Indian food, Andhra recipes and Global cuisine inspired cooking

Barbati aka yard long beans are a regular fare at the local market though they hardly make an appearance at our dining table. This morning as Nehal was leaving for school, a young mobile vegetable vendor, greeted us at our doorstep to sell farm-fresh long beans, ridge gourd and raw plantains. These vegetables among others are grown on his small piece land situated in a village 28 kms away from Vizag.

Today, I went on an almost 100% raw food diet, basically to de-tox. There was a time when I was an almost raw food diet on a regular basis but was not consistent in maintaining it. Now, my goal is to go raw once a week and be consistent.

Yesterday, I prepared Vegetable Pulao and raita. The vegetables I use for the regular pulao are carrots, beans, peas and potatoes. I rarely use cauliflower and capsicum for pulao. I use whole spices instead of masala powder which yields an aromatic mild flavor to the rice and a combination of ghee and oil for frying the vegetables which brings out their flavor beautifully.

Yesterday was a busy day and meant less time in the kitchen. Made a simple, lemon-flavored, vibrant colored rice that was not only quick to prepare but brightened up my day. Relished it with yogurt and papads. An all time favorite especially during travel and as picnic food. Love the way how a pinch of [...]

Earlier I had blogged Beerkaya thokku pachadi using the peel of ridge gourd and the peeled ridge gourd was used to prepare a simple stir fry, Beerakaya Gasagasalu aka Ridge gourd Poppy seeds.

Today, Sailu’s Kitchen turns four. Feels incredible! A mere ‘thank you’ isn’t enough to express my gratitude for your affection, support and encouragement, dear readers. I appreciate each and every comment, feedback and emails sent by you. Thank you very much!

Ridge gourd is one vegetable that I find regularly at my neighbourhood rythu bazaar (farmer’s market). Always buy 1/2 kg on almost every visit since our family relishes it. The peel which is high in fibre is edible and need not be thrown away. Use it to prepare a tangy spiced chutney.

There’s something very cheerful about tomatoes and when I use them to prepare the first meal of the day, I feel good. I made a tomato based chutney to go with sponge dosas for breakfast today. Made for a delectable combination. Calcium rich sesame seeds play a vital role in this vibrant colored chutney that [...]

I cannot say enough good things about today’s sambar recipe. It has never let me down and its my favorite ever since I chanced upon Hemantji’s sambar podi. The key to a good aromatic sambar is ’sambar powder’ and the vegetables that go into its making. There are numerous versions of sambar but this one is note worthy due to the magical sambar powder.

I have many of you writing in requesting for kid friendly recipes and regular updates at Kids Zone. Yes, I do want to update both the blogs on a regular basis. My karigar (artisan) is back after a long break and I spend quite some time creating designs to be embroidered on clothes. Trying my [...]