Kele Ambat

Sutha Punav is celebrated by Konkani Brahmins on a full moon day in the holy month of shravan. On this day the renewal of the holy thread or jhannuve is done. Jhannuve is a sacred thread worn by the men after their Bramhopadesham/munji /thread ceremony.This is celebrated by tamil brahmins as well and is known as Avani Avittom. 

A special set meal is cooked in every Konkani household on this day. The day starts with Hitu..special idlis seasoned with ginger and jeera steamed in baskets made from jackfruit leaves. Lunch comprises of rice, thoi (dal), ghasi/valval (coconut based veg gravies), ukkeri
(dry subzis), pappad, kele ambat, alle and payasam and is served on banana leaf.

My favourite among the above is ghasi and kele ambat. So here I proudly present an authentic Konkani delicacy Kela Ambat made in all GSB households in Kochi/Ernakulam on this auspicious day. This is made with ripe yellow kerala banana/etha pazham, jaggery and coconut. Do try this delicious, lip smacking dessert. I love the one that my Grandmother makes yummmm!! Due to unavailability, I have used white jaggery here hence it has got a light yellow colour.The original recipe calls for dark brown jaggery and the ambat is dark brown in colour.

Puli Inji

ONAM, the grand festival of Kerala, the festival of flowers, pookalam and Onasadhya. Onasadhya is a variety of pure vegetarian keralite dishes cooked and served on a banana leaf. The sadhya comprises of 21 items all unique and having its own prominence. Puli Inji, is my favourite. Easy to make, tangy, spicy and yummillicious. It is a combination of ginger, green chillies, tamarind and jaggery. Here's this simple recipe for all of you. I Have made this one by combining various other recipes received from friends and the internet.  "Wishing All A Very Happy And Prosperous Onam". Enjoy your Sadhya!!

Flat Beans(Paapdi),Carrot Garlic Rice

August 15th, the day India got independence and the day all of us were granted freedom. Proud of my nation...Proud to be an Indian. Today as India celebrates its 69th independence day, a small dedication from our side to show our love and gratitude towards our motherland. Flat beans carrot garlic rice is a simple and easy to make recipe. We have incorporated the three colours( saffron, white and green) of our national flag in this dish. Vande Mataram!!

Baingan Bharta

Baingan (brinjal) Bharta is one dish that would never turn out perfect whenever I tried it until one day I made it as per my Co Sister's instructions. It turned out perfect and had that authentic taste. My Co sister, a very bubbly girl, always full of life, very enthusiastic. She loves to experiment with food. She has supported me right from the very outset of my blog, encouraged and motivated me always. She is a  blessing indeed. This one for her. I have brought in a small change in the original recipe by adding capsicum along with the brinjal.

Chilli Tofu

Kitchen Tales celebrates Friendship. Every moment spent with one's friend is special, is like a celebration and is always special. We meet,greet and interact with many people on a daily basis. But not all can be called as friends. "A friend is someone who knows you and loves you just the same!!" I am blessed with such a person in my life. My bestie..We have stood strong by each through our happy and sad days. She has been more than a friend ... just like a sister to me . On this special day I dedicate this post to her. A delicious, nutritious and easy to make recipe that I learnt from her. Love you lots and this one for our togetherness.

Tofu is made from soyabean curd. It is naturally gluten free and low in calories. It contains no cholesterol and is packed with proteins, iron and calcium. If tofu is not readily available or if you do not prefer it, you may replace it with store bought or homemade paneer cubes.