Kothamalli Thogayal / Fresh Coriander Chutney

Nothing can beat the smell of Cilantro / Kothamalli in Indian cooking.  Here is my version of kothamalli thogayal.  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

Kothamalli / Fresh Coriander / Cilantro -  1 cup (with stem)

Tamarind paste - 1 TBSP

Oil - 1 TBSP

Salt - to taste

To roast:

Urad dal / Ulutham paruppu - 2 TBSP

Red chilli - 1

Green chilli - 1

Black pepper - 1/2 tsp

Ginger - small piece

Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp

Peanuts - 2 TBSP (optional)

Method:

1. Heat oil in a skillet and fry all the ingredients in the roast list to golden brown.  Let it cool.
2. Grind the roasted ingredients with salt and tamarind past with little water to a coarse paste.
3. Now add the kothamalli/ fresh coriander and grind until well incorporated.

Brownie in a Cup

No big pans, no pre-heating the oven, no cutting, no need to make dozens and more importantly no temptations.  This easy breezy brownie takes less than 5 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

All Purpose flour - 4 TBSP
Sugar - 4 TBSP
Unsweetened Coco powder - 2 TBSP
pinch of salt
Vegetable oil - 2 TBSP
Water - 2 TBSP
Vanilla extract - 1/4 tsp
Chocolate chips (Optional)

Method:

1. Take your favorite coffee mug (12oz or larger).
2. Mix in all the dry ingredients.
3. Add in water, oil and vanilla extract.  Mix throughly.
4. Microwave on high for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes.
5. Wait for a minute before you dig in right from the mug.
6. That's it!  Enjoy!!

 Have a great weekend!!!

Fruity, Veggie, Peanut Salad

This healthy, protein packed salad is very easy to make and tastes heavenly. All you need is some peanuts, some spices, lots of veggies and fruits.


My nephew K completed the board of review for his eagle scout and is now officially an Eagle.  There will be a Court of Honor ceremony on Sunday, where he will receive his badge.  My sister had asked me to send her some simple salad recipes  to serve at the reception after the ceremony.  So I made this yummy salad for her.  A, this tastes absolutely delicious. Congratulations K and enjoy your day!

Method:
Boil the peanuts with or without the skin in a pressure cooker with some water.  Cook for 3 whistles or till tender. Use chick peas, if you are allergic to nuts. Cut, chop and grate the vegetables and fruits.  You can use green pepper, red pepper, cucumber, carrot, tomato, green apple and  pear.  Mix in the peanuts.  Add salt, pepper, chat masala and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Squeeze in some lemon juice.  Mix well.  Leave it for 15 minutes and serve.

I am also sending this to Divya's show me your salad event.