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Monday, November 29, 2010

Quinoa Pongal


Opting for a healthier choice, I have been replacing rice with cracked wheat for years now and somehow we don't miss the flavor of rice that much in those dishes. Recently, quinoa has been our newfound love. When cooked, quinoa is somewhat similar to cracked wheat in texture and flavor and so this grain is a perfect choice in many south Indian style preparations such as this pongal.

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup moong dal
6 cups water (I added 3 cups milk + 3 cups water)
1/8 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
1 Tbsp peppercorns
Salt to taste
For tadka: 3 Tbsp ghee (quantity can be increased to enhance the taste), 1 tsp peeled and grated ginger, 1 Tbsp cashews (optional), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp crushed pepper, few curry leaves

Method:
Depending upon the time factor, I choose to cook pongal either in a sturdy/nonstick pot or a pressure cooker. This time, I chose to cook the quinoa pongal in a sturdy pot.
The moong dal can be roasted till it turns light golden brown before adding it to the pot. However this step is entirely optional. My MIL used to prepare an awesome pongal with out roasting moong dal and so, naturally I skip this step.
 
One more look at the cooked quinoa pongal.

Wash the quinoa and moong dal thoroughly and drain the water. Add the washed quinoa & moong dal, turmeric powder, peppercorns to the pot and also add about 3 cups of water / milk and keep cooking on medium flame. Keep stirring in between and also add the remaining water as needed while the cooking progresses. Cook till the quinoa and the dal are done and add salt. It can be cooked further to attain a creamy consistency if desired. The consistency of the cooked pongal can be thick, creamy or a little watery depending upon one's preference.
Now heat ghee in a small pan and add the grated ginger. When it starts to turn brown, add the remaining tadka ingredients and saute for a few more seconds. Remove from heat, add it to the cooked pongal and mix well.
Ours was served with sambhar and chutney.


I am sending this to Kiran's CWF event, guest hosted by Priya Mitharwal of Mharo Rajasthan's Recipes this month with the theme Quinoa.

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Sunday, November 21, 2010

CFK - Festive Foods Roundup

CFK - Festive foods round up is here and I apologize for this delayed post. I was away & busy and could not do it sooner. I greatly appreciate Sharmi for giving me the opportunity to host this CFK event and thank each and everyone who took the pains to prepare dishes and send me their mouth watering entries that have turned this event into an yummylicious one. I had great fun hosting it. :)
Our wonderful motherland, India happens to be a peace-loving nation with different religions and cultures. It would be not wrong therefore if I mention that we live literally in a festive mood / mode most of the time and don't look forward specifically to one time frame and call it 'a joyful holiday season'. This event is one more proof of our love towards festivals and great food associated with it.
I have divided the entries into sweet and savory categories and have arranged the entries in an alphabetical order. Hopefully, there are plenty of ideas for the next festival / holiday on your calender.


Sweets / Mithai:

Almond Rock by Brinda


Apple Halwa by Kurinji


Badusha by Sreevalli


Beetroot Halwa by Akila


Besan Burfis by Sharmi


Besan Chakki by Harini - Jaya


Blackberry Pudding by Umm Mymoonah 


Boondi Ladoo by Kavita
 

 Carrot Halwa by Akila




Coconut Laddu by Kurinji




Coconut Sooji Burfi by Smitha


Dates Halwa by Priya


Dry Dates Burfi by Harini - Jaya


Easy Mishti Doi by Aparna Mallya


Eggless Banana Muffins by Smitha


Fresh Dates Laddu by Harini - Jaya


Ghatti Paramana by Swapna


Kaayi Holige by me


Kajjikayalu by Harini - Jaya


Kajjikayalu by me


Kaaju Kathli by Gayathri Kumar

Kalakand by Indrani


Kesari Pooran Poli by Sharmi


Microwave ABC Halwa by me


Milk Halwa by Kurinji


Moongdal Kheer by Preeti


Moongdal Laddu by Harini - Jaya


Pala Poli by Harini - Jaya


Paneer Jalebi by Sharmi


Paneer Laddu by Nidhya


Pista Shahi Rabri by Satyasree


Poppy Seeds Almond Basundi by Sangeetha


Quinoa Kheer by Harini - Jaya



Rasgulla by Srimathi


Rawa Kesari by Indrani


Rich Badam Halwa by Satyasree


Sakkarai Pongal by Sangeetha


Semiya Kesari by Gayathri Kumar


Sesame - Coconut Laddu by Sharmi


Sooji ka Halwa by Aqua


Steamed Rava Elaichi Cake by Shobana


Sweet Pongal by Akila


Thekua by notyet100


Vermicelli Kheer by Chitra Hegde


Savory Foods:

Aloo Sakarkandi Chat by Apu


Cabbage Pakodas by me


Cabbage - Semiya Cutlets by Harini - Jaya


Chekkalu by Sharmi


Fara by notyet100


Kappa Matar Patice by Preeti


Kodbale by me


Majjige Kodubale by Shruthi Hebbur


Masala Vadai by Akila


Murukku by Sreevalli


Nippattu by me


 Paalakayalu by CurrynKadai


Pesara Vada by Sharmi


Potato Cheese Balls by Sharmi


Sundal by Sangeetha


PJ's Sabudaana Vada


 Sabudana Vada by Kavitha


Spicy Poories by Sanjeeta


Vada by Sangeetha



If I have left out any of your entries, please let me know so that I could update them immediately.