India at its Worst

        Dear readers, I have been hoping to start 'Ponderings' section for some time now. Its a column where I reflect my views and take on matters. Matters on varied topics, anything that I would love to share with you all, hear what you have to say about it, know the pulse of the readers. Many topics almost made it to this first post of 'Ponderings' section. But nothing moved me more than this current topic I want to rise...
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Radish Curd Medley / Mooli Raita

               This is the perfect dish when you have a Radish pleading to be used in ur Pantry. Easy to prepare and amazing to taste. Perfect for those lazy weekends, when ur body seems heavier than a ton and you can't drag urself to prepare anything elaborate yet taste buds demand for tasty food. Easy Breezy dish... I got ma hands on this recipe from MonsoonSpice Sia. Tastes as wonderful as it looks. Goes well with rice. But ma fav...
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Bitter Gourd Stir Fry / Kakarakaya Fry

           Bitter Melon, the bitter enemy of many!!!!! We were not allowed to skip the bitter melon in our food. Instead mom used to prepare them with Jaggery, so that it would be bearable. And for Dad, without the jaggery, as Bitter Melon is said to help Diabetes patients. Nature seems to have gifted the vegetables and fruits that we hate, with the most useful properties of all!! This Bitter Gourd fry, involves removing most of the bitterness. Then you...
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Mirchi Bajji / Menasina Kayi Bajji

      Hmmmm...... :) Mirchi Bajji for the Soul. When its raining outside, and the climate's so sexy, what do u need? - Mirchi Bajji!!!!! When your taste buds so desperately miss the spicy flavor, of Indian cuisine, what do u need? - Mirchi Bajji!!!!! When you need a perfect accompaniment with Tea time, what do u need? Mirchi Bajji!!!!! Alright, that sounded crazy, but thats how you'll feel when u miss Mirchi bajji!!!! Oki no more of that Jayagosh. Simple dish will blow you...
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Dal Powder / Pappulu Podi

      Ma used to prepare Chutney Powder at home of 2 to 3 varieties. They were delicious, mixed with Ghee, went very well with Chapathi or Roti. But this is not the best combi with rice. The best Dal Powder I've had with Rice is from Andhra Cuisine. Pappulu Podi is a part of their daily food, a must have. Once u taste it, ur addicted for life. A very well blended mixture of spice and Dals. Yet again simple...
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Lemon Poha / Avalakki Chitranna

      In Bangalore, or at least among us and ma Relatives and frnz, we always make Lemon rice with Onions in them. Since Hubby does not eat Rice in the morning, Lemon Rice was ruled out in the mornings. And I was not really comfortable having it for Lunch. And Dinner's mostly comprised of Chapathis. So that's how Lemon Rice got extinct in our house!!! Desire got the better of me and I decided to try it in Poha. Hubby...
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Indian Masala Restaurant in Las Vegas

Hi All,     Hope u all doin fine. Just came back from d Las Vegas trip. Had a blast. Stayed there for three full nights. Loved d rides, casino, esp. the infectious excitement inbound crowd. However there was one thing that we missed most. Home food!!!! Yeah I now it sounds bizarre, its just 3 days. But thats the thing bout Indian cuisine. The flavors are real strong. Keeps u addicted. We enjoyed Panda Express, Chipotle, Mc D, Subway et al....
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EVOL

     By DepthofThoughts filmhouse  ( Makers of Kone Nagu Shortfilm ) and VijuSri Productions. Completely shot and processed in London, is applaudable for its very innovative concept and camera work. The director has built up the story step by step very well. The climax seems to b inspired from 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' film. Good work by actors as well. The film is set in an age where there is a price tag for everything, even LOVE and...
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Beans Curry

       Fresh Green Beans are said to be low in calories (31 kcal per 100 g of raw beans) and contain no saturated fat. They are a very good source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and plant derived micro nutrients. It is best recommended to have Beans in your diet at least once a week. But, it kinda gets boring, as there are not many versatile things that can be done with Beans. I stumbled upon this recipe by chance, when I...
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Broken Wheat Upma

    Upma is known by many names across India. But the most common name given to it, popular among students is CONCRETE!!!!! he he :) Not really sure about the origins of this mysterious name, but concrete was widely hated and despised upon during my college days. But moms seem to have a magic wand, and can make any food delicious. Mommy darling used to prepare this with vegetable aka Masala Upma and it was a huge hit. Esp during...
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Ragi Rotti

       I first had Plain Ragi Rotti in my grand ma's place. Was not really a big fan of it, until my Mom mixed it up with Onions, Coriander Green Chillies to spice it up. It tasted amazing. And had great health benefits too. Mainly no major addition to my Calories!!!! I learnt that Ragi was the secret behind the strength of our farmers, who have it in the form of Ragi Balls, which doesn't digest as early as Rice...
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Buttermilk & Beans Ridgegourd Gravy / Majjige Huli

         The time was already 1 p.m.. Was starting to feel hungry.... Dragged myself to the kitchen, only to find that I have no more Onions or Tomatoes in Pantry!!! Very few recipes I know, do not use Onion or Tomato. Aaaahhh... Such a fix.... I could try Majjige Huli / Buttermilk Coconut gravy. But I didn't have the regular or Yellow (Mangalore) Cucumber, one of the main ingredient to prepare it. Never the less I decided to try the...
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Onion Chutney

Hi,     Hope u all doin great. We over slept and woke up to a cloudy morning at 8. May be its not our fault, coz climate still looks like 6.30. :) Well late or not running outta time to prepare chutney for Dosa. Tomato Till chutney, hmmmm he loves it a lot but short on time. Peanut chutney, hmmm just had yesterday. I know, Coconut chutney!! Hmmm no coconut at home!!! Aaaaaaaahhhhhh...... I am doomed. Wait.... I can still prepare...
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