Anshu's Food Odyssey

Well, Idli is something that doesn't need much introduction. These steamed rice and lentil cakes are considered one of the most healthiest breakfast options in the Indian cuisine , and therefore have gained quite a popularity all across the country.  While there are many varieties of Idli such as Rava Idli , Moong Dal Idli , Poha or Avial Idli, the authentic recipe that calls for overnight fermentation of ground paste of urad dal and short grain parboiled rice is something that has no comparison. Super soft, pillowy and fluffy, they are best enjoyed with some Sambar and Coconut Chutney on the side. Just to let you know, I already have the recipe of this authentic Rice Idli on the blog, however, I wanted to give this recipe a little twist to satiate my bug for some experimentation... surprisingly came across the batata vada idli by famous Chef Sanjyot Keer on Youtube and was instantly bowled over by the idea. Though he used the rava mixture for the idlis, I, however went ahead

Red Coconut Chutney is a popular South Indian accompaniment bursting with fresh flavors of coconut and that pungent heat from red chilies and garlic. A vegan and gluten-free side dish , it is best enjoyed with South Indian quintessentials like dosa, idli, appam and much more. If you are making Mysore Masala Dosa, just have this chutney handy and you are good to use it as the spread inside the dosa. Enough of introduction now, let's look at what all is needed to make this flavorful and easy-peasy chutney at home...   South Indian Cuisine has a rich treasure of chutneys. Want to try out some? Here are some of the best and popular chutney recipes from the blog: Coconut and Chana Dal Chutney Andhra Style Peanut Chutney Farali Coconut and Peanut Chutney INGREDIENTS Fresh grated coconut - 1 cup Dried whole Kashmiri or Byadgi red chilies - 7 to 8 Pearl/Sambar onions - 3 to 4 (Or use 1 small normal onion, chopped) Roasted chana dal - 2 to 3

Chettinad Baby Potato Roast is a spicy and flavorful side dish that is quite popular across the region of Chettinad in the Tamil Nadu state of India. As the name suggests, the dish is made using baby potatoes which are smeared in a freshly ground spice mix imparting it a very flavorful, aromatic and rustic taste. If you are looking to add a new and delicious dry potato sabzi to your menu, then I must say, this is a recipe must try. For the best combo, pair it with some rice appam, dosa or a Malabar parotta. It goes amazingly well with a plain Punjabi parantha too. Spicy Chettinad Baby Potato Roast INGREDIENTS Baby potatoes - 250 grams Finely chopped onion - 1, small size Very finely chopped ginger - 1 inch Very finely chopped garlic - 4 to 5 cloves Mustard seeds - 1 tsp Split urad dal - 1/2 tsp Chana dal - 1/2 tsp Curry leaves - 8 to 10 Salt - to taste Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp Lemon juice - 1/2 tbsp Refined vegetable

A hearty stew made with yellow lentils, vegetables and heaps of aromatic spice powder, Sambar is a staple served with all the meals at every South Indian household. The flavorful lentil curry tempered with aromatic curry leaves, mustard seeds and whole dried red chilies makes for a delectable accompaniment whether having hot idlis , vada, dosa or even plain steamed rice. It won't be incorrect to say that while sambar is majorly known for its tongue-tickling taste, it is also packed with a lot of health benefits; toor dal lends it that much needed dosage of protein, the vegetables provide it with all the essential vitamins and minerals and lastly, addition of hing and tamarind loads it with immune-boosting properties. Having said that, every household has its own recipe of making sambar. Some like it to have thick, others a bit runny. Some like the chunkiness of vegetables whereas others like their sambar to be smooth. Some like it on a tangier side, others with just a hint