Vinayagar/Ganesh Chathurthi Festival

Our house Vinayagar.

Wishing you all Happy Vinayagar/Ganesha Chathurthi.

My day started with this Kolam/Rangoli.

Vinayagar Chathurthi falls on 11th Sept 2010. It is celebrated in many parts of India but in specific celebrated very grand in Maharashtra. Big idols are kept by the sides of the streets and celebrated for 11 days or even upto a month. Music and dance performances takes place every day during this period at the end of which these idols are taken to the sea and immersed in water. At home it is done on the same day or on the third day. People with small and medium idols. People with small and medium idols immerse it at home in a bucket of water or in the tank. Some people take to nearest lake and immerse.

Back home we decorate the table for ganesha with lots of colour paper, banana leaves, fruits, lighting, Mango leaves, etc.. Ganesha is placed in a silver plate filled with rice and money. Garlands specially handmade in cotton(Gejje Vastra). You also get garlands made of lotus and chickpeas.

People visit temples and friends. Children take Akshata(Rice mixed with turmeric and water or ghee) and visit as many houses to see different kinds of idols and puja. Also enjoy the prasadams.In Karnataka, they also celebrate Gowri Festival one day before Ganesha Festival. They worship the idol of Goddess Gowri mother of Lord Ganesha. Its called Gowri Ganesha Habba.

Plain Clay idols or colour idols are available.

Hope this festival gives good health, peace, wealth and prosperity to everyone.Kozhakattai/Modak is favourite of Lord Ganesha and is an important dish on the menu for the Festival.

Delicious Dishes prepared on this festival without onion and garlic by Brahmins/Iyer.

Click on the names for recipes.

Idli
Uppu Kozhakattai/Modakam(Urad dal and spices covered with Rice flour)
Poornam Kozhakattai(Jaggery and coconut stuffing covered with Rice flour)
Sundal(Dish prepared with white or black skinned chickpea)
Vella Appam
Vadai
Ellu Urundai
Ammni Kozhakattai Payasam
Poriyal/Curry
Sambar
Paruppu Rasam
Curd Rice
Pickle

For step by step recipe of Poornam and Ullandhu Kozhakattai click here.

PS - Your feedback is appreciated. Do try recipe from (http://www.sarascorner.net/) take a picture and send it to me through Facebook message or mail me at simplysara07@gmail.com. Will be glad to add in my page Tried & Tasted album on FB or post on my page. Do follow me on Instagram id - saraswathiyer for more food stories and recipe ideas.Thank you.

Paneer Bhurji!!!

Paneer Bhurji is a simple and very tasty side dish.

Ingredients
Paneer/Paal Katti/Indian Cottage Cheese - 1 cup grated or scrumbled(For homemade paneer click here)
Onion - 1 cup (chopped)
Tomato - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Capsicum - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic - 1 no(Chopped)
Garam Masala - 1/2 tspn
Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tspn
Turmeric - a pinch
Oil - 2 tspns
Salt

Preparation Method
In a kadai/wok, heat oil add onion, garlic and saute till transperant.
Add tomato and cook till its soft. Then add capsicum and saute for 5mins.
Add garam masala, turmeric, red chilli powder, salt and mix well.
Finally add grated or scrambled paneer. I scrumbled it.

Cook for few mins and off the stove.

Paneer Bhurji is ready. This can be a perfect combination for chapathi/roti/naan. Sometimes I even stuff on sandwich too.

This can also be great sidedish for picnic or lunch box if you plan to carry chapathi.

Paneer Bhurji is going off to Letz Relish Paneer by Jay.

Veggie Aval Upma and the Winner!!!

Aval/Rice Flakes is a main ingredient for Gokulashtami/Krishna Jayanthi. Here is a simple and colourful vegetable upma. This is ideal for breakfast or tiffin.

Ingredients
Aval/Rice Flakes - 2 cups
Mixed Vegetable (Carrot/Peas/Cabbage/Cauliflower)- 1 cup
Fresh Grated Coconut - 2 tspns
Oil - 1 tspn
Mustard - a pinch
Asafotida - a pinch
Jeera - 1/4 tspn
Curry leaves - few chopped
Channal Dal - 1/2 tspn
Green chilli - 2 nos
Salt

Preparation Method
Wash, Rinse the aval. Remove water and keep aside.
In a kadai/wok, add oil mustard. Wait till it splutters. Now add asafotida, jeera and channa dal. saute till its brown.
Add curry leaves, green chilli and saute for a minute.(You can slit the g.chilli or chop into small pieces)
Add the vegetables, little salt and cook it.
When its cooked add aval and salt and mix well.

Garnish with Fresh Grated coconut.

Veggie Aval Upma is ready to serve.

Now the winner of my Giveaway for Anniversary.

Any guesses??

That is Sanyukta Gour. Congratulations!!! I will get in touch with you.

Thanks to everyone for participating.

Simple Paneer Peas Pulao and Awards!!!

Hope you are all doing good after Gokulashtami/Janmashtami celebrations. Will post my festival recipes soon.

Paneer Peas Pulao is very easy and tasty rice. Its cooked with Paneer(Cottage Cheese) and Green Peas with mild spices. This recipe is without onion and garlic.

Ingredients

Basmati Rice - 2 cups (Can use normal rice too)
Paneer cubes - 1 cup cubes(click here for homemade paneer recipe)
Green Peas - 1 cup(Fresh or Frozen)
Spices -Bay leaf/- 1no Cinnamon/Cloves/Cardamom - 2 nos each
Ghee - 1 tspn
Oil - 2 tspns
Salt

Preparation Method
Wash, rinse and soak basmati rice in water for half n hour.
Heat pressure cooker, add ghee, oil and spices. saute for 2 mins.
Now add rice and saute for 2mins.
Add water 1:1.5 cups and salt. Stir well.
Finally add Green peas and paneer cubes.


Close the lid and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles.


Simple Paneer Peas Pulao is ready to serve.


I served with Paneer Butter Masala will post the recipe soon.

You can also serve with any Paneer gravy or Dal.

This recipe is going for Lets Relish Paneer by Jay. My other entries are

Mutter Paneer and Palak Paneer

Awards Time

PJ has passed this award. Thanks a lot dear.

Akheela has passed me these awards. Thanks a lot.

Party Treats Event participating award from my blog.

Party Treats Roundup

Dear Friends,


Thank you for the participation and sending in your entries for my MM-Party Treats event.  I have received 93 entries, thanks for making it successful. I would like thank Meeta for giving me the opportunity for hosting the event.


Do checkout my other event roundups  here and also do drop in my  Sara Food Events Blog and post your event.


I am posting the Roundup here.


Starters/Snacks

Vegetable Samosa by Mina
Crescent Rolls by Sanyukta
Chekka Idli by Kalva
Crackers with Pickled Jalapeno by Vandya
Spinach n Walnut Stuffed Mushroom by Shabitha
Makai Paneer Pakoda by Priya M
Beetroot Party Sandwich by Akheela
Bitesize Veggie Pastry Puff by Satya
Pastry Purses by Reshmi
Stuffed Papad Cones by Deepa
Thayir/Dahi Vada by Spicyturnovers
Kisir by Reshmi(Turkish)
Spinach Sandwich by Azeema
Finger Sandwich by Vidhya
Potato Gold Coin by Vidhya
Honey Roasted Cashew by Vidhya
Salsa with Biscuits by Vidhya
Tandoori Paneer by Sayukta
Sabudana Vada by Sanyukta
Sprouted Chickpea Spinach Fritters by Sanyukta
Ritz Chaat by Rahin
Khaman Dhokla by Sukanya
Ritz Sandwich by Preethi S
Tofu Spring Roll by Sangeetha
Pav Bhaji by Nivedita
Herbed Pasta Fritters by Sushma
Methi Aloo Vermicilli by Sushma
Spicy Indian Style Corn on Crackers by Sushma
Cottage Cheese and Sago Corn Cobs by Pari
Assorted Pakoras by Priti
Crispy Onion Fritters by Cool Lassie
Dhal Fritters by Cool Lassie
Sweet Pigeon Pea Stuffed Ball Pancake by Cool Lassie
Rice n Black Bean Stuffed Mini Peppers by Cool Lassie
Potato and Pepper Stuffed Mushroom by Cool Lassie
Khandvi by Sanyukta
Potato Cutlet by Saraswathi Iyer
Golden Fried Babycorn by Saraswathi Iyer


Dips/Chutney

Muhammara (Syrian Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip) by Janet
Corn n Jalapeno Dip by Mansi

Main Course
Gobi Paratha by Vidhya
Saffron Pineapple Pulao by Sanyukta
Sweet Corn, Carrot Paneer Korma by Sanyukta
Paneer Tikka Kathi Roll by Preeti
Channa Masala by Preethi S
Lenthils in Mustard Gravy by Vanessa
Paneer Dhaniya by Pari
Teddy Veg Pasta in Tomatoey Cheese Sause by Pari
Pinto Bean Bitter Gourd Sliders by Cool Lassie
Shimla Bharwa Mirch by Cool Lassie


Full Meals/Thali


Birthday Party Treat by Shama
Quick Dinner for Friends by Shama
Festival Treat by Shama
Birthday Treat by Premalatha

Sweets/Desserts

Nenthrapazham halwa/Plantain Fudge by Swathi
Rasmalai by Sonal
Dahi Ke Jamun by Rahin
Coconut Brigadeiros with a hint of Mango by Radhika(Brazzilian Dessert)
Chocolate Cheese Cake by Umm
Carrot Halwa by Preethi S
Black Granita and Frozen Yogurt by Oz
Gulab Jamun by Saraswathi Iyer
Eggless Custard Delight by Akila
Mango Shrikhand by Vidhya
Mango Icecream by Nayna
Musara Varakiyathu(Malabar Muslim Payasam) by Shaby
Apple Cherry Custard  by Akila
Almond Icecream by Akila
Mango Icecream by Sayantani
Carrot Malai Kulfi by Satya
Trifle Pudding by Vidhya
Mango Icecream by Satya
Rosewater Lemonade by Radhika
Raspberri Prosecco Cocktail by Jeanne
Grape Juice by Preethi S
Fruit n Nut Lassi by Sanyukta
Pink Delight by Tanvi

Salads

Corn and Veggie Salad by Akheela
Fruit Skewers by Vidhya


Oven Fresh

Baked Mushroom Potatoes by Preeti
Kesar Nankatai by Umm
Turkish Pide by Umm
Grissini by Sangeetha
Corn Muffin by Veena
Baked Soy and Veg Chops by Sayantani
Baked Couscous n Nuts Patty by Pari
Corn Chaat and Baked Corn Cups by Pari
Turkish Sugar Cookie by Cool Lassie
Puff Pastry Spinach n Cheese Swirls by Cool Lassie
Baked Nutella Wonton Crisps by Denise
Bacon Cheese Leek Tart by Meeta
Strawberry Cake by Azeema
Almond Biscuits by Umm


Please check and let me know incase any entries are missed. Am sorry its not intentional and will update it.


Do accept this Thank you card for participating in the event.

Participate in a giveaway and win a $60 gift certificate click here for details.


Thanks once again.


Cheers,
Saraswathi

Giveaway for Anniversary!!!

Hi Friends,

I have so many reasons to celebrate. My Wedding Anniversary is Tomorrow and my hubby's Birthday is on Tuesday. This weekend of festivals Varalakshmi Pooja and Onam starts from tomorrow, Tuesday is Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan and Avani Avittam. Also I am nearing 250 posts soon.

So when I got the opportunity from CSN Stores just accepted and sharing my happiness this festive season. This store has 200+ websites and lots of things to buy. Their dinnerware has wide collection to choose. One winner will be chosen and will win a $60 gift certificate.

 

Leave a comment or you can tell me give ideas what should I do on my anniversary and birthday.

or you can also do any of these

1. Follow my blog on blogger or twitter.

2. Become my facebook page fan.

3. Non-bloggers can subscribe thru e-mail.

4. Please leave a comment when you do any of the following.

5. You can also spread or post about it.

CSN Stores has everything what you are looking for. This giveaway is open only for US/Canada residents since they ship products only to these places.

A winner will be chosen on 1st Sept and $60 worth Gift Certificate will be sent. You can use them on any of their websites and shop online.

Hope to see your participation.

Happy Weekend.

Cheers,

Saraswathi Iyer

Varalakshmi Nombu/ Vratham

Courtery - google

One of my reader had asked me to post about this festival here.
After Aadi maasam all festivals will start. Varalakshmi Nombu /Vratham / Vrat is a festival  observed in India. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day. Ladies decorate the kalasam with silver idol of lakshmi (Called Mukawada in Kannada) with a coconut , new saree, kolams(rangoli) and jewels. They fill the pot with rice, dal, money and beatle leaves. The pooja is performed in the morning. The procedures are slightly different in all states. This festival is observed by married women if only the ancestors were following. Otherwise they do not do nombu and just do Lakshmi pooja. Like before marraige in mom's place they will celebrate but at in laws place they don't follow it and vice versa. 9 yards saree is worn on any special occasions by Tamil Brahmins or Iyer.

Lord Ganesh pooja is performed first then followed by Goddess Lakshmi.

You can start decorating the house today itself with Madi. So early morning its easy to perform the pooja.

Evening kumkum with fruits, sweets and bangles are offered to the neighbours.

We don't celebrate this but my sister-inlaws house they do. So to blog I took some information from her. Thanks akka.

Coming to Recipes

Many varieties of dishes are prepared on this day.
(Click on the name for recipes)

Ullandu Kozhakatai - scroll down for recipe
Pooranam Kozhakatai - scroll down for recipe
Payasam
Paruppu Vadai
Vella Appam
Sundal
Panagam
Kalanda Sadam
White Rice
Sambar
Rasam
Poriyal
Pachadi

On all festivals cooking is done without Onion and Garlic. To know about any other festival click here.

I am giving recipe for

Pooranam Kozhakattai(Sweet Steamed Dumplings)

Ingredients
Rice flour - 2 cups
Water - As required
Oil - 1 tspn
Fresh Grated Coconut - 2 cups
Powdered Jaggery - 1 cup(As per choice of yours)
Salt a pinch

Preparation method
Filling
In a Kadai, heat the jaggery with little water. Once its dissolved and becoming thick, add grated coconut and mix well.
Once it becomes thick off the stove. Let it cool.

Dumpling
In a wide bowl, boil little water with a tspn of oil and a pinch of salt.
Then reduce flame and slowly add rice flour stir continuously until it thick.
Now once the dough is cooked for 5mins. Allow it to cool a bit and with oily hand make a soft dough out of it.
Take a big lemon size and spread like you do for puris. Stuff a tspn or more in the center and close it with water. So its almost crescent shape.

Do same with the rest of them and Steam for 10-15mins in Steamer or Idli cooker.

Ullandu Kozhakattai

Follow same procedure stated above for the dough.

Filling
Ullandu/Urad Dal - 3/4 cup
Kadala Paruppu/Channa Dal - 1/2 cup
Red Chilli - 2 nos(As per your taste)

Grind this to fine paste in blender or mixie.

Then in a Kadai, add oil, mustard, hing, curry leaves, dry red chillis saute for a minute.
Now add the grounded mixture, salt and mix well. Cook till the raw smell leaves. If required add little oil.

Now when done fill the dumplings and steam it in Idli cooker for 10-12 mins.

Offer Neivedyam to God and enjoy it.

Click here for detailed Kozhakattai recipe.

The next festival for us is on Aug 24th Avani Avittam click here for details.

Happy Varamahalakshmi Festival to all those celebrating.

Potato Cutlet

Potato Cutlet is very simple and very tasty with tea/coffee. Its also kids favourite. I would like to thank my FIL for teaching me this recipe.

Ingredients
Potatoes/Papas/Uralaikizhangu/Aloogadde - 2 nos
Maida/APF - 2 tspns
Bread crums - 1/2 cup
Red chilli powder - a pinch
Salt
Oil for deep frying
Onion and Curry leaves (Optional)

Preparation Method
Cook potatoes in pressure cooker for 4 whistles. Peel skin and mash it.
Add maida, salt, red chilli powder and make medium size balls.
Take in your palm just spread a bit and coat maida paste.
Coat bread crums on both sides.
Heat oil in a kadai and deep fry it.


Serve hot with tomato ketchup or enjoy as it is.

This recipe along with Potato Cutlet is going to Crazy for Potatoes by Sowmya and Pari.

 

Golden Fried Babycorns

Golden Fried Babycorns is a tasty starter or snack. I had this long time when was in Bangalore at a office Party. Just saw a packet of babycorn in our Little India shop. So just grabed it, since the pack had only 6 corns thought of giving a try.

This has been pending in my drafts since very long time.

Ingredients
Baby corn - 1 pkt(6nos)
Kadalai Maav/Besan/Chickpea Flour -4 tspns
Corn Flour - 2 tspns
Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tspn
Maida - 1 tspn
Salt
Oil for deep frying

Preperation Method

In a wide bowl, mix all ingredients with water except maida. The batter should be like dosa batter form. Not too thin or thick.
Heat oil in a Kadai/wok.
Wash the babycorn, roll in maida and then dip in the batter.
Drop slowly one by one and deep fry till golden brown.
Remove it on a tissue. It will be crispy.

Serve with Tomato Ketchup or as it is. This can also be a tea time snack or for Kids.

This is going to my MM Party Treats by me and Meeta.

Kids Delight by Pari

Gulab Jamuns

Gulab Jamun is favourite sweet for most of them. I just love the soft cake filled with sugar syrup. This was a dessert for our Singapore Bloggers Potluck Party by me. Was so excited to meet my friends in this month of Friendship Day. We had a great time and all dishes were super yummy and tasty.

It was pleasure meeting you all dearies

Here goes the recipe.
Ingredients
Jamun Mix - 1 small pkt (used MTR brand)
Water - 1 cup +
Ghee/oil - for deep frying
Sugar - 8 cups
Water - 8 cups
Rose essence - 2 tspns

Preparation Method

Sugar Syrup

Mix water and sugar in a vessel and boil for 15mins. Add Rose essence.

Jamuns

In a wide bowl, mix jamun powder with water and make soft dough.

Heat oil in a Kadai, make tiny balls with the dough. Drop them slowly in the oil and deep fry them in low flame till brown.

Remove and drop it in sugar syrup.

Let them soak for about 6 hours.

You can also store in air tight container and store in refridgerator for about a week or more.


Serve hot or chill. If you are serving hot, can serve with vanilla icecream.


This recipe is going off to

MM Party Treats by me and Meeta.

Iftar Moments by Umm

Cold Desserts by Akila

Joy from Fasting to Feasting by Lubna

Colour Your Palate - A Visual Treat by Sanyukta

Festive Food - Raksha Bandhan by Priti since my brother loves it a lot.