Ashwini's Kitchen

  KothuKari generally done with minced mutton(ground).Here i have used minced chicken as it  is a low fat choice along with potato and peas.It's a pepper fry and it's a delicious fry. Ingredients: onion  tomato  ginger garlic paste  minced chicken  potatoes peas chili powder coriander powder pepper powder salt as needed curry leaves coriander leaves handful cinnamon stick clove bay leaf Method: In a pan,add oil and when the oil is hot add cinnamon,cloves and bay leaf saute onions and tomatoes till onions are translucent and tomatoes are mushy add the minced chicken and saute for a minute now add potatoes and peas saute for few minutes then add the spices 1 tsp of chili powder and 2 tsp of coriander powder salt as needed add 1/2 glass of water and allow it to cook in low flame when chicken,potatoes and peas are all cooked ,add a tsp of pepper-powder  fry for few minutes to get a spicy pepper fry sprinkle curry leaves and coriander leaves mince

Bisibelebath means hot lentil rice. Bisibelebath is a flavourful tasty rice made from rice,toordhal and home-made spice blend.It's always served hot.Here, i have made my version of this rice and its a great lunch recipe. Ingredients: spice powder: red chili 7 nos coriander seeds 2 tbsp channa dhal 1 tsp urad dhal 1tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp pepper 3/4 tsp methi seeds 1/4 tsp coconut 4 tbsp cinnamon -1/2 inch ( can also be added if you prefer the taste) cloves  2  nos ( can also be added if you prefer the taste) For the rice: Rice 1.5 cup toor dhal 3/4 cup to 1cup   onion 1 medium size tomato 1medium size curry leaves 1 string turmeric powder 1/4 tsp asafoetida 1/4 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp oil or ghee as required salt to taste  tamarind  water from 1/2 lemon size tamarind Method: dry roast or add a tsp of oil and roast the spice powder ingredients grind to make the bisibelebath powder In a pressure cooker  or instant pot add oil or ghee add mustar

Ghee Mysore pak is an Indian dessert which is soft and melts in your mouth consistency sweet.It's made from besan flour,ghee and sugar.This sweet is one of our top list of sweets for any celebration and occasion. Ingredients:  1 cup besan flour 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 2 cups ghee Method: measure a cup of besan flour  sift the besan flour and add to a bowl measure sugar in the same cup  add 2 cups of sugar to a pan adding one cup of water  heat the pan to make the sugar syrup in another pan add 2 cups of ghee  heat the ghee but don't boil it in medium flame add the hot ghee to the besan flour and  make a batter without any lumps when the sugar dissolves and the syrup starts to boil add the besan mixture little by little to the sugar syrup keep stirring the mixture to avoid lumps on medium to low flame add hot ghee to the pan in intervals and keep stirring till the besan mixture doesn't stick to the pan anymore and the ghee oozes out of the mixture n

      Chettinadu is a region in tamilnadu,India and this dish is from the chettinadu cuisine.It's often said chettinadu cuisine teaches us the use of spices in its fresh form and how good each spice adds flavour to the food that's cooked with it.Here,i have made a fresh grind chettinadu masala and then cooked the mutton in the gravy. Ingredients:  Chettinadu Masala: cinnamon 1inch cloves 2 nos cardamom 2 nos coriander 1.5  tbsp cumin 1/2 tsp soanf (anise seeds) 1/2 tsp red chili  4 nos coconut 4 tbsp oil 1tsp Mutton gravy: bay leaf 2nos onion 1 no tomato 2 no ginger garlic paste 2tbsp mutton 3/4 kg oil salt as needed coriander leaves handful Method: In a pan add a tsp oil and roast the chettinadu masala ingredients for 8 to 10 minutes Add the ingredients to a mixer and grind it into gravy In a pressure cooker add mutton along with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and a 1 tbsp of gingergarlic paste add a cup of water and steam the mutton for 6 to 7

 Vadacurry is a famous dish in south India especially in Chennai. It's callled set dosa and vadacurry. An inevitable combination to eat and many hotel's in chennai serve this tiffin as their top favorite in thier menu.This can be prepared at home as well.In my household vadacurry is one of the most preferred break-fast. Vadacurry is a left over preaparation. whenever masala vada  is in excess it gets converted into vadacurry.Here is the recipe of the yummy vadacurry. Masala vada  Ingredients: channal dhal 2cups onions medium size 1no red chilli 3 to 4 nos ginger garlic paste 1 tsp aniseeds(sombu) 1/2 tsp green chili 2 nos curry leaves 1 string salt as needed Vada curry   Ingredients: onions 5 nos tomatoes 2 nos green chilli 2nos (slit) curry leaves oil as needed cinnamon -1,cloves- 4,bay leaf- 2 salt as needed turmeric powder 1/4 tsp chili powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1.5tsp shredded masala vada coriander leaves  handful Method: Masala v

   Idli upma is a tiffin  made from left over idli's. This is one of those dishes made from leftovers yet taste delicious and a healthy way of eating idli in another form.This is for sure will be on kid's favorite list .Here is the simple preparation of Idli upma. Ingredients: Onion 1 medium size red chili  3 to 4 channa dhal 1 tsp left over idli   5 nos curry leaves turmeric powder -1/4 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp(optional) mustard seeds 1/4 tsp oil   1/2 tsp salt as needed Method: shred the leftover idli's dice the  onions heat the pan and add oil add mustard seeds and when it cracks add channa dhal   after channa dhal turns brown add onions when onions are translucent add red chilli & curry leaves saute for 2 mints and add shredded idli add turmeric powder and chili powder Idli will have salt so add accordingly saute the upma for 5 to 8 minutes hot Idli upma is ready to serve watch the video of idli upma:

 Fish fingers of home-made version tastes heaven as we can alter the taste according to our taste buds.All we need is a skinless and boneless fish.I have taken Tilapia fish and then marinated in spices and  rolled in bread crumbs to create a delicious home-made fish fingers. Ingredients:  Fish 300 grams turmeric powder 1/4 tsp chili powder  1 tsp corriander powder 1.5 tsp pepper powder 1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste 1 tsp salt as per taste  lemon juice  1 tsp  bread crumbs egg  2nos Method: cut the fish in finger shape In a bowl add chili powder,corriander powder,pepper powder, ginger garlic paste and salt. add a tsp of lemon juice  sprinkle water and make a thick paste add the fish to the marination rest the marinated fish for 15 minutes in a bowl crack 2 eggs take bread crumbs in another bowl heat the oil now dip the fish  in egg  and then in bread crumbs fry the fish in the hot oil in medium flame remove from heat when the fish is done and golden brown on

    Smiley is a yummy ,crunchy snack for Kids. kids will be excited to create their own smiley's. My Kid helped me to do the smiley's and it was amazing to watch their little hands creativity.All they need is a straw and a spoon to create the smiley.Then we can fry the smiley's for them. Ingredients: Potato 2 boiled and peeled bread crumbs 2 tbsp corn flour 2tbsp chili powder 1/2 tsp (optional) pepper powder 1/4 tsp salt as needed straw and a spoon Method: boil medium size potatoes (2 nos) and peel the skin mash the potatoes add bread crumbs,cornflour,chili powder,pepper powder,salt make into a smooth dough Now divide the dough into small ball-shaped dough flattened the small  ball-shaped dough   create the eyes with the help of straw  create smile with a spoon heat oil and fry the smiley's hot and crunchy smiley's are ready to serve watch the video of making smiley's:

    Soups are the best starter food which increase our appetite in a healthy way.Soups are not only a great starter, they are the best food when we are down with common cold.Its a healthy liquid form to eat and it's packed with nutrients.Here, i have shared the recipe of thick soup called the cream of mushroom soup.This soup is made from easily available ingredients and can be easily made @home. Ingredients: mushroom -one small packet milk  2cups water or vegetable stock or chicken stock one cup pepper  salt corriander leaves  butter(as needed 3 to 5 spoons) garlic Method: wash and clean mushroom thoroughly cut into slices in a pan add 3 to 5 spoons of butter add mushroom( you can add minced onions along with mushroom) then add garlic saute mushroom well till the water is evaporated  now salt and pepper can be added(optional) salt and pepper can be added in the soup direclty  while serving. saute for 2 minutes and switch of the pan take two tablespoon full

Green Beans are not only low calorie food but also high in fibre. Beans can be eaten by blanching as it is.Here ,I have done a spicy curry.This curry will go great with sambar, rasam,curd rice. Ingredients : beans-300gms(cut into small pieces) small onion--1(finely chopped) garlic-1 pod   minced shredded coconut(optional) curry leaves oil and mustard seeds Method: heat a pan and add oil add mustard seeds to the hot oil when mustard cracks add finely chopped onions. once onions turn pink add minced garlic  then add chopped beans. on medium flame saute beans ,onion and garlic then add salt,sambar powder(u can replace it with green chili),turmeric powder sprinkle water and saute beans  reduce to low flame and close the pan with the lid every few minutes saute the vegetable till it is well done. now add shredded coconut and and saute well for a minute  spicy beans curry is now ready to serve. watch the video of spicy beans c

Masala bread is a super quick break -fast or can be made as a perfect mid-day snack.This dish hardly take few minutes to make and serve hot when we have surprise guest at home. Preparation time:10 minutes cooking time:10 minutes Ingredients: bread slices eggs according to the quantity to be made(egg can be replaced by all-purpose flour) corriander leaves turmeric powder milk green chili -1 ginger garlic paste pepper and salt Method: crack the eggs in a bowl add the following ingredients to the egg  minced corriander leaves,green chili salt,pepper powder,ginger garlic paste and turmeric powder add milk  whisk the ingredients along with egg in the bowl Mixture is ready cut the edges of the bread slices then cut each slice diagnally dip the pieces in the egg mixture  toast it in the pan untill it's golden brown on both sides on a low flame yummy spicy masala bread toast is ready to serve watch the video of yummy masala bread toast :

    Soft paneer marinated in spicy masala and finished on the stove top or oven is paneer tikka. The juicy paneer along with vegies on a skewer is a great starter food.It's a popular Indian appetizer. Ingredients:  oil paneer onion bell peppers ginger garlic paste salt lemon juice chili powder besan flour(2 table spoon) tandoori masala powder skewers Method: cut paneer ,onion & bellpeppers into cubes fry besan flour till raw smell is gone In a bowl add all chili powder,tandoori masala powder,salt,besan flour ginger garlic paste,lemon juice or curd and get the paste ready adding little water and oil. add paneer ,onion and bell peppers and coat them nicely set aside for 1/2 hr get the skewers soaked in water for 15 mints to avoid burnt smell After 1/2 hr put the panner ,onion and bell peppers in the skewers and finish it on tawa or grill or oven. watch the video of paneer tikka:

Green chutney is a spicy side dish for tandoori,tikkas.This can be used  in chat recipes as well.It  can be easily made @ home and it's a great addition to our recipe list.  preparation time:15 minutes cooking time:no cooking Ingredients: mint  1cup corriander leaves 3/4 cup greenchilli  4 nos tamarind or a slice of green mango ginger and garlic  1 tsp(paste) salt as needed Method: Add all the ingrdients in a mixie jar  Add some water and salt  grind to paste add curd to make it more tangy add black salt and chat masala to use it as a green chutney for chat watch the video of making green chutney:

Banana bread  is my favorite one.As the name indiactes this bread/cake is made of bananas.Ripe bananas will be great for this recipe.Bananas are packed with nutrients so never waste a ripe banana.Let's make some Banana bread. preparation time :20  minutes cooking time  : 30 to 40 minutes Ingredients: Ripe banana 3nos sugar   1 cup egg       1  butter 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1.5 cup baking soda 1tsp cashew,almonds,walnuts chopped (optional) Method: peel the bananas and add to a bowl and mash it thoroughly add a cup of sugar and mix it with bananas till sugar dissolves crack an egg and add to the bowl whisk the egg with the mixture  whisk the 1/4 cup melted butter into the mixture In another bowl add dry ingredients  add 1.5 cup of all purpose flour  then add 1 tsp of baking soda mix the dry ingredients thoroughly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients whisk the batter without lumps pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees grease the pan /loaf pa

Tomato pickle is a spicy dish made out of tomatoes.This will serve  as a great side dish for idly,dosa,chappathi,curd rice.Tomato pickles can be stored atleast for 10 days with refrigeration.    prep time :10 minutes cooking time:60 minutes Ingredients: Tomato 1 kg oil        -1/4 cup and 2 tbsp oil   mustard  1 tsp red chili powder 1.5 tsp asafoetida 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds 1/4 tsp salt to taste Method: choose ripe and less sour tomatoes wash and add to the mixer grind the tomato completely heat a pan and add oil  when the oil is hot add mustard seeds & fenugreek seeds when mustard seeds splutter add fenugreek seeds  turn brown pour the tomato mixture into the pan now add asafoetida  tomato mixture will start to boil with the water in it in medium flame allow the tomato to boil till the raw smell is gone keep the pan closed with a lid as tomato will splash a lot with water in it now add red chili powder and salt  fry the tomatoes till it get

Briyani is a delicacy of Indian cuisine and varies from  state to state. It's cooked in different techniques.Today i have cooked a  simple and straight forward method.This is a very simple method  and  easy to follow and cook. Ingredients: chicken 1/2kg onion  2 medium size tomato 2 medium size mint leaves handful ginger garlic paste 2tsp curd 1 tsp green chilli 3 nos slit red chilli powder 1 tbsp briyani powder  1 tbsp cinnamon 1inch cloves 3 to 5 bay leaves 2 to 3 salt to taste basmati rice 3 cups water 4.5 cups lemon juice 2 tsp ghee or oil Method: Heat medium-size pot. add ghee to the pot when the ghee is hot add cinnamon,clove and bay leaves now add onions and green chili fry till the onion is golden brown  now saute the ginger garlic paste till raw small is gone add tomatoes and fry till mushy add curd to avoid ginger garlic paste sticking to the pot and keep the chicken juicy add handful of mint leaves saute for anothe 5 minutes and add c

Fish is packed with protein,nutrients. Meen kulambu/fish curry is  one of the most delicious south Indian curry cooked  finding a  balance between  tamarind sourness and spice from the chili to  make the fish the  star  of  the dish.Here i have used sea  bass(koduva)  from  whole  food.This curry can be done with fish of  your  preference. Ingredients: Fish 1/2 kg tamarind lemon size chili powder - 1 tbsp coriander powder 1.5tbsp garlic pods ginger garlic crushed salt to taste oil --3tbsp one small onion diced tomatoes 2 diced curry leaves coriander leaves to garnish lemon juice 2 tsp turmeric powder 1/4 tsp mustard 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds 1/4 tsp red chilli    3 nos pepper powder 1 tbsp Method: Wash and clean the fish marinate the fish lemon juice ,salt and turmeric powder and set aside In a pan add oil ,one the oil is hot add mustard seeds once the mustard seeds splutter add fenugreek seeds  add diced onions and tomatoes fry till onion is tra

Chili garlic toast is an easy yet aromatic and yummy toast .It can be easily prepared at  home  as mid-morning or evening snack.Garlic has lot of  medicinal value.It has very few  calories,can combat sickness like common cold,can reduce blood pressure and may lower  the risk of heart disease.                Ingredients: Bread Butter Garlic minced shredded cheese chil i flakes   green chili  minced Method:   Add minced garlic and green chili to the butter Mix well and spread on one side of the bread now top it with shredded cheese on the bread and sprinkle chili flakes Heat a pan and add butter to the hot pan place the bread in the pan and close it with a lid toast the bread till the cheese melts and toast is crisp serve hot as an open toast watch the chili garlic toast video: