Manoli Kadle - Tindora and Chickpeas Cooked in a Coconut Gravy

Manoli is basically Kovakka or Tindora. Kadle represents the chickpeas. This is a recipe from the Indian town of Mangalore. Mangalore has its unique recipes and flavours. It very closely resembles the Kerala Cuisine due to it border. I have tried a few recipes lately and have loved all of them.

Adapted from here

Beetroot Pulao - Vegan Beetroot rice

Beetroot is loved by one and all in our house. So when I get hold of some fresh beets, its always a question as to which one of the awesome dishes to make :-) Check out the other Beetrrot recipes in my blog

Beetroot Masala (british style beetroot curry)
Beetroot Stir fry
Beetroot Kichadi (Raita)
Beetroot Kootu
Heart Beet Bread
Red Velvet Cake

Kathirikka Podi Kari - Eggplant cooked in freshly ground spices

I am big fan of side dishes made with spices and lentils roasted and powdered together. It can be made with a variety of vegetables. Usually people think it is hard to make these sides. On the contrary they are very easy to make and are packed with flavours.

Ingredients

Kathirikka/Eggplant/Aubergine 2 big ones (4-5 cups when chopped)
Channa Dal 2 tsp
Coriander Seeds 2 tsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Dry Red Chilli 1 (more for spicy curry)
Mustard Seeds 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Hing/Asafoteda a pinch

Oil and Salt to taste

Method of Preparation

1. Heat a little oil in a pan. Add the channa dal. Roast till it starts to brown. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds and red chilli. Saute for a minute more.

2. Let this cool and then powder it.

3. In the same pan, add a little more oil. Add mustard seeds. When it sputters, add the hing and turmeric powder.

4. When it sizzles, add chopped eggplant. Saute till it is nearly cooked.

5. Add the spice powder and salt. Mix well. Saute for a couple more minutes.

Serve with some rice and gravy like Kozhambu, Sambar or Rasam. 

Pudina Thogayal - Mint Thogayal - South Indian Mint Chutney with Coconut - Vegan

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. I hope you all enjoyed a great holiday season. I have been seeing a lot of people post New Year Resolutions. I am very scared of them. They have failure written all over them. When it comes to resolutions, I think New Year ones have the highest failure rate. But that does not stop anyone of us from taking up a resolution, does it? So like every one I decided to change my life in some small ways possible. So for the sake of the blog, and my love for it i think I should get more regular in blogging. So hoping this to be the beginning of a wonderful year filled with recipes and friendship!

Today's recipe is a very simple one. Its a healthy side dish for your rice. For me, I love thogayals as a side for dosa and idlis better. It can be used as sandwich spread or instead of pesto :-) So whichever is your choice, do make this and enjoy with your family!