Spicy Pongal (Khara Pongal /Moogachi khichidi)

  Isn’t it true that simple, uncomplicated things are the ones that provide the most warmth and comfort? We had been to an Indian Restaurant last weekend in lieu of a mini-celebration and we had their lunch buffet. You know, how these Indian restaurants are with their buffets; they have a lavish spread of at least 20-25 different variety of dishes to offer, ranging from Naans/Rotis, curries, noodles, chaats, 2 deep fried stuff, 2-3 desserts, idlis/dosas, rice, biryani and what have you. All pleasing to the taste pallets but none to the heartJ.   It is hard to resist the…

Seasoned Rice Flour Dumplings

Update: Based on the comments here, I understand that this dish is called “Ammini Kozhukattais”. Thank you all very much for helping me put a name to this wonderful dish. I am also glad that I learnt something new. Frankly I do have the correct name for this recipe. The title that I have is the description of this recipe. I learnt this recipe from my MIL (Amma) when I was in Bangalore last month. She had seen this recipe on a local TV channel. She shares my enthusiasm for trying out and creating new recipes.   We were discussing new…

Raw Mango, Flat bean Rice (Avarekai MavinaKayi Chitranna)

This is in variation to the Chitranna that I have already mentioned here. Avarekai, is known as ‘Flat Beans’ in English are very famous in Karnataka. Avarekai is available in Indian stores here in the US under the name ‘Surti Papdi Lilva’, usually in the frozen section. A beautiful (picture) of this beans is here.   My MIL also makes another variation of Chitranna by adding grated raw mango and Avarekai to the Rice.  The tanginess for this rice comes from the raw mango and there is no need to add lemon juice to this. I had taken this picture…