Cucumber Pachadi

This is Kerala Raita and can be made with different vegetables like Onions, Squash, Ladies Finger, Carrots etc.

• Cucumber     - 1
• Onion (small)     - 1
• Ginger     - 1 inch
• Green Chillies     - 4
• Curry Leaves     - 2 sprigs
• Mustard     - 1 Tbsp
• Salt     - 2 tsp
• Yogurt     - 4 c
• Coconut (grated)     - 1/4 c
• Oil (Coconut/Veg.)     - 2 Tbsp

1. Peel and chop the Cucumber in small cubes.
2. Chop the Onion, Green Chillies and Ginger finely and keep aside.
3. Grind the Coconut along with the Mustard.
4. Heat the Oil in a deep pan. Add a few Mustard seeds.
5. When they pop add the Onions, Ginger, Green Chillies, Curry Leaves and saute.
6. Add the Chopped Cucumber, Salt and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add the Coconut paste and saute for 2 minutes and take off the heat.
8. Add  Yogurt and blend well.
9. Serve as a side-dish along with Rice and other vegetables or fish curry.

 

Mushroom Thoran

This is a side dish from Kerala and is served along with rice. It is my Dad's favorite.

• Mushroom     - 16 oz
• Onion (medium)     - 1
• Green Chillies     - 4
• Garlic cloves     - 2
• Curry Leaves     - 3 sprigs
• Coconut (grated)     - 1/4 c
• Coconut / Veg Oil     - 3 Tbsp
• Mustard     - 1/4 tsp
• Salt     - 1 tsp
• Turmeric     - 1/4 tsp

1. Wash and dry the Mushrooms, chop them up into fine cubes.
2. Chop the Onions, Chillies and Garilc and set aside.
3. Pour the Oil in a Kadai or deep frying pan.
4. Add the Mustard when the Oil is hot.
5. When it splutters, add the Onions and saute for 4 mins on medium heat.
6. Add the Curry Leaves, Green Chillies and Garlic and fry for 1 minute.
7. Add the Chopped Mushrooms, Coconut, Salt and Turmeric.
8. Saute uncoverd till the water from the Mushrooms evaporates.
9. Take it off the heat.

  Tip: Serve this along with Rice. Enjoy !!

Almond Biscotti

This Biscotti recipe was shared by my friends Sabita and Abhilasha. Its easy to make and delicious.

• Butter     - 1/4 lb. (1 stick) 
• Sugar     - 1 c
• Eggs     - 3
• Vanilla     - 1/2 tsp
• Nutmeg (optional)     - 1 pinch
• Flour     - 2 c
• Baking pwdr     - 2 tsp
• Salt     - 1/4 tsp
• Almonds (slightly roasted and chopped)     - 1/2 c

1. Blend Butter and Sugar in a big bowl.
2. Add Eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each or beat the eggs seperate and add to the butter-sugar mixture.
3. Add Vanilla or Nutmeg. (If you like nutmeg, use little more.)
4. Add dry ingredients gradually, mixing carefully. Mix in chopped Almonds.
5. Spread in two loaf-like shapes on large greased cookie sheet (or use two sheets). Don’t spread too close to edge.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees until light brown. Let it cool.
7. Remove from cookie sheet and cut into 1/2 inch slices.
8. Arrange on cookie sheet allowing space between.
9. Bake another 15 minutes or so, at 300 degrees.
10. Let it dry completely before storing.
11. Serve with tea/coffee/milk or have it plain anytime.