Lemon Idli / Cocktail Idli / Yellow Idli

Wanna to make something different with the same idli? Here is one!!! Love the idea of multi colored and flavored idli. I have so far tried couple of them and actually liked them all.. This is my kid's favorite out of the other cocktail idlis I have made as she loves Lemon flavor..

Parupu Podi (பருப்பு போடி)

Parupu podi is a powder which is made with lentils and spices. It can be made weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container. To serve, just add sesame oil or ghee to hot cooked rice and add the parupu podi. This makes lunch and dinner easy and very less work. The parupu podi rice can be accompanied by curd or by appalam or vadam. Parupu podi (mixed with oil or curd) can also be served as an accompaniment with dosa or idli. I love this as a travel food, just mix with rice and gingelly oil and enjoy!!

Focaccia Caprese

Focaccia is a popular Italian Bread which has toppings with herbs, vegetables and other ingredients. This is the choice for this month's We Knead to Bake where we are entering the second year from this month.. Aparna chose the Focaccia Caprese but also gave us the option to choose other toppings.. Focaccia has been on my list for such a long time and I am happy that I tried it. It was very delicious with a delicious base which was lightly crispy in the bottom with a spongy inner.. Focaccia Caprese is a basic Focaccia dough topped Caprese style. "Caprese" comes from the city of Capri, an island off the Italian coast. Capri is famous mostly for its villas, grottos and jutting limestone towers, and also for the salad named after it – “Insalata Caprese”  which is salad made with fresh tomatoes, basil and fresh buffalo mozzarella.  So this Focaccia Caprese is topped with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, in addition to the usual olive oil and herbs that are usual in focaccia. This recipe will serve 4 if served alone or 6 if served as a side

Thirikadugam Rasam–Medicinal Rasam / Soup

The weather is so cold and chilly outside and all that we would love is comfort food!! What can be more comforting than home made rasam... Thirikadugam includes 3 very important medicinal products – sukku (dry ginger), milagu (black pepper – whole) and thippilli (Indian long pepper).  these 3 medicinal ingredients are known for its capability to cure cold, cough and also provide good digestion. This rasam was quite flavorful, quick, easy and vibrating rasam. I am saying vibrating rasam for a reason.. When I was enjoying this rasam, my tongue started feel a minor vibration (like you will feel with fizz or with mint). I am still having this vibration around 20 minutes after lunch.. So a vibrating rasam.. Also it is said that Sukku should not be consumed during night. So please relish this rasam for lunch!!