Puzhungal Arisi Poondu Vendhaya Kanji / Fenugreek Garlic Rice Porridge

Another recipe from my Grandma's treasure trove and my most favorite one all time. A very common and most loved recipe in our family and is the best food when anyone is sick at home. This is a soothing and healthy recipe with very simple ingredients. Best and must for Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, in general all women due to the addition of Fenugreek, Garlic and Cumin Seeds. When taken hot, the unique aroma that is imparted by the Garlic and fenugreek will be so fulfilling and a wholesome food, above all it is so addictive :)

Garlic has the ability to combat sickness and has lot of medicinal properties. It is rich in Vitamin B6 and C and minerals like Selenium, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium and Iron. It has almost all the nutrients that our body needs. It is also known to reduce high blood pressure levels, lowers cholesterol level and protect us from  heart diseases. It also known to improve bone health and is rich in antioxidants.

Fenugreek reduces inflammations inside body and is rich in fibre. It improves digestion, increases milk production in lactating mothers.

Here is the simplest yet healthiest recipe to relish :)

Happy Cooking :) 

Kalyana Murungai / Mullu Murungai Vadai

Yet another healthy and medicinal recipes from the treasure trove of recipes by my Grandma, Mullu Murungai Vadai is what I am going to share this week. Got some fresh leaves again from my Native Home Garden to make this hot, steaming, spicy Vadai.

Kalyana Murungai/ Mullu Murungai in Tamil and Indian Coral Tree in English (Botanically Erythrina variegata) is a leguminous tree. It can be grown with even a small stump of this tree. It bears heart shaped leaves with three leaves in a stalk. The flowers are bright red in colour and hence the name Indian Coral Tree. The roots of the trees has nodules with nitrogen fixing symbiotic bacteria and hence it helps in fixing nitrogen in the soil. The leaves of this trees are excellent medicine and is a rich source of rare vitamins, minerals. It is also a rich source of Iron, Calcium and dietary fibre.
Along with Pepper, it helps in curing bad cold and cough. When taken with Garlic, it increases the Red Blood Cells in our body and hence acts as a medicine for anaemia. It is also proven to regulate irregular periods. The Juice of this leaves is used in treated skin allergies and disorders. It aids ion treating high blood pressure, diabetes and nervous system disorders.Even it is proven to be used in weight reduction diet programs.

Here you go for the recipe :)

The Leaves

The Flowers

Ingredients

Step By Step 

The Recipe

Happy Cooking :) 

PanangKizhangu Thenagi Paal Payasam / Palm Sprouts Coconut Milk Kheer

Advance Pongal Festival Wishes to all and this week being very special for us as we celebrate our traditional festival, thought of sharing some native dessert using a fibre rich ingredient. Yes it is a delicacy using Palm Sprouts/ PanangKizhangu with Palm Jaggery and Coconut Milk. A very nutritious recipe that is made in native areas even now. Being the season of PanangKizhangu, it will be a good opportunity to try this out. Am really blessed to have relatives living in Village sides and doing farming hence I get these products from farms during every season.

Plamyrah tree is a miracle tree referred to as Karpaga Vriksham, as every part of it beneficial to mankind.One such product is the Palmyra sprout/Palmyra Tuber.It is the sprouts of Palm seeds.Normally each palm fruit will have three seeds and these seeds are planted in specially made soil nursery beds to sprout. In 3 to 4 months the seeds starts to grow. These seedlings below the surface are lifted out. This is called Panang kizhangu and is used in many ways.The fleshy stems are edible and are eaten roasted or boiled in Village Sides. We do get them in Chennai too during this season. This sprout is very nutritious and rich in fibre. Even Diabetic patients can have the boiled tuber.

Here you go for the recipe:

Ingredients

Step By Step 

 The Recipe

Happy Pongal and May this festival brings in Prosperity to all :) 

Whole Black Gram Dosa / Mulu Ulundhu Dosa

Its yet another long pending recipe that was in my bucket list to be shared here. Nothing new or innovative but one of those forgotten recipe/ more I would say the form of Urd Dhall being used I would say. Its Whole Black Gram Dosa Batter. I have seen my grandma and mom using only whole Urd Dhall for Idly Dosa Batter during my childhood days..as years passed by we moved to the polished and deskinned Urd Dhall for the fact that we get more white idlies. For many health aspects, we are getting back to our age old methods and recipes and this is one such which harnesses the benefits of Black Gram completely.

For benefits and nutrition aspects of Black Gram, please check my Karupu Ulundhu Vendhaya Kali Recipe.

Here you go for the recipe of the batter.

Tip: Use Gingelly oil to make dosas as it enhances the flavour and taste and serve with Garlic Chutney or any Spicy Chutneys.

Happy Cooking :) 

Sukku Kashayam / Dry Ginger Concoction

When I was thinking of what should I post for this Thursday's Organic Kitchen, I came across the recipe of my grandma in a notebook which am keeping as treasure (I slowly recollected all that she taught me and have written down in a notebook). Even though I make this often, I never published it here, for the fact that the recipe being very simple and easy one. Yet it is very effective against almost many of the ailments and is the best home based herbal remedy for headache, cold, flu, cough and indigestion. Yes, it is our simple humble Sukku Kashayam an integral part of Paati Vaithyam  :)

Dry Ginger is an excellent medicine and it has numerous benefits. It fight against bacterial infection, reduce obesity, purify liver and blood. It is also proven to be effective against tooth ache, throat infection, cure acidity problems, improves immunity and above all prevents stroke.

Here you go for the recipe.

Step By Step 

The Recipe 

Have a Healthy Weekend :) 

Angaya Podi / Angaya Rice Mix - A Must Have Medicinal Recipe

This week for Organic Kitchen, am sharing a very healthy, medicinal and must to have recipe in every household. If we have this on a regular basis, we can get rid off many of the health issues, be it digestion related or any bodily infections. Even it is good for Cold and Fever. I always stock this powder, and a spoon of this with a dollop of home made ghee or gingelly oil mixed to hot rice before we take our lunch, greatly improves digestion. This is one of the long forgotten recipes of Tamil Cuisine and it is an integral part of Pathiya Saapadu for women post delivery. It has all the herbally nutritive ingredients that helps to heal us internally and flush out toxins off our system. There are various versions of this recipe available with Manithakkali Vathal, Kandanthippili etc., I have given here a very basic recipe with ingredients that are easily available.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

 Step By Step 

Happy Cooking :) 

Mooligai Kashayam / Herbal Concoction

Its Thursday again and it calls for some organic recipes. Being very weak and dull due to bad Cold and Flu which I contracted two days before, I thought its best time to share the Herbal Concoction which we normally consume during such illness. Not only my Grandma, my Mother in law as well recommends this rather allopathy medicines. So its more a family recipe and here I have enhanced it with Lemon Grass which is not a part of the original recipe of my grandma. I have carefully selected all the ingredients and almost 80% of them being home grown, including Pepper. This concoction is very effective in treating Cold and Cough and gives a great relief from nasal irritation, body pain and high temperature which are the symptoms of flu. The weather that prevails is not so conducive and we are prone to flu and cold. Hope this recipe comes handy and on time.

To list out few among the enormous benefits of the ingredients I have used in this recipe ;

Karpooravalli is very effective in treating common cold that too in children. Consuming fresh leaves will also gives a great relief. Also it helps in treating constipation.As per Ayurveda, Tulsi has lots of potent germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that aids in treating all kinds of fever, be it caused due to common infections to those caused due to malaria as well.Again it has anti fertility properties, hence recommended in moderate doses in women.

Karunthulasi is an excellent herb that improves the immune system and helps in developing resistance against common cold and fever. It strengthens the Lungs and protects it from dehydration due to cold. It treats Sinusitis as well.

Black pepper is as an effective natural remedy to prevent cough and cold. It is loaded with lots of essential nutrients like vitamin C, flavonoids, antioxidants and it has antibacterial properties.It loosens up the phlegm and helps us to breath easily.

Neem flower is known for its anti-bacterial property which helps in curing allergic cold.It also helps in blood detoxification and purifies the body internally, for any infections.It improves blood circulation and improves immunity.

Lemongrass is a miraculous herb which has many beneficial medicinal properties.Lemongrass has antibacterial and anti fungal properties that helps our body fight against coughs, fever and other cold and flu symptoms. It has lots of vitamin C that boosts our immune system to fight the infection.Lemongrass oil to relieve pain in muscles and joints, as well as headaches resulting from a cold or the flu.
It is very effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm buildup, which can alleviate problems with breathing.No wonder it is referred to as Fever Grass.

Cumin is rich in Vitamin C and has anti-fungal properties. These help to cure cold and other respiratory problems.

Coriander seeds contain nearly 30% of the everyday recommended measure of vitamin C for our body, which helps in curing cold and flu.

Betel leaf is very helpful in treating respiratory problems. It helps to treat cough and cold. It gives much relief from chest and lung congestion and asthma. It even helps to cure breathing problems. It is loaded with antibiotics that ease phlegm and also reduce the inflammation caused due to constant coughing.

Dry Ginger is well known for its  curative properties and is effective against Common Cold and Sinusitis.

Palm Jaggery is a cleansing agent for our body and effectively cleans the respiratory tracts.It is used since ancient times to treat problems like dry cough, common cold and asthma.

Turmeric powder is an effective home remedy for chronic cough, cold and throat irritations. It is very effective in treating asthma.

Here is the recipe :

Have a Healthy Week :) 

Karupu Ulundhu Vendhaya Kali

Am going to share my ever favorite, healthy and long forgotten recipe from my Grandma's Recipes. This one being a regular food atleast once in a week, especially on the days when we take Oil bath. Also it is given to girl children when they attain puberty to strengthen their hip bones and it is considered to be a high protein food. Yes it is, Karupu Ulundhu Vendhaya Kali.This recipe has the unique blend of Blackgram, Fenugreek, Palm Jaggery and Sesame oil which makes it a nutritious, wholesome food.

Black gram has protein, fat, and carbohydrates which is required by our body. It is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B. It is also good for women as it has iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium which makes it a healthy pulse. It is rich in fibre which makes it easy to digest and benefits the health as it is good for the heart. Consumption of Black gram helps to reduce cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health.

Fenugreek contains wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. Fenugreek also contains a number of powerful phytonutrients. It is known to control Diabetes and reduces the risk of Cardiovascular diseases.It is good for lactating mothers and also those who are in menopause phase. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer. It has high amount of dietary fibre (98%) and Protein (46%).

Sesame seed oil is a potent antioxidant and one of the healthiest alternatives to normal vegetable oil options.It is rich in zinc, which is one of the most important minerals in the body for your skin.It contains a wide range of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including sesamol and sesamin and thereby keep the cardiovascular system balanced and cholesterol levels low. Hence it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.It has abundance of copper, zinc, and calcium, and these three minerals are integral to bone growth in the body. It prevents the incidence of Osteoporisis on ageing.Helps in better Skin and Hair health and prevents Colo Rectal Cancer.

Palm jaggery is rich in essential minerals. According to some studies, it has 60 times more minerals than white sugar. It is also the storehouse of many vitamins.Regular consumption increases hemoglobin level and treats anemia. It is rich in Magnesium, which regulates the nervous system. High antioxidant content of this natural sweetener helps to protect body cells from damages caused by free radicals. It is equally rich in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

We can keep listing out the humongous benefits of this recipe...It is also recommended for Kids from 5 years of age.

Here you go for the recipe

Step By Step Illustration

Happy Cooking :) 

Thudhuvalai Podi / Thudhuvalai Rice Mix

Thudhuvalai is called Purple Fruited Pea Egg Plant and it has lot of medicinal benefits. I have already shared a flavourful Rasam Recipe in my page here. Its Botanically called Solanum trilobatum as it has three lobed leaves and belongs to the family of Brinjal. It is used in many Ayurvedic and Siddha preparations to cure Asthma and Tuberculosis, and prolonged cold and cough. It is also known to have antimitotic properties (preventing cell division in tumerous cells) and hence acts as anticancerous agent as well. It has well pronounced anti bacterial and anti fungal properties too.

For this week's Organic Kitchen, I am sharing a very easy yet healthy rice mix using this medicinal leaves. This can be taken with hot steamed rice as well as with Idly and Dosa. This can be sprinkled in any of your curries to get the benefits of this leaves.

Step By Step Pictures

Happy Cooking :) 

Betel Leaves Rasam / Vetrilai Rasam

Wondering what is there for this week's Organic Kitchen? An amazing medicinal plant which has innumerable uses in Indian Medicine, Yes, It is...

Betel Leaves / Vetrilai 

Scientifically Piper betle

Betel Plant is a vine with heart shaped lush leaves which are edible. It is used widely in Ayurveda preparations due to its immense medicinal benefits.

It is proven to have anti cancerous properties. Betel Leaves increases secretion of the digestive juices and hence aid in better digestion. It also destroys parasites of intestine.

It increases the rate of metabolism and therefore helps in weight loss. It is commonly used in Indian household for treating cold and cough. This is made into concoction and given to children to get a relief from severe cold.

Betel Leaves has lot of antiseptic and anti fungal properties. Betel Leaves Juice is used in treating wounds and infections. The Juice taken internally gives a great relief from gastric pain.

Today I am sharing with you an age old and excellent Rasam Recipe using this amazing betel leaves. I have added more Garlic here which enhances the health benefits.A best remedy for cold.

Step By Step Illustration

Happy Cooking :)