Kodampuli Kollu Chaaru / Kodampuli Kollu Rasam

How about a diet/ medicinal/ weight loss recipe for this week's Organic Kitchen??? Yes, am happy to share a very healthy Rasam/ Soup recipe made with Kodampuli / Malabar Tamarind / Garcinia, that too from home grown trees..(yes I get Kodampuli from our Uncle's place in Mavelikara where they have this tree at their home garden).

Kodampuli (Cambodgia) / Malabar Tamarind is a natural Anti Oxidant and is often used as an alternative medicine for its admirable anti-colic action.

Cambodgia also popular natural weight loss aid, because of its rich content  hydroxycitric acid.
It suppresses appetite naturally and improve metabolic rate of the body. It controls the blood sugar levels and hence beneficial for diabetic patients. It also strengthens our digestive system and is used to treat gastric ulcers.

Now for the recipe:

The Ingredients

Step By Step 

The Recipe

Happy Cooking :) 

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 :) 

Herbal Cough Drops / Herbal Candies

Chennai is expecting another spell of rains and thundershowers. The current weather is very conducive for mosquitoes to breed in and the chances of infections like flu is still high. Thought of sharing a Herbal remedy for Sore Throat and Digestion related issues. I made this Herbal Cough Drops for my Mom who is suffering from severe cough and cold for the past few days. Made it very subtle with a unique blend of home grown herbs like Holy Basil, (Black and Green Both), Country Borage which are very very effective in treating sore throat along with Ginger, Pepper and Cloves (Clove is known to improve immune system and effective in treating head aches, aids in digestion too). It can be taken for digestion related problems as well as the ingredients helps to promote digestion. Why to go for Vicks and Halls when we can make them at home so easily with all local ingredients? Happy to share this.

Here is the recipe:

Happy Cooking :) 

Parsley Mango Ginger Rasam

Another rasam recipe to the Rasam Series here??? and that too with the exotic Parsley...Interesting it sounds..Is it not? Yes, a unique blend that I tried today with a fresh bunch of Parsley with flavourful Mango Ginger in a Toor Dhall base and lemon as souring agent. Absolutely tasted heaven and it is yet another recipe that got good validations from family members and my best critique,.. My Mom :) Happy to share this lovely recipe and for the benefits of Parsley, Please check my Parsley Mint Chammanthi post here.

Here is the recipe;

Happy Cooking :) 

Vallarai Spicy Rice Mix / Vallarai Podi

With North East Monsoons kicked off and Nada Cyclone Alert, we definitely are curious about the outcomes this season is going to bring about (remembering last year's disastrous period). Wanted to share some healthy spice mix powder, apt for this season to stock, with the very beneficial Vallarai Keerai / Pennywort Leaves, for this week's Organic Kitchen.

Asiatic pennywort or Indian pennywort / Vallari is another treasured herb which offers a bountiful of health benefits (often referred as Memory Booster). Botanically Centella asiatica . It can be easily grown in kitchen garden.

The Leaves are used in treating the problems like liver functioning,lungs and kidney disorders, and for regularizing blood circulation.

Since ages it has been considered as the best brain tonic for growing children. Presence of Nitric acid in the leaves is highly beneficial for brain activity. It aids in improving the concentration and helps to focus better.It also strengthen the optic nerves.

Vallarai extract is also used in treating Hair fall, hair thinning and other hair problems.It also helps to cure problems like indigestion, stomach pain or diarrhea.

Studies show that the extract of these leaves are helpful in treating hyperactivity in children and also to treat Alzheimer disease.

Used in treating Diabetes as these leaves has the potential to reduce the blood sugar level, and also used in treating constipation problem and stomach ulcers.

Taking 1tsp of shade dried and powdered Vallarai with warm milk before bed time will  kill the worms in the stomach.

Sharing a healthy rice mix with goodness of Vallarai, Horse gram, Pepper and Sesame Seeds.

Here you go for the recipe:

The Ingredients

Step By Step 

Recipe Card

Happy Cooking :) 

Tapioca Sweet and Savory Pancakes / Maravalli Kizhangu Inipu Adai, Kara Adai

This is my Mom's Signature recipe and my family's ever favorite which I had mentioned in my earlier post on my version of this delicacy here Golden Delights - Tapioca Sweet Paniyaram. This time I am sharing the original recipe from my Mom, both the Sweet and Savory Versions. This recipe is a must to have on Karthigai Deepam neivedhyam at my Mom's Place and I do follow that every year. A must to try recipe during Tapioca Season.

Here you go for the recipe directly, as I have mentioned about the nutritive aspects of Tapioca/Maravalli Kizhangu/ Kuchi Kizhangu / Kappa in my earlier post.

Happy Cooking :) 

Methi Leaves Lemon Rasam / Vendhaya Keerai Elumichai Rasam

For this week's Organic Kitchen, am going to share an excellent recipe with home grown Methi Leaves and Lemon. Its a very simple Rasam recipe but has huge health benefits. Methi Leaves are easy to grow in even your kitchen in a small container. It is good to include Methi leaves into our diet regularly to keep our system hale and healthy.

Methi / Fenugreek leaves are  used in treating Gastro Intestinal issues, as well as allergies or congestion of the upper respiratory zone.It also has great effect on the blood lipid levels and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Also it is well proven that Fenugreek lowers blood sugar levels of Type II diabetics by a huge percentage.It is rich in fibre and also nutrients that promote hair growth.

Here you go for the recipe:

Step By Step 

Happy Cooking :) 

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 :) 

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 :) 

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 :)