The area under the kitchen sink is to keep dishbars , liquid cleaners , dish cloths........
The area below the towel rod is to keep washing machine
Jan 26, 2009
Chicken curry
Ingredients
Chicken – 500 g ( medium size pieces , without skin, marinate chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder for 1 hour )
Onion ( finely sliced ) – 2
Tomato ( roughly or finely chopped ) - 1
Ginger -1 – inch piece ( chopped )
Garlic – 10 cloves ( chopped )
Curry leaves – 1 spring
Cooking oil – 2 teaspoon
Water – 1 cup
Salt to taste
You need only 4 spice powders
Chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
Turmeric powder -1/4 teaspoon
Pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Dilute above spice powders with 1 tablespoon of water and keep aside.
Method
Heat oil in a kadai. Add finely sliced onions and garlic and fry on a slow flame till light brown colour. Add chopped tomato and sauté well. Add ginger and curry leaves. Fry for 5 minutes. Add diluted spice powder. Saute well for 5- 8 minutes on a low flame. Add chicken pieces, salt to taste and 1 cup of water. Cover with a lid. Cook on a slow flame for 25 – 30 minutes. Gravy of this chicken curry is very delicious ( because it’s not spicy & cooked in 2 teaspoons of oil ) and it goes well with chapati / pulao/ rice / whole wheat bread.
Chicken – 500 g ( medium size pieces , without skin, marinate chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder for 1 hour )
Onion ( finely sliced ) – 2
Tomato ( roughly or finely chopped ) - 1
Ginger -1 – inch piece ( chopped )
Garlic – 10 cloves ( chopped )
Curry leaves – 1 spring
Cooking oil – 2 teaspoon
Water – 1 cup
Salt to taste
You need only 4 spice powders
Chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
Turmeric powder -1/4 teaspoon
Pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Dilute above spice powders with 1 tablespoon of water and keep aside.
Method
Heat oil in a kadai. Add finely sliced onions and garlic and fry on a slow flame till light brown colour. Add chopped tomato and sauté well. Add ginger and curry leaves. Fry for 5 minutes. Add diluted spice powder. Saute well for 5- 8 minutes on a low flame. Add chicken pieces, salt to taste and 1 cup of water. Cover with a lid. Cook on a slow flame for 25 – 30 minutes. Gravy of this chicken curry is very delicious ( because it’s not spicy & cooked in 2 teaspoons of oil ) and it goes well with chapati / pulao/ rice / whole wheat bread.
Tips for Tulsi plant
The ‘’ tulsi ‘’ is an extremely hardy plant , and grows best in warm temperatures with lots of sunlight. The soil should have a high humus content. Do not over water the plant and avoid heavy plucking of leaves.
And you can use this multifaceted plant to take care of the rest of the garden . Tulsi extract can be used as an insecticide and mosquito repellent. Soak 100 g of leaves in 1 litre of water overnight, blend , and sieve. Spray it on the plants.
And you can use this multifaceted plant to take care of the rest of the garden . Tulsi extract can be used as an insecticide and mosquito repellent. Soak 100 g of leaves in 1 litre of water overnight, blend , and sieve. Spray it on the plants.
Jan 25, 2009
Chicken Biryani ( Pressure cooker method )
Here's the recipe links of Easy Chicken Biryani & Malabar Chicken Biryani
Pressure Cooker Biryani
Cardamom – 4 ( broken )
Cloves -4
Cinnamon – 4 ( 1 – inch piece )
Star anise – 2
Cashew nuts ( broken ) – 10
Raisins – 10
Cooking oil – 2 teaspoon
Ghee – 2 teaspoon
For raita:
Onion – 2 ( chopped finely )
Tomato / cucumber – 2 ( chopped finely )
Thick curd – 1 cup
Salt to taste
Method
Pressure Cooker Biryani
Serves: 2 - 3
Ingredients
Chicken – 500 g
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Curd – 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder – 1/ 2 teaspoon
Marinate chicken with above ingredients for half an hour .
Basmati rice – 1 cup
Onion -3 ( finely sliced )
Tomato – 2 ( finely chopped )
Masala ingredients
Ginger – 2- inch piece
Garlic cloves – 10
Chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
Green chilli – 1
Coriander leaves ( chopped )- 2 teaspoon
Mint leaves ( chopped ) – 2 teaspoon
Make a smooth paste of ginger , garlic , green chilli and chilli powder. Finally add chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves. Just crush it.
Chicken – 500 g
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Curd – 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder – 1/ 2 teaspoon
Marinate chicken with above ingredients for half an hour .
Basmati rice – 1 cup
Onion -3 ( finely sliced )
Tomato – 2 ( finely chopped )
Masala ingredients
Ginger – 2- inch piece
Garlic cloves – 10
Chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
Green chilli – 1
Coriander leaves ( chopped )- 2 teaspoon
Mint leaves ( chopped ) – 2 teaspoon
Make a smooth paste of ginger , garlic , green chilli and chilli powder. Finally add chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves. Just crush it.
Whole spices
Cardamom – 4 ( broken )
Cloves -4
Cinnamon – 4 ( 1 – inch piece )
Star anise – 2
Cashew nuts ( broken ) – 10
Raisins – 10
Cooking oil – 2 teaspoon
Ghee – 2 teaspoon
For raita:
Onion – 2 ( chopped finely )
Tomato / cucumber – 2 ( chopped finely )
Thick curd – 1 cup
Salt to taste
Method
Mix all the ingredients together and serve with biryani.
1, Soak basmati rice for half an hour in water . Drain out water and spread it on kitchen towel for drying.2, In a kadai , heat cooking oil. Add finely sliced onion and fry on a medium flame till get golden colour.Add chopped tomato and sauté well for 3- 4 minutes. Add masala paste and sauté for 5- 8 minutes. Finally add marinated chicken pieces , salt to taste and ½ cup water. Cover with a lid and cook for till done ( cooking time approximately 15 – 20 minutes ).
Final preparation
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker on a slow flame. Add whole spices and sauté well. Add broken cashew nuts and raisins. Shallow fry till get a nice aroma of spices and golden colour of nuts and raisins. Add basmati rice. Shallow fry for 5-8 minutes on a slow flame. Add cooked chicken pieces, 1 glass chicken gravy + ½ glass water ( 1 cup basmati rice : 1 ½ glass water ; Mix remaining chicken gravy and water ). Add salt to taste. Close the cooker. Let the rice cook until 3 whistles. ( More than 3 whistles will overcook the rice ). Switch off gas flame. Allow the cooker to cool naturally. Serve chicken biryani with cucumber / tomato raita.
Jan 23, 2009
North Indian snacks from Adyar Ananda Bhavan - Chennai
Bhakarwadi ( Maharashtrian snack )
Adyar Ananda Bhavan Sweets & Snacks
Crispy samosa, Paneer Bonda, sweet chutney and green chutney
Paneer filling
Adyar Ananda Bhavan Sweets & Snacks
C- 42, 2 nd Avenue
Anna Nagar
Chennai # 42171328 / 23453048
Landmark - near Pizza Hut and 12 th Main Road
Next post ... Adyar Ananda Bhavan " Rasgulla, Rasmalai & Gulab Jamun "
Please wait....
Lifestyle Off Sale in Chennai ( Jan 2009 )
Lifestyle International Pvt. Ltd.,
Chennai City Centre, 10 & 11
Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai,
Mylapore,
Chennai - 600 004
Tel: 044 - 2847 7788
Visit here for more...
Jan 22, 2009
Dosa feast at Cholayil Sanjeevam - Chennai
Visit here for more natural health
Dosa feast at Cholayil Sanjeevanam
Over 60 Dosa Varities
From 23 rd Jan to 1 st Feb 2009
4 pm onwards
4 pm onwards
at
Cholayil Sanjeevanam
AMM Towers
Thiruvallur Road ( turn left from DAV Girls high school )
Mogappair
Chennai # 26243249 / 50 / 51
Landmark – opp Spartan School , above Karur Vysya Bank and opp Jerin supermarket
Other branches
No 15, Indira Nagar, 1 st Main road
Adyar # 65718423 / 24
Old no 45, New no 97
Nungambakkam High Road # 64508427 / 28
Nungambakkam
Landmark – near Nuts n’ Spices
Landmark – near Nuts n’ Spices
Jan 21, 2009
Baby's growth - Months 8, 9 , 10 , 11 and 12
Month 8
She begins to crawl rapidly and is brought up short only by solid objects.
She stands and leans against things.
She stands and puts one foot in front of the other.
She pushes away what she doesn’t want.
She is very attached to parents , shows fear of strangers.
She shouts for attention.
She doesn’t like confinement and shows her resentment.
She can pick up objects.
She claps and waves hands.
She tastes everything – edible or not.
She begins to crawl rapidly and is brought up short only by solid objects.
She stands and leans against things.
She stands and puts one foot in front of the other.
She pushes away what she doesn’t want.
She is very attached to parents , shows fear of strangers.
She shouts for attention.
She doesn’t like confinement and shows her resentment.
She can pick up objects.
She claps and waves hands.
She tastes everything – edible or not.
Month 9
She can stand holding onto objects.
She can turn around while crawling.
She can hide and find toys.
She will remember something which she saw the previous day.
She is able to follow simple instructions.
She chooses the toy she wants to play with.
She begins to evaluate people’s moods.
She performs for a delighted audience and is delighted by applause !!!.
Month 10
She can raise herself to standing position.
She walks holding on with both hands.
She sits down from standing position.
She imitates other’s action.
She picks up one word and repeats it constantly.
She can understand and obey some commands.
She opens drawers.
She enjoys playing in water.
She starts actively seeking approval from adults.
She shows signs of moods.
She fears strange places and the dark.
She sways in response to music.
She begins to learn to play hide and seek.
Month 11
She may lean over while standing.
She is able to stand on her toes.
She squats and stoops.
She enjoys simple games.
She shows guilt and responds to verbal chastisement.
She will turn pages of books , sometimes in a clump.
She is able to pick up minute objects.
She can lift lids from boxes.
She learns to connect words and meanings.
She speaks gibberish – interspersed with a few intelligible sounds.
Month 12
Now she can walk , stand and cruise.
She may climb out of her crib.
She attempts to climb up and down stairs.
She learns to play correctly with the blocks.
She prefers one hand over the other.
She resists napping , starts to throw tantrums.
She ‘’ mothers’’ her doll or teddy bear.
She can say a few words.
She identifies animals and books.
Jan 11, 2009
Ghee Rice / Neichoru ( Pressure cooker method )
You will need
Basmati Rice – 1 cup
Water – 1 ½ cup
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Cloves – 4 nos
Cardamom- 4 nos
Basmati Rice – 1 cup
Water – 1 ½ cup
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Cloves – 4 nos
Cardamom- 4 nos
Star anise - 1
Cinnamon stick – 3 sticks ( 1 – inch )
Cashew nuts ( broken ) – 10 nos
Raisins – 10 nos
Ghee – 2 teaspoon
Cinnamon stick – 3 sticks ( 1 – inch )
Cashew nuts ( broken ) – 10 nos
Raisins – 10 nos
Ghee – 2 teaspoon
Method
1, Soak the rice for about 15 minutes.
2, Strain the rice and spread it on a kitchen towel for drying.
3, In a pressure cooker , heat ghee for about a minute. Add cloves , cardamom, star anise , cinnamon, broken cashew nuts and raisins . Saute on a slow flame for 5- 8 minutes ( till you get a nice aroma of spices and golden color of cashew nuts and raisins ).
4, Add rice and sauté again for 5 – 8 minutes. Add water and salt and cover the pressure cooker.
5, Let the rice cook until 3 whistles.
6, Switch off the gas flame. Keep the pressure cooker to cool for some time. Open and serve with Chicken curry / Mutton curry….
Tip : More than 3 whistle will overcook the rice.
Discount Sale in Chennai ( Jan 2009 )
1, Pantaloons upto 55 % off
Nelson Manickam Road and Spencer Plaza
2,Wills Lifestyle upto 60 % off
Khader Nawaz Khan Road ,
Nungambakkam & City Centre - Mylapore
3, United Colors of Benetton upto 50 % (17 th & 18 th Jan )
Nungambakkam # 65719580 / 81 , Anna Nagar # 43500588
4, Marks & Spencer upto 70 % off
HM Centre, Nungambakkam # 42317936
5, Lilliput upto 50 % off
Phase 1 , Spencer Plaza
282/ 1, TTK Road , Alwarpet
C- 31, 2 nd Avenue , Anna Nagar
6, WELLHOME upto 70 % off for furnishings ( bed, bath , living and home accessories )
Alwarpet ,Velachery and Purasaiwalkam
Natural face packs and moisturisers
Here’s quick pack for your face that you can apply 15 minutes before you take bath.
Beauty mask for dry skin
1 egg
1 teaspoon honey1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Few drops of rose water
Normal skin type
1 eggs yolk
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
Few drops of rose water
Few drops of lime juice
Honey and egg moisturizer
1 teaspoon honey
1 egg yolk
2 to 5 drops of pure olive oil
Mix all the ingredients and beat well for 2- 3 minutes. Spread the mixture all over your body and leave for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse off and get a radiant and naturally moisturized skin.
Honey and coconut moisturizing treatment
1 cup fresh grated coconut
2 tablespoon ground rice
2 tablespoon coconut milk
25 ml coconut oil
Mix them and massage your skin with the mixture to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Wrap up in a towel for 10 minutes. Remove the mixture with the warm water , damp cloth to reveal soft and smooth skin.
Himalayan Honey and Rose Facial
A blend of sandalwood and rose essential oil is applied on the face with pure Himalayan honey massaged into skin. A cucumber mask is apply to conclude the invigorating beauty treatment. This is a stimulating experience and makes your skin naturally radiant.
1 teaspoon honey
1 egg yolk
2 to 5 drops of pure olive oil
Mix all the ingredients and beat well for 2- 3 minutes. Spread the mixture all over your body and leave for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse off and get a radiant and naturally moisturized skin.
Honey and coconut moisturizing treatment
1 cup fresh grated coconut
2 tablespoon ground rice
2 tablespoon coconut milk
25 ml coconut oil
Mix them and massage your skin with the mixture to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Wrap up in a towel for 10 minutes. Remove the mixture with the warm water , damp cloth to reveal soft and smooth skin.
Himalayan Honey and Rose Facial
A blend of sandalwood and rose essential oil is applied on the face with pure Himalayan honey massaged into skin. A cucumber mask is apply to conclude the invigorating beauty treatment. This is a stimulating experience and makes your skin naturally radiant.
ColorPlus end of season Sale in Chennai ( Jan 2009 )
16 th Jan onwards
Colorplus Showrooms
3, Apex Plaza ( Opp Ispahani Centre )
Nungambakkam
Chennai
Ph # 45008515
Phase 2, Spencer Plaza,
Chennai
Ph #42610056
No.10 , Panagal Park
T Nagar
Chennai
Ph #24343434
Find out here more colors...
Globus Sale in Chennai ( Jan 2009 )
Globus Stores Pvt Limited
113/114 Sir Theyagaraya Road,
Meena Kampala Arcade
T-Nagar,
Chennai -
Ph: 044 -28155058 / 59 /28151386
Find out here more.....
Globus Stores Pvt Limited
36, Lattice Bridge Road
Adyar,
Chennai -
Ph: 044-24466274 / 044-24466780
Pongal Dishes 2009
Happy Pongal
I prepared some humble Pongal Dishes. Would like to share these photos and recipes.
Top with 1 tsp of mustard seeds and curry leaves fried in a little oil.
Rawa Kesari
I prepared some humble Pongal Dishes. Would like to share these photos and recipes.
Ven Pongal
Sambar
Sambar Recipe
Cook 350g of vegetables of your choice. Keep aside.
Cook 75g of Toor dal in 1 ltr of water, with 1 tsp refined veg oil and a pinch of turmeric.
Add cooked vegetables, tamarind juice and salt to taste.
Cook 75g of Toor dal in 1 ltr of water, with 1 tsp refined veg oil and a pinch of turmeric.
Add cooked vegetables, tamarind juice and salt to taste.
Add 3-4 tbsp MTR Sambar powder and a little jaggery if desired. Boil for 8-10 min.
Top with 1 tsp of mustard seeds and curry leaves fried in a little oil.
Vegetable Medu Vada
Rawa Kesari
Here's the recipe
