Malaka Pudi (Rasam Powder)

Since longtime i was planning to post all Masala pudi's / Powders. Somehow i couldn't now I will post one by one every month. Malaka pudi is nothing like Rasam Powder. But it has a touch of Iyengar taste. This pudi / powder is very difficult to prepare from scratch. Need to take all the ingredients very propotionatly and fry it. Later grind it hufff... tedious process isin't?? Well, in the good old days my paati / grandma she used to do it with lot of effort and patience she used hand flourgrinder. After that, my mother goes to shops where machine flour mill are installed.

But, Today's generation need something more easy and fast to suite the current lifestyle . Of course in the grocery store u will get all the ready made products. Nothing is so difficult as our paati or mom's generations right!!! we are so lucky.

Okay let me get into the recipe of this Malka Pudi/ Rasam Powder.My mom taught me to use another method instead of readymade products. I Will be posting both methods now.


Ingredients to Original Rasam Powder

• Byadgi chillies (Red Dry Chillies) - 125 grms
• Guntoor chillies - 125 grms
• Dhaniya - 250 grms
• Fengugreek / Menthya seeds - 125 or 100 grms
• Jeera seeds - 100 grms
• Peppercorns - 100 grms
• Mustard seeds - 100 grms
• Asafoetida / hing - 2 tsp
• Curry leaves - 1 stalk (wWashed, sun dry, dry fry)

Method

1. Heat wok/kadai, dry fry on each single ingredients (except chillies) on medium flame
2. For chillies add 1 tsp oil and fry it.
3. Then blend the all dried ingredients and make a nice powder in the mixer or flourmil.

Ingredients to Instant Malaka Pudi (Rasam Powder)

• Dhaniya Powder - 200 grms
• Red Chillies (dry, I prefer southindian chillies, roast and make a nice powder in a mixer) - 100 grms
• Jeera Powder - 50 grms
• Pepper Powder - 50 grms
• Mustard Powder - 25 grms
• Fengugreek / Menthya seeds - 50 grms( roast the seeds on low flame and make a nice powder in the mixer)
• Asafoetida / hing - 5 grms
• Curry leaves 2 stalk (wash and roast it in a low flame and make a nice powder)

Method

• Roast these powder little bit: dhaniya powder, jeera powder, mustard powder, pepper powder.
• Mix all the powders.
• Blend in a mixer everything so that it will mix properly.
  

A Celebration Of Mother's Day

Today its mother's Day Special on my blog too.

This will be a tribute my Mom :) I would like to write some things about her :

My mom, born in Nanjangud ( a small town near Mysore) , in a Landlord Family, was the youngest daughter of 6 . As a result she was pampered by everyone at home.She completed her education in Najangud and graduated with a BA. After her graduation, she got married and moved happily into a joint family. Few years later, we had to move to differ e nt place based on my dad's job . She was working and later on she had to stop working becoz of us (myself & my sis). We had to stay away from our Dad bcos of his job and our studies. She managed to do bring us up alone and even take up some work. She struggled so much in her life but now we are glad that she is living a happy life .

She has got amazing talents like cooking, stitching, and a penchant for reading books. Apart fromt that she is more interested in religious activities ( temples , going on devotional trips) . Her favorites : Sonpapdi among sweets, Cucumber Kadag Puli among rasam/sambar, Jackfruit among fruits , Author Triveni's Series among novels, Saree (of course) among attires. She also select s our dresses, jewellery...

Myself and my sister are proud to having like this amma/mom. She is so patient, calm in everyting and manages everything efficiently. I cant forget what all she has done for us in all my growing up years . She used to wake up early in the morning to prepare tiffin boxes, evening homeworks, attend the school parent meetings etc.,and what all we like the food she used to make on that day itself . She had to cook varieties of food..becoz of our individual wishes ..she used to make all this without a small hint of fret on her face.

I dont have words to describe her.....

She taught all the good values for us. Taught us all the traditional Iyengar family customs and we still try to follow that. Amma is very enthusiastic in celebrating each and every festival/functions grandly and we 3 (myself, dad, my sis) used to help her in all these things which would make her happy. She used to start 15days earlier for goklastami festival preparations, the biggest festival for iyengars. We were eager to eat all those dishes which she used to make. Now she is so happy that her daughters are happily living with their familes. She find happiness and satisfaction in our happiness.

I am having goose bumps on my hand when I am writing so much about my mom and tears in my eyes.. amma I miss you...Being a mother myself, now i know it had been so difficult for her to bring up two daughters. Let me end this here cos there is no end to the things which i want to write about her. My mother the greatest influence in my life. Not only as a mom but also as a friend. All mothers are special in their own way.

Last but not least want to say thank you to my Patti's / Grandma's, My paternal - Maternal aunties. They did so much to myself and my sister. They are just like my amma. Till now i respect them in the same as I respect my mom.

Happy Mothers Day to all my readers.

Grilled Cheese Tomato Sandwich

Guess everyone needs a change everyday. Its the same in the case of food too. Thought of making a Sandwich today and posting it. Sandwich, generally made of 2 breadslices which are layered and some sort of a filling (Fresh Veggies, Cheese etc.,) inside.

This sandwich is a variation of the same. Takes not more than 15 mins to make. Best for people on the run, kids etc.,Its also suitable as an evening snack.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of sandwich bread Or white bread
• 4 slices of tomato
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese, or any other cheese slices
• Salt
• Un salted butter

Method

• Heat grill or tava on low flame
• Put a spoon full of butter. Place a bread slices.
• Arrange cheese slices on each bread. Then place the tomato slices on top of the cheese
• Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
• Cover with the other slice of bread
• Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, and cover to help the cheese melt.
• When the bread is golden on one side, flip the sandwich. Continue cooking uncovered until the other side is golden.
• Cut diagonally into two triangles and serve hot.

Sending this to Sandwich Festival, hosted by Food n more

Recipe Courtesy Prakash Hebbar (My Hubby)