Karupu Kavuni Arisi Inippu / Black Rice Sweet - A Delicacy of Chettinad

Black Rice / Karupu Kavuni Arisi is truly a Miracle Rice and an ancient Rice Variety, that is mostly used by Chettinad people to make sweets and desserts. It is loaded with health benefits and is rich in almost 18 Amino Acids that are essential for our body. It has good amount of Zinc, Copper and Iron. Also it is rich in Anthocyanins - "AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY HAS SHOWN, A SPOONFUL OF BLACK RICE CONTAINS MORE ANTHOCYANIN ANTIOXIDANTS THAN A SPOONFUL OF BLUEBERRIES"

Here is a simple and yet delicious, easy to make sweet using this rice. Am happy to get this rice from a known Organic farm directly along with other Heirloom Varieties of Rice and the Coconut is also from my native home garden. 

Happy Cooking :) 

Baby Jackfruit Masala / Palakaai Masala

Palakaai Masala / Baby Jackfruit Masala is a Chettinaad special which I learnt from my mother. Even she does a flavourful Kuzhambu with this. Baby Jackfruit resembles Mutton Pieces in texture and it is called as the Vegetarian's Meat by my Mom :) Happy to share another recipe of her in my space.

Here is the recipe:

Happy Cooking :) 

Vazhaithandu Vadai / Plantain Pith / Plantain Stem Vadai

For this week Organic Kitchen, the ingredient is a fiber rich one. Vazhaithandu (Plantain Pith / Plantain Stem in English) is also referred to as Fiber of Health. The Banana stem contains many nutrients that are vital for a healthy body.

Having the Banana stem in our foods will prevent constipation and ulcer, as it contains sufficient fiber for our body.It is a rich source of fibre and helps in weight loss. The high fibre content creates a feeling of satiation and reduces the intake of food and hence a part of diet plans.

 It also helps ease constipation. Banana stem is rich in potassium and vitamin B6 just like the fruit. Vitamin B6 helps in production of hemoglobin and insulin. Also it improves the ability of the body to fight infection. Potassium helps in the proper functioning of muscles, including the cardiac muscles. It also helps prevent high blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance within the body. Banana stem is said to be a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. It is used prevent and treat kidney stones.

Here is a recipe of Vada with this excellent fiber rich ingredient. This recipe is very popular in Chettinad.

Happy Cooking :) 

 

Pidi Karunai Masiyal / Mashed Yam

Pidi Karunai is called Yam in English. Botanically it belongs to the Genus of Dioscoria which forms the edible tubers. It is often confused with Elephant Foot Yam which is called Senai/ Chenai in Tamil. Sepankizhangu is called Taro which is different.

Yam is a crunchy edible tuber which is a good source of energy and dietary fibre.

Dietary fiber help reduce constipation, decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines and lower colon cancer risk. It also regulates steady rise in blood sugar levels.
It is an excellent source of vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C. Vitamin C play some important roles as anti-aging, immune function booster, wound healing, and bone growth.It also has considerable amount of Vitamin A.

It is a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.It is used in many Ayurvedic preparations and is a best medicine for treating Piles and Constipation.

This Mashed Yam recipe is a delicious accompaniment with South Indian Gravies like Sambar and Rasam. Also goes well with Curd Rice.