Happy Independence Day!!

I wish all my Indian fellow bloggers a very Happy Independence Day.
My sweet memories of Independence day are, while I was in school. We get dressed in white n white, practice for the parade, sing the National Anthem and the best part is at the end, when we get sweet treats.

Even today we enjoy the day sitting at home , relaxing, watching TV and eating good food. Behind all this freedom, there was so much struggle, so many great people who sacrificed their lives, just to give us a better future. Every Indian should remember the struggle for Independence. That thought will make our country a better place to live, not only for us but for the future generations too.

Please share your sweet memories of Independence Day too.

Garden Harvest Recipes- Part 2

Dahi wali bhendi or Bendakaya Perugu pachadi (okra in yogurt sauce)
I came across Tomato Perugu Pachadi (yoghurt curry) in Sailu's blog and experimented it a little by adding okras to it. The results, you can see in the picture.

Bedakaya Perugu Pachadi (Okra- Yogurt based Chutney)

Ingredients

1 cup medium chopped Okra
1/2 cup tomatoes chopped or puree
1/2 cup chopped red onions
1 1/2 cup yogurt
2-3 green chillies
1/2 tsp turmeric
Fresh chopped cilantro
Salt

For tempering

1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp split moong dal
2-4 dry red chillies
dash of Asafoetida
2 tbsp curry leaves
2tsp oil

Preparation

In a deep bottomed pan, add oil and temper with all the given ingredients. Add onions and saute till translucent. Add the chopped okra and fry along with the onions until soft. Also add turmeric, tomato, salt and green chillies. Let them get cooked for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool. Beat the yogurt and add it to this mixture. It goes great with rice.



Fenugreek

Methi Aloo/ Fenugreek leaves with potato
Ingredients

3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
1/2 cup of Methi/ fenugreek leaves
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
dash of Asafoetida
Salt
Oil

Preparation

In a pan add 2 tbsp oil and splutter the cumin seeds. Also add asafoetida and onions. Fry till translucent. Add the potatoes, turmeric, chilli powder, methi leaves and salt. Cover with lid and cook for about 10 - 12 minutes on medium heat till the potatoes are done. Delicious Aloo- methi is ready.

All these going to Green Blog Project hosted by Deepz of Letz Cook.

My Many Many Thanks to Cynthia of Tastes like Home for giving me this fabulous award. I really don't know if truly deserve it.

I wanted to pass this award to Sandeepa, Sra, Sig, Viji, Asha, Sia and Shn. But since they already possess the awards, I pass it to

Sailu of Sailu's food
WokandSpoon of Wok and Spoon
Trupti of The Spice who loved me
Kajal of Kajal dreams
Anh of Food lover's Journey
Musical of Musical's Kitchen
Dear friends you truly Rock

Garden Harvest Recipes- Part 1

When I first came across the Green Blog Project, started by Inji of Ginger and Mango, I was very thrilled by the idea and waited for the spring to come. I went and bought lot of seeds and pots. I don't have a backyard but managed to get pots which can stand on my apartment window. It feels so good to see your veggies grow. Back in India, I had a huge garden with all kinds of trees like peaches, plums, Pomegranate and banana. I also had a veggie garden. Missed all that space when I heard about the green blog project.
This time this event is hosted by Deepz of Letz Cook. Here are some recipes from my small kitchen garden

Beans Stage wise pictures



Aloo-beans ki Sukhi Subzi (stir fried veggies with beans and potato)

Ingredients

1 cup chopped fresh beans
1 cup potatoes diced
1tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/3 tsp cumin seeds
Salt
oil

Preparation

In a pan add 2 tsp oil and add cumin seeds. Once it splutters add beans, potatoes, turmeric, salt and chilli powder. Saute it and cover it with lid on medium heat for about 10 -12 minutes. Uncover the lid and leave it for 2-3 minutes.



Okra Flower



Masaledar Bhindi ( Spicy Okra)


Ingredients

1 cup chopped okra
1cup chopped onions
1/2 cup tomato puree
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp of Tava fry masala (found in the Indian grocery store)

The tava fry masala consists of the following ingredients. If you don't have one, you can use the ingredients with the given measurements.
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp dry mango powder
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp pomegranate seed powder
1 tsp chilli powder
½ tsp black salt
½ tsp black pepper powder
1tsp kasuri methi
2 pods of cloves
1/3 tsp cinnamon powder
1/3 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cardamom powder
½ tsp dry ginger powder
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp Sugar
Salt
Oil

Preparation

The Masala is same as that of I prepared for Bharwan Karela. You can follow the same procedure for making the tomato/ onion masala. In a pan add 2bsp oil and fry the okras till slightly soft and crisp. Add the prepared masala to it and fold together. Let it cook for another 10 minutes. Masaledar bhindi is ready.



Mint Plant

Cilantro just showing up

Lot of them showing up infact

I have some more recipes from my kitchen garden which I will post in Garden Harvest Part 2