Rava Idli and Potato Saagu/ Bombay Saagu

  Rava Idli or Rave Idli is a variation of Idli, made with Rava/ Sooji/semolina instead of the usual rice and Urad Daal.  It is a specialty of the state of Karnataka and is usually served as a breakfast item. It has been said that the popular restaurant chain, Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) of Bangalore invented it. Apparently during World War II, when rice (a staple item used in idli) was short in supply, they experimented in making idli using semolina and created the now famous Rava Idli.  Rava-Idli translates to semolina-idli in the Kannada language. Rava idli is served…

Steamed Spiced Multi-Lentil Squares

OK, I have to admit this, before I go on with the recipe. I do not know the traditional name of this dish; all I know is that it is a dish from Karnataka. The English title that I put more descriptive of the procedure, seems so formal and does not seem to have that connection with the dish. If somebody knows the name please let know. Many years ago my mom had learnt this from one of our neighbor “Uma Aunty”.  She was an ace cook who could whip delicious dishes in no time. Many a times she would…

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

After some streaks of unsuccessful attempts in baking using Flax Meal (as substitute for egg), I was thrilled when I was successful in making these Egg Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The taste is close to the original (with eggs) and there is hardly indicator of the presence of flax seeds meal in these cookies. The cookie is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, the addition of raisins gives it a special taste and texture.  I have tried some Eggless recipes before with some easy substitutes, but this was the first time, I tried out a…