Quick Charmuri

Quick Charumuri is prepared using puffed rice/murmuri/puri/Mandakki. Mandakki/munaddakki is prepared from Rice. This Quick Charmuri /Masala Mandakki is prepared in Udupi style. Try and enjoy Udupi style of Mandakki. Added Chat Masala and Little garam masala to rasam powder. (twist in the kahani - Khaneka Meharbani).

When we go to Udupi we do visit Ratha beedi/Car street as it is known as, is surrounded by temples and Ashta Matas. Famous Udupi Shree Krishna Temple is here in Ratha Beedi Udupi.
The streets are always filled with people who are visiting temples, the vendors, various shops and even some houses also you can see there.
In Ratha beedi there are some people sell varieties of food. The charmuri sold here is very famous and yummy. Churmuri seller does a lovely charmuri and people will be surrounded and the gathering for his charmuri is always so many. He does use coconut oil, rasam powder, carrots and onions.

Hotel Mantapa in Saligrama Near Brahmavar (Karnataka/Indian) is one of the famous spot for Udupi Style Mandakki.

Let us see some benefits of eating coconut oil. 
Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats and it helps in increasing the healthy cholesterol in our body. It also helps in converting bad cholesterol into good cholesterol. It helps to promote heart health and lower the risk of heart heart diseases. It helps to increase immunity against infections and diseases. It is useful for weight loss. Coconut oil contain fatty acids and it helps in taking away the excessive weight. It also helps in reducing abdominal obesity in women. Coconut oil is easy to digest and helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. ( Endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulates metabolism, growth and development tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep and mood among other things). Coconut oil helps to protect the infected body part from fungi, bacteria and viruses. It is good for bruises since it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues. Coconut oil contain minerals like calcium and magnesium and these minerals are necessary for the development of bones. It is very good for women in their middle age who are prone to osteoporosis. It helps in controlling blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin. Coconut oil is a good stress buster. It is good for skin and hair care.
This is simple, easy and yummy Churumuri. All You need is Puffed rice groundnuts, some sev or fried cornflakes.
I have mixed Puffed rice, ground nuts, onions, grated carrots, coconut, rasam powder and coconut oil.
" Quick Charmuri " is one of the good snack for the evening.

Things needed :

Puffed Rice : 1 Big Bowl
Corn flakes : 1 Small bowl
Ground Nuts : 2 Tablespoon
Oil : 2 Tablespoons
To Add :
Cut Onions : 1
Grated Carrot : 1
Rasam/Sambar Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Garam Masala : 1/4 Teaspoon
Chat Masala : 1/4 Teaspoon
Grated fresh coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Salt : A little
Coconut Oil : 2 Tablespoons
Lemon juice : 1 Teaspoon

Method :

1 Heat a pan and put oil and let it heat. Fry groundnuts till they turn slightly golden brown.
2. Remove it from the pan. Add cornflakes and fry on low flame. Add puffed rice and mix it well.
3. Put off the fire and let the puffed rice be in the pan.
4. Wash and remove the outer layer of carrots and grated it.
5. Remove the outer layer of onion and wash it. Cut it into small pieces.

6. Grate coconut and keep it aside.
7. Now take a big plate or bowl.
8. Add cut onions, grated coconut, carrots and rasam powder, garam masala powder, chat masala powder. Add Lemon juice.
9. Mix all the ingredients nicely.

10 Put these mixed ingredients to puffed rice and mix it well.

11. Add coconut oil and mix it slowly.

12. Serve or eat quickly or it might turn soft.

Note :

You are supposed to mix onion, carrot mixture when you are ready to eat or serve. Or it turns soft and it does not hold crunchy taste. Adding dry roasted groundnuts at the top is optional. We do not add it.
You can add cut tomatoes instead of lemon juice. (I added lemon juice). Adding sev or mixture adds to the taste. (But we do not add). Any brand of rasam powder/sambar powder can be used.( I used MTR  Rasam Powder). It provides Udupi style of rasam flavour. Adding garam masala and chat masala is optional. I have added a very little quantity of garam masala and chat masala powders.
You can prepare Puffed Rice mix and store it. (mixed with cornflakes and groundnuts).
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4 .
Puffed Rice Preparation : 
  http://nsomayaji.blogspot.in/2011/05/mandakki-chat-puri-chat.html

Avalakki - Carrot Sweet Rava Rotti

Avalakki -Carrot Sweet Rava Rotti is bit sweet and yummy. Sweet lovers will definitely love this rotti and it it good for breakfast or as snack. We normally prepare Spicy Rotti and Sweet rotti together for breakfast normally. Only when you suddenly feel like eating some thing this rotti helps to enjoy your craving.

I have used organic Avalakki/Aval/ Poha/ Beaten or flatten rice, organic jaggery, carrots, coconut and medium size Semolina.
This recipe for sweet lovers. It is healthy, yummy, medium sweet and quick.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed : 

Avalakki/Poha : 1 Cup
Rava/Semolina (Medium sized ) : 2 Cups
Jaggery : 2 to 3 Tablespoons full
Coconut : Fresh and grated : 1/2 Cup
Carrots : 2
Curd/Yogurt : 2 Tablespoons
Salt : A little (one to two pinch)
Curd : 2 Tablespoons
Cooking Oil /Ghee : 2 to 3 Tables

Metod:

1. Wash and scrape out the outer layer of carrots. Grate it and keep it aside. Keep a tablespoon of grated carrots separately.
2. Put Avalakki and jaggery in a bowl and let it soak for 3 to 4 minutes.

3.Grate coconut and keep it aside.
4. Grind avalakki, jaggery, grated carrots and coconut. ( Use required water to grind).
5. Put ground coconut, carrot mixture to a bowl. Add curd and little salt.

6. Add rava to the ground mixture and mix it well.

7. Do not add much water. Let the dough be like idli dough. Add a tablespoon of carrots.

8. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Sprinkle some oil and clean it with a kitchen tissue.
9. Take a spoon full of dough and spread it on the tava in a circle shape.

10. Sprinkle some oil on the top, Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minute. (Low flame).
11. Turn the other side and cook for 1 minute. Now Avalakki - Carrot Sweet Rotti is ready to serve.

12. Serve with ghee on the top. You can eat them with out any side dish.

Note : 

Do not add much water to the dough. Let the dough be idli dough consistency. Adding more jaggery is optional. Adding coconut is also optional. Use of ghee instead of cooking oil is optional.
Use of thinner variety of Semolina/ Chiroti rava instead of medium size rava is optional.
Time : 15 to 20 Minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4 .

Mango Fruit Rasam

Rasam /Saaru is one of the side dish which is prepared in many ways. Now it is a mango season and I  have prepared Mango fruit Rasam. It is spicy and little sweet and savoury.

I got these mangoes from  Udupi Store in Malleshwaram. Though mango fruit looks very small, it oozes out with sweet. It is one of the wild mango variety from Mangalore and South Karnataka./India.
I used ripe sweet mangoes and rasam powder. No dal or no coconut in this recipe.
Let us see the benefits of Mangoes in our diet.

Mangoes are rich in minerals and vitamins. Mangoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper. They are rich in antioxidant properties. They are good for digestion and good for bone health. It also promote the brain health and control the blood pressure in our body. It  boost immunity in our body.

Mango Fruit Rasam can be served as " Soup" or it can be eaten with plain rice with a spoonful of ghee.

No Onion OR No Garlic is used in this " Mango Fruit Rasam". 
Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed :

Mango Fruits : ( Any sweet varieties will do) : 6 to 8 (Small ones).
Rasam Powder : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : As required
For seasoning :
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
To Add :
Green chilly : 1 to 2
Pepper pods :3 to 4
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons
Turmeric powder
Lemon Extract

Method :

1. Wash and clean mango fruits. Wipe out the moisture with a clean towel.
2. Squeeze out the pulp from mangoes. Keep it in a bowl. Wash and slit chilly, cut coriander and curry leaves. Crush or powder pepper pods.

3. Put some water to the removed mango outer layer and the seeds.
4. Squeeze out and collect the pulp (if remaining) and keep it aside.

5. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil, mustard seeds.
6. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add curry leaves, slit green chilly and jeera.
7. Add ingh and mago pulp. Add 2 to 3 glasses of water. Mix it nicely.

8. Add required salt and a little turmeric powder. Add crushed pepper pods.

9. Let it boil nicely for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of rasam powder and mix it.

10. Boil for 2 minutes and shift the saaru to a serving dish.

11.Add squeezed lemon and coriander leaves.

12. Serve with hot plain rice and ghee. It can be served as soup also.

Note :

Adding more water and making it more liquid is optional. Adding tamarind instead of lemon is optional. Adding a spoon of ghee to " Mango Fruit Rasam " adds to the taste. Any brand or home made rasam powder can be used. ( I have used home prepared Rasam Powder). No need to add any jaggery/sugar, since the fruit it self having sweet content. Use of any cooking oil is optional.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves : 4 to 5 .

Harve soppu/Amaranth leaves Dry Curry

Harve soppu/Amaranth leaves are fresh during the rainy days. It is tender and taste too good.
Harve soppu Dry curry goes well with hot rice, with chapatis, all type of rotis and poori.

I have prepared this curry with fresh sambar/curry powder. It taste yummy.
Let us see some benefits of eating " Amaranth leaves" in our diet.
Harve soppu (as we call it in Karnataka- India), has the ability to reduce inflammation, boost bone strength and lower the blood pressure. It helps to improve our immune system. It also helps to maintain healthy hair and good for weight loss. It boost energy and helps the metabolic function in our body. They are rich in protein. They have a rich source of antioxidant properties and helps to cure and reduce the inflammation. They are rich in fiber and good for easy digestion. They are good source of minerals.
Let us see the recipe now :
No Onion or No Garlic is used in this Harve soppu Dry Curry.

Ingredients :

Harve soppu : 1 Bundle (Medium size)
Coconut : 1/2 Cup
Fresh ground spices/sambar powder : 1 Tablespoon
Jaggery : 1 Teaspoon
Lemon juice or tamarind pulp : 1 Teaspoon
Salt : As required
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Seasoning :
Coconut Oil : 1Tablespoon
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6
Green chilly : 1

Method :

1. Wash and cut Harve soppu into small pieces. Grate coconut and keep it aside.
2. Wash and cut curry leaves, coriander leaves, slit green chilly and keep it aside.

3. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Put oil and mustard seeds and urid dal.
4. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add curry leaves and slit chilly.
5. Fry for a second and add cut Harve soppu and mix it well.
6. Cook on low flame. Add 1/2 cup of water, little turmeric powder and cook on medium flame.

7.Let all the water dry. Add salt, tamarind pulp/lemon juice, little jaggery and mix it nicely.

8. Add fresh sambar powder and mix it well. Add fresh grated coconut and put off the fire.

9. Shift the ready Harve soppu Curry to a serving dish. Add cut coriander leaves.
10. Serve with the main dish that you have prepared.

Note :

Use of any cooking oil instead of coconut oil is optional. Adding more oil is optional. Adding any spice powder is optional. I have added fresh sambar powder. Adding onions or garlic is optional.
Adding jaggery is optional. You can cook Harve soppu on  low flame without using the water. It takes little more time and little more oil. (Stir in between so that it does not get burnt at the bottom).
Time : 15 Minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4.

Fresh Sambar Powder :

A tablespoon of coriander seeds. 1/4 teaspoon of methi, 1/2 teaspoon of jeera , 1/2 teaspoon of urid dal and channa dal,  (each) 4 to 5 byadagi chilly and some curry leaves. Dry roast all these ingredients one by one and dry grind it when it cools. Sambar powder is ready to use.

Cauliflower Dry Curry

Cauliflower is one of the most loved vegetable by kids. Whatever the way it is cooked surely gobbled by kids. It may be gobi manchooriya, gobi tava fry, gobi pakoda or any curry with gobi, thats cauliflower.

I have tried a dry curry with Cauliflower and it tasted yummy. It goes well with almost all the main dishes like rice, chapatis, rotis, pooris or even dosas.
Simple spice and little Besan/kadale hittu/Chenna flour/Gram flour is added to gobi and tried as mild spicy dry curry.
Our friend Rajashree Vaidya is used to add besan flour to the curry, so that it binds the pieces well roasted nicely gives out a good aroma too.
Let us see some benefits of eating " Cauliflower " in our diet.
Cauliflower is good for hypertension. It is a good source of antioxidant and helps to  strengthen the immune system. It helps to support bone health, and good for brain. It gives a relief to indigestion and good for diabetes and balance the cholesterol levels. Cauliflower is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Vitamin B -6, Vitamin B1, B 2, B 3 and Vitamin E. It provides vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, manganese. It is a rich source of protein and very low amount of fats.
Cauliflower Dry Curry has " No Onion " or " No Garlic " in it. It is very easy and simple to prepare.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

Cauliflower : 1  Bowl (Medium Sized)
Oil : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Urid dal : 1/2 Teaspoon
Chilly Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Methi Seeds : 4 to 5 Seeds
Ingh/Asafoetida : A pinch
Besan/Gram flour : 2 Teaspoon
Garam Masala Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Salt : As required
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Coriander Leaves : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Wash cauliflower nicely and soak in warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the warm water. Leave it for 10 minutes.
2. Wash cauliflower again nicely with normal water. Keep it aside.
3. Wash curry leaves and coriander leaves and cut into small.
4. Keep a pan on the fire. Heat and put oil. Add mustard seeds, urid dal and methi seeds. Let mustard seeds splutter.
5. Add jeera/cumin seeds and ingh. Add curry leaves. Mix it well. Add washed cauliflower.
6. Reduce the flame to low. (Not very low). Stir nicely and add a pinch of turmeric powder.

7. Let it cook on low flame till it turn slightly soft. Stir in between.
8. Add salt, garam masala, chilly powder and mix it well. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Stir and mix the vegetable nicely.
9. Add 2 teaspoons of dry besan/gram flour/chenna flour on the top and slowly turn the vegetable pieces. Add cut coriander leaves.

10.. Let it cook nicely till golden brown. Now mix all the ingredients nicely and shift the ready cauliflower dry curry to a serving bowl. Serve with a main dish you have prepared.

Note :

Use of onions or garlic is optional. Adding any spice is optional. Example : chat masala. rasam/samabar powder, jeera -coriander powder, pav bhaji masala etc.Add of more oil is optional.
Time : 15 Minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3.