Urad Rava Idli

Urad Rava Idlis... Whenever I tried to make these it used to be a major flop. It was then my very good friend gave me this recipe. She is an expert cook and whatever she makes is perfect and delicious. These are light, spongy and low in calories yet filling. They can be had on days of fasts too. Thanks a lot for this perfect one!!

Moong Dal Usli

Navratri is coming to an end...As we celebrate Navami and Dashami here's Moong Dal Usli known as mooga dali usli in Konkani,that can be offered as prasad. Healthy, nutritious,packed with proteins. Whenever i used to make this before, it used to be a major flop. The moong Dal would either get over cooked and mushy or it would remain half cooked. It was then that my co sister after a lot of research came up with this one. Perfect to the core. Today on the auspicious occassion of Navami I successfully made the perfect usli. All thanks to my co sister :) This one is also specially dedicated to my little nephew who is taking his first step in to the world of books, writing and learning. God Bless You Gondoosh, Wishing you Success and A Bright life Ahead!!

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.

Pholsu

Pholsu is a Konkani Delicacy that is known to very few households. It is very similar to sambhar. Very Nutritious and easy to make. A dish packed with vitamins and nutrients. Tastes good with rice, dosas or idlis.

 My Mom, My Mentor, the one who made me what i am today learnt this from her Mom i.e  My Grandmother who has played a major role in my life. I spent the crucial years of my life with her and she guided me throughout and helped me grow...She has been a great source of inspiration to all of us. She has has faced a lot of struggles and difficulties in her life and fought through them with courage.She taught us to face problems with a smile and lead a simple life :) Our pillar of strength... Love You Lots Ammumma...Blessed to have you...You Are the Best. This one For You :)

Spicy Diamond Cuts/ Ronti/ Tukdi

Diwali The Festival Of Lights, Fun And Frolic. This is also a season of sweets and savouries. Spicy Diamond Cuts are known as Ronti or Tukdi in Konkani and are commonly prepared in every household. They make a perfect evening snack with hot piping tea/coffee. Original recipe uses maida but i have used wheat flour just to make it a little healthy.

Udida Ghari (Crunchy Urad Dal Vadas)

Born a Konkani Brahmin, everybody expected the first dish on my blog to be a konkani delicacy. But i wanted to wait and make something special. Today is a very special day. A day dedicated to that special person because of whom i am in this world today...My father, My hero,My guiding light. He has always been a pillar of strength, believed in me and made me what I am today. So I start my array of Konkani delicacies with one of his favourite, Udida (Urad Dal) Ghari (small vadas). These are teatime snacks prepared in most of the konkani househols and are also made as prasad for a few religious occasions. A spicy, crunchy and a lipsmacking dish. Thanks to my Dear Ushakka for giving a step by step explanation of ths recipe. This recipe was adapted from here.

Happy Father's Day Bappa...You Are the Best!!

Urad dal (White lentil ) is the richest source of protien and Vitamin B. It is very good for women as it contains iron, folic acid ,calcium and magnesium. Unlike other dals this is rich in fibre so easy to digest.It boosts energy in the body and improves immunity.