Vegetables planted in Kumbha Masam

There is an old saying: Kumbhathil nattal Kudatholam..!!

Kumbha Masam which is running now is a hot summer month. But it is very favourable for Vegetable cultivation and hence the old people has this saying. It is tried and tested..and they even say that if it rains in Kumbham, you will find veggies growing even from garbage.
So it happened. I sowed the seeds on Feb 14th (Kumbha Masam) and it rained that night and the next two days... Now the seeds have germinated and I am eager to see them growing.
I have seeds from our own Thrissur Agricultural University and also from TNAU, Coimbatore.
Brinjal, Ladies Finger, Spinach, Cucumber, Ash Gourd, Chilli, Amaranth, Tomato etc.

The enemies have already started their campaign. I have to go on war footing...to ward off the flies, insects, pests and rodents.

French Fries made in Kerala

I made French Fries at my home in Thrissur, Kerala last week during a Harthal day and it came out fantastic... ofcourse in taste and in looks too...!! I referred the recipe by David Myers probably an American but I did it in my own way.

We used to eat French Fries and Honey Chilli Potatoes from Hotel Merlin International. We all love it and especially my kids. They were pestering me to make it at home. We made Honey Chilli Potatoes earlier but it was not crispy. But the French fries were excellent.

Ingredients:

Potato  - 3 Nos. (Good enough for my daughters Olivia and Carol)
Coconut Oil - Pour it lavishly so that the Fries will get fried quick and not soaking too much Oil.
Salt - As required.

Wash the Potatoes very well and peel it. Cut it into sticks of 3-4 inches and dip in water for 2 hours. Drain water every hour and then finally dry the sticks in tissue paper and keep aside for a while to get it completely dry.
Heat Oil in a thick & deep Iron China Pot. Heat it very well around 250 deg C. Toss the sticks a handful each time and cook for 2-3 min. Remove the fries to a tissue paper to soak away the Oil. Keep the fries in the Freezer for 20 minutes or so to get it cold.

Re heat the Oil to 370 deg C and fry the sticks once again. Remove after 4-5 min when it starts getting golden brown and soak the excess oil by keeping the fries in a Plate spread with Tissue paper. Sprinkle some salt and eat with Tomato Sauce instantly.

Turmeric Pickle for Diabetics

Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic for the stomach. It has magical curative properties to cleanse and heal the internal organs in the stomach. It is even good to fight of some Cancers as well. Turmeric is usually consumed as powder through the curries. Even capsules are available it seems. Making a Pickle with Turmeric will be an excellent method to consume raw turmeric. Mix it with Lime slices and make it as regular Pickle your Mamma makes. Yummy and healthy Pickle for all ages.

Ingredients:

Turmeric
Lime
Ginger
Garlic
Green Chilli
Salt
Vinegar
Mustard seeds

Eastern Pickle Powder
Etc.

Chilli Gobi Dry Fry

Cauliflower or Gobi is an excellent veggie to fry. Add some other veggies to it like Tomatoes, Onions, Capsicum, Green Chilli, Garlic etc and this dish will make a tasty Dinner combo with Chappathi or Roti etc.

Preparation:
Wash and clean Cauliflower, immerse in a bowl of water with a pinch of Turmeric powder and salt for 15 min. Wash again and cut Gobi into small bulbs. Marinate it in a mixture of 2 spoons of Corn flour, 1 spoon of Red chilli powder 1 spoon of Garam Masala, Salt  and a pinch of Red colour. Keep it aside for 30 min.

Heat Oil in a Frying Pan. Add Gobi and stir fry until it becomes Red or Golden brown. Transfer to a bowl. Add little more oil and Saute the rest of the veggies for 15 min. Add the Gobi and give a final heat blast. Your delicious Chilli Gobi Dry Fry is ready.