Drumstick or Moringa leaves Beef Soup

Drumstick or Muringa as known in Kerala is a wonderful vegetable. The leaves are also highly nutritional and is good to control Blood Pressure and is good for eye sight as well. The humble muringa is exported to western countries in powder form in the name of Moringa extract. The foreigners found out the unbelievable medicinal powers of this super food and is taking as food supplement. Poor Malayalees discard the powers of Muringakka and its leaves. They use it occasionally in Sambhar and make leaves thoran. Muringa seeds are well known for its aphrodisiac qualities also and will boost sexual powers.
Here I made a simple soup of Muringa leaves for dinner. I have 3 Muringa plants at home. They are 3-4 years old but never bore drumsticks. I use the leaves though. 10 pcs of beef plain cooked is minced in a grinder. Take half a steel tumbler water. Add the minced beef, muringa leaves, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, sliced churakka or bottle gourd and salt to taste. Add pepper powder to the hot soup bowl.
You get the magical medicinal powers of Muringa, turmeric, bottle gourd and ofcourse beef gives you instant energy and make the soup more tasty. 

Israel Lemon in Ollur Thrissur Kerala

My Blog although has the name Blogsownkitchen has photos of many plants. It looks awkward for the visitor but the fact is to run a kitchen, one needs vegetables and fruits apart from other food items. My aim is to grow organic vegetables, fruits, fish, cereals like corn etc. and use it in my kitchen experiments. I love Western food, Mediterranean, Middle East, Asian and Fusion food. I mix and match the recipes of various cultures. I chop some fresh veggies from my backyard, add a dash of chilli, Olive oil and Turmeric powder and little salt to make some salad or soup. There is no fixed quantity, measurement or routine chef job. I post it on the web so that people get inspired by my simple recipes and organic farming methods. Please call George 9895039531 for any assistance.
Seen here is Israel Lemon which produced one Lemon which was originally on the plant when I bought it. It never flowered after that for the last 2-3 years. I am pruning it and giving enough organic manure. I bought it for Rs. 350. I have other Fruit trees like Pommegranate, Grape, African Cola Nut and Rambutan as well which had some flowers and produced zero or some poor quality fruits and less yield. The people selling these plants in Kerala are either greedy and selling sub standard plants with a huge price tag. I have seen fruit plants with price of Rs. 3500 per plant which they say is imported from Thailand and Australia etc. Who knows. I feel it is logical to grow local fruits. 

Kili Njaval for the Birds and for Jamun Lovers

Kili Njaval is a miniature from of Njaval Pazham or Jamun. It also resembles Grumichama of the South American continent. It looks and tastes exactly like Njaval. But the flesh is very little. It is recommended for diabetics to control the sugar level. As the name suggests, a lot of birds flock on the tree once the fruit ripens. This is my share of food to the birds and giving back to nature.

Organic Ginger farming in Ollur Kerala

Ginger one of the most essential spice in Kerala cuisine is grown in my backyard completely organic. I water it with the nitrogen rich water from the fish pond. Cow dug of grass fed cows. Ginger borders my pathway and also is handy when I make Beef Kaya or Beef Kolli.

Organic farming of Tapioca in Kerala

Tapioca or Kappa in Kerala has achieved a star status now. The staple of poor man and the working class which was available for Rs. 8.00 a Kg 5 years back shot up to Rs. 40 per Kg. now. The Chips and Wafer manufacturers in Kerala started large scale operations and the junk food generation started munching packets of Kappa fry in various forms when they cannot get their hands on Lays etc. Star Hotels and Thattukadas in Kerala started to experiment with Kappa in various names and forms. Even foreign tourists were offered the unique Kappa Kanthari mulagu chammanthy. Farmers in Kerala started to cultivate Tapioca in large swathes of land to meet the demand. Some how Cassava as it is known in the west got an untouchable status in Kerala. The lavish weddings had special stalls offering authentic Kappa meen curry, Kappa mulagu, Kappa Beef dishes to boost the value of the once humble Tapioca.
Seen here is "Payasa Kolli" as known in Thrissur with its unique rose and pink skin. It is a very good combo with beef. 

MANGOSTEN in Ollur Thrissur

Mysore Puvan Vazha in Ollur Kerala

I had Robusta Banana in my backyard for the past 6 years. Then I thought of having more varieties of plantain in my collection. So I planted this Mysore Puvan, 2-3 Tissue culture Nethra Vazha, one Chengalikkoden Nethran and one Palayankoden.  

N 18 Rambutan in Ollur Thrissur Kerala

N 18 is the new star among Rambutan. I planted one in my backyard and is growing up. 

Organic Elam or Cardamom in Ollur Thrissur

Organically grown Elam or Cardamom in my home in Ollur Thrissur. The plant was brought from my cousins house in Kattappana, Idukki. It is 4 years almost. Waiting to see it flower and give me some fragrant and spicy Cardamom. It is carefully nurtured in the shade of a Papaya, Kili Njaval, Mexican Wood Spinach. Ollur is too hot for the poor plant.

Organic Farming and Aquaponics in Ollur Kerala

Organic farming is catching up everywhere and so is in Kerala. The dumping of toxic and pesticide laden fruits and vegetables to Kerala market from the neighboring states have woken up the Malayalis. I am doing my share of helping my family to avoid such unhealthy and disease causing diet. Here is my Paduthakulam where I rear GIFT Tilapia and also cultivate vegetables near to it so that I can use the Nitrogen rich water in the pond to water the veggies. Also seen is organically grown Mint in the pond in a styrofoam box. The Mint automatically gets water and nitrogen from the pond. No need of soil to grow. 

Organic farming in Ollur Kerala Brinjal or Vazhuthana

Brinjal or Vazhuthana is a very good vegetable which has medicinal powers also. Organically grown Egg plant or Aubergine is much sought after by food connoisseurs. It is staple in Mediterranean recipes. Baingan Masala is a top menu item in North India as well. 

Organic Banana Farming in Ollur Thrissur

Nenthra Vazha is the King of Kerala Plantains. Nenthra Pazham is the identity of Malayali household. Ollur Krishi Bahavan recently gave away free Tissue culture saplings to farmers in the area. I too got 4 pcs. Seen here is one Nenthra Vazha growing slowly to maturity probably next year for Onam. 

The importance of Fish farming in Kerala

Fish is a staple dietary item of Keralites. Fish is consumed in large quantities in Kerala and the favourites are Chala, Ayala, Kayal Meen, Karimeen, Vala, Chemmen, Neymeen etc. Malayalees also consume dry fish along with rice. But the fish available today in Kerala markets are highly toxic, contaminated and have deadly bacteria in it as per newspaper reports of nov 2016 (malayala manorama) People are knowingly eating fish as there is no option . Tonnes of fish are eaten in kerala everyday and the demand cannot be met by the fish caught in Kerala waters. So fish comes daily from Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra, and Goa to Kerala. Fish is also imported from Thailand, Indonesia and Gulf countries like Oman to Kerala. The highly toxic chemical sodium benzoate which is used in very limited amount in canned foods as preservatives is found in high levels in fish caught from the sea and sold in kerala markets. Also the presence of formalin, another chemical used to preserve dead bodies in morgue is used to preserve fish. Bacteria's which causes various diseases are found in the fish.
This is where organic fish farming in Kerala should be given top priority. Fish can be grown in small Paduthakulam, Cement Tanks, PVC Tanks, Ponds, Lakes and Paddy fields. For urban people, Paduthakulam is a very convenient solution. I made one which is of dimensions 20 x 8 feet and 2 feet deep. I am growing GIFT Thilapia successfully for the last 2 years. I even sold fish and used it for my own kitchen. Last month, we made some fishing rods and caught fish from our own back yard. It is pure fun for the whole family and relatives. Also I provide my family and friends organic fish which is great in taste and rich in essential nutrients. Please call George 9895039531 for setting up your own fish farm in Kerala.   

Sweet Corn from USA grown in Ollur Thrissur

Sweet Corn was planted on the roadside infront of my home in Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala. The seeds were brought from WA State, USA. Really sweet and delicious corn. I just ate it like that. 

Happy and anxious faces engaged in backyard fishing in Ollur Thrissur

The kids are thrilled to catch fish and there are anxious faces as well. The wait is worth when the line is pulled back by the unlucky fish...

Fishing in my backyard Paduthakulam Ollur Thrissur

Fresh Tilapia in my backyard Padutha Pond in Thrissur Kerala

Catching fresh fish from your back yard pond is great fun. It is not a natural pond though. An 18 x 8 ft. Padutha or Silpaulin tank where I grow my GIFT Thilapia....100 of them. I made a fishing rod and line in 5 minutes of Aluminum rod and hooks. With a bait of small Atta( Wheat flour) balls, the Thilpia was pulled out in 15 secs flat. 5 fish was enough for a good Fish Curry. Plus I had Irumban Puli waiting... fresh green chilli, ginger, curry leaves etc. from my backyard itself. It is that simple.  

Mashithandu or Pepper Elder Salad

Mashithandu as commonly known in Kerala is a nutritious herb with anti inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can be included as a regular salad in the diet.Used in treatment of fatigue, renal disorders, joint pain, internal bleeding etc.
Here I chopped the fresh cut leaves and stem and added some sliced tomatoes, Onion, salt, Lemon juice and EV Olive Oil.

Shallots or Chuvanna Ulli Soup

Shallots or Chuvannu Ulli usually comes from other states to Kerala. But now it grows very well here also. Seen here is Chuvanna Ulli grown on my terrace in Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala. I trim the leaves and use it in Salads.
Boil water, add chopped Shallot leaves, little salt, any other handy vegetables like Tomato, Pumpkin, Garlic etc. Add a spoon of Sambhar powder or Chana Masala Powder. I added some mixture as well that you can see. It adds the taste of the soup. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve hot soup. 

Egg Plant Turkish and Indian Style Fusion Dish

Egg Plant or Brinjal is a versatile veggie loved by foodies. Here I used a fusion method combining the Turkish and Indian Style. Sauteed the sliced Brinjal in Sunflower Oil. Chopped fresh Tomato, Green Chilli and a slice of lemon. A Tomato Garlic sauce plus a bit of salt will complete the recipe. 

Home Made Honey Chilli Potato

Honey Chilli Potato is a nice dish. The Sweet and Spicy taste make it one of my favourite as well for the kids. Here I made it at home.
Chopped the Potatoes. Washed it 2-3 times and then left it in the fridge for 1 hour in a bowl of water. Pat dried the slices (with tissue paper) and left it for drying in the sun. After 1 hour, half fried the potatoes in Sunflower oil. After cooling down, again put it in the refrigerator for another hour. Then fried it again in the same oil till it turns golden brown. The trick I used was to sprinkle some Maggi Noodles Masala left over from the Jumbo pack I bought. Also some Red Chilli powder, Salt to taste, Finely chopped Green Chillies and finally some Honey. 

Soya Chunk or Nutrela Chilli Fried Masala

Soya Chunks or Nutrela is a very good food with the goodness of Soya. It is not that popular in Kerala. The caterers sometimes use it in pure vegeterian 'Sadhya' to mimic as Beef. But Soya Chunks can be prepared Chinese style or crispy fried.
Soya Chunks are washed very well and squeezed to dry. Marinate with corn flour, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt and teaspoon of lemon juice. Keep for 1/2 an hour. Fry the Soya chunks in oil. This can be mixed with sauteed Onions, Tomatoes and Green Chilli. Add some Tomato Sauce to make it a Chinese dish. You can garnish it with Coriander leaves etc. My kids love it. Their friends and Teachers at school are fighting for it. 

Dry Prawns Onion Masala

Dry Prawns (Baby) are available sometimes in the shop. They are so tiny but delicious. The prawns are first washed thoroughly and then dried. It is sauteed along with Onion, Green Chillies, Red Chilli Powder, Salt on frying pan. Good accompaniment for Rice.

Prawn Head and Pumpkin Soup

Fresh Prawns are always a great sea food. But the prawns head are usually tossed into the waste bin. Here I made a simple soup with Prawns head and Pumpkin along with Broccoli leaves. Added some Turmeric powder to enhance the flavour and taste. Shallots or Onion, Pepper, Garlic, Salt to taste....

Pork Strips in Garlic Tomato Sauce

Pork strips is sauteed in Garlic Tomato Sauce along with Onions and Capsicum. Pork strips are cooked and fried before sauteing. Tomato is also added. Simple and quick to prepare a yummy dish   

Broccoli in Thrissur Kerala India

This is what I got from Broccoli plants in Thrissur, Kerala, India. The plants were planted in November 2015 and it flowered like this once in January and again in July. The climate here is not suitable for Broccoli. It is not so cool and then in summer, the temperatures soar to 40 degrees and then comes the monsoon with pouring rain. But Broccoli is Broccoli and what I have here is 100 % organic. I will make a Salad of broccoli, garlic pickled in apple cider vinegar, olive oil and red chillis and salt.

Brinjal or Egg Plant Masala

Brinjal also called as Egg Plant or Aubergine and is a versatile vegetable. In India it is known as Baingan in Hindi. This vegetable is consumed all over the world but I like the Middle East and Mediterranean style in which the egg plant is grilled over charcoal and the skin removed, the pulp is mashed in a blender and then Olive oil, Garlic, Chilli or Cayenne pepper, Salt etc. are added to it.
Here in Kerala, though Malayalees use it in Sambhar and make a Thoran type curry only. So Egg Plant is not very popular here. But it can be an excellent curry or Subji for Chappathi/Roti anytime.
Fry some Brinjal cut in either thin round slices or strips/fingers in oil with a pinch of salt. If you marinate it with Cornflour, Chicken Masala or Chana Masala etc. it will be more tastier. Saute chopped onions, tomato, green chillis etc. for 15 minutes. Add some salt and a pinch of sugar. Mix the Brinjal and sautee for another 15 minutes. A mouth watering Baingan Masala is ready.  

Colacassia or Chembu Curry Kerala Style

Colacassia or Chembu in Malayalam is a real tasty and highly nutritious vegetable cultivated in Kerala. But sad to say, it is not in the main course of Malayalees. It is a very good combination with any type of red meat especially beef, pork or even mutton. Shown here is Chembu with beef. Chembu can also be taken like Kappa "Puzhungiyathu" with Green Chilli, Onion, Coconut Oil Chammanthy. It is a great snack in the evenings especially in the rainy season. Steamed Colaccasia is a good source of energy and nutrition for the children as well. 

Broccoli and Moringa Leaves Soup

The late Broccoli plants are good for only now. I planted them in October-November and still not flowering properly. They withstood the high heat of the summer and now into the Monsoon. So before they perish, I am making soup with them. A bunch of drumstick leaves will add tonnes of vitamins and into it I added some onion, garlic, turmeric powder, 1 green chili and some salt. A good hot soup for the cool monsoon evening dinner.

Musk Melon or Shammam in Ollur Thrissur Kerala

Musk melon is the distant cousin of Water Melon. Not so much consumed as much as Water Melon. But it is rich in several nutrients and vitamins. I sowed some seeds from a M. Melon which I bought from the fruit stall in Thrissur. Several plants sprung up and I planted half a dozen of it. Now 4-5 plants are bearing fruit. Although small, it is sweet and soft inside. 

Fresh Chembu – Colocasia / Taro / Arbi with Pork

I pulled out fresh Chembu from my backyard last weekend. I got the plant seeds from the BIOFACH Expo in Karukutty, Kerala and is of a superior grade. I had it with Pork, Kerala style. Small pieces of Chembu and slices of  Pork just like Kolli/Kappa Pork or Kaya Pork curry. Very yummy and we all loved it. The Chembu tasted like Potato and was soft and tender. Delicious and remember, it has good nutrition value like Yam and other tubers.

Amazing Find of Pappaya plant growing inside a Pappaya

I was taken aback to see two plants of Pappaya growing inside a ripe Pappaya I plucked from my backyard some days ago. There were several seeds germinating and I replanted them in a soil bed at my home in Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala.
The Pappaya was sweet and delicious and is a local variety.