MILK BREAD//WHITE BREAD/SANDWICH BREAD/HOME MADE MILK BREAD

Super soft and tasty bread can be done in our home. The bursting smell, while we bake, is just amazing. 

Homemade bread is healthier than storebought bread. Home-bake bread contains accurately what you want to eat. Store-bought bread contains additives and preservatives. 

If you are a new baker, this is the right recipe for you.

Ingredients we need for making one loaf of bread:

For yeast activation:

Active dry yeast 2 tsp

All-purpose flour 4 tsp

Milk 8-10 tsp

 Other ingredients that we need:

All-purpose flour 2.5 cups

Egg one

Powdered brown sugar 1.5 tbsp

Milk powder 2 tbsp

Powdered Himalayan pink salt  tbsp

Milk 100 ml

Sunflower oil 2 tbsp

Water 25 ml

All-purpose flour for dusting the work surface 3 tbsp

Sunflower Oil to prevent the dryness of the dough 2 tbsp

How to make this super-soft and fluffy bread loaf at home?

It involves four steps.

Step one:

In a dry mixing bowl, add two tsp yeast, four tsp all-purpose flour, 8-10 tsp milk at room temperature and powdered brown sugar. Mix well to combine. Let it stand for 5-0 minutes to activate the yeast.

Whisk one egg and set aside.

In another mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour 2.5 cups, powdered sugar 1.5 tbsp, powdered Himalayan pink salt, Milk powder 2 tbsp. 

Mix to combine.

Set ready.

In yeast activated mixture, add the whisked egg.

Add 2 tbsp Sunflower Oil.

Mix again to be well combined.

Add the dry flour mixture in 3 batches and mix using a spatula.

Add the remaining 100 ml milk and mix using a spatula.

Then using your hand, knead the sticky dough until it becomes non-sticky.

Add water 25 ml and knead to form a nonsticky and soft pliable dough.

knead for another ten minutes to get the elastic texture.

This is the most important step we have to follow to get airy locules spirally inside and crust top of the bread.

Shape into a ball and place the ball in the oil-smeared mixing bowl by place the seam side down.

Apply little oil over the ball around the sides. 

Step Two:

Cover the dough with a damped cloth 

Let it rest for 40 minutes.

Now the dough volume increased double.

Deflate the dough to release the excess air inside the dough.

Dust the work surface with some all-purpose flour 

Place the deflated dough and just spread out the dough into an elongated shape.

Don't give pressure or punch to the dough.

Handle it softly.

Sprinkle little flour on the elongated flat dough and roll it gently.

Seam the edges down and make a fittable dough and place it in a loaf pan.

Step three:

Apply little oil over the dough using a brush.

Cover it with a cloth or towel and wait for ten minutes to second rise up.

In the meanwhile, preheat the oven in convection mode at 180 C.

Step Four:

Remove the cloth and place the loaf with dough on the lower rack of the oven.

Let it bake for 35 minutes at 180 C.

Switch off the oven let the loaf stand on the lower rack for 2 minutes.

Remove from the oven.

Let it cool down for more than 30 minutes or one hour.

Cut into desired size slices.

Enjoy!

VANILLA ICECREAM/வெனிலா ஐஸ்கிரீம்/वनीला आइसक्रीम

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The all-time favourite Vanilla ice cream can be made right at home without ice cream maker. This summer dessert is a great pleasure to dig out the taste you die for, This recipe uses only three key ingredients to make amazingly delicious, flavourful and creamy scoops. We can light up the kids with this heavenly delight during the lockdown days. 

Ingredients we need:

Full-fat milk cream 300 gm

Milkmaid condensed milk 200 gm/1/2 tin

Vanilla Bean pod one or Vanilla essence.

Procedure:

Step one:

Blend the milk cream until fluffy and has soft peaks.

This process will take 10 seconds

Separate the vanilla bean into two and scrape the seeds from each part of the bean-pod 

Add to the cream.

Blend again to infuse the flavour and incorporate the pulp with seeds.

This will take 3 seconds.

Pour half tin or 200 gms of Nestle milkmaid condensed milk and blend again.

This will take 2  seconds.

 Step two:

Transfer the contents to an airtight container.

Place it in the freezer compartment for one hour.

Step Three:

Take out the container and Stir the half-set ice cream to break the crystal formation.

Transfer to a dry mixing bowl and blend once again for 2 seconds.

Transfer to the same air-tight container and place it back in the freezer compartment.

Let it freeze for overnight or 6-8 hours.

Replace it in the refrigerator compartment for 10 minutes before serving.

Ice cream is ready to serve.

Enjoy the classic Vanilla ice cream with your loved ones. It is sure to light up the faces of your loved ones,

Go creative with toppings of choco syrup or honey of choco chips or nuts. (Your choice)

The Vanilla ice cream may be served as the post-dinner dessert cravings

 

 

KODO MILLET CRISPY DOSAS AND MILLET MASAL DOSAS/வரகு முறுகல் தோசை

 

Kodo millet has a considerable amount of Lecithin that is strengthening the nervous system. It is rich in vitamin B components, that are niacin, B6 and folic acid and minerals such as Iron, Potassium, magnesium, zinc and Calcium. It is high in fiber, rich in amino acids, naturally gluten-free, non-allergic and easily-digestible. It is an ideal substitute for rice, wheat. Good for cholesterol, diabetes and weight loss.

Traditionally speaking, Kodo millet improve appetite, nourish prana and blood deficiencies, improve insulin response, regularise the speed of digestion, helps in absorption of nutrients and fills you up feeling comfort and light. It detoxifies and cleanses the whole digestive system. 

All the ancient old millets are becoming trendy again. They are highly recommended as a great source of iron and dietary fibers.

Here is the breakfast or dinner recipe that might be your tasty and healthy option of replacing rice and wheat.

Kodo Millet Crispy Dosa /Masal Dosa

How to make

Ingredients:

Kodo millet 1.5 cups

Urad dal 0.5 cup

Chana dal 0.25 cup

Fenugreek seeds 3/4 tsp

Beaten rice/poha/Getty aval 2 tsp

Water as needed for soaking

Rock salt 1/2 tsp 

Potato masal one bowl

Groundnut oil/ghee 25 ml

Procedure:

Soak Kodo millet, urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Chana Dal, poha/beaten rice in water separately.

Let them soaked in water for three hours. 

Rinse them thoroughly.

Grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds with 50 ml water until smooth and fluffy batter.

Transfer the batter to a large vessel.

Transfer the drained Kodo millet, Beaten rice or Poha, chana dal with 100 ml water to the same mixer jar.

Grind to a little bit thin and smooth batter.

Add Rock salt and grind again to combine well.

Transfer the batter to the vessel containing urad dal batter.

Stir well to combine the batter,

Cover and set aside for 7 hours to ferment well.

Mix well before making dosas.

Heat the dosa tawa on a medium flame for one second

Take a ladleful of batter and pour in the centre of the tawa.

Spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thinner dosa.

Once air holes appear on the surface.

Drizzle one or two tsps of groundnut oil or ghee as per your choice.

Level the surface of dosa.

Let it cooked until the golden spots appear. 

There is no need to flip the dosa.

Roll the crispy dosa and take out.

To make masal dosa,

Pour and spread the batter.

Once air holes appear, drizzle oil or ghee one or two tsp.

Place the Potato masal in the centre and spread into a form of a thick and even disc.

Once dosa turns golden and crispy, cover the ends 

Serve hot or warm with Garlic chutney and Coconut chutney.

BADAM KHEER/ALMOND KHEER/RABADI/பாதாம் பாயசம்

Just greet your dearest friends and lovable relatives with this irresistible Almond Kheer. This is one of the most delicious desserts across all the states of India. For any special occasions like wedding, marriage parties loved ones' Birthday Celebrations, Family get-together or friends meet, Almond kheer is a must and the most loved drink by all. 

Kheer is widely known as Payas/Payesh in Northern states of India whereas it is known as Payasam in Tamilnadu.

The kheer can be served hot/warm or chilled. 

Cooking Time 45 minutes 

Yield:  four servings

Ingredients:

Almonds 100 gm

Boiling water as needed for soaking.

Fresh cow milk 750 ml

Cold milk 50 ml

Cardamom seeds crushed 1/2 tsp

Saffron strands 15-25 pcs {not mandatory}

Sugar 200 gms

Cashew flakes 2 tbsps

Raisins 15-20 pcs

Fresh Cow ghee 2 tbsps

Procedure:

Soak almonds in boiled water for 30 minutes.

Blanch the outer skin and keep ready to grind.

Bring to boil 750 ml of fresh cow milk on medium heat.

Lower the flame and let boil until the milk reduced to 500 ml.

Keep on stirring.

Add saffron strands

Add 200 gm sugar. Once the milk reduced to 500 ml, 

add fried-cashew flakes and raisins in fresh ghee.

Add freshly crushed cardamom seeds 1/2 tsp and stir to infuse the flavour.

Done.

Turn off the heat.

Almond kheer is ready to enjoy.

MORINGA GREENS THOKKU/DRUMSTICK LEAVES THOKKU/முருங்கைக் கீரை தொக்கு

Thokku calls for a somewhat specific method to work out with herbs like moringa or murungai keerai, curry leaves Coriander greens or methi or fenugreek leaves in generous addition of Sesame oil and Tamarind to restore the considerable shelf life. Lesser the water added, more the shelf life is. We add tamarind, jaggery powder, salt and a generous amount of sesame oil to increase its shelflife. If it is mixed with hot steamed rice, have it with any tiffin like chappathi, Puri, Idlies and Dosas, We will get addicted to its divine taste.

In other words, the six tastes blend in perfect proportion in much more concentrated gravy or dry gravy.

Let's make this yummy thokku using the Moringa greens or murungai greens which are well known for its richness of iron and other important nutrients..

Ingredients we need:

Murungai greens one bunch

Jaggery powder 2 tsps

Coco rinds or Kudampuli or tamarind 3 pcs

Himalayan rock salt 1/2 tsp

Water 50 ml

Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp

Dry roasted fenugreek powder 3/4 tsp

Grated garlic 1 tsp

Turmeric 1/2 tsp

Red chilly flakes 1/2 tsp

Sesame oil 4 tbsps

Groundnut oil 1 tbsp

Asafoetida 2 pinches

Dried red chillies 3-4 pcs

Procedure:

Pluck the murungai leaves along with its tender stems.

Place them in a mixer jar up to 3/4 th level'

Add red chillies, kudam puli, Jaggery powder, Himalayan rock salt and 5o ml water.

Grind at high speed to a coarse paste.

Now heat the heavy bottomed vessel with one tbsp groundnut oil.

Add mustard seeds to crackle.

Once they start to crackle, add Grated garlic, Turmeric and red chilly flakes and saute on low flame.

Turn off the heat and add greens paste.

Saute on medium heat for one or two minutes until the greens changed its colour.

Add asafoetida and fenugreek powder.

Mix to combine.

Add sesame oil 2 tbsps little by little on keeping the flame on a low level.

Mix to combine.

Add another two tbsps of Sesame oil at the final stage and mix to combine well.

Murungai greens thokku is ready to be consumed.

Thokku means pounded herb or vegetable with specific spices sauteed in sesame oil.

GOBI 65/CAULIFLOWER CHILLY 65/காலி பிளவர் சில்லி 65

The most loved Cauliflower Chilly 65 which is served as a starter or appetizer in restaurants in Tamilnadu can be made deliciously at our homes too.

We cannot stop eating the cauliflower chilly with one piece. It is truly an addictive and enticing snack with a hot coffee or tea.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings 4 persons.

How to make?

First step:

Ingredients:

Cauliflower 500 gm
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

Separate the florets from cauliflower stalk.
Wash several times.
Heat four cups of water on medium heat with turmeric and salt.
Let them half cooked in boiled water for 2 minutes.
Drain the florets and set aside to cool down.

Second step:

half cooked florets.
Salt 1/2 tsp
Red chilly powder 1 tsp
Garlic ginger paste 2 tbsp
Raw rice flour 1 tbsp
Corn flour 1 tbsp
All-purpose flour 1.5 tsp
Karam masala powder 1/2 tsp
Half a lemon
Ghee 1/2 tsp
Fresh curd 1 tbsp

Procedure:

In a dry mixing bowl, transfer the drained half-cooked florets. add salt, Red chilly powder,
Ginger garlic paste, Raw rice flour, Cornflour, All-purpose flour.
Mix to coat well.
Add Karam masala powder.
Squeeze the lemon.
Mix to combine.
Add ghee and curd and mix well to combine.
Set aside for 2-5 minutes.

Third Step:

Ingredients:

Groundnut oil 500 ml
A few onion rings
Lemon wedge 1 pc

Procedure:

Heat the groundnut oil on medium heat until the oil reaches deep-fry temperature.
Once the oil is hot enough to deep-fry, reduce the flame to low.
Drop the florets one by one into the hot oil carefully.
Let them deep-fried for 2 minutes on low heat.
Now increase the flame to high to get crispy and golden brown cauliflower fries.
Take them out and drain the excess oil by holding the slotted spoon above the oil.
Place them on oil absorbent paper towels.
Repeat the process for the remaining batches.
Serve hot with onion rings and a lemon wedge.

The homemade cauliflower chilly 65/Gobi 65 is an easy-to-make snack and the right choice of evening time snack with hot tea or coffee in winter evenings or the rainy days.

It can be served as the best combination of any meal!
Check out!

PODI IDLIES

For this Tiffin, fresh idlis should be prepared to get soft podi idlis. Fresh Idli podi should be prepared. Fresh cow ghee is needed. These three fresh ingredients transform the idlis into a delectable treat for your loved ones. Tossing the idli pieces with ghee and idli podi makes it spicy and delicious and ensures that it maintains softness and moisture for more than five hours. It is a perfect picnic packing.

Important note: Never heat the ghee or sesame oil to make this Tiffin. the rich taste of ghee and its nutrients destroyed while heating. Sesame oil should be consumed raw to attain its nutritional value. The fresh hot steamed idlis are tossed with fresh ghee and fresh idli podi.


Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Servings: two
     

Ingredients:

Fresh Idlies 8 nos
Fresh Idli Podi 3 tablespoons
Ghee Three tablespoons

Procedure:

Cut each idli into six pieces using a knife dipped in water.
Collect them in a broad bowl.

Sprinkle the Idli podi over the idli pieces.
Pour the fresh cow ghee over the idli pieces.

Waggle the bowl so as to mix podi and ghee with idli pieces evenly.
You can substitute sesame oil instead of ghee.

Serve hot! 
This can be served during monsoon as evening tiffin.
Kids will love to eat!
It can be packed for picnics, lunch of kids.

PASIPAIYIRU KANJI

This kanji or porridge is traditionally common for breakfast in Tamilnadu. This is very nutritious and especially for kids and adult parents as a simple and easily digestible meal. This very comfort meal suits to every being without age bar.


How to make this simple and yummy kanji/porridge?

Ingredients:

Rice one cup
Green gram half a cup
Cumin seeds one spoon
water as required
Salt to taste
Pepper powder one spoon
Ginger gratings optional
Asafoetida half a pinch
Bellary onion finely grated

Procedure:

Soak the rice and whole green lentil in water for one hour.
Wash the rice and green gram thrice and transfer them in a pressure cooker.
Add salt, cumin seeds, pepper powder, asafoetida and water three cups of water.
Switch one the flame and pressure for one whistle and simmer the flame and wait for another whistle about to start.
Switch off the flame and set aside to release the pressure.
Remove the weight and mash the cooked ingredients using a ladle.
Add two cups of boiling water and stir again to form the porridge consistency.
Check the salt and serve warm.
Add onion gratings and green chillies (optional)
You can have it with cow milk also.

Mix with half a cup of milk and you may feed this nutritious and healthy porridge to your toddlers.