Harini Talks

Kaju Katli

2011-10-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Kaju katli is one of the most favorite sweet of my family.The most interesting thing about this sweet is, there is NO GHEE. So, weight watchers, isn't it awesome for you?!!!!!. You know what ladies, it just takes fifteen minutes to prepare these mouth watering Katlis. Why are you waiting then, jus go for it !!!!!

Ingredients:

Whole Cashews - 2 cups
Sugar - little less than 1.5 cups
Water - 1/2 th cups

Ghee -1 tsp ( jus for greasing !!! ) (OPTIONAL)

Method of Preparation

1) Grind the cashews into a fine powder
2) Take a nonstick vessel and heat the sugar and water till you get rolling boil
3) Add the cashew powder into this slowly and stir. Add some more and keep stirring continuously
4) Meanwhile, have a ghee greased flat surface ready. I used the backside of the acrelic cutting board
5) After 5 to 7 minutes you might see the mixture turning into semi solid lumps
6) Sim the gas, take very little quantity and put it on the greased plate
7) After a few seconds, you will be able to make a loose ball out of it
8) If so, turn off gas and remove the vessel from the stove
9) Let it to cool for few minutes, and then transfer the contents to the greased flat surface
10) Grease your hands with a bit of ghee (optional)
11) Knead the cashew mixture like how you knead for rotis
12) Flatten it using a rolling pin to 1/2 cm thickness. Cut to desired shapes, knead the ends / borders again, flatten and cut them.
13)Store them in an air tight container for more then a week with a paper towel underneath
14) Except for the silver foil, your katlis will be as good as compared to any of the top sweet sellers , ...... INDEED BETTER : - )!!!!

P.S: (reg consistency)

After 7) if you feel it greasy, cook for few more seconds, then reapeat 6)
After 7) if you feel brittle, add a few drops of milk. Stir and cook for few more seconds and repeat 6). This would not affect the taste but the shelf life might be less.

Kadai Gobhi

2011-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 medium sized cauliflower cut into florets
1 big onion chopped (not very fine)
3 tomatoes fine chopped
1 Small green capsicum cut into 1 inch cubes
1 Small Red capsicum cut into 1 inch cubes (i used only green this time)
Kasoori methi - 1 tbsp (crushed)
Ginger garlic paste - 1 to 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Oil (as needed)
Water (as needed)
Salt (as needed)
Coriander Leaves (fine chopped)

For Masala Paste:

Curd 2 tbsp
Coriander seeds 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Red chillies - 2 nos
Green chillies - 2 nos

Coarse grind the above ingredients and mix with curd

Serves - 4
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Method of Preparation:

Heat a nonstick kadai with oil (i use olive oil), splutter cumin seeds
Add onion and saute till transparent (add little salt for onions to cook faster)
Add ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute
Add tomato and saute for a minute
Add turmeric powder, kasoori methi, salt, above mentioned masala paste and mix well
Add capsicum and gobhi florets
Make sure that the masala is well coated on the capsicum and gobhi florets
Adjust salt and seasoning as per your taste
Pour a cup of water and close the kadai and cook for 10 minutes
Garnish with fine chopped coriander leaves

Enjoy this colorful dish with naan / paratha / roti / basmati rice

Tip: For richer kadai gobhi use sour cream, instead of curd.

If some kadai gobhi is remaining, use it for your breakfast as a side for your toast !!! You'll love it.

Chinese String Beans

2011-04-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

I tried this dish in an authentic chinese restaurant. This is a pretty simple dish and can be had as is or as a side for fried rice.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves:               2

Ingredients:

Green Beans cut into half              20 nos
Soy Sauce                  3 tbsp
Ginger Peel              2 tsp
Garlic minced          2 tsp
Red chilly flakes    1/2 tsp
Olive Oil
Salt

Method of Preparation:

Heat a shallow frying pan with olive oil. Saute minced ginger peel , and minced garlic for a minute. Add red chilly flakes, and green beans. Saute frequently for 5 minutes. Add salt and soy sauce. Continue to saute for another 3 to 4 minutes till the green beans is shrunk as seen above. Enjoy this healthy vegetable as is, or with any fried rice.

GuLaB JaMuN ReCiPe

2011-04-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
MTR Gulab Jamuns readymade mix – 200 grams
50 ml Water / Milk to make dough (I used water and one spoon milk)
Oil for frying (I used canola oil)

For Sugar Syrup:
Sugar - 800 grams
Water – 800 ml
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

Method:

Mix water / milk with jamun mix and make it a soft dough. Set aside for 5 minutes
Heat sugar and water in a pan for about 15 minutes. Add cardamom powder in the end
Meanwhile, apply little ghee to both of your palms. Make small round balls (1.5 cm diameter). Make perfect round shaped balls but the pressure you give should be very less when compared to that you give for balls making roti
Fry the jamuns in oil. Maintain low to medium flame else the jamun’s inside will not be cooked properly. Fry until golden brown.
Drain them for a minute in a colander with paper towels
Transfer the jamuns into the sugar syrup.
Yummy jamuns will double in size after 30 minutes.
Serve hot or chill
Great to have with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Crispy Gobhi / Cauliflower Pakoda

2011-04-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Pakodas are one of our all-time favorite snack, are'nt they? Usually we make onion pakodas, easy to make. But making pakodas with vegetables like cauliflower, beans, carrot, green pepper, red pepper are more interesting and nutritious too :-) Lets call it that way to console ourselves :-) Try it ladies, I bet your family will love it.

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized cauliflower cut into florets
Corn flour 1/2 cup
Rice flour 1/2 cup
All purpose flour 1/2 cup
ginger garlic paste 2 tbsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
red chilli powder 1 tsp
asafoetida 1 pinch
salt
Water

Any oil for frying (I used extra light olive oil)

Serves 4 gobhi lovers :)

Prep time : 10 mins
Frying time : 15 mins

Method of Preparation:

Microwave the gobhi florets for about 2 minutes with a sprinkle of olive oil and salt. Switch on the stove with a frying pan with olive oil. Meanwhile let us get ready with the flours. In a bowl, mix corn flour , rice flour and all purpose flour with all the other ingredients except oil. Consistency should be like the one we make for bajjis. Dip the gobhi florets one by one and fry them tossing occasionally, till golden brown. You just cant wait to munch the pakodas!! Place a paper towel in a plate and transfer the pakodas on them just to remove the some oil. Serve hot with tomato ketchup. But we liked it as is :-P

Back After a Lo....ng break !!!

2011-02-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I'm back to blogging after almost an year. I had my baby boy Nitin 2 months back.

Also shifted to a new duplex apartment. Life's is going crazily busy. My parents were there with me until last week. We had a great time. Now they are back to India. Missing them :( Enjoyed Mom's food these many days. Now gotto get into my new kitchen. Just started to manage my time to cook and also to blog. Lot of recipes to come.

Cheers,
Harini

Tangy Tomato Coriander Chutney

2010-08-01T17:15:00.002-07:00

Normally, we make tomato chutney, this is a different try with the same tomato chutney with coriander. I would say this doubles the aroma !!!!

Ingredients:

To fry and grind:

Tomatoes 2 large (cut into large pices)
Coriander Hand full (1/4 bunch)
Asafoetida 1/4 tsp
Red Chilly 4
Green Chilly 1
Tamarind small ball (size of nellikkai / gooseberry)
Urad Dhal 1 tsp (Optional)
Salt

For Tadka:

Gingelly Oil
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Curry leaves

Method of Preparation:

Fry all the "To fry and grind" ingredients till tomato becomes soft. Add coriander leaves and salt just before turning off the gas. ( If using Urad dhal fry them first till golden brown and then add other ingredients. ) Once it reaches room temperature, blend into a fine paste using a blender or mixie. What's a chutney without a tadka? Heat gingelly oil, splatter mustard seeds and curry leaves and pour it on the chutney. This chutney is a great combination with idli, dosa, chapathi, upmas and even white toast ;-).

Jus can't take my eyes off !!!!!!

2010-01-31T16:15:00.000-08:00

I am in the united states for the past one year. Having seen all the four seasons, I jus can't forget the magnificent beauty of the FALL / AUTUMN season, which falls between summer and winter, in the month of august and september. The trees are just amazing to look at. We have a beautiful view of trees from our apartment's patio. Not only to look at but also to feel, the fall months have the most comfortable weather conditions. It's so romantic when you walk on a road with trees on both the sides, with yellow, orange and red colored leaves. We also went for a fall drive towards new hampshire state. That was the most beautiful drive ever. I jus can't take my eyes off the spectacular trees, wondering how do these leaves change their attire in such a way, and how do they design themselves with such captivating colors !!! It's so gorgeous, the silence in the streets, with a bench in one of the side jus below a bright colorful tree. Sitting with an ipod and your favorite book, believe me, you can jus spend hours together in such a place. I'm telling you, it is such a divine tranquility, words can't explain my experience. Experience it whenever you get a chance !?!?!!?!!

PEAS MASALA - Dhabha style

2010-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Fresh / Froen Peas - 2 cups (I used Frozen)
Onion - 1 big
Tomato - 2 medium sized
Ginger - 1 inch cube
Garlic - 3 big flakes
Dhaniya / Coriander seeds - 3 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 2.5 tbsp
Redchilli - 3 long
Green Chilli - long
Sour curd - 1 tbsp
Kasoori Methi - 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Chilli Powder - 1 tsp (for color)
Garam Masala - 1 tsp
Chat masala - 1 tsp
Oil (I used olive oil)
Water
Salt

To grind separately

1) Dhaniya / coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chillis, green chilli, ginger, garlic

2) Onion

3) Tomato

Method of Preparation

1) Heat a kadai with oil, splatter tsp jeera seeds, then add the ground masala mix and saute for 1 to 2 minutes

2) Add onion paste and saute for 7 to 10 minutes

3) Add tomato paste, turmeric powder, kasoori methi, chilli powder and saute for 6 to 8 minutes

4) The mixture will turn into a thick reddish brown paste, then add the peas, curd and water

5) Cook for 5 more minutes, then add garam masala and chat masala and cook for 2 minutes

6) Garnish with coriander leaves (optional)

7) Serve hot with Puri, chapathi, or any kind of roti / naan. My family loves this with puri

Quick Update

2010-01-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I was on vacation and couldn't blog for a few weeks. Now i'm back. Just saw all the missed episodes of airtel super singer. The debut songs round was too good, and it was a real treat to see and listen to the original singers. Most fabulous performance was given by samathu Sahana. It was as beautiful as the original song. Hats off kiddo. Sad part is Monisha's elimination, what to do, it happens??!! But the show is getting more n more interesting. Keep watching!!!!! Lot more delicious sweets and snacks are also on its way!!! Happy new year to all of you!!! Have a fabulous new year !!!

Cheers,
Harini

Airtel Super Singer Junior 2 - Duet Round

2009-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of the interesting rounds as the judges can make out the kid's talent in performing with a co-contestant. They can judge the co-ordination, expression, presence of mind etc., This was divided into melody duet and peppy duet categories. All the kids did reasonably good in the duet round. But the most inspiring ones in the melody round were Azhage sugama by Alka and Shravan and Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum by Priyanka and Roshan. Alka and Shravan gave a fantastic rendition of this beautiful song sung originally by Shrinivas and Saadhana sargam and music by oscar winner ARR. It is not at all an easy song, the composition is too difficult to attempt especially by kids. Above all the song has such an emotion, that it's difficult even for elders to bring it up while singing. Hats off to you guys. Coming to Priyanka and Roshan, the song Thendral vandhu was sung beautifully with their sweet voices. The improvisation done by Roshan in the last pallavi was the one done by Ravi, senior super singer. He sang this song during the current junior season introduction round. Hope you all remember Ravi, one of the toughest competent in seniors batch!!! Ravi should have won the title!!!! Anywayz, coming back to junior's duets. The peppy round was very energetic. Especially, Maarugo maarugo, by Roshan and Priyanka was too good. Roshan enjoyed the whole song. Good job kiddo !!! Other performances were not bad but not so good too. Now comes the elimination??! Can't digest Soundarya getting eliminated. She's way better than many contestants. Really can't forget her Mannavan vandhanadi and Madhura Marikozhundhu Vaasam. Bold voice from that puny body. Don't worry child, this is jus the beginning n not the end. All the very best to your your future musical endeavors. The next round is gonna be something BIG. What's that??? Wait and watch !!!!

Super Star Special !!!!! - Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-12-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

December 12 th is our super star's birthday. He's a man of style and attitude. Not only in his profession but also he is gem of a person in his personal life too. Long Live Super Star!!!!! This round in super singer was rocking with Thalaivar's super hit songs. Most of Rajinikanth's film songs are super hit and evergreen. It was a great pleasure to see the kids dressed up like super star and dedicate his dialogs and songs to him. Let's talk about the performances. As per one of my frenz's request I'm posting the video links of the performances this time. Sharath's voice modulation was too good in the song My Name is Billa . Shravan did a fantastic job in his Namma ooru singari song, What a peppy number. Priyanka's Sundari kannal oru sedhi is a classic composition of Raja sir, one of my fav song too. She gave a clean rendition of this beautiful duet. Srinisha sang the most romantic song of Super star with gouthami, yes it is Maasi maasam, beautifully sung by Swarnalatha and jesudas. Indha vayasula, enna feel ma, kanna asathara nee !!! Another sweet song of thalaivar is konja neram konja neram, Sahana sang this song in a very cute way, Keep it up kid. And the most sweet performance was given by Alka, Vellai pura ondru
song. This is another classic duet of superstar, the composition is excellent and can be heard evn after 100 more years. Ellam OK, kadaseela no elimination nu sollitanga. It's just becoz the next round is duet round and they need even number contestants. Why cant they plan the rounds properly and have strict eliminations? Why are they dragging the show this way? If not for the kid's talents nobody could digest this kind of a drama. Anywayz keep watching and encourage the kids.

Karthigai Deepam Special - Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-12-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Wow!!!! what amazing performances by the kids. This round brought out the talents of the these kids in a very beautiful way. Are the kids themselves very talented or it is becoz of Mr.Anant Vaidyanadhan, India's leading voice expert????? There is a quantum leap in most contestant's singing after his training. He is a real magic. I donno what this man is doing with the kids that it can bring unbelievable changes in them. Hats off to you and your great work sir. Inspite of missing Chitra in this round, I enjoyed the show with the new judges, carnatic music jambavans Unni krishnan and nithyashree. They were so positive and kind towards the contestants. Their comments and spot selections were clean and impartial. It was so good to watch them admire the kids and their brighas.

All of'em performed very well, but there are few performances which i heard so many times and enjoyed. Srihari's Poojaikaaga, it is deepan chakravarthy's state award song, a classic hit of ilayaraja. Shravan's oru naal podhuma, another evergreen hit of balamuralikrishna. Sharath's voice was too good in vasantha mullai pole vandhu, a beautiful song in Charukesi. Sowmya's voice was like honey in yezhuswarangalukkul song. This song has got wonderful lyrics of kannadasan the lyrics legend, what a great thinking !!!! Soundarya's mannavan vandhanadi was simply superb, beautiful composition by MSV and marvelously sung by P.Susheela. Soundarya has got a different voice and immense confidence. She is humble too. Nithyashree and srinisha rocked in their feel and it is so surprising to see them singing with the apt feel in this age. Keep it up kids. Monisha's performance was a bit disappointing in this round, anywayz she's been given another chance. I donno why Priyanka was in the danger zone, hope she gets selected to the next round. She has such a lovely tone. Last but not least, the rin super kid, Prasanna sundar was extraordinary in this round. The song Madhavi pon mayilaal, is a very very tough composition, and even elders would be afraid to choose such a song. Way to go man !!!!! I started liking this show even more, after Anant vaidyanadhan's entry. Let us wait for many more amazing performances from the kids!!!!!!!

Paruppu Urundai Kozhambu

2009-12-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

This is an authentic south indian dish, very rich in protein. I learnt it from my mother in law. It is my husband's favorite dish. There are many ways to prepare this. We can use toor dhal, channa dhal, or combination of both, with or without onion. I prefer to use toor dhal, and no onions.

Serves: 2
Preparation Time: 20 mins (To soak toor dhal in water)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For Dhal Balls:
Toor dhal - 1/2 cup (80 g)
Red chilli - 3 long
Grated coconut 2 tbsp
Asafoetida 2 pinch
Salt to taste (approx 1/2 tsp)

For Kozhambu / gravy:
Tamarind - 1 small ball (2 cm diameter)
Sambhar powder - 2 tsp
Asafoetida - 2 pinch
Salt to taste (1 tsp)

For Tadka / Thaalikka:
Gingelly oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 1 strand

Method of Preparation:
1) Soak toor dhal in water for 20 minutes
2) Dilute tamarind to 500 ml water (puliyai neerka karaithu kollavum :-))
3) Heat the tamarind water along with salt and sambhar powder in a vessel
4) Meanwhile, coarse grind the soaked toor dhal, red chillis, grated coconut, salt and asafoetida in a mixie
5) Add only few ml of water, approx 2 spoons of water to grind them
6) Make 4 medium sized balls out of them (1.5 inch diameter)
7) When the tamarind water (kozhambu) begins to boil well add 2 dhal balls
8) After few minutes it will start to boil again and then add the other 2 balls
9) Add little water to the mixie and transfer them to the kozhambu (no wastage :)). Let it boil for 5 more minutes
10) Add a pinch of asafoetida
11) Now for tadka / Thaalikka , heat gingelly oil in a small pan, splatter mustard seeds and curry leaves and add them to the kozhambu
12) Serve hot with hot rice and ghee
13) Keerai / spinach Masiyal will be a perfect side dish for this

Coriander Rice (Kothamalli Saadham)

2009-12-02T17:52:00.001-08:00

This is very simple and delicious dish. I remember my schooldays, during which my mom gave this as lunch. And ladies, you can try this in one of your busy mornings, as a lunch to your hubby or kiddo. Believe me, the bright green color looks very tempting. It goes very well with tomato raitha.

Serves: 2
Cooking time: 20 minutes (if the rice is ready, only 2 mintues !!!)

Ingredients:

To Grind:
Fresh Coriander leaves - 1 bunch (cut the stem)
Green chillis - 4
Ginger - 1 tsp (grated)
Jeera - 1 tsp
Salt to taste - 2 tsp approx

To Boil:
Basmati / Normal rice - 1 cup

For Tadka:
Gingelly Oil - 3 tbsp
Mustard - 3/4 tsp
Urad Dhal - 1 tsp
Channa Dhal - 2 tsp
Red chilli - 1 long
Curry leaves - 5 leaves
cashews - 6-8 nos
asafoetida - 1 pinch

Method of preparation:

1) Boil rice
2) Grind all "To grind" ingredients
3) Take a pan with oil, splatter mustard seeds, channa dhal, urad dhal, curry leaves, cashews, red chilly
4) Add the ground paste and saute for 1-2 minutes
5) Add asafoetida
6) Mix this paste with hot rice and stir evenly
7) Serve hot with tomato raitha / chips / pappad / vadam

Shahi Malai Paneer

2009-11-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

The name might look new to most of you. Yes, this is my try with paneer. Any sabji with paneer is so tempting for most of us. So why alwayz paneer butter masala, mutter paneer, kadai paneer etc etc?? So I jus wanna try out something different with paneer. Many ladies should have guessed the ingredients by seeing the name. For those who are paneer lovers and wanna try something new with paneer, here you go!!! This is shahi malai paneer, a rich sabji for our tandoori breads.

Serves 4
Cooking time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Cashew - 10 nos (Roast till light brown and grind)
Tomato - 3 large (crushed)
Paneer - 200 g (cut into cubes)
Green Chillies - 2 nos
Milk - 100 ml
Water - 200 ml
Heavy cream - 3 tbsp
Ginger garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Kasoori methi - 3/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 tbsp
Cumin powder - 1 tbsp
Cumin - 1 tsp
Chilly powder - 2 tsp (I use extra hot chilli powder)
Garam masala - 1 - 1.5 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil / butter to shallow fry paneer

Method of Preparation:

1) Heat a pan with 2 tbsp oil, splatter cumin seeds
2) Add green chillies and ginger garlic paste and saute for 1 minute
3) Add the crushed tomato and saute for 5 mins
4) Add coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, chilli powder, kasoori methi and saute for 5 mins
5) Add garam masala
6) Shallow fry the paneer cubes in a pan with 1 tbsp butter, transfer them to the gravy
7) Cook for 2 mins
8) Add water, milk and heavy cream, cashew powder and cook for 5 more minutes
9) Serve hot with roti / naan / paratha / fried rice

Tips:
* You can also soak cashews in hot water for 10 minutes and grind them into a fine paste with milk.
* If you don't have heavy cream, add 200 ml milk instead of 100 ml.

Raja'vin Ramyamana Raagangal - Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-11-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so delighted about this round as i got another chance to write about and listen to maestro Ilayaraja's evergreen classics of 1970's and 80's. The performances were doubly awesome in this round. There were lot of feel and involvement from the kids. The selection of songs were too good and diferent. Especially few songs like, uravugal siru kadhai by vishnu, azhaghu aayiram by sanjana, putham pudhu kaalai by srinisha, iruparavaigal by sivaranjani are real rare numbers to be heard in a competition. The most beautiful performance was Alka's sendhoorapoove, it was as good as the original by legend S.Janaki, waiting to hear lot more sweeter performances from Alka. Sharath was brilliant in his En iniya pon nilave, an classic of jesudas. Sowmya's Kaatril endhan geetham was too good to listen, first time she was spot selected. Another first time spot selection was En vaanile by monisha, the kid is coming from mumbai for every shoot, hats off to her parent's patience and her dedication towards music. Good to see Jency in the show, have heard many good songs of her but seeing her for the first time in such a show. Another favorite song of mine is Endha poovilum vaasam undu. This week was very pleasing and enjoyable throughout. Expecting more interesting rounds. Keep watching.

Other Languages Round - Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-11-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

This week in super singer is Other Languages Round. This is quite an interesting round. Helps the judges to judge the ability of the kids to handle songs in various languages apart from tamil, which is the mother tongue for most kids. This shows their talent in bringing out the apt feel and lyric clarity/pronunciation. In future some of these kids may have to sing other language songs for a music director, you never know what's in store.

Alka's urdu song was fantabulous. She is over-talented when compared to other kids, which is very obviously seen. Oviya could have chosen a better song, anyways its a different try in Arabic. Kutti Shrikanth actually was rocking in Om kaara naadhanu which is a national award song of our SPB. It was again kinda too much for the kid to handle but even then his effort is priceless, hats-off to him and his parents for their hardwork. Monisha actually did a decent job, and its sad to see her always in the elimination time. Shravan attempted one of the most tough song ever and did a fair job. Sri hari also tried an equally tough song of jesudas, pramadavanam, and did a decent job. Vishnu charan's bahut pyar karte is an evergreen song and he sang well, but i personally felt that the song did not suit his voice. Another evergreen number is tere mere beech mein, by sivaranjini was pleasing to listen., this is another national award song for SPB and one of my favorites too. Few classic oldies from soundarya, srinidhi were too refreshing. Sowmya gave a fantastic new song, ame je tomar from bhool bhulaiya, a beautiful number of shreya goshal, also a very tough one. Not to forget to mention about roshan's mitwa song, leaving the swaram part he really sang beautifully with perfect expression and modulation . Coming to eliminations, Harish was eliminated this week, cheerful kid, so unfortunate. Between, listening to Chitra's mayangi poyi was an experience. The whole week was so refreshing to listen to kids singing songs in various language. Very eagerly waiting to see next week's Evergreen hits of 70's and 80's of Ilayaraja.

Spicy Onion Chutney

2009-11-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
Onions - 2 big
Red chilli - 4 long Green chilli - 2
Tamarind - one small ball of nearly 2 cm diameter Curry leaves - 5-6 leaves

For Tadka / Thaalikka:
Mustard - 1/2 tsp
Gingelly oil - 4 tsp Asafoetida - one pinch

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Method of Preparation:

Cut the onion into 1 inch cubes
Fry onions until light golden brown
Add tamarind and chillis and fry for a minute
Allow it to cool for 5 minutes
Grind them in a mixie or blender into a fine paste
Heat oil, splatter mustard seeds and curry leaves, a pinch of asafoetida
Serve with idli, dosa, roti, hot rice with little gingelly oil

ILaYaRaJa - ThE LiViNg MuSiCal LeGend

2009-11-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

These are just few words of mine which I wanna share about Ilayaraja. He is one of my faa...aavorite music director. I feel blessed to have grown up by listening to his evergreen melodies. I love almost all his songs and feel really relaxed when hearing them.
If you actually listen to his songs, there will be variety of instruments which keeps changing in a beautiful pattern. The pattern is so spontaneous that anybody could follow and feel the flow within themselves. You know what our director legend Maniratnam has told about Ilayaraja, "Ilayaraja would look at the scene of the film/situation once, and immediately start giving notes to his assistants, a bunch of musicians, hovering around him, would collect the musical notes for their instruments and go to their places... A film director can be taken by surprise at the speed of events." He is such a genious and obviously one of a kind. Every song has got a speciality in it. There are songs for any kinda mood starting from, love, sorrow, separation, guilt, marriage, hatred, depression, baby's lullaby, divinity, and so on.... we normally cross all these stages and moods in life and it is so soothing to listen to his songs as well as sing along and you feel so light at the end of it.... Listening might be one part, but singing is another best and difficult part of it... Me, being an amateur singer, is so fascinated to sing his songs. I've never felt bored listening and singing his songs. Some of the songs are very close to my heart (actually very difficult to list as there are hundreds !!!).

Enaku piditha paadal adhu unaku pidikuma: (If interested in watching the video, click on the song and enjoy the video !!)

Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum, Idhazhil kadhai ezhudhum neramidhu, Eeramana Rojaave, Oru Kaadhal Dhevadhai, Kalyana maalai, Pothivacha malliga mottu, Kaadhalin deebam ondru, paruvame .... pudiya paadal paadu, Poonkadhave, Raja raja cholan naan, raasave unna nambi, ooru sanam, indha maan, putham pudhu kaalai, om namaha, kannan vandhu paadugindran, Ennavendru solvadhamma, Malai kovil vaasalil, till the latest isayil thodangudhamma and nee partha paarvai from hey ram, oh my god, i cannot stop listing... and all his background scores, especially from Punnagai Mannan BGM, mouna raagam, veedu, aan paavam, pallavi anu pallavi, and that tham thana nam thana nam thana nam thana which is used in many comedy track now-a-days, but it is such a magical tune of raja sir. Not to forget about the national award movies sindhu bhairavi, sagarasangamam are evergreen classics of Ilayaraja.

One best thing about all his songs is that you listen to perfect senthamizh and no Thanglish , english or any other crap; " Emmozhi thamizh mozhikku illa perumai veru emmozhikku undu?!?!?!? " , he is a very strong thamizhan and indian, which he proves in his song Sorgame endralum. He very gladly sings this song in almost all his concerts.

Ilayaraja, apart from composing music, is a singer as we all know. There are few super hits which he has sung, janani janani, indha maan, naan thedum, are my favorites. Lemme stop with this. Oru blog la ellam raja sir pathi ezhudhi mudikka mudiyadhu. It will continue till ... i donno :) TBC

Mazhai Paadalgal Round - Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-10-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

This week in airtel super singer junior 2 is mazhai paadalgal round. Ketkave idhamaagavum sugamaagavum irukum mazhai paadalgalai mazhalai chelvangal migavum nandraga paadinaargal. Enna senthamizh a poche nu paatheengala, atleast oru sentence namma "kolangal" thozhar maadhiri pesalamennu try pannen. ok :) :). Almost all kids this week sang very well, especially roshan's song "Mazhaiye mazhaiye" from the movie June.R was very refreshing, and it became the song of my day, heard it almost 10-15 times. Another mazhaiye mazhaiye by oviya also was too good, the kid's involvement was so transparent in this song. As always Alka rocked and it was tooooo good!!!. Kutti srikanth was not upto mark as the kid was given very tough song to handle "raaga deebam etrum neram", it's even hard for experienced elders, poor kid, srikanth's parents should consider the kid's age when selecting the songs; better luck next time. Srinisha sang well, but spot selection was not expected as there was complete lag in thaalam for almost 2 lines in the charanam. Ponmozhi was eliminated and the kid sang a beautiful last song in her super singer voyage :( . Its very hard to see the kids cry, isn't it? but what to do it's part and parcel of the show. But still there are 23 kids, and the show is gonna last for more than 23 weeks from today, oh my god, don't you feel this is too dragging? This show is a step up platform for good singers but sometimes they make us feel it as a hard core business wherein the final results are absolutely partial and senseless. Yet its a wonderful show as the singers, be it kids or elders, are amazingly talented and its really wonderful to watch the talents performing. Guess the next round is other languages round. Keep watching ... keep singing !!!

Me, My Family and My Frenz !!!

2009-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Jus thought I would tell you about myself and my family and frenz. Lemme start with myself.
I'm a simple bubbly gurl with a sweet smile :-) (no damage please ?!?!?!) with konjam kovam, konjam pidivadham, difficult to convince (Yen endra kelvi ingu ketkaamal vaazhkai illai :)), nalla sandai poduven aana romba paasakkaaaara ponnu. (idhu kadhaiyalla nijam !!!) 2008 varaikum miss ippo mrs Harini. Naanum oru ENGINEER :). Miss Harini ya irundhappa "working" ippo Mrs aana apram "seeking". Munnaal chess player; Oralavukku nalla paaduven, paadanumnu aasai neraya iruku, muyarchiyum nadandhutu iruku; oru nalla cook (Sesh : comments plz) Mathapadi ... appappa solren enna pathi, ippodhaiku idhu podhum.

En Porandha Veedu:

Kutti family.
Amma (Lalitha - Sweet saadhuvaana amma ), Appa (Narayanan - strict.... strict... strict ), Thambi (Anandjith - 12th std - hmm inimedhan vaazhkai start aagudhu ivanuku).

En Pugundha Veedu:

Quite a big family.
Kanavar (Sesh), Maamanaar (Venkatasubramanian), Maamiyar (Rajalakshmi), Naathanaar(Uma(Mrs.Mayilvahanan)), Athimber(Mayilvahanan), Maithunan (Sesh anna - Ramesh), and Manni (Vidya(Mrs.Ramesh)), rendu periya manushigal Manasvinee and Tarunya (Uma akka's daughters)

Andha kutti family indha "quite a big family" ku enna thaarai varthu koduthaanga. (arranged marriage). Sesh (en kanavar), is a very nice and cool guy(appapo hot during arguments ???!!). Engineering India la, Masters US la, and currently working in US. Very stylish (ore accent dhaan ponga) but also a traditional person, like in other words a perfect blend of both traditional and modern characteristics. Very genuine and straight forward person with a few strong principles(actually very strong-maathi pesi paarunga theriyum evlo strong nu). On the whole romba nallavar. Sesh ku romba pidicha onnu (enaku apram, i think so :( ) , is his Benz. Oh my god, he really loves it.

In-laws are very good and jolly kinda people. It was easy for me to get into and become a part of this family. (naan ice vekkalai ) The bonding is very tight in this family (touch wood), and i'm really delighted about this. Hope this continues forever !!! Detail aa apram pesuvom.. Aana ellarum US la.... naanga ellarum India la irundha evlo nalla irukum.?! ..idhu ennoda aasai.. hmmm lemme c whats in store !?!?!?!?!!!

Frenz, friendship is one best thing in life. I have a lot of frenz, but a hand full of'em are very close to my heart. They like me for what i am and i like that. Trustworthy, naughty, and cool bunch of people. I really wish that i have them for ever.

Ivlodhaan paa naanga, ini potruvaar potrungal thootruvaar.... adha naan en vaayaala solla maaten, but less damage plz... :) :) :)

Cheers,
Harini

Airtel Super Singer Junior 2

2009-10-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Music Lovers and all Airtel Super Singer Viewers,

What do you think about the juniors singing currently in super singer juniors season 2 "Thamizhagathin Chella Kuralukkaana Thedal"....

Some of them are really really talented and the rest of them are quite okay. My favorite kids are Alka Ajith, Shravan, Srinisha, kutti srikanth, Soundarya, Srinidhi, Nithyashree, Manisha, Sanjana... Out of these top 3 favorites are alka, srinisha, shravan.

Alka, as we all know is a prodigy. She's singing from the age of 2 and is in the limca world book of records. Her father Ajith, owns an orchestra and they've done several light music shows for years. There's no doubt that Alka would reach the finals. Her songs in the super singer like the konja neram konja neram, ooru sanam, putham pudhu kaalai, pothi vacha mallliga mottu, soukiyama, were all awesome... but her kuthu round is a bit disappointing.. sarakku vechiruken did not turn out well for her... Alka seemed a bit over confident in that round, which is not good for a singer... anywayz mistakes happen... chinna ponnu dhaane.. :)

Srinisha is a wonderfull baby doll. Her expressions at this age is unbelievable. The way she has learnt her songs is so perfect and her renderence is so brilliant. She has god immense talent and will sure go heights.

Shravan, as we all know is a very talented and serious singer like Ravi in the seniors batch. He sings with utmost sincerity and dedication. He could actually improve his interaction with the audience and be more lively on the stage.

Kutti Srikanth is an awesome and naughty kid. He has very good concentration and fire in him. His family is completely musical and they enjoy it alot. At this young age, he is memorizing the songs and he is able to give the apt feel for the songs. also he boldly attempts all podi sangadhis in a cute way.. way to go kid... :) :) :)

As such the show keeps dragging without eliminations, week by week, like navarathri special, diwali speacial.... lets see how it goes this year... And lets enjoy this week's melody round!!!

Cheers,
Harini

GoBhI MaSaLa

2009-10-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Gobhi Masala:

Ingredients:(Serves 4)

1 big cauliflower (cut into florets)
3 medium sized onions (finely chopped)
3 medium sized tomato (Grind them)
3 to 4 tsp ginger garlic paste
4 medium sized green chillis
8 cashews (soak in hot water and grind it with milk into a fine paste)
1 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp cumin powder
4 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 to 1 tsp kasoori methi
2 to 3 tsp salt(approx as taste differs)
Coriander leaves
6 tbsp Oil

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time : 20 mins

Preparation Method:

1. Place the florets on an aluminium foil or an oven safe tray.
2. Preheat oven to 425 ' F and bake the cauliflower florets for about 20 minutes.
3. In a heavy bottomed pan or nonstick vessel, splatter cumin seeds.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and chopped onion and green chillies.
5. Sauté them until onion turns golden brown.
3. Add the ground tomatoes, saute for 2 minutes.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, kasoori methi and saute well till the raw smell disappears. Add salt.
5. Add the baked cauliflower and saute continuously for 3 minutes.
7. Add 1 cup water and cashew paste.
8. Cook for 5 more minutes
9. Garnish with coriander leaves
10. Serve hot with naan / roti / puri / parathas

KaSi HaLwa

2009-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
4 cups (approx)- grated ash gourd / white pumpkin
2.5 to 3 cups - sugar (as taste differs)
1/2 tsp - cardamom powder
10 nos - cashews
4 + 2 tsp - ghee

Preparation Time: 45 minutes (approx)

Preparation Method:

Drain out excess water from the grated ash gourd / white pumpkin
Heat a heavy bottomed vessel (i use nonstick as i dont want my halwa to stick on the vessel and get wasted !?!?! ) , pour 4 tsp ghee and roast the grated ash gourd / white pumpkin until it is coated well with ghee and turns almost transparent
Saute on medium flame until all the excess water evaporates.
Add Sugar
Saute regularly until halwa comes out as a single lump
Add a pinch of orange or yellow color powder
Saute continuously to make sure that it is evenly cooked
Add cardamom powder and saffron strands and mix well.
Garnish the halwa with ghee fried cashews and serve after 10 mins

YuMmy Badam / AlMond HaLwa !!!

2009-10-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup whole almonds
1 1/4 cups of sugar (Sugar equivalent to ground badam paste)
2 tbsp of milk
4 tbsp of ghee (or more for more (t)yummy halwa :-))
2 cups + 1/2 cup of water
a few drops of orange food coloring (optional)
cardamom powder (optional)

Method:

Boil 2 cups of water and soak the almonds overnight.
Peel the skin off the almonds. Almonds should just slip right out the skins when you press on them with your thumb and forefinger.
Finely grind the almonds adding little water (nearly 1/4 cup) and very little milk (about 2-3 tbsp). You can add a little bit more milk to make a finer paste.
Measure this almond paste. For 1 cup of paste, add 1 cup of sugar.
Melt the sugar with the 1/2 cup of water in a pan.
Let this sugar syrup come to a rolling boil.
Add the ground almond paste and stir well to avoid any lumps.
Keep stirring this mixture so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add a few tsps of the ghee at regular intervals.
Keep stirring and cooking till the mixture gets slightly thick.
Add very little orange food coloring for a lovely peach colored halwa !!! (optional)
The mixture will become slightly translucent and shiny with a jam like consistency.
Add the cardamom powder (optional - I did not add, badam's aroma is more than sufficient for our family)
Turn of the heat and remove the halwa from the stove
The halwa will solidify after cooling.
Decorate it with almonds.
Enjoy yummy hot and delicious badam halwa !!!
By now you would have got a promise for a lovely gift :)
Tip: Store it in a airtight container in a refrigerator. Microwave the halwa when you are just about to serve to give a warm, just prepared feel.

My First Blog

2009-10-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi frenz,

I'm a new blogger. Jus wanna share some thoughts of mine with you.
It might be about music, movies, television shows, food, beauty & fitness n many more....

Now, what to start with? Hmm... Food !!! Lets fill our stomach first.
So, food lovers (usually guys !?!) and food makers (always gurls ?!?) !!!!!
Just wanna share some of the recipes which I have tried and and those which were loved by my family and frenz!!!
You feel so delighted and proud when you are appreciated for the dishes you prepare, don't you agree with me ladies?!?!?!!!!!

Try out recipes which you like and increase the delight on your end and appreciation on the other.
Lets start rocking in our kitchens!!!

Cheers,
Harini