Shanti's Home Cooking

Andhra Gongura Pachadi An Andhra meal is not really complete without the quintessential Gongura Pachadi. Easy to make and loaded with iron, vitamins, folic acid and anti-oxidants, this tangy leaf ( Sorrel Leaf) is used in many dishes in Andhra – the most famous being Gongura Pappu, Gongura Pachadi and Gongura Mutton. Gongura Pachadi is made in many ways in different parts of the state – all taste good. This is my recipe. Ingredients: 2 cups tightly packed sorrel leaves (Washed well and sun dried for about 10 to 12 hours) 1 Tsp Cumin seeds 1 Tsp Fenugreek seeds 10 dried red Chillies 3 Green Chillies 1 tbsp Tamarind pulp Salt to taste A pinch of Turmeric 3 Tbsps Oil For tempering: 1 Tbsp Oil 1 Tsp Mustard seeds ½ Tsp Urad Dal 1 sprig Curry Leaves 6 cloves Garlic – Peeled Let's get started: In a pan, pour 3 tbsp oil and on a medium flame fry 1 tsp cumin seeds ,1 tsp fenugreek seeds and 10 dried red chillies till they are well fried. Do not let t...

Crab Curry For those who relish sea food, crab curry is a special delight. Though a bit messy to eat, the taste is  unparalleled and unique. While one can remove the meat from the shell before cooking, a true connoisseur of crabs dives in - with both hands. Crab meat is high in phosphorous  which is essential for bone and teeth health. It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids , known to balance cholesterol and increase immunity.  Can you think of a more delightful way to good health?  I ngredients: 3 Crabs ( Cleaned and cut into half) 1 Big Onion ( blended into paste) 1/4 tsp Ginger Garlic paste 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp Chilli powder 1/2 tsp Coriander powder 1 tbsp Coconut milk powder Salt to taste 1/2 cup water 1 tbsp Sunflower Oil Method: Clean and wash crabs. Boil them for two minutes in water to which salt and a pinch of turmeric has been added. Drain water and wash again with cold water. Drain and keep aside. Don’t overcook the crabs. I...

Date and Sesame Seed Laddus   Here is a Laddu recipe that's fast and easy to make, and very healthy too. You can use whatever dry fruits you have on hand.   Sesame seeds are a great source of energy as they contain healthy fats and Omega 6. They also contain energy boosting minerals such as Iron, Fiber, Calcium, magnesium and Phosphorus. Regular use is said to aid blood sugar control, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol.   Dates are nutritious and high in antioxidants. They are rich in fiber and promote brain health.   Ingredients:   1/2 Cup White Sesame Seeds 1/2 Cup dry Dates 2 Tbsps Raisins 2 Tbsps Cashew nuts 1 Tbsp Honey   Let’s get started:   1.        Dry roast the Sesame Seeds on a low flame till the colour changes a bit. Powder it in the Mixer. Put it in a mixing bowl.   2.        Soak the dates in ¼ cup hot water for 20 minutes. D...

Easy Pressure Cooker Prawn Pulao The perfect one pot comfort food for the weekend is this Prawn Pulao. The slight crunch of the prawns, the mellowness of the coconut milk, the special flavour of the Basmati rice combined with aromatic spices - all leave your taste buds fully satisfied. This makes a great main course for any party or family get together. Though Prawns are high in cholesterol , they are low in saturated fat and contain healthy Omega -3 fatty acids.  Ingredients: 750 Gms Prawns – shelled , deveined and cleaned 1 ½ cups Basmati Rice – washed and pre-soaked for ½ hour 1 cup finely diced Onions 2 Tomatoes – finely chopped 6 Green Chillies – slit lengthwise ½ cup Mint leaves – washed ½ cup Coriander leaves – washed and chopped 3 Tbsps Ginger Garlic paste 3 Bay leaves 4 Cardamom pods 4 Cloves 1” piece Cinnamon 1 Tsp Shah Jeera Salt to taste Turmeric – one pinch 1 Tsp Chilli Powder 2 Tsps Coriander powder 1 Tsp Garam Masala Powder 1...

Chicken Kurma One of the most soul satisfying dishes I have ever eaten, is the Chicken Kurma. It is a rich creamy dish with a hint of tanginess that goes well with rice, dosa or roti. It calls for simple ingredients that are usually available at home and can be made in half an hour if prep is done before hand. Chicken is a protein rich food that boosts heart and bone health and aids metabolism.It is said to promote eye  health and prevent bone loss. And above all, it tastes delicious any way you cook it. Ingredients: ½ Kg Broiler Chicken ( Without skin, with bones and curry cut) For marinade: 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste ½ tsp Turmeric 1 ½ tsp Chilli powder 1 ½ Tsp Dhania Powder 1 Tsp Garam Masala 1 cup thick Curd 1 Tsp Salt For the Onion paste: 2 large Onions 1 large Tomato 20 kernels of Cashewnut 2 Tbsps Melon seeds ½ Tsp Turmeric Others: 3 + 1 Tbsps Oil for frying Salt to taste A marble sized ball Tamarind – soaked and pulp removed Garnish...

Spring Onion and Peanut Curry I had this a couple of years back at a friend's house in the Rayalseema area and was hooked. It's simple and different.  Both major ingredients are extremely nutritious and tasty. Spring onions are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Groundnuts or peanuts , though high in calories are nutrient rich and low in carbohydrates. Together, they make a tasty, crunchy combination. Try it with Roti or Rice. Ingredients: I big bunch Spring Onions 1/2 Cup roasted and coarsely powdered Groundnuts/ Peanuts  (I left the skins on) 1/2 Tsp Chilli Powder 1/2 Tsp Coriander Powder A pinch of Turmeric 1 Tbsp Sunflower OIl Salt to taste Method: 1. Wash the spring onions. Discard the white bulbs. Chop the green  stalks into 1 cm pieces. 2.  Heat oil in a pan. Add the Spring onion pieces - fry for a few minutes till well heated through, then cover and simmer till soft ( around 5 minutes) and dry.  3....

Summer Cooler  When you come home from a scorching day at work , and you are tempted to reach for a refreshing cold fizzy drink….think again. Just spend a couple of minutes and make your own healthy and refreshing summer cooler. You just need a few simple ingredients. Cucumber is a very hydrating drink rich in nutrients. It is known to cleanse and detox the body and helps control digestive problems. It is great for the body - externally and internally. Mint is another wonder herb that has anti inflammatory , anti viral and antibacterial   properties. It aids in curing headaches too. Ginger, lime and honey too are highly beneficial to the body.  So what are you waiting for? Make this for your family and gift them health.  Ingredients: 1 Cucumber, peeled and cubed 6 mint leaves, washed 3 juliennes of Ginger 1 tsp Lime juice A pinch of salt 2 tsps sugar (or 2 tsps Honey) 2 glasses of water Method: Blend all the above till smooth. Strain and po...

Chepella Pulusu ( Tangy Fish Stew) This is a specialty of East Godavari District  in Andhra Pradesh, where fish is abundant and fresh. It is tangy and spicy and goes well with hot fluffy white rice and a dollop of ghee. Any fish can be used , however, it is best with river fish . The health benefits of eating fish is now well known. It is a good dietary source of Vitamin D and important nutrients. It boosts mental health, reduces risk of autoimmune diseases and heart attacks and strokes. Fish is also known to prevent and treat depression. Be sure to include this wonder food in your diet. Ingredients : 1 Kg any river fish ( sliced and cleaned) 3 big onions ( ground to a paste) 1 Tsp ginger – garlic paste 3 green Chillies ( slit length wise) 1 heaped Tsp Chilli Powder 2 heaped Teaspoons Dhaniya  ( Coriander) Powder A pinch of Turmeric Salt to taste A lime sized ball of Tamarind (soaked in a cup of water and pulp removed) A sprig of fresh Curry leaves 1/...