Until then take care!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Flourless Banana Peanutbutter Muffins (No Flour, No Butter, No Sugar)

2020-10-10T05:47:00.009-07:00

People, this recipe is so easy and quick to make with simplest ingredients and procedure, all you need is few ripened bananas and some peanut utter handy to make these fluffy and delicious muffins just under 30 min. It is as simple as grind all ingredients in Blender and convert the batter into beautiful muffins, by baking in oven, it is as simple as that truly. The taste and texture of these muffins is so unbelievable, you gotta to try these, I can't explain in words! Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Ripe Bananas (medium) - 2
Eggs - 2
Creamy Peanut Butter - 1 cup
Maple Syrup - 1/4 cup
Honey - 2 Tbsp
Vanilla Extract - 1/2 tsp
Baking Soda - 1/2 Tsp
Semi Sweet Milk Chocolate Ships - 1/2 cup (optional)

Adapted from: Chef Savvy

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 400 F. Grease the Muffin tray with PAM or Oil.
Add all the Ingredients (except chocolate chips) in Blender and blend until it turns to smooth batter ( i have used my Nutribullet for this task)
Fold in Chocolate chips into batter ( f you are using)
Pour the batter into muffin try and distribute equally by filling up to 3/4 in each mold
Bake in the oven for about 12 to 15 min (keep watching after 12 min, to avoid any over burn on top)
Take them out and cool the muffins in tray for about 5 to 10 min (allowing them to cook while cooling in the tray)
After 10 min, take out the muffins and enjoy them while they are slightly warm right way and these store good for 2 days at room temperature and up to 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

Notes:

Chocolate Chips are optional, if you don't have them handy you can skip or settle with some Nutella you need some chocolaty touch.
If you don't have maple syrup handy, you can replace with waffle syrup.
Since fresh fruit is used it is recommend to consume these quickly with in 2 to 3 days
I can't tell you how addicted these are as it is so easy and fuss free to make and my whole family loved these (not even knowing that their share of ripe bananas went in here, Shhhhh!). Win-Win!

Will be back with another simple baking recipe, until then take care!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Kaju Katli ~ CashewNut Burfi ~ Burfi Recipes

2020-08-27T04:40:00.008-07:00

Kaju Burfi or Kaju Katli is popular in our house with the name as 'Diamond Sweet' given my kids. Both of my kids are in love with this sweet, when ever we go to India or anyone coming from India, brining this sweet for kids has became a regime. As I am not a sweet lover, usually i don't make any effort into making sweets or desserts on my own unless and until it is festive time or an occasion where sweet is must. Though my kids love this sweet, i never motivated to explore to make this recipe at home, always thought this must be a milk based or kova type recipe that is complicated to make. But for one Rakshabandhan festival when i couldn't go out and buy sweets, i was bound to make some sweet at home for this festival, where sisters have to feed sweets to their brothers. And as per the famous saying, "Necessity is mother of Invention", that situation made me venture into this recipe, and I was thrilled how super easy this recipe was with less effort. Since then once in a while this recipe happens in my kitchen when kids are craving for some sweet. Another funny thing is my son who fishes out all the nuts from his food esp Cashew Nuts, is fond of this sweet, Go Figure! So I will be indulging nuts into his diet with this sweet recipe :-), And after all I don't need to go to India to get this sweet for kids anymore Ha Ha! Here is the Recipe, Njoy!

Ingredients:

Adapted from: Rak's Kitchen

Cashew Nuts - 1 cup

Sugar - 1/2 cup

Water - 1/4 cup

Rose Water - 1 tsp ( Optional)

Ghee - 1 Tbsp (Optional, just for greasing, For Vegan version, any Vegetable Oil or Almond Oil is okay to use)

*yields - 10 to 12 Burfi (medium size)

Method:

First grind cashew nuts into dry powder in the mixie jar. Make sure the powder won't become wet while grinding. You have to use pulse setting and grind and keep mixing it so that the nuts at the bottom of mixie jar won't become wet powder. This is very critical and key step for the success of this recipe. so be patient.
Once the cashew nut powder is ready, swift through a colander to remove any excess nut particles. You should have fine cashew nut powder for this recipe.
Heat non-stick pan, add 1/4 cup water, once water boils, add sugar and mix it well by stirring. If you are using Rose Water add now to the sugar syrup. You need to boil it until sugar completely dissolves into water and forms into syrup with slight string consistency.
Now add cashew nut powder to the pan and mix with sugar syrup and keep stirring it so that the mixture won't stick to the bottom of pan.
As the mixture comes together, that is the indication it is done (in about 2 to 3 min). Then switch off the stove, transfer the mixture to wide plate and let it cool for just 1 to 2 min.
Then while the mixture is slightly hot, you have knead it to make like a smooth and soft dough. Here you can apply ghee to your hands while kneading the dough. For Vegan version, you can use Vegetable oil or almond oil in place of Ghee.
Once the dough is ready spread it on butter or parchment paper and roll it evenly. Cut into diamond shapes.
That's it, Diamond Sweet aka Kaju Katli is ready, store in air tight container, it stores well at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Notes:

Whole Cashew nuts are preferred for this recipe. Cashew nuts need to be dry for this recipe to yield the fine powder. Before grinding keep the cashew nuts under sun for 10 to 15 minutes to remove any excess hidden moisture in nuts.
While grinding always make sure nuts not sticking at the bottom of jar that makes the nuts release fat and makes your powder wet.
When I make this for home, i prefer to make smaller batches that lasts for 2 to 3 days, so that it can be made fresh when in need. In case you need to make larger batch for parties or gathering, then you can increase the ratio of these ingredients to make larger yield. Always remember the Ratio as (C:S:W) = 4:2:1
Rose water gives nice slight rose essence to this sweet, this is totally optional and you can skip it, if you don't have that handy or you don't like that smell
Kneading the dough while it is hot is the most critical and tough step, be careful while you are dealing with hot dough. You have to knead fast for the dough to be smooth, otherwise it becomes hard or brittle.

Check out other Burfi Recipes here:

Chocolate Burfi

Will be back with another easy sweet recipe, Take care until we meet here again!

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Bellam Kudumulu and Undrallu ~ Vinayaka Chavithi Recipes

2020-08-24T16:25:00.007-07:00

Kudumulu and Undrallu are the must festive dish that one need to make for Vinayaka Chavithi festival as Lord Ganesh is fond of these dishes! We make these for this festival and offer to Lord Ganesha as Naivedyam. As kids will take lot of participation in this festival, we let kids offer Undrallu to Ganesha on this festival day. I remember that from my childhood days and follow that with my kids in this generation as well. There are several variations when it comes to Undrallu, based on the region in Andhra it self. Whenever I talk to my friends, It is always to fun to share recipes with each other on these festive recipes, but every dish is made with same ingredients Rice Flour, Jaggery and Ghee as base but the variety of dishes you can make with this combo is limitless and mesmerizes me the most. That is one of the many reasons I love Food and My love for cooking and sharing. So today I am sharing this simple recipe to make Kudumulu and Undrallu that my mom shared recently that you can make with just 3 ingredients. I am writing this post to keep it reference for myself in future, hope it helps you too! Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Kudumulu Undrallu ~ Chavithi Recipes

Ingredients:

Jaggery - 1/2 cup

Rice Flour - 1 cup

Water - 2 cups

Ghee - 1 Tbsp (Optional)

Salt - a pinch (Optional)

Method:

Take a Medium pot and add 2 cups water to it and let it boil
Once it is boiling add crushed or powdered Jaggery to boiling water. If you are using add salt in this step.
Once Jaggery dissolves into water, water becomes thick and changes color to golden, then add Rice Flour in small portions and keep mixing it quickly. (this is critical step)
Add remaining flour and keep on mixing until the Rice Flour gets mixed in with Jaggery water and becomes like a dough. Add half of Ghee and mix well, as it helps for the dough to not to stick to the bottom of the pan.
Switch off the stove, let it cool for couple of min, add remaining ghee and make the dough into a soft and smooth ball.
Now make few small rounds (lemon size) and press them in your palm, these are Kudumulu. And make few small grape size balls, these will be Undrallu.
Now we have to steam these in pressure cooker for 5 to 7 min to cook them.
Put them in Idli Pan and Pressure Cool like how you make Idli (with out needing to keep weight or whistles).
Once pressure releases, remove the Idli plates, transfer Kudumulu and Undrallu to a plate.
First Offer to Lord Ganesh, then you enjoy this Chavithi Special Prasadam!

Notes:

For large portions you can vary this recipe by increasing the proportion as long as you follow the same ratio, if i could remember mathematically this how it will be be J:R:W = 1:2:4! :-)

Once you master Undrallu making then you can upgrade to Undralla Payasam Recipe!

Here is our Ganesha made with Wheat Flour, total Environment Friendly, we have been following this from the past 5 years! Kids take pride in making Ganesha with their own hands and worship! :-)

Will be back with another festive recipe, until then take care

Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!

-Mythreyi

Simple & Stunning Vanilla Pound Cake ~ Video Recipe

2020-07-26T14:14:00.006-07:00

The credit of recipe goes to my daughter, She has been into baking lately, but during covid times that has became her activity to keep herself amused. Well that's a win-win, family gets baked goodie and her baking cravings gets satisfied. She is baking a new cake every week and this particular one has won everyone's heart due to it's simplicity and amazing taste. Every time it does come perfect with shape, texture and taste with out any fail, this has been become a go to recipe. Due to it's popularity, we had to make a family video recipe to publish at hub's workplace as well. Here is the recipe, Enjoy!

Ingredients:
All Purpose Flour - 3 cups
Baking Powder - 1 Tbsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Sugar - 1 1/4 cup
Butter - 1 cup ( 2 sticks)
Eggs - 4
Milk - 1 1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp

Tools you need:
Large and Medium glass bowls
Baking Pan (we are using Bundt Pan)
Hand Mixer

Preparatory Steps:

Keep butter at room temperature for at least 30 min (it should be in soften state)
Spray PAM or oil in the Baking Pan (we are using bundt pan) around the outer walls and inner walls. Use a Baking brush and spread oil all over esp around corners. This is critical step as this helps for the cake to turn over perfectly with out messing the shape once it is baked.

Method:

Pre-heat Oven to 350 F.
First Mix dry ingredients Flour, Salt and Baking Powder in a medium bowl
In a large bowl add softened butter and sugar and whisk together until it becomes fluffy. To the same bowl add eggs (1 egg at a time) and beat until everything is incorporated well. Add Vanilla Extract and mix well.
To this bowl add flour mixture and milk in parts one after another and mix until the batter is formed and it should be fluffy.
Now transfer the batter to prepared baking pan and spoon it even, tap the pan gently so that any air bubbles will be out.
Keep the pan in Oven for 55 min. (Keep watching from 52 min for it not to over burnt, as based on the oven the temps might vary)
Once the tooth pick comes out clean, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 min
After that invert over and cut into pieces and enjoy. See told ya, it is as simple as that! :-)

Note:

You can serve this with berry fruits it make it look fancy or with chocolate ice cream to contemplate.
Actually I have tried this cake slice with Coffee, it tasted amazing. Always experiment with new combination, you will never know you can end up with new best and unique taste.

Simple Vanilla Pound Cake - Video Recipe:

Will be back with another simple recipe, Until then happy cooking and
Keep Smiling and Spread the Joy!
-Mythreyi

Yum! Yum! Yum!

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Ingredients:

Method:

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