Channa Masala | Chole Masala

Chana masala, also known as chole masala is a popular Punjabi dish prepared with Kabuli channa (also called chickpeas, chole or garbanzo beans).  It is generally served with bhatura, but it tastes divine with rotis and pooris too.

Every family has its own version of channa masala.  Here is mine..

Mamidikaya Pulihora | Raw Mango Rice | Mavinakayi Chitranna

Mamidikaya Pulihora or Mango rice - a simple and delicious quick rice recipe made with raw mango and tempered with spices.  This is very similar to lemon rice.  If lemon rice is one of your favs, you will love this one too. I am a fan of all quick rice varieties from South India - Lemon rice, Tomato rice/pulao, Puliyodharai, Coconut rice to name a few.  These come in handy when you are running short of time as they are simple and do not require too many ingredients, plus they taste yummm too.

Begun Bhaja | Aubergine Fry | Bengali Style Fried Eggplants

Brinjal or eggplant is called Begun in Bengali and Bhaja means Fry.  Begun Bhaja or Fried Eggplant is a very simple Bengali dish, which does not require any spices other than turmeric and a little salt.  It is part of daily menu in most Bengali homes and is usually served with rice and dal, paratha or luchi.

Rasam Powder | Rasam Podi Recipe

Rasam or Chaaru or Saaru is a South Indian soup made with tamarind juice and spices.  Though a soup, it is part of the main course of meals and is taken mixed with rice.  So any South Indian meal is incomplete without Rasam.  Now, heres the recipe for one of the main ingredients to prepare rasam -- the rasam powder.

Vankaya Pachadi | Brinjal Chutney | Kathirikkai Thogayal

Andhra is very well known for its Pachadis, podis and pickles, which are part of their everyday meal.  I am presenting here one of their popular pachadis - Vankaya Pachadi or brinjal chutney.  It is quite easy to prepare and takes very less time.  This side dish can be taken with rice, roti and even dosa and idli too.  I prefer it with hot rice and ghee, tastes awesome.

Medu Vada | Urad Dal Vada | Uddina Vada

Medu vada or ulundu vadai is a traditional South Indian delicacy.  It is made with urad dal/lentils and is a deep fried snack.  Medu vada is generally served along with fried coconut chutney or Sambar.  You need to be careful while grinding the batter - It should be ground with little or no water to make a soft dough.  It should not be runny.  The consistency of the batter will determine how soft the vadas will be.

Medu vada, when paired with sambar and coconut chutney, is an excellent breakfast item too.

So here is how you make the Medu Vada ...

Methi Pulao | Methi Rice | Fenugreek Leaves Rice

Methi pulao is a yumm one dish meal that is really easy to prepare.  The methi leaves give a beautiful flavor to the pulao.  You need not prepare any special side dish for it, any raita or even papad/chips will do, which makes it one of the best choices for lunch box.