Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Learn how to make a traditional Kerala Kinnathappam recipe that comes in two colors - white and black

 Both steamed plate cake and kinnathappam refer to the same delicious South Indian dessert! So, whichever term you use, you're in for a treat. There are two variants of Kinnathappam. One is white and another is black and long, but the white variant is easier to cook and is very soft compared to the black variant.

 Kinnathappam, which translates to "plate cake" in Malayalam, is a traditional Kerala dish made from steamed rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. It's known for its soft, fluffy texture, slightly sweet and coconutty flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

 Here's what you can expect from this delightful dessert:

 Appearance: Kinnathappam typically has a white or light brown color, depending on the type of rice used. It has a smooth, slightly cracked surface and is often cut into squares or diamond shapes. 

Kinnathappam is a traditional Kerala dish made from steamed rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. It is a soft, fluffy cake with a slightly sweet and coconut-like flavor. Kinnathappam is typically served with stew or curry, but it can also be eaten on its own. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw rice
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar (to prepare black color appam add 1 cup Jaggery)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Jeera

Instructions: 

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 3 hours. 

Drain the rice and grind it to a fine powder in a blender. 

Add the coconut milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and salt to the rice flour and mix well.

Add coconut milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and salt 

Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more or less coconut milk. The batter should be thick enough to pour but thin enough to spread easily. 

Adjust the consistency of the batter 

Grease a steamer pot with oil. Pour the batter into the steamer pot and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the kinnathappam is cooked through. Let the kinnathappam cool slightly before cutting it into squares or diamonds. 

Tips: 

For a richer flavor, use fresh coconut milk.

If you don't have a steamer, you can cook the kinathappam in a pressure cooker.

Kinnathappam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy!

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Google's Secret: The Easiest Malabar Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe (Millions Can't Be Wrong!)

 Malabar Dham biriyani is a popular dish from the Malabar region of Kerala. It is made with basmati rice, chicken, and a variety of spices. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a pressure cooker. The rice is cooked separately and then layered with the chicken and spices. The biryani is then cooked in a sealed pot over low heat for several hours. This process called dum, helps to infuse the flavors of the spices into the rice and chicken.

 Tips: For a richer flavor, use whole spices instead of ground spices.

If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through. If you don't have a heavy lid, you can use two layers of foil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg basmati rice
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 4 tablespoons biryani masala paste (green chili, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, cardamom, peppercorn)
  • 10 green chilies, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 50 grams coriander leaves, chopped
  • 25 grams mint leaves, chopped
  • 150 ml curd (yogurt)
  • 150 grams tomato, chopped
  • 1 kg onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 50 grams cashew nuts and raisins
  • 5 green cardamoms
  • 200 grams ghee
  • 2 tablespoons coriander powder
  • 500 ml milk
  • 1 pinch saffron
  • 1 liter water (for rice)

Instructions:

Marinate the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with biryani masala paste, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, curd, and salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Prepare the rice: Soak the basmati rice in water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Cook the onions: Heat ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized about 15-20 minutes. 

Make the gravy: Add the chopped tomatoes, black cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften. 

Add the chicken: Stir in the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

Deglaze the pan: Pour in some water to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add coriander powder and milk, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy thickens.

Cook the rice: In a separate pot, heat ghee and add spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the soaked rice, mint leaves, coriander leaves, cashew nuts, raisins, and salt. Pour in enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy. 

Assemble the biryani: Spread half of the cooked rice in a large serving dish or pot. Top with the cooked chicken and gravy. Layer the remaining rice on top and gently spread to create an even layer. 

Add saffron and finishing touches: Make small holes in the rice with a spoon and pour in saffron milk. Sprinkle with fried onions, cashew nuts, and raisins. Cover the pot tightly with foil and a lid. 

Dum cooking: Place the pot over low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the aromas.

Serve hot: Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy with raita or chutney.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless.
  • Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil for ghee if desired.
  • If you don't have saffron, you can skip it, but it adds a beautiful color and aroma to the dish.
  • For an even more intense flavor, marinate the rice in the leftover saffron milk for 30 minutes before cooking.

Malabar Chicken Biryani is a true feast for the senses. With its layers of fragrant rice, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, it's sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Malabar cuisine! 

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Old Tasty Traditional Kerala Neyyappam Recipe for Your Kitchen

 Neyyappam is a popular Kerala snack made with rice flour, jaggery, and spices. It is a sweet and fluffy dish that is often served with tea or coffee.

 Ingredients: 
1 cup raw rice

1 cup jaggery

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup wheat flour( if you prefer)

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Coconut oil or ghee for frying

Instructions: 

Rinse the rice in water a couple of times. Soak the rice in enough water for 4 to 5 hours.

Drain all the water and add the soaked rice in a blender jar.

Add the jaggery, water, wheat flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and salt. Grind everything to a smooth batter.

Add the baking soda and mix again.

Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Heat some coconut oil or ghee in a pan.

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.

Fry the Neyyappam on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Remove the Neyyappam from the pan and drain the excess oil on paper towels.

Serve hot or cold.

Tips: 

Use ripe jaggery for the best flavor and texture.

Adjust the amount of jaggery to your liking.

You can add other spices to the batter, such as cardamom or cinnamon.

For a crispy exterior, fry the Neyyappam in a hot pan until golden brown.

Enjoy! 

Here are some additional tips for making perfect Neyyappam: 

  • Use good quality rice flour.
  • Soak the rice for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • Grind the batter to a smooth consistency.
  • Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes before frying.
  • Use a hot pan to fry the Neyyappam.
  • Fry the Neyyappam on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

With a little practice, you'll be making delicious Neyyappam in no time!

Saturday, January 06, 2024

Here's the recipe for Unniyappam, a popular and delicious Kerala traditional dish for your kitchen

  Unniyappam is a traditional Kerala sweet dish made with rice flour, bananas, jaggery, and spices. It is a popular item served as a snack or dessert. Unniyappam is made by first soaking rice flour in water for 3-4 hours. The soaked rice flour is then ground with bananas, jaggery, and spices to form a thick batter. The batter is then allowed to ferment for 30 minutes to 1 hour

 Unniyappam making process

 Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup rice flour
  2. 2 medium bananas (about 175 grams)
  3. 1/2 cup jaggery powder
  4. 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
  5. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder
  8. 1/4 cup coconut oil or ghee, for frying

Instructions: 

Rinse the rice flour in water a couple of times. Then soak the rice flour in enough water for 3-4 hours.

Drain all the water and add the soaked rice flour to a blender.

Add the bananas, jaggery powder, sesame seeds, baking soda, cumin powder, and dry ginger powder.

  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the batter into a bowl and cover it with a lid. Let the batter ferment for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or ghee to the pan.
  • Using a spoon, scoop a small amount of batter and drop it into the hot oil.
  • Fry the unniyappams on both sides until golden brown.
  • Remove the unniyappams from the pan and drain them on a paper towel.
  • Serve hot or warm.

Tips:

For a sweeter unniyappam, add more jaggery powder.

For a spicier unniyappam, add more cumin powder and dry ginger powder.

You can also add other ingredients to the batter, such as chopped nuts or raisins.

Unniyappam is a delicious and easy-to-make sweet dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The origin of unniyappam, a traditional Kerala sweet dish made with rice flour, bananas, jaggery, and spices, is not well-known. However, it is believed to have a long and rich history that dates back centuries.

 The name "unniyappam" is derived from the Malayalam words "unni," meaning "small," and "appam," meaning "rice cake." This name is quite fitting, as unniyappam are small, round fritters made from a batter predominantly consisting of rice.

 Unniyappam is believed to have originated in the state of Kerala, India. They are a popular snack or dessert in Kerala and are often served with tea or coffee. Unniyappam is also offered as prasad in some temples in Kerala.

 The exact date of unniyappam's creation is unknown, but the dish has likely changed over time as a part of Kerala's culinary traditions. Unniyappam are believed to have been associated with Hindu temples in Kerala for centuries. They are often made as a sacred offering during rites in Kerala Hindu temples.

Friday, January 05, 2024

The Rasakalan Recipe a delicious and nutritious dish that is served at the Guruvayoor Temple Uttupura

 Rasakalan, also known as Guruvayur Temple Morukari, is a delightful yogurt-based vegetable curry from Kerala, often served as prasadam in temples. It's a unique and flavorful dish characterized by its creamy texture and subtle tanginess. Here's how to make it at home:

 Ingredients: For Grinding: 


  • 1/2 cup thick curd
  • 1/8 tsp rice
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 dried red chilies
  • 1 green chili
  • 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
  • 75 grams grated coconut
  • 1/4 tsp coconut oil

For the Curry: 

  • 1/2 cup thin tamarind water (soak 1 tbsp tamarind in water, extract pulp)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup pumpkin, diced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 small knob jaggery (optional)
  • Curry leaves
  • Coconut oil for tempering

Instructions: 

Grind the masala: Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Roast rice, fenugreek seeds, pepper, red chilies, cumin seeds until golden brown. Add coconut and dry roast for a minute. Cool, then grind with curd and green chili into a smooth paste. 

Cook the pumpkin: In a pot, bring tamarind water, turmeric, and salt to a boil. Add pumpkin and cook for 10 minutes, or until tender. 

Assemble the curry: Add the ground masala, water, and jaggery (if using) to the cooked pumpkin. Stir well and simmer for 4 minutes. 

Temper: Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Add curry leaves and mustard seeds. Let them crackle, then pour the tempering over the curry. 

Serve hot: Enjoy Rasakalan with rice or dosa, savoring its unique tangy yogurt blend, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables. 

Tips: 

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilies.
  • Substitute chopped spinach or potato for pumpkin, if desired.
  • For a richer flavor, toast the coconut before grinding.
  • Serve with papad and pickles for a complete meal.

Enjoy this delicious temple-style Rasakalan recipe and bring a touch of Kerala's culinary heritage to your table!

The calorie content of Rasakalan will vary depending on the ingredients used and the amount of oil or ghee used to cook it. However, a typical serving of Rasakalan will contain approximately:

  • Calories: 400-500
  • Protein: 20-30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
  • Fiber: 10-15 grams

 Additional Notes:

 This recipe yields about 2-3 servings.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your preference and desired consistency.

Most of these ingredients are found in Indian grocery stores or online retailers.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Wednesday, January 03, 2024

Favorite Traditional Morukari Thrissur style- A Delicious Kerala Cuisine

 Morukari Thrissur style! Now you're looking for a delicious Kerala staple with a unique Thrissur twist. Here's what you need to know:

What is morukari?

Morukari, also known as moru curry or pulissery, is a yogurt-based curry popular in Kerala. It's typically light, tangy, and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.

What makes Thrissur style morukari special?

Thrissur adds its own touch to this dish by:

Using coconut: Unlike some other regions, Thrissur morukari often features grated coconut added during tempering or ground into a paste along with spices. This gives it a rich, nutty flavor.

Spices: While the specific spice mix can vary, common ingredients include fenugreek, mustard seeds, cumin, chilies, turmeric, and ginger. This adds a layer of warmth and heat.

Vegetables: While morukari can be made plain, Thrissur often incorporates vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, green beans, or even pineapple for a touch of sweetness.

Thicker consistency: Compared to some other styles, Thrissur morukari tends to be slightly thicker and creamier, almost like a stew.

How to make Thrissur style morukari:

There are countless variations, but here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups thick plain yogurt
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 1 tbsp coconut oil
  4. 1 tsp mustard seeds
  5. 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  6. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  7. 1-2 dried red chilies
  8. 10-12 curry leaves
  9. 1 inch ginger, grated
  10. 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  11. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  12. 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)
  13. Salt to taste
  14. Vegetables of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

Whisk together yogurt and water.

Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and chilies. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, ginger, and garlic. Saute for a minute.

Add turmeric powder and coconut (if using). Saute for another minute.

Pour in the yogurt mixture and stir well.

Add salt and vegetables (if using).

Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens slightly and vegetables are cooked through.

Serve hot with rice, appam, or dosa.

Tips:

  • You can adjust the thickness of the curry by adding more or less water.
  • For a richer flavor, roast the spices before adding them to the pan.
  • You can use buttermilk instead of yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
  • Don't let the curry boil, as it can curdle the yogurt.

Whether you're a seasoned morukari fan or just looking for a new Kerala dish to try, Thrissur style morukari is definitely worth exploring. Its unique blend of creamy yogurt, fragrant spices, and fresh vegetables will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Kerala-style foods good for controlling blood sugar

 Kerala cuisine is known for its use of fresh, flavorful ingredients and spices. However, it is important to note that some Kerala dishes can be high in sugar, especially those that use coconut milk or jaggery (unrefined cane sugar).

 Here are some Kerala-style foods that are good for controlling blood sugar: 

Breakfast: 

Oats upma: This savory porridge is made with oats, vegetables, and spices. It is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Ragi dosa: This type of dosa is made with ragi flour, which is a low-glycemic index food. This means that it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Brown rice idli: Idli is a steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Lunch and dinner:

 Fish curry with brown rice: Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for people with diabetes. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Vegetable stew with chapatis: Vegetable stew is a good way to get a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chapatis made with whole-wheat flour are a healthier option than white bread.

Lentil soup with brown rice: Lentil soup is a good source of protein and fiber. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Snacks:

 Nuts: Nuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals.

Fruits: Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can also help to satisfy your sweet tooth without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

It is important to note that even healthy foods can contain sugar. Therefore, it is important to read food labels carefully and be mindful of the portion sizes you eat.

 Here are some additional tips for controlling blood sugar with Kerala-style food:

  •  Use fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible.
  • Limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks.
  • Choose healthy cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, and steaming.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Include a variety of foods from all food groups in your diet.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about creating a meal plan that is right for you.

 Ragi Dosa recipe

Ingredients

  •  1 cup ragi flour
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup curd
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water, as needed

Instructions

 Rinse the ragi flour and rice flour in a colander until the water runs clear.

In a large bowl, combine the ragi flour, rice flour, curd, and salt.

Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the batter reaches a pouring consistency. The batter should be thin enough to spread easily on a hot griddle, but thick enough to hold its shape.

Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot griddle and spread it out into a thin circle.

Cook the dosa for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sambar.

Tips

 For a more flavorful dosa, add some chopped onion, ginger, or green chilies to the batter.

If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency.

If the dosa is sticking to the griddle, add a little oil or butter to the pan.

Variations

 Moong dal ragi dosa: Add 1/2 cup moong dal to the batter. Soak the dal for 30 minutes before grinding it into a fine paste.

Sambar ragi dosa: Add 1/2 cup cooked sambar to the batter.

Pesarattu: This is a type of ragi dosa that is made with a fermented batter. To make a fermented batter, soak the ragi flour and rice flour in water for 8 hours. Drain the water and grind the ragi flour and rice flour into a fine paste. Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the batter reaches a pouring consistency. Cover the batter and let it ferment in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Nutritional information

  1.  One serving of ragi dosa (approximately 1/2 cup) provides the following nutrients:
  2.  Calories: 120
  3. Fat: 2 grams
  4. Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  5. Protein: 4 grams
  6. Fiber: 2 grams

Ragi dosa is a healthy and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. It is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full. Ragi dosa is also a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.