Welcome to a space where the timeless tastes of Kerala meet the inspirations of global cuisine. From the earthy aroma of black pepper and cardamom to the richness of olive oil, cheese, and pasta, this blog celebrates the art of blending tradition with innovation. Here, you’ll find authentic Kerala recipes, international classics with a Kerala twist, and culinary stories that connect cultures across the table.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
ARABIC CHICKEN BIRIYANI BAKED IN OVEN
INGREDIENTS
WHOLE CHICKEN - 1; CUT INTO 6 PIECES
SALT- 1 TABLESPOON
CURRY POWDER- 1 TABLESPOON- explained below
GROUND BLACK PEPPER- 1/4 TABLESPOON
GROUND TURMERIC - 1/2 TABLESPOON
CARDAMOM PODS- 4
CLOVES- 4
PEPPER- 6
BAY LEAF- 1
CINNAMON STICK - 1
ONION- 1; FINELY CHOPPED
TOMATO - 1 ; CHOPPED
GARLIC- 2 CLOVES, CRUSHED
GINGER- 2 TABLESPOONS; GRATED
GREEN PEAS- 1/2 ;COOKED
CARROT- 1 ; SLICED
POTATO- 1; CHOPPED
TOMATO PASTE- 1 TABLESPOON
YOGURT- 1/4 CUP
WATER- 1/4 CUP
CORIANDER/ PARSELY LEAVES- 1/4 CUP ; FINELY CHOPPED
BASMATI RICE - 3 CUPS
SAFFRON - A PINCH ; SOAKED IN 1/4 CUP ROSE WATER
OLIVE OIL
CURRY POWDER
CORIANDER SEEDS- 2 TABLESPOONS
CUMIN SEEDS- 2 TABLESPOONS
GROUND TURMERIC - 2 TABLESPOONS
CHILLI POWDER- 1 TABLESPOON
GROUND GINGER - 1 TABLESPOON
GROUND CARDAMOM - 1/2 TABLESPOON
BLEND ALL TO A FINE POWDER
PREPARATION
SAUTE ONION WITH OLIVE OIL
ADD GINGER. GARLIC AND WHOLE SPICES
FRY FOR 5 MINUTES
ADD CHICKEN, AND GROUND SPICES
COOK TILL CHICKEN IS BROWN IN COLOUR
ADD CHOPPED TOMATO , TOMATO PASTE, YOGURT AND WATER
COOK FOR 30 MINUTES IN LOW FLAME
MEANWHILE INA SMALL PAN SHALLOW FRY POTATO AND CARROT
ADD THIS TO COOKED CHICKEN MIXTURE
COOK FOR 5 MINUTES
NOW ADD GREEN PEAS
COOK TILL ALL VEGETABLES ARE TENDER
PREPARING RICE
IN A VESSEL , BOIL WATER WITH 1 TABLESPOON SALT AND 1 TABLESPOON OIL
ADD RICE
BOIL FOR 8 MINUTES
DRAIN WATER
IN A DEEP PAN, COVER THE BOTTOM WITH HALF THE COOKED RICE AND HALF OF SAFFRON AND ROSE WATER MIXTURE OVER THE RICE
ARRANGE CHICKEN MASALA ON TOP OF RICE
COVER IT WITH REST OF RICE
POUR ROSE WATER ALL OVER THE RICE
SPRINKLE CHOPPED LEAVES
COVER WITH ALUMINIUM FOIL PAPER
PREHEAT OVEN TO 180 DEGREE CELSIUS OR 350 F
BAKE FOR 20 - 25 MINUTES
ARABIC CHICKEN BIRIYANI
INGREDIENTS
WHOLE CHICKEN - 1; CUT INTO 6 PIECES
SALT- 1 TABLESPOON
CURRY POWDER- 1 TABLESPOON- explained below
GROUND BLACK PEPPER- 1/4 TABLESPOON
GROUND TURMERIC - 1/2 TABLESPOON
CARDAMOM PODS- 4
CLOVES- 4
PEPPER- 6
BAY LEAF- 1
CINNAMON STICK - 1
ONION- 1; FINELY CHOPPED
TOMATO - 1 ; CHOPPED
GARLIC- 2 CLOVES, CRUSHED
GINGER- 2 TABLESPOONS; GRATED
GREEN PEAS- 1/2 ;COOKED
CARROT- 1 ; SLICED
POTATO- 1; CHOPPED
TOMATO PASTE- 1 TABLESPOON
YOGURT- 1/4 CUP
WATER- 1/4 CUP
CORIANDER/ PARSELY LEAVES- 1/4 CUP ; FINELY CHOPPED
BASMATI RICE - 3 CUPS
SAFFRON - A PINCH ; SOAKED IN 1/4 CUP ROSE WATER
OLIVE OIL
CURRY POWDER
CORIANDER SEEDS- 2 TABLESPOONS
CUMIN SEEDS- 2 TABLESPOONS
GROUND TURMERIC - 2 TABLESPOONS
CHILLI POWDER- 1 TABLESPOON
GROUND GINGER - 1 TABLESPOON
GROUND CARDAMOM - 1/2 TABLESPOON
BLEND ALL TO A FINE POWDER
PREPARATION
SAUTE ONION WITH OLIVE OIL
ADD GINGER. GARLIC AND WHOLE SPICES
FRY FOR 5 MINUTES
ADD CHICKEN, AND GROUND SPICES
COOK TILL CHICKEN IS BROWN IN COLOUR
ADD CHOPPED TOMATO , TOMATO PASTE, YOGURT AND WATER
COOK FOR 30 MINUTES IN LOW FLAME
MEANWHILE INA SMALL PAN SHALLOW FRY POTATO AND CARROT
ADD THIS TO COOKED CHICKEN MIXTURE
COOK FOR 5 MINUTES
NOW ADD GREEN PEAS
COOK TILL ALL VEGETABLES ARE TENDER
PREPARING RICE
IN A VESSEL , BOIL WATER WITH 1 TABLESPOON SALT AND 1 TABLESPOON OIL
ADD RICE
BOIL FOR 8 MINUTES
DRAIN WATER
IN A DEEP PAN, COVER THE BOTTOM WITH HALF THE COOKED RICE AND HALF OF SAFFRON AND ROSE WATER MIXTURE OVER THE RICE
ARRANGE CHICKEN MASALA ON TOP OF RICE
COVER IT WITH REST OF RICE
POUR ROSE WATER ALL OVER THE RICE
SPRINKLE CHOPPED LEAVES
COVER WITH ALUMINIUM FOIL PAPER
COOK IN LOW FLAME FOR 30 MINUTES
BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS IN OTG OVEN
Crispy & Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets in OTG Oven – A Perfect Snack for All Ages
Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets? Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and utterly satisfying! But instead of deep-frying, why not bake them in your OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) for a healthier version that still packs all the flavor and crunch?
This Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe is easy, quick, and perfect for kids’ tiffins, evening snacks, or a party appetizer. Let’s dive into this guilt-free comfort food!
✅ Why Bake Instead of Frying?
Baking in the OTG oven reduces the oil content while retaining the crispiness and flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken nuggets without worrying about excess fats, making it a lighter alternative that’s still delicious.
🥘 Ingredients
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500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
-
2 tbsp cornflour or all-purpose flour
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1 egg, beaten
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp paprika or red chili powder
-
½ tsp black pepper powder
-
1 tsp mixed herbs (optional)
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Salt – to taste
-
1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
🍴 How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets
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Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt, and herbs. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors soak in. -
Coat the nuggets
Set up a three-step coating station:-
First, coat the chicken in flour or cornflour.
-
Next, dip it into the beaten egg.
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Finally, roll it in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
-
-
Prepare the OTG tray
Line the baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the coated chicken pieces spaced apart. -
Brush for extra crisp
Lightly brush the nuggets with olive oil or melted butter to help them turn golden and crispy. -
Bake it
Preheat the OTG to 200°C (392°F). Bake the nuggets for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Flip them halfway through baking for even crispness. -
Serve hot
Serve with ketchup, garlic dip, or your favorite sauce.
🌟 Tips for the Best Baked Nuggets
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Use fresh chicken breast for juicier results.
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Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunchy texture.
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Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or coriander for more flavor.
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Serve immediately for the crispiest experience!
🧑🍳 Serving Ideas
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Pack in lunch boxes with a side of fresh veggies.
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Pair with homemade dips like garlic yogurt sauce or mint chutney.
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Make a platter with fries, coleslaw, and fresh greens for a family meal.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Baked chicken nuggets made in an OTG oven are a healthier and equally tasty alternative to deep-fried snacks. Whether you're cooking for kids, hosting a party, or just craving something crispy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.
Try it today and bring home the joy of crunchy, golden, guilt-free chicken nuggets!
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
SPICY AKKIROTI - A VARIETY KARNATAKA RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
RICE FLOUR- 1 CUP
ONION- 1, FINELY CHOPPED
BOTTLE GOURD/ CUCUMBER- 1/2 CUP - GRATED
CARROT- 1-2; GRATED
CORIANDER LEAVES- CHOPPED
GRATED COCONUT - 1/2 CUPS
POWDERED PEANUTS- 1/4 CUP(OPTIONAL)
GREEN CHILLI PASTE- 1/2 TABLESPOON
CUMIN SEEDS- 1/2 TABLESPOON
SALT
PREPARATION
MIX RICE FLOUR WITH ALL THE INGREDIENTS
ADD ENOUGH WARM WATER TO PREPARE A SEMI SOLID DOUGH
MAKE BALLS OUT OF DOUGH
PRESS IT LIKE A CHAPPATI WITH HANDS OR CAREFULLY WITH A ROLLER
HEAT A PAN
FRY BOTH SIDES
SMEAR WITH GHEE
SIMPLE AKKIOTTI / AKKI ROTI / RICE ROTI - A KOORG RECIPE
A KOORG RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
BOILED RICE- 1 CUP
FRESHLY PREPARED RICE FLOUR- 1/4 CUP
SALT
PREPARATION
GRIND RICE INTO A SMOOTH PASTE WITHOUT ADDING WATER
MIX THIS WITH RICE FLOUR AND SALT
MAKE BALLS FROM THIS
PRESS IT LIKE CHAPPATHI
FRY EACH SIDES IN A HOT PAN
Monday, 18 February 2013
SIMPLE BANANA STEM- HORSE GRAM FRY / VAZHAPINDI MUTHIRA THORAN
INGREDIENTS
VAZHAPINDI- 1
HORSEGRAM OR MUTHIRA- 1 CUP
SHALLOTS- 8-10
DRIED RED CHILLIES- 3-5
GARLIC- 1 -2 CLOVES
TURMERIC POWDER - 1 PINCH
MUSTARD SEEDS- 1 TABLESPOON
CURRY LEAVES- 2 SPRIGS
SALT
COCONUT OIL
PREPARATION
CUT BANANA STEM INTO SMALL PIECES
REMOVE FIBERS
COOK HORSE GRAM WITH SALT AND TURMERIC POWDER
WHEN ALMOST COOKED ADD CHOPPED BANANA STEM
COOK WELL
CRUSH DRIED RED CHILLIES, SHALLOTS AND GARLIC
HEAT OIL IN A KADAI OR WOK
SPLUTTER MUSTARD
ADD CURRY LEAVES
SAUTE CRUSHED MIXTURE TILL RAW SMELL DISAPPEARS
ADD COOKED VEGETABLES
MIX WELL
BANANA STEM- TOOR DAAL STIR FRY/ VAZHAPINDI - PARIPPU THORAN
INGREDIENTS
VAZHAPINDI - 1
TUVARA PARIPPU / TOOR DAAL- 1/2 CUP
GRATED COCONUT- 1/2 CUP
GREEN CHILLIES- 3
TURMERIC POWDER- 1 TABLESPOON
CUMIN SEEDS - 1 PINCH
OIL- 1 TABLESPOON
MUSTARD- 1 TABLESPOON
CURRY LEAVES
SALT
PREPARATION
COOK TOOR DAAL
CUT VAZHAPINDI INTO SMALL PIECES
REMOVE FIBERS FROM IT
CRUSH GRATED COCONUT. GREEN CHILLIES, TURMERIC POWDER AND CUMIN
HEAT OIL
SPLUTTER MUSTARD
ADD CURRY LEAVES
ADD VAZHAPINDI AND CRSHED MIXTURE
ADD SALT
COOK WITH CLOSED LID
WHEN COOKED ADD COOKED TOOR DAAL
MIX WELL
Sunday, 17 February 2013
HOME MADE SAMBAR POWDER | Authentic South Indian Spice Mix
Homemade Sambar Powder | South Indian Sambar Masala
✨ There’s nothing like homemade Sambar Powder – a fragrant, freshly ground spice mix that adds authentic South Indian flavor to your sambar. This recipe is easy to make, keeps well for months, and makes your sambar taste just like grandma’s kitchen!
🥘 Ingredients (for ~200 g Sambar Powder)
-
Coriander seeds – 1 cup
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Dry red chilies – 20–25 (adjust to spice preference)
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Toor dal (pigeon peas) – ¼ cup
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Chana dal (Bengal gram) – ¼ cup
-
Urad dal – 2 tbsp
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Fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp
-
Black pepper – 1 tsp
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Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp
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Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
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Curry leaves – 15–20
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Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
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Asafoetida (hing) – ½ tsp
🍳 Preparation Method
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Dry Roast Ingredients
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Heat a heavy-bottomed pan.
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Roast coriander seeds until golden and aromatic. Remove.
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Roast dals separately until light brown. Remove.
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Roast red chilies until crisp (don’t burn).
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Lightly roast fenugreek, cumin, mustard, pepper, and curry leaves.
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Cool & Grind
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Let all roasted spices cool completely.
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Add turmeric powder and asafoetida.
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Grind into a fine powder.
-
-
Store
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Transfer to an airtight jar.
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Stays fresh for 2–3 months at room temperature, longer if refrigerated.
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🌿 Usage Tips
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Add 2–3 tbsp to your sambar after cooking the dal and tamarind base.
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Can also be sprinkled into rasam, vegetable curries, or stir-fries for extra flavor.
📌 Labels / Tags
#SambarPowder #SouthIndianRecipes #SpiceMix #HomemadeMasala #IndianSpices #AuthenticSambar #KeralaRecipes #TamilRecipes #AndhraRecipes