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    Sweet Pongal | Sakkarai Pongal

    January 14, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 36 Comments

    Sweet Pongal | Chakkarai Pongal | Sakkarai Pongal | Pongal recipe | inipu Pongal | sweet Pongal recipe | pressure cooker sweet Pongal | Pongal recipe with step by step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Sakkarai Pongal. If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.



    Sweet Pongal | Chakkarai Pongal | Sakkarai Pongal | Pongal recipe | inipu Pongal | sweet Pongal recipe | pressure cooker sweet Pongal | Pongal recipe is a traditional sweet prepared with rice, moong dal, and jaggery. Healthy sweet is a great after-school snack for kids. Sweet Pongal is widely prepared during Pongal festival/ Sankranti festival, aadi perukku, aadi velli, and for many other Indian festivals,

    For me, sweet Pongal is not only a festive sweet but a sweet which I love to eat frequently. There is one rule in our home (well its imposed by me;-)) whenever my Amma cooks Ven Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal should be on the dining table, then only I will eat millet Pongal/ Ven Pongal:-p till date my sister pranks at me, telling this.

    Nowadays my son also likes Sakkarai Pongal and it has become one of the frequent sweets at the home. Not only at home, even in the temple I love Sakkarai Pongal. Whenever my Amma goes to any temple she brings prasadam like Sakkarai Pongal home.

    My Amma adds little milk to the Pongal, which is my favorite part of Sakkarai Pongal.

    Yesterday I was in dilemma whether to cook Pongal with rice/cracked wheat/oats/Quinoa but hubby was suggesting to go traditional (may be he wants to taste rice Pongal:-)) and I also felt the same

     

    Vellam sadam

    Thiruvatharai Kali

    Pongal recipes | bhogi recipes | kannum Pongal recipes

    Pongal varieties

    Sakkarai Pongal | Sweet Pongal

    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Comment

    Ingredients

    • Raw Rice - 1/2 cup
    • Moong Dal - 1/4 cup
    • Jaggery - 1 + 1/2 cup tightly pressed (Adjust sweetness according to your taste)
    • Milk - 1/4 cup
    • Water - 3 cups
    • Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Ghee - 5 tbsp
    • Cashews and raisin - for taste
    • Salt - a pinch

    Instructions

    • Wash rice and dal and soak for at least 30 mins in hot water
    • In a microwave-safe bowl take jaggery and water; microwave for 2 minutes or until the jaggery is melted in water. Let it cool
    • In a pressure cooker take 2 tablespoon of ghee and let it gets warm
    • Add cashews and roast them, once when they start changing color
    • furthermore, add raisin and roast both, Transfer it to a small bowl
    • Add soaked dal and rice and sauté in the remaining ghee for a minute
    • Pour water and cook medium flame after the mixture turns frothy mix well and close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 3-4 whistles
    • After the pressure releases naturally mash it well with a ladle
    • Transfer the mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan and add milk; mix well
    • Furthermore, add salt. Strain and add the jaggery syrup and mix well
    • Turn on the stove to medium flame and add 2 tablespoon of ghee; mix well and cook
    • Keep mixing and continue cooking for 3 minutes
    • Add cardamom powder and mix well
    • cook for 3 minutes or until Pongal comes together
    • Finally, add the roasted nuts and 1 tablespoon of ghee; mix well and turn off the stove. Pongal is ready😊

    Video

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    Notes

    1. A pinch of Edible camphor can be added for extra taste
    2. Milk is optional for Sakkarai Pongal but it gives a nice taste
    3. Adjust jaggery according to your taste
    4. Instead of rice, oats/cracked wheat/quinoa/Millet can also be used
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    Sweet Pongal

    Ingredients:

    Raw Rice - 1/2 cup

    Moong Dal - 1/4 cup

    Jaggery - 1 + 1/2 cup, tightly pressed  (Adjust sweetness according to your taste)

    Milk -  1/4 cup 

    Water - 3 cups 

    Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp

    Ghee - 5 tbsp

    Cashews and raisins - for taste

    Salt - a pinch

    Method:

    • Wash rice and dal and soak for at least 30 mins in hot water

    • In a microwave-safe bowl take jaggery and water; microwave for 2 minutes or until the jaggery is melted in water. Let it cool

    • In a pressure cooker take 2 tablespoon of ghee and let it gets warm

    • Add cashews and roast them, once when they start changing color

    • furthermore, add raisin and roast both, Transfer it to a small bowl

    • Add soaked dal and rice and sauté in the remaining ghee for a minute

    • Pour water and cook medium flame after the mixture turns frothy mix well and close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 3-4 whistles

    • After the pressure releases naturally mash it well with a ladle

    • Transfer the mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan and add milk; mix well

    • Furthermore, add salt. Strain and add the jaggery syrup and mix well

    • Turn on the stove to medium flame and add 2 tablespoon of ghee; mix well and cook

    • Keep mixing and continue cooking for 3 minutes

    • Add cardamom powder and mix well

    • cook for 3 minutes or until Pongal comes together 
    • Finally, add the roasted nuts and 1 tablespoon of ghee; mix well and turn off the stove. Pongal is ready😊


    Thengai Sadam | Coconut rice

    January 13, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 36 Comments

    Thengai Sadam | coconut rice | how to make coconut rice | thengai Paal sadam  | kobbari annam | South Indian style coconut rice | variety rice recipe | lunch box recipes | quick South Indian coconut rice | Kalandha sadam | Thenga sadaam | coconut satham with step by step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Thengai sadam recipe and If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel


    Thengai Sadam | coconut rice | how to make coconut rice | thengai Paal sadam  | kobbari annam | South Indian style coconut rice | variety rice recipe | lunch box recipes | quick South Indian coconut rice | Kalandha sadam | Thenga sadaam | coconut satham is an easy and flavorful rice variety/ dish made with fresh/ frozen grated coconut, tempering spices,  rice. It is one of the most basic South Indian dish made for a meal during the weekday (office lunch box or kids school tiffin box recipe), festivals like kannum Pongal, aadi perukku, etc.,  occasions, get together, travel food, etc,. This simple yet delicious South Indian variety rice is flavorful tasty vegan rice variety. Rice cooked in coconut milk gives nice flavour to coconut rice.

    During school days Thengai Sadam is one of my favorite varieties of rice.I love Thengai Sadam when it paired with Potato fry, Arbi fry, and raw banana fry. Easy and delicious kids friendly lunchbox variety rice. My son loves lemon rice and my husband loves puli sadam

    Coconut rice with coconut milk: 

    Coconut milk is optional for Thengai sadam. Though I love the usual South Indian traditional coconut rice version without coconut milk, after trying sadam with coconut milk version, everybody in our home like this and  I started doing this often.  I had 1/4 cup coconut milk in the fridge (Leftover after preparing Vegetable Stew) and was thinking about what to do with it. Suddenly remembered Thai rice prepared with coconut milk, so added coconut milk while cooking Thengai sadam, and the resulting coconut rice recipe was much flavorful and tastier.

    Can I use basmati rice for Thengai sadam?

    yes, you can use any type of rice for preparing  coconut milk. For a healthy version you can also use millet or quinoa (like lemon quinoa)

    Should I cook coconut brown for Thengai sadam?

    Recipes using coconut has less self-life. Cooking coconut well (till they start changing color) gives a nice flavor to the South Indian coconut rice also helps for longer self-life. Additionally, Thengai Thogayal and Thengai Poli are my other favorite coconut-based dishes.  If you kike coconut rice, try sweet coconut rice with jaggery 


    Coconut based recipes in TMF

    Variety rice in TMF

    Pongal recipe | Bhogi recipe | kannum pongal recipe

    thengai sadam

    south indian style coconut rice
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Comment

    Ingredients

    • Sona masoori rice - 1/4 cup
    • Coconut - 1/2 cup tightly pressed
    • Thick coconut milk - 1 tbsp heaped
    • Water - 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp
    • Salt - as needed

    To temper:

    • Coconut Oil - 2 tsp
    • Peanuts - 3 tbsp
    • Cashews - 7 roughly broken
    • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
    • Urad dal - 2 tsp
    • Channa dal - 2 tsp
    • Asafoetida/ Hing Perungayam - a generous pinch
    • Green chillies - 1 slit Adjust according to your taste
    • Curry leaves – few

    Instructions

    • Take 1/4 cup of rice in a cooker separator and wash the rice
    • Add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk to a 1/2 cup measuring cup and fill the cup with water; mix well
    • Transfer the prepared thin coconut milk to the separator containing rice and add 2 more tablespoon of water (optional. Skip the extra water if you are going to use raw rice)
    • close the separator with a lid and pressure cook for 2 whistles and let the pressure subsides naturally
    • Fluff the rice and transfer it to a wide plate and let it cool down
    • Add 2 teaspoon of coconut oil to a wide pan and when the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, cashew nuts, curry leaves asafoetida, and peanuts and cook till they become golden brown
    • Furthermore, add coconut and hing; sauté for 2 -3 minutes or until moisture evaporates and coconut turns slightly brown; turn off the stove
    • Add rice, required salt and mix well. tasty coconut rice is ready

    Video

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    Notes

    1. Avoid reheating coconut rice many times as it might make the rice dry
    2. Adding coconut milk is optional, you can cook rice with just water
    3. Use coconut oil for best taste
    4. For best flavor and shelf life always  saute coconut till they turn slightly brown
    5. Quinoa, millet, etc. can be used instead of rice
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    Ingredients:

    Sona masoori rice - 1/4 cup

    Coconut - 1/2 cup tightly pressed

    Thick coconut milk - 1 tbsp, heaped

    Water -  1/2 cup + 1 tbsp 

    Salt - as needed

    To temper:

    Coconut Oil - 2 tsp 

    Peanuts - 3 tbsp

    Cashews - 7 roughly broken

    Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

    Urad dal - 2 tsp

    Channa dal - 2 tsp

    Asafoetida/ Hing(Perungayam) - a generous pinch

    Green chillies - 1 slit (Adjust according to your taste)

    Curry leaves – few

    How to make South Indian Thengai sadam:

    • Take 1/4 cup of rice in a cooker separator and wash the rice 

    • Add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk to a 1/2 cup measuring cup and fill the cup with water; mix well

    • Transfer the prepared thin coconut milk to the separator containing rice and add 2 more tablespoon of water (optional. Skip the extra water if you are going  to use raw rice)
    • close the separator with a lid and pressure cook for 2 whistles and let the pressure subsides naturally 

    • Fluff the rice and transfer it to a wide plate and let it cool down 

    • Add 2 teaspoon of coconut oil to a wide pan and when the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, cashew nuts, curry leaves asafoetida, and peanuts and cook till they become golden brown

    • Furthermore, add coconut  and hing; sauté for 2 -3 minutes or until moisture evaporates and coconut turns slightly brown; turn off the stove 

    • Add rice, required salt and mix well. tasty coconut rice is ready

     

    Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal | pachadi

    January 11, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 58 Comments

    Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal recipe and Sutta kathirikai pachadi recipe are traditional tasty South Indian dishes prepared with smoky roasted brinjal /eggplant /aubergine. Oven-roasted Smoky Brinjal gives a nice flavor to the thogayal/thuvaiyal and pachadi. Check out the video and If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

      Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal and Sutta kathirikai pachadi Are prepared with oven broiled roasted brinjal /eggplant /aubergine. It is a great way to finish a few leftover brinjals.

    What kind of Brinjal to use?

    Traditionally the big aubergine is used for the Thogayal but if you have a few leftover small brinjals that can also be used. Broiling time may vary depending on the size and quantity. Spread and coat oil well and flip Brinjal every now and then for even roasting. Even half-cut aubergine is perfect for the thogayal. Ever since Amma visited us more and more Thogayal is happening in our home. Nowadays even my son has become a fav for Amma’s tasty South Indian Thogayal varieties.  

    I posted this Brinjal thuvaiyal a few years ago. Those days I didn’t have a gas stove so I started making oven/ microwave oven roasting. Now I have a gas stove but somehow I got so used to the oven-roasted Brinjal and still continuing the same. Back in India Amma use to make Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal by directly roasting the eggplant in flame. I am among the few who love brinjal. I have posted a lot of Brinjal based recipes in TMF, Kathirikai poriyal Kathirikai drumstick poriyal Enna Kathirikai kuzhambu Stuffed Brinjal Kathirikai Rasavangi Kathirikai sadam    

    • Kollu thuvaiyal | kollu kothammali thogayal
    • Beerakaya Kothimeera Pachadi | Andhra-style Peerkangai thogayal
    • Thenga thogayal | Pacha Thenga puli Thogayal
    • Thenga Chammanthi | Kerala Coconut chammanthi

    Other Thogayal recipes 

    Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal

    Sutta Kathirikai Thogayal is a traditional  tasty rice accompaniment
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Comment

    Ingredients

    • Brinjal/Eggplant/Aubergine- 1 Big size
    • Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon + 2 drops
    • Red chilly - 2 Adjust according to your taste
    • Urad dal - 3 tbsp
    • Mustard seeds - few
    • Tamarind – 2 grams
    • Asafetida/Hing – a generous pinch
    • Salt - as needed

    Instructions

    • Place an aluminum foil in a baking tray
    • Keep a big eggplant and make holes all over the eggplant with a fork
    • Apply sesame oil all over the eggplant and Broil (500F) for 5 mins
    • Take out from the oven and turn the eggplant and broil again for 5 mins
    • Repeat the process. Make sure the eggplant is turned every time for even roasting
    • Continue broiling till the eggplant skin starts to shrink. Mine got done around 25 minutes
    • After that Broil for 2 minutes in 500 F and repeat
    • Broil till the eggplant skin shrinks and skin peels off easily (broil time may vary depending on the eggplant size)
    • Gently peel off the skin. Use a fork if needed, Discard the skin and save the pulp
    • In a tadka pan add urad dal, red Chilli, and mustard seeds with a few drops of oil
    • Cook till dal turns golden brown. Let the dal cools down
    • Without adding water ground  the dal mixture into fine powder
    • Add tamarind, salt, and hing to the ground powder
    • Add cool Brinjal pulp and grind the thogayal
    • Tempering is optional for thogayal. Add oil to the pan and when the oil is hot add mustard, urad dal, and curry leaves and lets it splutter. Add the temper to the thogayal

    Video

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    Notes

    1. I didn't add water to my thogayal. Moisture in brinjal was enough for the thogayal
    2. For the microwave method: cut the brinjals into big chunks and transfer them to a bowl. add oil and mix well. Microwave the brinjals for 4 - 10 minutes till the skin shrinks (Depends on the microwave oven temperature, mine is 700 watts and it took 7 minutes. Keep an eye after 5 minutes)
     
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    Ingredients:

    Brinjal/Eggplant/Aubergine- 1 (Big size)

    Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon  + 2 drops

    Red chilly - 2 ( Adjust according to your taste)

    Urad dal - 3 tbsp

    Mustard seeds - few

    Tamarind – 2 grams

      Asafetida/Hing – a generous pinch

    Salt  - as needed

    How to sutta kathirikai thogayal with step by step pictures:

    • Place an aluminum foil in a baking tray
    • Keep a big eggplant and make holes all over the eggplant with a fork
    • Apply sesame oil all over the eggplant and Broil (500F) for 5 mins 

    • Take out from the oven and turn the eggplant and broil again for 5 mins

    • Repeat the process. Make sure the eggplant is turned every time for even roasting

    • Continue broiling till the eggplant skin starts to shrink. Mine got done around 25 minutes

    • After that Broil for 2 minutes in 500 F and repeat

    • Broil till the eggplant skin shrinks and skin peels off easily (broil time may vary depending on the eggplant size)

    •  Gently peel off the skin. Use a fork if needed, Discard the skin and save the pulp

    • In a tadka pan add urad dal, red Chilli, and mustard seeds with a few drops of oil

    • Cook till dal turns golden brown. Let the dal cools down

    • Without adding water ground  the dal mixture into fine powder 

    • Add tamarind, salt, and hing to the ground powder

    • Add cool Brinjal pulp and grind the thogayal

    • Tempering is optional for thogayal. Add oil to the pan and when the oil is hot add mustard, urad dal, and curry leaves and lets it splutter. Add the temper to the thogayal

    Kasi Halwa | Poosanikai halwa

    January 9, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 23 Comments

    Kasi Halwa | vella Poosanikai halwa | white pumpkin halwa | ash gourd halwa | kashi halwa | dumroot halwa | Poosanika halwa | kushmanda halwa  | tamil brahmin wedding special | Dessert dishes Indian | Indian sweet | Indian sweet treats | instant Indian sweets | Indian dessert recipes | Indian dessert recipes easy | festival sweets | Diwali sweet recipe | Deepavali sweets | South Indians sweet recipe | traditional Indian sweets | halwa recipe | Indian halwa recipe | best Indian sweets with step by step pictures and video recipe. Check out the poosanikai halwa. If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

    ...

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    Arisi Kurunai Adai | Thavala Adai

    January 8, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 54 Comments

    Arisi Kurunai adai | Thavala adai | Idli rava Adai | Adai with idli rava | mini adai | rice rava with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Bakery style Coconut Biscuit recipe is so simple. Check out the Kurunai video and If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel

    Arisi Kurunai adai  is a tasty south Indian tiffin variety prepared with broken rice/idli rice Kozhukattai dough. It is a version of thavala adai without your dal. Adai can be made for breakfast/dinner.

    Kozhukattai is a traditional South Indian breakfast. There was a time when I used to say big no to kozhukattai. Whenever my Amma prepares kozhukattai I bug her for alternative tiffin.  To make me eat, instead of steaming, she grills Arisi kurunai Adai in a tawa and I love it. Now things changed, I started experimenting with various forms of Kozhukattai like Cracked Wheat Kozhukattai, Aval Pidi Kozhukattai, and Millet Pidi Kozhukattai still a particular preparation is my favorite. Being a Mom is so challenging - now I can understand.

    Arisi Kurunai Adai

    Arisi Kurunai Adai

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Comment
    Course: Adai
    Cuisine: Indian
    Author: Vidya Srinivasan

    Ingredients

    • Idli rava - 1/2 cup
    • Scraped Coconut - 2 tbsp
    • Salt - as needed
    • Water - 1 cup + 1/2 cup
    • Oil - for Grilling I used coconut oil
    • For tempering
    • Coconut oil – 1/2 tablespoon + to grease
    • Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
    • Green Chilli - 2 Adjust according to your taste
    • Red chilli - 1
    • Urad Dal – 1tbsp
    • Channa Dal – 1 tbsp
    • Curry leaves - 1 sprig
    • Asafoetida – a generous pinch

    Instructions

    • Add oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, temper with mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, green chili, red chili,  curry leaves, and asafoetida
    • After it splutters, add water, coconut, and salt
    • Bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling add idli rava
    • Mix well till all the water is absorbed and kurunai is cooked. Sprinkle some water if required. Switch off the heat and cover it with a damp cloth
    • When you can handle the dough, take small portions and make small balls (if required use water) and flatten them. Add oil to the tawa and close the tawa with a lid. Grill the Adai on both sides. Serve warm with chutney

    Video

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    Notes

    1. Instead of idli rava, Raw rice or sona masoori rice can be ground into a coarse powder
    2. Make adai and serve immediately 
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    Preparation Time: 5  mins | Cooking Time: 25 mins | Serves : 3

    Recipe Category: Breakfast

    Ingredients:

    Idli rava   - 1/2 cup

    Scraped Coconut - 2 tbsp

    Salt - as needed

    Water - 1 cup + 1/2 cup

    Oil - for Grilling (I used coconut oil)

    For tempering

    Coconut oil – 1/2 tablespoon + to grease

    Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

    Green Chilli - 2 (Adjust according to your taste)

    Red chilli - 1

    Urad Dal – 1tbsp

    Channa Dal –  1 tbsp

    Curry leaves - 1 sprig

    Asafoetida – a generous pinch

    IMG_0741

    How to thavala adai with step-by-step pictures

    • Add oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, temper with mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, green chili, red chili,  curry leaves, and asafoetida
    • After it splutters, add water, coconut, and salt
    • Bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling add idli rava

    IMG_0559

    IMG_0560

    • Mix well till all the water is absorbed and kurunai is cooked. Sprinkle some water if required. Switch off the heat and cover it with a damp cloth

    IMG_0724

    • When you can handle the dough, take small portions and make small balls (if required use water) and flatten them. Add oil to the tawa and close the tawa with a lid. Grill the Adai on both sides. Serve warm with chutney

    IMG_0725

     

    Thiruvathirai Kali | Thiruvadarai Kali

    January 6, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 27 Comments

    Thiruvathirai Kali | Thiruvathirai Kali recipe | inipu Thiruvathirai Kali | sweet Thiruvathirai Kali recipe | pressure cooker Thiruvathirai Kali | Thiruvathirai Kali festival recipe with step by step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Thiruvathirai Kali recipe. If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

    Thiruvathirai Kali, an offering to Lord Nataraja on the auspicious occasion of Arudra Darisanam. The Kali is prepared with Broken Rice, little moong dal, jaggery, and a few more additional ingredients. Mild sweet usually served with 7 Kari kootu / thalagam, a mixed vegetable spicy stew.

     
    Coming back to Thiruvathirai Kali. Thiruvathirai Kali is the traditional festival we do for god Shiva on the occasion of Arudra Darisanam. For prasadam, we generally cook this Thiruvathirai Kali.
     
    During childhood days I was always doubtful about the sweet and kootu combo but to my surprise, Thiruvathirai Kali tasted good with kootu. I love it so much hence Amma makes it even during regular days.
     
    Though the ingredients of kali and sakkarai Pongal are similar both taste different.
     
    Kali tastes best with 7 Kari kootu but Poricha Kuzhambu, Thengai aracha Kuzhambu, thala Kuzhambu, and Aviyal are a few tasty combos.

    Thiruvathirai Kali

    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Comment
    Course: Kali
    Cuisine: Indian
    Author: Vidya Srinivasan

    Ingredients

    • Raw rice - 1 cup
    • Moong dal - 2 tbsp
    • Jaggery - 2 cup Adjust sweetness according to your jaggery sweetness
    • Coconut - 3 tbsp
    • Cardamom pods - 3 or cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
    • Ghee/Butter - 2 tablespoon + as required
    • Cashews - 10
    • Water - 3 cup +3/4 cup

    Instructions

    • In a heavy-bottomed pan dry roast raw rice. Roast evenly till the rice turns golden brown. Transfer the roasted rice to a wide plate and let it cool
    • In the same pan add moong dal and roast evenly till the dal till golden brown. Transfer the dal into the plate containing dal
    • Cool them completely. Then grind them coarse in rava (Sooji/Semolina) texture
    • In a microwave-safe bowl add 2 cups of crushed jaggery and 3 cups of hot water and microwave till the jaggery melts down
    • When jaggery is fully dissolved and bubbles start appearing, stop cooking further. Alternatively, you can also melt jaggery in a stovetop
    • In a wide pan strain the jaggery water and boil
    • Once after the jaggery water comes to boil add cardamom powder,  coconut, and 1/4 cup of water: mix well let it boil well
    • Add the ground rice + dal and mix well continuously
    • The mixture might turn lumpy so mix well. Cook till the liquid is all absorbed
    • Add 1/2 cup of hot water and mix well
    • Cook till the mixture comes together. Turn off the stove and transfer the mixture into a cooker separator
    • Cover with a lid and pressure cook for 7-8 whistle. Let the pressure subside naturally
    • Mix well and make sure the rice is well cooked if require a cook for an additional whistle
    • In wide cooking, pan add 1 tablespoon of ghee and let it turn hot
    • Add cashew and roast till cashews turn golden brown. I prefer crispy cashews to transfer them into a safe bowl and then add cooked rice + dal
    • Cook till the kali comes together as a nonsticky mass. Turn off and add cashew. Our tasty kali is ready

    Video

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    Notes

    1. Kali texture depends on the consistency in which rice and dal are ground
    2. Always cover the rice dal and jaggery syrup container with a lid to avoid a water layer at the top
    3. Instead of cooking in a pressure cooker and saute in the pan, can directly cook in a pan
    4. Can cook rice and dal mixture separately and mix it to the jaggery syrup
      instead of grinding moong dal, can also add them whole
    5. Kali becomes grainy over time
    6. Saute rice and dal separately to avoid them from overcooking
    7. The color of the kali depends on the jaggery
    8. Cardamom Powder can be used instead of cardamom
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

     
     
     
    Ingredients:
     
    Raw rice - 1 cup 
     
    Moong dal - 2 tbsp
     
    Jaggery - 2 cup (Adjust sweetness according to your jaggery sweetness)
     
    Coconut - 3 tbsp 
     
    Cardamom pods - 3 or cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
     
    Ghee/Butter - 2 tablespoon + as required
     
    Cashews -  10
     
    Water - 3 cup +3/4 cup
     
    Method:
    • In a heavy-bottomed pan dry roast raw rice. Roast evenly till the rice turns golden brown. Transfer the roasted rice to a wide plate and let it cool

    • In the same pan add moong dal and roast evenly till the dal till golden brown. Transfer the dal into the plate containing dal

    • Cool them completely. Then grind them coarse in rava (Sooji/Semolina) texture
    • In a microwave-safe bowl add 2 cups of crushed jaggery and 3 cups of hot water and microwave till the jaggery melts down

     

    • When jaggery is fully dissolved and bubbles start appearing, stop cooking further. Alternatively, you can also melt jaggery in a stovetop
    • In a wide pan strain the jaggery water and boil 

     

    • Once after the jaggery water comes to boil add cardamom powder,  coconut, and 1/4 cup of water: mix well let it boil well

     

    • Add the ground rice + dal and mix well continuously 

    • The mixture might turn lumpy so mix well. Cook till the liquid is all absorbed 
    • Add 1/2 cup of hot water and 1 tablespoon of ghee;  mix well

    • Cook till the mixture comes together. Turn off the stove and transfer the mixture into a cooker separator
    • Cover with a lid and pressure cook for 7-8 whistle. Let the pressure subside naturally

     

    • Mix well and make sure the rice is well cooked if require a cook for an additional whistle

    • In wide cooking, pan add 1 tablespoon of ghee and let it turn hot
    • Add cashew and roast till cashews turn golden brown. I prefer crispy cashews to transfer them into a safe bowl and then add cooked rice + dal
    • Cook till the kali comes together as a nonsticky mass. Turn off and add cashew. Our tasty kali is ready 

     

     

    Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

    December 31, 2014 By Vidya Srinivasan 60 Comments

    IMG_2254 Happy New Year 🙂 A special day calls for a special dessert. Caramelized Apple Upside-down cake is a perfect dessert for welcoming a new year:-) Recently I had Pineapple upside-down cake and was so tempted to try it in the home. Since I didn't have pineapple, I thought of using apples for my cake. When I searched for the recipe I found an upside-down cake recipe in the "Laura in the kitchen" channel. Followed her recipe with a few changes

     

    • Mini Gulab Jamun Cheesecake | pressure cooker jamun pudding
    • Eggless Rasmalai cake | ras malai cake
    • Eggless Chocolate Mug cake recipe
    • Eggless Black forest cake

    Other cake recipes in TMF

    Caramel based recipes in TMF

     

    caramel upside down cake

    No ratings yet
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    Ingredients

    For the caramel:

    • Light brown sugar - 1/3 cup
    • Butter - 4 tbsp
    • Cinnamon powder - 1/8 tsp
    • Apple - 2 peeled, cored, thinly sliced

    For the cake:

    • All-purpose flour - 1 cup + 1/3 cup
    • Apple - 1/4 cup peeled, cored, finely chopped
    • Baking powder - 1 tsp
    • Nutmeg powder - 1/8 tsp
    • Cinnamon powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Salt - 1/4 tsp
    • Brown sugar - 1 cup
    • Butter - 1/2 cup melted at room temperatures
    • Eggs - 2
    • Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp
    • Milk - 1/3 cup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Add parchment paper to the baking tray and grease it with butter/cooking spray. In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat until melted. Add the brown sugar. Bring it to a boil and remove it from heat. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan. Arrange the apples circularly over the brown sugar mixture
    • Sieve flour, baking powder, and salt 2-3 times and keep aside. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat till the mixture becomes pale. Add milk and mix well
    • Add flour in small portions and gently mix without beating heavily. Add chopped apples and transfer the batter over the apple layer; spread evenly
    • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10-15 minutes and invert gently. Run knife along the edges of the cake and flip upside down on a pan
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    Notes

    1. Instead of apple, pineapple, peaches, and any firm fruits can be used
    2. A few drops of lemon juice can be added to prevent Chopped apples from turning brown when kept for a long time
    3. Instead of baking them in a cake pan, can also bake them in a muffin tray for individual serving
    4. The cake tastes great with whipped cream. Beat whipping cream on high until soft peaks start to form, and add sugar
    5. Self-raising flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder
      Wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

     

    Ingredients:

    For the caramel: Light brown sugar - 1/3 cup Butter - 4 tablespoon Cinnamon powder - 1/8 teaspoon Apple - 2,  peeled, cored, thinly sliced

    For the cake:

    All-purpose flour - 1 cup + 1/3 cup Apple - 1/4 cup, peeled, cored, finely chopped Baking powder - 1 teaspoon Nutmeg powder - 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon powder - 1/4 teaspoon Salt - 1/4 teaspoon Brown sugar - 1 cup Butter - 1/2 cup, melted at room temperatures Eggs - 2 Vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon Milk - 1/3 cup IMG_2265 Method:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Add parchment paper to the baking tray and grease it with butter/cooking spray. In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat until melted. Add the brown sugar. Bring it to a boil and remove it from heat. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan. Arrange the apples circularly over the brown sugar mixture

    apple upside down cake

    • Sieve flour, baking powder, and salt 2-3 times and keep aside. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat till the mixture becomes pale. Add milk and mix well

    apple upside down cake1

    • Add flour in small portions and gently mix without beating heavily. Add chopped apples and transfer the batter over the apple layer; spread evenly

    apple upside down cake2 IMG_2213

    • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10-15 minutes and invert gently. Run knife along the edges of the cake and flip upside down on a pan

    IMG_2299  

    Paneer Tikka Masala

    December 26, 2014 By Vidya Srinivasan 33 Comments

    IMG_0690

    Paneer tikka masala is a flavorful side dish prepared with a flavorful paneer tikka prepared  by marinating paneer. Paneer tikka masala tastes yum for mild variety rice, naan, roti.

    Recently when I had buffet in Indian restaurant I tasted Paneer Tikka Masala. It was delicious, I could taste paneer butter masala flavor along with paneer tikka taste. I tried combining paneer butter masala and paneer tikka recipe. 

    Check our other tasty paneer + tofu based dishes in TMF,

    Palak paneer

    Kadai paneer

    Paneer tikka

    Tofu Cutlet

    Paneer Kofta

    Malai kofta

    Paneer butter masala

    Preparation Time : 15 mins | Marination time : 2 hours | Cooking Time : 45 mins

    Recipe Category: Side dish

    Ingredients:

    For Tikka:

    Paneer - 1 packet (225 gram)

    For marination:

    Hung Curd/Sour Cream - 3 tablespoon +1 teaspoon (I used Sour Cream)

    Pepper Powder - 1/4 tsp

    Turmeric powder - a pinch

    Garam Masala powder - 1/4 tsp

    Tandoori Masala  - 1 tsp

    Chat Masala - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

    Lemon juice - 1 tsp

    Ginger garlic paste - 1/2 tsp

    Oil - 1 tbsp

    How to make hung curd:

    Hang 1/3 cup curd in a muslin cloth or any thin cloth for an hour to make the required hung curd.

    For Gravy:

    Onion - 2

    Tomato - 3

    Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp

    Garam Masala powder- 1 tsp

    Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

    Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp

    Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp

    Heavy Cream - 3 tbsp

    Turmeric powder - 1/8 tsp

    Cinnamon Powder - 1/4 tsp

    Salt - as needed

    Butter - 1 tbsp

    IMG_0697

    Method:

    • Preheat the oven at 400 deg F
    • Cube the Paneer and keep it aside. In a separate bowl Mix the ingredients listed under 'for marination' and keep aside. Mix paneer with the marinated ingredients and keep refrigerated for 2 hours (minimum an hour). Take it out and arrange the Paneer in the baking tray

    paneer tikka masala

    • Bake them for 15-18 mins, turning over in between for even cooking. Paneer tikka is ready

    IMG_0678

    • Boil onion and tomato in hot water and strain the water. When it comes to room temperature, blend them into fine paste© TraditionallyModernFood
    • Add butter to the pan. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the blended tomato and onion puree and cook for 3-5 minutes

    IMG_8929

    • Add garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder and allow it to cook for 2-3mins

    IMG_8930

    • Add heavy cream and cook till it starts boiling. Add paneer tikka and cook for 2 minutes and switch off

    © TraditionallyModernFood

     

    Paneer Tikka Masala

    No ratings yet
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    Course: Gravy
    Cuisine: Indian
    Author: Vidya Srinivasan

    Ingredients

    • For Tikka:
    • Paneer - 1 packet 225 gram
    • For marination:
    • Hung Curd/Sour Cream - 3 tablespoon +1 tsp I used Sour Cream
    • Pepper Powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Turmeric powder - a pinch
    • Garam Masala powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Tandoori Masala - 1 tsp
    • Chat Masala - 1/4 tsp optional
    • Lemon juice - 1 tsp
    • Ginger garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
    • Oil - 1 tbsp
    • How to make hung curd:
    • Hang 1/3 cup curd in a muslin cloth or any thin cloth for an hour to make the required hung curd.
    • For Gravy:
    • Onion - 2
    • Tomato - 3
    • Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp
    • Garam Masala powder- 1 tsp
    • Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
    • Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
    • Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Heavy Cream - 3 tbsp
    • Turmeric powder - 1/8 tsp
    • Cinnamon Powder - 1/4 tsp
    • Salt - as needed
    • Butter - 1 tbsp

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven at 400 deg F
    • Cube the Paneer and keep it aside. In a separate bowl Mix the ingredients listed under 'for marination' and keep aside. Mix paneer with the marinated ingredients and keep refrigerated for 2 hours (minimum an hour). Take it out and arrange the Paneer in the baking tray
    • Bake them for 15-18 mins, turning over in between for even cooking. Paneer tikka is ready
    • Boil onion and tomato in hot water and strain the water. When it comes to room temperature, blend them into fine paste
    • Add butter to the pan. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the blended tomato and onion puree and cook for 3-5 minutes
    • Add garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder and allow it to cook for 2-3mins
    • Add heavy cream and cook till it starts boiling. Add paneer tikka and cook for 2 minutes and switch off
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    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

     

    IMG_0692

    Eggless Custard Powder Cookies (Whole Wheat)

    December 24, 2014 By Vidya Srinivasan 26 Comments

    IMG_2538

    Merry Christmas:-)

    As I am on vacation, I could not try out new recipes for holiday specials. Started browsing my drafts and saw a cookie recipe and cake recipe, so decided to post a cookie recipe for Christmas and cake for New year 🙂

    Sometime back, I got custard for preparing fruit custard. After preparing fruit custard, I had custard powder left and was thinking what to do with it.  Hubby and kid liked the Walnut Butter Cookies, so thought of preparing some cookies with custard powder.

    Preparation time : 10 mins | Baking time: 13 - 17 minutes

    Category: Cookies

    Ingredients:

    Wheat flour - 1  cup

    Custard Powder - 1/4 cup (I used vanilla flavor)

    Light Brown sugar - 1/3 cup

    White sugar - 2 tbsp

    Baking Soda  - 1/4 tsp

    Baking powder  - 1/2 tsp

    Butter - 1/3 cup melted in room temperature

    Milk - 2 tbsp

    Vanilla essence - 1/4 tsp

    IMG_2539

    Method:

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degree F and place the parchement paper/ butter paper/ Aluminium foil on the cookie tray and grease the cooking tray with cooking spray
    • Seive the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and transfer them into a bowl. Add brown sugar, white sugar and custard powder and mix well. Add butter to the dry ingredients and make crumble

    custard cookiess

    • Add 2 tablespoon of milk and make a soft dough. Make small balls and in a clean surface, press each ball lightly and bake the cookies for about 13 - 17 minutes or until cookies are lightly gold brown. Cool them and enjoy:-)

    custard cookiess1

    IMG_2530

    My Notes:

    • Can use cookie cutter for desired shape
    • I prefer my cookies on the sweeter side, so adjust sugar according to your taste
    • Cookies appear chewy initially but they became crisp after they are cooled completely
    • Add extract according to the flavour of custard powder.If you are using butterscotch custard use extracts accordingly
    • I used both brown sugar and white sugar, instead white sugar can be fully used
    • All purpose flour/maida can be used instead of wheat flour
    • Oil can be used instead of butter
    • Cocoa powder can be used if you like chocolate flavour

    Rava Laddu | Sooji Ladoo

    December 22, 2014 By Vidya Srinivasan 34 Comments

    rava laddu recipe without milk, quick rava ladoo in 20 minutes, sooji laddu with ghee and sugar, easy rava ladoo for beginners, traditional South Indian rava laddu, rava ladoo with coconut and cardamom, no sugar syrup rava laddu recipe, festival special sooji ladoo recipe, Diwali rava laddu with cashews and raisins, simple semolina ladoo for Navratri, rava ladoo using fine sooji, homemade rava laddu without condensed milk, instant rava ladoo with minimal ingredients, rava ladoo with roasted nuts and ghee, authentic Indian sooji laddu for celebrations 

    classic indian sweet

    Rava Laddu (also spelled Rava Ladoo) is a classic Indian sweet made from semolina (rava or sooji), sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom. Often garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, this melt-in-your-mouth treat is a staple during Diwali, Navratri, and other festive occasions. Quick to prepare and irresistibly tasty, Rava Laddu is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you're making a festive platter or gifting homemade sweets, this recipe is a must-try! Rava Laddu is one of the easiest and tastiest Indian sweets you can make in just 20 minutes. Even beginners who are new to cooking can prepare this delicious treat with confidence. Made from semolina (rava), sugar, and ghee, it’s a festive favorite during Diwali, Navratri, and other celebrations.

    What is Rava Laddu made of?

    A: Rava Laddu is made from semolina (rava or sooji), sugar, ghee, and cardamom. Optional ingredients include coconut, milk, or dry fruits like cashews and raisins.

    Can I make Rava Laddu without milk or coconut?

    Yes! This version of Rava Laddu doesn’t require milk or coconut. It’s a dry mix method using ghee for binding—no sugar syrup or string consistency needed.

    How long does it take to make Rava Laddu?

    You can make Rava Laddu in just 20 minutes. It’s one of the quickest Indian sweets, perfect for last-minute festive prep.

    What type of rava should I use?

    Use fine rava (also called Bombay rava or fine sooji). If it’s coarse, you can grind it in a mixie for a smoother texture. Sometimes, simple recipes truly shine—and for me, Rava Laddu is definitely one of them. Back in India, my Amma used to grind rava at the local mill to get a smooth texture. Here in the US, since that’s not an option, I use fine rava and grind it in a mixie. The texture may differ slightly, but I still love it just as much.

     How do I store Rava Laddu?

     Store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 5–7 days. No refrigeration needed unless you’ve added milk or coconut.

    Rava Laddu | Sooji Ladoo

    rava ladoo
    5 from 1 vote
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    Ingredients

    • Fine Rava - 1 cup
    • Sugar - 3/4 cup Adjust according to your sweetness
    • Warm Melted Ghee - 1/4 cup
    • Ghee- 1 tbsp
    • Cardamom powder - pinch
    • Cashew nuts - 20 grams roughly chopped

    Instructions

    • Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and saute cashew nuts till they are golden brown. Keep it aside. In the same pan, roast the rava in a medium flame for 2-3 minutes till a nice aroma comes. Roast Rava without changing the color or burning it. Allow it to cool
    • Powder the sugar and transfer it to a plate
    • After the Rava comes to room temperature, powder the Rava in the same jar and add it to the plate containing powdered sugar
    • Add cardamom powder and mix well
    • Add sautéd cashews to the plate and mix well
    • Add warm melted ghee to the plate and mix well
    • Take a small portion of the mixture and Roll into a laddu

    Video

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    Notes

    1. Confectionery sugar can be used instead of regular sugar
    2. If you want to cut down on ghee use small amount of warm milk to make laddu. Shelf life of laddu made with milk is less
    3. Use warm melted ghee to make laddu. Laddu can be easily made only with warm ghee. Difficult to roll Laddu with room temperature ghee
    4. If you are beginner add warm ghee little by little and roll into laddu
    5. If the entire ghee is added on one shot then laddu needs to be done quickly joy. Since I and amma did together I added the ghee fully
    6. If you are going to add ghee in batches mix  Rava, powdered sugar, cashew, cardamom powder well before adding the ghee
    7. Preferably use fine Rava for the laddu
    8. If you are using cardamom pods instead of cardamom powder grind it along with rava
    9. This can be stored in a air tight box for 4-5 days in room temperature
    10. Amount of ghee required may vary slightly based on the Rava you are using. Keep 2 tablespoon warm ghee just in case
    11. If you feel it difficult to roll the laddu add little ghee and try rolling
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    Ingredients

    Fine Rava - 1 cup

    Sugar - 3/4 cup (Adjust according to your sweetness)

    Warm Melted Ghee - 1/4 cup  

    Ghee- 1 tbsp

    Cardamom powder - pinch

    Cashew nuts - 20 grams, roughly chopped

    How to make rava laddu with step-by-step pictures

    • Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and saute cashew nuts till they are golden brown. Keep it aside. In the same pan, roast the rava in a medium flame for 2-3 minutes till a nice aroma comes. Roast Rava without changing the color or burning it. Allow it to cool

    • Powder the sugar and transfer it to a plate

    • After the Rava comes to room temperature, powder the Rava in the same jar and add it to the plate containing powdered sugar

    • Add cardamom powder and mix well

    • Add sautéd cashews to the plate and mix well

    • Add warm melted ghee to the plate and mix well

    • Take a small portion of the mixture and Roll into a laddu

     

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