Shanti's Home Cooking

 Hyacinth Bean Curry ( Pithiki Pappu/Avarekai/ Mochakai) Anyone living in Bangalore will be very familiar with the avarekai festival. When in season, this peeled Hyacinth bean is used in almost every dish possible, be it savoury or sweet. It is used in curries, dosas, sweets and snacks.  The hyacinth beans are known as Avarekai in Kannada, Pithiki pappu or Anapa Ginjalu in Telugu and Mochakai in Tamil. The beans are shelled and then the beans are soaked in water for a couple of hours and then the outer covering of the beans removed, revealing a pale green bean. This is a very delicate and nutritious bean that can be cooked in a variety of ways.  In Bangalore, these are available peeled and have to be used on the same day. I have used this Bangalore special vegetable in a typical Andhra style curry. This is a hot favourite in our house and during the season, we make it as frequently as we can source it. Ingredients: 1/2 Kg peeled Avarekai  1 1/2 cups diced Onions 2 La...

 Grilled Paneer Kababs Here is a simple , yet awesome looking starter to jazz up your party menu. We are always looking for easy to make and serve finger foods that look good and taste good. These grilled Paneer Kababs fit the bill beautifully. The paneer is marinated before hand in a tangy yoghurt and spice mix and then grilled just before serving. This is also a great way to include salads to young children. A whole host of veggies can be added to bring in the crunch factor. I have used toothpicks to skewer the Paneer Kababs, so it is easy to serve and eat. Paneer is a wonderful nutritious food product that is rich in protein, folate and calcium. It is good  for cardio health, maintains blood sugar levels, improves digestion and aids weight loss. Ingredients: For the Kababs: 250 gms  Paneer - cut into 1 inch squares 1 Capsicum - cut into 1 inch squares 1 Large Tomato - Deseeded and cut into 1 inch squares 1 large Onion - cut into 1 inch squares For the marinade:  1...

 Peanut and White Sesame Seed Chutney When you are fed up of the routine chutneys that you make with your Idlis and Dosas, you can try this Peanut and White Sesame Seed Chutney. This is a mild and nutritious chutney that tastes great and which you can store for a week in the refrigerator.  Peanuts are a great source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. If you make this chutney with the peanut skin, a lot of fiber is added.  White Sesame seeds are a good source of energy and Omega 6. They are also rich in fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, which help boost energy levels. Sesame seeds also have the highest quotient of Vitamin D. Try including this in your morning diet at least a few times a month.  Ingredients: 1 Cup Peanuts 1/4 Cup White Sesame Seeds A small marble sized ball of tamarind ( soaked in 1/4 cup of water and pulp removed) Salt to taste 1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds ( Jeera) 1/2 Tsp Chilli Powder 5 Dry Red Chillies For the temperi...

 Tangy Omelette Curry This is a curry for egg lovers. When you get tired of eating omelettes or boiled egg curry, but still crave for eggs , here's something that will satisfy your cravings. This is a tangy tomato gravy with  thick omelette pieces that soak in all the flavour and juiciness. It has to be eaten to actually understand the taste. This is my current egg favourite.  Ingredients: 4 Eggs 1 Large Onion , diced 2 Large Ripe Tomatoes , diced 1/2 Tsp Turmeric Salt to taste 1 Tsp Chilli Powder ( Or as per your taste) 1 Tsp Coriander Powder 1/2 Tsp Garam Masala Powder 1/4 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste Coriander leaves for garnish 3 Tbsps Oil Let's get started: In a mixer, blend the Onion and Tomato pieces to a paste. Keep aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs till fluffy. Add a 1/4 Tsp of Turmeric and just a pinch of salt to the eggs while beating them. Take a small but deep non stick sauce pan and heat 1 Tsp oil in it. When hot, pour in the well beaten eggs , lower the flam...

 Alu Paratha One of the most versatile and loved parathas is the Alu Paratha. Each family has a slightly different recipe because they add different ingredients, but all taste good.  I'm sharing a recipe that I love making and eating. This tastes good hot off the tawa, with a small blob of butter meting on it, or cold - in a lunch box. You don't need any accompaniment with it- just a bowl of curd would suffice.  Ingredients: 2 Cups of Atta ( Wheat flour) 3 Large Potatoes ( Boiled soft) 4 Green Chillies 1/2 Cup Coriander Leaves 1/2 Tsp Chilli Powder 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds ( Jeera) Salt to taste A pinch of Turmeric Powder Oil Let's get started : Knead the wheat flour with 1/4 Tsp of salt ( or to taste) and water and mix it to a firm dough. Add one Tsp of oil and knead well. Cover with a damp cloth and keep aside for about 15 to 20 minutes. In a Mixer, blend coarsely the Green Chillies, Coriander Leaves and Cumin Seeds.  In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes. Add the c...

  Morning health shot - Papaya Juice What better way to start the day than with a healthy drink? This Papaya juice can be had with breakfast or any time thereafter. It is a refreshing drink with just three healthy ingredients - Papaya, Honey and Lime Juice. This works especially well when the papaya is ripe and mushy and you are unable to cut it into cubes.  Papaya is a wonder food and has numerous health benefits. It is loaded with Vitamin A and antioxidants which promote eye health. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, helps in weight loss, said to improve kidney and heart health  and is great for diabetics. Honey and Lime Juice are also great for health. The beauty of this juice lies in its simplicity and ease of making. Include this in your  breakfast routine and see the effortless change it brings to your wellbeing.  It is also a wonderful way to hydrate after your morning walk. Ingredients: 1 Cup Papaya Pulp 1 Tsp Honey 1 Tsp Lime Juice Let's get started: B...