Quick Thakkali kosthu (Tomato gravy)

Quick Tomato Koshthu preparation time 20 mins
Tomato kosthu is something special in our native place. The term kosthu is used commonly in places like chidambaram, mayiladuthurai, etc. When compared to other chutneys this is bit special and will be cooked occasionally. Kosthu can be made using other vegetables also which I will publish in due course.

Ingredients:-
Tomato - 2 (finely chopped).
Onion - 2 (finely chopped i.e. small strips of 1/2 inch)
Red chili - 2 (make to 2 pieces each)
Curry leaves - 5 (washed and finely chopped)
Coriander leaves - 4 (washed and finely chopped)
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Water - 1 cup
Mustard - ¼ tsp
Urad dhal - 1 tsp
Sesame oil - 2 tsp
Roasted and powdered 2 tbspn of coriander seed & 2 red chili
Salt to taste

Preparation method:-
In a tawa add 1 tsp oil, mustard, urad dhal & chili. When dhal is golden brown add the chopped onion, tomato, turmeric and fry of few mins. Add water, salt and boil till the ingredients are cooked.
Add the coriander & chili powder to the gravy and boil for few minutes.
If kosthu is thin add little bit of rice flour mixed with 1 tbspn of milk. It will become bit thick.
Finally transfer to a bowl and garnish with curry and coriander leaves. This chutney can be taken with dosa/idli.

Note: If you want more spice you can also add chili powder.

Katharikai dhania poriyal (Brinjal & Coriander seed curry)

Katharikai dhania poriyal (Brinjal & Coriander seed curry) preparation time 15 to 20 mins
Violet color small brinjal is preferable to make below recipe. If you don't get this variety don't worry you can try with any brinjal. It will be very tasty when it is mixed with white rice along with little sesame oil (nalla ennai). Roasted papad can be taken along with this rice. You will love this taste. It will be good for lunch box, when i shared this rice with my office colleague they praised my mom. Brinjal will cook in few minutes so when rice is cooked you can pack for lunch box in no time.

Ingredients:-
Brinjal - 1/4 kg
Coriander seed - 3 tbsp
Red chili - 3 or 4
Sesame oil - 4 tbsp
Mustard seed - 1/4 tsp
Salt - to taste
Water - to sprinkle

Preparation method:-
Wash the brinjal and chop the brinjal to small cubes (put the chopped brinjal in bowl of water else it will become brown in colour).
Roast coriander seed and red chili with few drops of oil.
Grind the roasted coriander & red chili to coarse powder.
In a tawa add 4 tbsp of oil and mustard seed. Once it splutters add the brinjal (no water) and fry for few minutes. Sprinkle little water so that brinjal will be cooked softly.
When brinjal is cooked add the powder and fry for 5 to 10 mins so that it will be coated over the brinjal.
This dry curry goes well with white rice and curd rice.

Are you new to kitchen? - Part I

Might be useful to you so sharing my experience with you.

When you want to boil milk, pour little water in the vessel before you pour the milk. Once milk is cooked and used it will be easy to wash the vessel without much diificulty.

When you use tea strainer to filter the tea water, wash the filter net after use so you can avoid the stain in net.

While cooking vegetables add the salt in final stage to preserve certain nutrients.

To make curd:-
a. Boil the milk without water or little water and leave till it is bit warm (it should not be too hot or cold).
b. Add half a teaspoon of curd and leave it for few hours.
c. Your curd will be ready.

When you chop the onions don't leave it in open air because it will attracts germs/bacteria from air.

When you grind batter for idli/dosa keep little fresh batter refrigerated so you can add this when the batter is more fermented.

When you cut vegetables and keep for next day better store in airtight container so the essential nutrients are preserved.

While you want to cook vegetables take required amount of water and boil. Add chopped vegetables when water starts boiling.

Chopped plantain or plantain stem has to be put in water mixed with little curd or butter milk to avoid browning/color changing.

You can add few drops of sesame oil in hand before cutting plantain so, it won't be sticky.

Will share more.....

Strawberry Milkshake

Strawberry milkshake - Preparation time 5 to 10 mins
Research and articles say strawberry is rich source of Vitamin C, potassium, follic acid, high level of anti oxidant, reduce the risk of heart diseases, cancer and contains other minerals also. Before using strawberry wash well and consume fresh to gain full nutrition value. The medium size deep red colour will be sweet.

Ingredients:-
Ripe strawberry - 5 or 6 (small size)
Milk - 100 ml
Sugar - 3 or 4 tbsp (according to your taste level)
Vanilla/strawberry ice-cream - 1 scoop (optional)

Preparation method :-
Add sugar, strawberry & milk in mixer and blend.
Serve strawberry milkshake chilled with scoop of ice-cream.