Pudina lemon rice ! Easy lunch box recipe

 

Pudina Lemon Rice is a perfect lunchbox recipe for kids or adults. Try this and do let me know you will love it.

Ingredients

Rice - 2 cups(Steamed) Rice 

Onion - 1 no

Ginger garlic - 1 tspn (Chopped finely)

Peannuts - handful

Pudina/mint leaves - 1 cup finely chopped

Coriander leaves - finely chopped

Green chilli -2  tspns finely chopped

Sugar a pinch
Oil 2 tblspn

Mustard - 1 tspn

Jeera - 1/2 tspn

Turmeric - 1/4 tspn

Channal dal - 1/2 tspn

Lemon juice of 2 lemons
Salt as per taste

Preparation Method

Cook rice and  keep separately . This should be grainy consistency.

Heat a wide wok/kadai on medium high, add oil, and season ingredeitns  and saute.

Now add groundnut and fry it.

Remove groundnut seasoning and keep aside.

Now to same kadai add oil onion, ginger, chopped garlic, green chilli, coriander pudina, pinch of salt, sugar and saute till transparent.

Now add turmeric

Add rice and mix well. Check on salt. Toss for a minute add the seasoning and off the stove.

Garnish with chopped coriander if required

Rice is ready, Serve hot with coconut chutney or curd or just sugar 

PS - Your feedback is appreciated. Do try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas. Thank you.

Homemade Mushroom Soup!

Mushroom Soup is very popular in soup varieties at restaurants. There is also cream of mushroom which tops up with cream.

My kids love mushoom, later read and learnt that it has more iron in it and very good for health. I very rarely cook mushroom at home, so this time tried preparing Mushroom soup and fried rice. 

Sharing the soup recipe first, do try and let me know your feedback.

Preparation time - 15mins

Cooking time - 20 mins

Serves - 2 pax

Ingredients

• White button mushroom - 8 nos
• Onion - 1/2 no or small one
• Garlic 2 small pods
  
• Sugar 1/4 tspn(optional)
• Milk/cream - 2 tblspn (optional)
• Black pepper - crushed or powder 1 tspn (as per taste)
• Oil or butter or ghee - 1 tblspn
• Salt as per taste 1/2 tspn
• Water as required

Preparation Method

1. Wash the mushrooms and remove the skin.
2. Heat a kadai, add oil, garlic, onion and just saute for few minutes till its transparent.
3. Now add mushroom and saute for few minutes. You can keep aside 1 or 2 pieces of mushroom for garnish.
4. Add salt and off the stove
5. Once cool grind to fine paste
6. Now again heat kadai, add the gounded paste with water. Adjust consistency of soup (around 1 cup of water)
7. Boil well for 3-4 minutes add chopped mushrooms.
8. Taste and switch off the stove.
9. Add cream or milk if you wish to do cream of mushroom.
10. Top it with pepper powder.

Mushroom soup is ready to serve. Serve with garlic bread toast or plain toast.

PS - Your feedback is appreciated. If you try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.Thank you. 

Yashkri Cooking oils | Product Review !

Yashkri Oil is known for their pure, natural and chemical free oils.. They are wood pressed and are made from the highest grade of raw ingredients to produce the best quality oil to the consumers.  I have been using since a month now, its really flavorful and enhances the taste. I am happy to share today my review comments on them. 

Many friends know my Tamil Brahmin background, but few have been asking me to share about myself. I am yet to update my page in detail:-) will be sharing a bit here.

I am a palakkad tamil brahmin but since my grandfather had postings in Mysore and Devanahalli- Karnataka, my father eventually settled in Bangalore and so I  was born and brought up in Bangalore.  Post marriage, I had to move to Chennai as my hubby was from there.

This fact really helped to learn various food items from these 3 states.  India is Unique and so is its food items from all the states.   I use Coconut oil when cooking Kerala Food Items, Peanut/Groundnut oil for Karnataka food items and Gingely /Sesame Seed oil for Tamil Nadu Food Items. 

I am used to all flavours and all cooking oil since young, so when Yashkri approached me for collaboration and review, I was happy to try out all their oil products. 

The packing is excellent and prompt fast delivery. Customer service is great.

It comes in 500ml and 1000ml

Gingely/Sesame Oil -Black sesame seeds are rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc compared to the white seeds based oil. It is useful for remedying arthritis and has various other health benefits. 

Nallennai, as called in Tamil, can be seen used in various diff ways across Tamil Nadu.  Vathal Kuzhambu+ Nallennai, Idli coated with Dosai Milagai podi+ Nallennai - Wow what a combination. it has its own way of adding great flavour and taste to food items. There were times when no week ends were complete without Nallennai bath. It has such great medical benefits that it was applied from top to toe. 

Benefits (Courtesy Google)

• High in antioxidants. Sesame oil contains sesamol and sesaminol, two antioxidants that have very good effects on your health.
• Has strong anti-inflammatory properties
• Good for your heart
• Helps to control blood sugar
• A best medicine for mouth ulcer 

• 

Coconut Oil - Pure coconut oil is also a very healthy oil. this again has multi purpose. Apart from adding great aroma to food, it has the below listed benefits as well. due to its medical benefits, it is also called "Sarva Vyaidhi Nivarani" meaning a cure for all diseases.  in Kerala, day starts and ends with coconut oil I can say.

• Contains healthy fatty acids and is high in saturated fats.(Courtesy Google)
• It helps to 
• Reduce hunger. 
• Reduce seizures.
• Raises HDL (good) cholesterol. 
• Best oil for getting glowing skin and shiny hair.
• 
  

Groundnut /Peanut Oil - Its beautiful aroma of peanut has an amazing flavour. This oil has high smoke point so used to fry foods. The major component of fatty acids found in peanut oil is  oleic acid and viatmin E. The daily intake of peanut oil helps in prevent aging of wrinkles, prevent thrombosis, protect walls of vessel, prevent coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

Benefits (Courtesy Google)

• Its very good to Heart Health with high levels of vitamin E and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (unsaturated “good fats”), peanut oil could be good for the heart.
• Better Diabetes Control.
• Lower Cholesterol.

• 
  

Ghee - cow ghee is very important in Indian cooking. We use it for many sweets, pulav and in baking also. This ghee is very grainy, flavour and rich in aroma and gives immense satisfaction while consuming. Consuming 1 teaspoon of ghee daily in your food is very good for health.

Ghee contains an ample quantity of butyrate, and that is one of the reasons cow ghee works as a mild laxative. Moderate consumption of cow ghee in daily diet helps in reducing the problem of constipation.

I have used them in my daily cooking, love the flavour, aroma and taste of the oils.  Posting few dishes for you. Check these at www.sarascorner.net.

Millet idlis topped with sesame oil

Vegetable Pulav

cooked with ghee and groundnut oil 

Coconut Sevvai cooked with coconut oil

Pineapple Kesari cooked with ghee

Photography by Saraswathi Iyer

Recipes at www.sarascorner.net

To order the products in singapore contact Yashkri -94996994. Yashkri FB and Yashkriinsta

Thank you everyone and my dear readers for your support for my blog. Hope you like the read. Do comment below or email me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Do follow me of Sara's Corner on Facebook and Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.

- Saraswathi

Navaratri Menu planning 9 days 9 treats!

 

Navaratri 2020 is already here, its good to plan and buy groceries ahead, so it makes easy to do the festival and Golu hopping. check my detailed planning post here.

Due to Pandemic, many are doing E-vethalaipakku or split the schedule due to restrictions imposed.

Hope these help you to plan and you can add in many more dishes of your choice and time.

Click on the names for the recipes, you can use millets/brown sugar/karupatti for the sweets.

Morning Neivedyam	Sundal Varities	Tiffin Varities
Paal Payasam	Kadalai Sundal	Ven Pongal Gotsu
Thenga Arisi Payasam	Pasiparippu Sundal	Idli Thenga chutney
Rose Payasam	Kondakadlai Sundal	Dosai Thakkali thokku
Carrot /Rice Payasam	Patani Sundal	Aval Upma
Pongal	Mixed Sundal	Upma Kozhakattai
Javarsi Payasam	Karamani sweet Sundal	Rava Kichidi
Paruppu Payasam	Payaru Karamani Sundal	Sevvai /Semiya Upma sambar
Oats Semiya Payasam	Soya/Rajma Bean podi Sundal	Adai Aviyal or thokku
Kesari/Kesribath	Verkadalai Sundal	Poori Kurma

Multipurpose podi - Curry podi recipe is here 

For all recipes you can search in here .You can add in variety rice like Puliyodarai, lemon rice, coconut rice, dhokla, badam milk as per your taste. Can add and make your favourite choices of fruits, vegetables and millets. All recipes are no onion and no garlic. You can also plan and schedule timings for your friends and do a simple take away packing can make the visit short and satisfying.

PS - Your feedback is appreciated. Do try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.Thank you. 

Happy and Safe Navaratri.

Love,

Saraswathi

Arsi Kanji | Rice Porridge!

Rice Kanji or porridge is a very good food suggestion for stomach, who are aged above 70 years or unwell. This simple recipe does not harm and easily digestible. My Father in law used to drink night this one and was feeling better.

Ingredients
Boiled rice/Idli rice - 2 cups
Water

Preparation Method

Heat a kadai, dry roast the rice till you get good aroma.
Switch off allow to cool.
Grind it coarsely to rava size. Not fully powder, then it will be paste when you cook.
Make it and store for a week or until required.

To make Kanji

Take 2 tablspoons the rice powder, add 3 cups water.
Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.

Once pressure is up, add salt and mix well. If its very thick can add little hot water and mix.

Serve as it is or with sambar, rasam, poduthul or pickle.


PS - Your feedback is appreciated. Do try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.Thank you. 

Grocery and Essentials List at Pandemic times | Covid 19!

The sudden lockdown has caused this situation where we never expected Covid 19 can be so long and very serious issue. I have managed to put few essentials here. You can also add in your own priorities and availability. 

List of Groceries to stock during pandemic lockdown. This can be done in bulk quantity. These are dry ingredients and can be stored in refrigerator too.  

Food

Rice - Raw/Ponni/Basmati/Jeeraga samba, matta etc	Rice flour
Atta	Kadalai Maav/Besan flour
Toor dal	Ragi flour
Urad dal	Millet flour
Masoor dal	Oats
Channa Dal	Broken wheat
Split Moong dal	All millets
Green gram	Salt
Black channa	Red chilli powder
White channa	Dhaniya
Whole Dhaniya	Red chilli
Jeera	Maggi
Black pepper	Biscuits
Turmeric	Noodles
Mustard	Tamarind/puli
Fenugreek seeds	Garam Masala
Dry Rice Vermicilli	Pav Bhaji Masala
Aval/Poha	Biryani Masala
Rava/Semolina	Coffee powder
	Tea powder

Essentials

Bath Soap, Body Wash

Shampoo, Shikakai

Washing soap, Liquid detergent, dish washing liquid

Vinegar, baking soda

Tablets

PS :Do not go out if incase your area is affected with many cases, you can manage without vegetables for some days. You can do many recipes without vegetables.

Hope it is useful for everyone.

Schezwan Fried Rice!

Schezwan Fried Rice is very spicy and delicious rice. This is one of the popular and famous dish in Indo chinese food. It is my favourite and my family fav dish. Do checkout the recipe.

Ingredients

Rice - 2 cups(Steamed)Basmati Rice 

Onion - 1 no

Ginger garlic - 4 tblspns (Chopped finely)

Beans - 10 nos

Carrot - 1/2 no

Spring onion - 1 tspn(chopped) for garnishing - Optional

Coriander leaves - finely chopped

Red chilli powder - 1 tspn

Vinegar 1 tspn

Sugar a pinch
Tomato sauce - 1 tspn
Soya sauce - 1 tspn
Schezwan sauce - 2 tblspns
Salt as per taste

To make schezwan sauce - Grind

Soak 10-12 dry red chilli in hot water, remove seeds and grind to fine paste with 4-5 garlic pods. You can cook in oil till raw smell goes with salt and sugar 1/2 tspn.

Preparation Method

Wash basmati rice and pressure cook. Keep separately and cooled. This should be grainy consistency.

Cut onion, garlic, carrot, beans finely and keep aside.

Heat a wide wok/kadai on medium high, add oil, onion, a dry red chilli, chopped garlic, pinch of salt, sugar and saute till transparent.

Add carrot and beans. Saute for 1min.
Add the schezwan sauce, chilli powder and cook for 3-4 mins.

Add all sauces, saute till its half cooked.

Add rice and mix well. Check on salt. Toss for a minute add vinegar and off the stove.

Garnish with chopped spring onion/coriander.

Rice is ready, Serve hot with Tomato Ketchup or Manchurian gravy. 

PS - Your feedback is appreciated. Do try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.Thank you.