INSTANT VEGETABLE DOSA|CARROT BEET DOSA

When I am super drained of thinking options for dinner,I make some instant choices by mixing few nutritious ingredients.One such random experiment,which turned to earn a FIVE STAR review from my toddler is here below for you.The recipe is instant to all those who stock idly-dosa batter at home.This is an easy and quick way to make your fussy baby include veggies in meal.The colour and texture will definitely attract children.Give a try and let me know how you liked it.

VADA CURRY

Vada Curry is a very flavorful and yummy combination with Set dosa,idly and dosa. This recipe is so special to me because it is MIL’s recipe and my husband’s preparation.Yeah -You read it right.A guest post from my BELOVED BEST HALF. We just love the combo of “SET DOSA & VADA CURRY”. I planned to post this as a guest recipe when I complete 200 posts.But somehow it got delayed and I am doing it only now and finally it is out as WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL.

SET DOSA|SPONGE DOSA|POHA & BLACK GRAM DOSA

Set dosa and vadacury-The favourite combo of my dad and my son.I have tried several versions of set dosa and this one gives the best taste and the dosa is so fluffy and spongy with no soda/eno added.This recipe is my guest post for Shravs Kitchen.Hope you remember her recipe of Mushroom Thoran-An authentic Kerela recipe with mushrooms.Thank you Swathy for honouring with an opportunity to write a guest post.

RED POHA UPMA|VEGETABLE AVAL UPMA|FLATTENED/BEATEN RICE UPMA

Red poha/flattened rice/aval/beaten rice is one of the quickest and healthiest ingredient which can be a part of your snack/breakfast/dinner. Mom and grandmother makes many varieties out of poha. Red poha halwa/red poha sweet pongal was one such recipe and now it is a 15 minute quick and healthy breakfast. This can be an excellent finger food .This will just melt in mouth as I have used thin variety. You can also use thick and white ones.

TURNIP PARATHA|SHALGAM PARATHA

Stuffed parathas are one of my favourite choice for dinner because it keeps you filling and as a mother/wife I need not bother about the health quotient. By default the vegetable/stuffing gets inside. And the best thing about stuffed parathas are none at home wants a specific special sidedish for it. A simple curd or raitha will suffice. Though I keep making them often ,I have posted only Cheese Paratha . I shall surely share all my paratha attempts soon. This recipe was in my drafts since I had posted Almond turnip Soup. Finally the time has come for it to go live. I have also written in detail on when to offer turnip for babies and its health benefits. Hope you find them useful.

BREAKFAST & DINNER OPTIONS|TIFFIN RECIPES

Hello all,Today’s post is just a compilation of all recipes for breakfast and dinner. I have put down some 40 + recipes under this with recipes of steamed foods like idly,appam,idiyappam,paniyaram,dosa varieties,adai varieties,pasta,roti,paratha,bread and upma varieties.You may please bookmark this page for your further reference as I will be continually adding recipes in this section. I have ensured to fulfil the purpose of my blog (NO WHITE INGREDIENTS ) in all these recipes and have tried my level best in making it really healthy and nutritious.If you have any recipe in your mind and would like to have it from me please feel free to write to me at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com or through this form at REACH ME section.

RAGI PANCAKE|FINGER MILLET PANCAKE-NO EGG NO COOKING SODA

Ragi/Finger millet or  கேழ்வரகு is one of the miracle grains/millets and it is an abundant source of nutrition. It is one of the first foods for babies and also a very traditional grain of India. I have been incorporating millets in my cooking once or twice in a week and you can find my detailed writeup on MILLETS and various recipes of millets here. This pancake idea has been in my mind for a long time and I was hunting for pancake recipes without COOKING SODA & EGG. I found few alternatives for them and I am trying those. In the meantime yesterday evening my mother in law’s recipe of sweet ragi roti flashed my mind. I made small modifications and made a very quick INDO AMERICAN “ராகி/ கேழ்வரகு pancake”. It tasted yummm and it came out so soft melted in our mouths. The best part of this recipe is it is so instant and quick. All you need is 10 minutes and your super healthy yummy pancake is ready. This can be your breakfast/dinner/snack. This can be offered to babies who have completely 6 months of age after having introduced the ingredients individually.

MOONG DHAL CHILLA|UTHAPPAM|PAN CAKE

Moong dhal is an excellent source of protein and it is comparatively less gastric in nature . This is the reason it becomes one of the first foods for babies. Cooking moong dhal is so easy and quick. making pesarattu with green gram is a very common menu in my cooking and I tried uthappam as I wanted to make veg version of omelette. Most recipes used besan. I was little hesitant to make a try with besan/gram dhal flour hence I made it with moong dhal. I tried making crispy dosa with these ingredients. You can try it too for your little one. Check recipe here.

Do you like my recipe? If yes please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

Ingredients:

• Moong dhal-1 cup
• Urad dhal-Handful
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook
• Chilly powder-1 tsp
• Chopped veggies-1 cup
• Hing-A pinch

Procedure:

1.Wash and soak moong dhal and urad dhal for 1 hour to 3 hours.

2.Drain the water and make a smooth batter without adding water.

3.Add salt and mix well.

4.In a pan,add oil and fry the vegetables,curry leaves. I used only onion and tomato.

5.When they turn soft add hing and chilly powder and mix well.

6.Add this to the batter and mix well.

7.Heat a dosa pan,grease with oil.

8.Spread the batter evenly and close it with a lid.

9.Flip sides and cook the other side too.

10.Repeat the same with rest of the batter.

11.Serve it hot with coconut chutney.

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P.S:

You can add vegetables of your choice.

The batter has to be thick.

Cook in medium flame.

You can skip frying the veggies too.

Skip salt for babies below one year.

This can be your baby’s food post eight months.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

MOONG DHAL DOSA/PAASI PARUPPU DOSAI

If your little one loves crispy roasts here is healthy version of it. Very easy and quick to make. I would suggest this for babies above 10 months since it is little crispy. Soak in sambhar or chutney and offer your baby.

Do you like my recipe? If yes please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

Ingredients:

• Moong dhal-1 cup
• Urad dhal-Handful
• Raw rice-1 tbsp
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook
• Hing-A pinch

Procedure:

1.Wash and soak moong dhal along with raw rice and urad dhal for 1 hour .

2.Drain the water and make a smooth batter by adding some water.

3.Add salt and mix well.

4.Heat a dosa pan,grease with oil.

5.Spread the batter evenly .

6.Flip sides and cook the other side too.

7.Repeat the same with rest of the batter.

8.Serve it hot.

P.S:

The batter has to be slightly thin and pouring consistency

Skip salt for babies below one year.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

Cook in medium flame.

.

ALMOND DALIA VEG. KHICIDI|BADAM VEGETABLE CRACKED WHEAT UPMA

Dalia/Broken wheat/Cracked wheat/Godhumai Rava/Samba Rava/Lapsi-This is one of the healthiest products of whole wheat. Grandmother makes simple upma out of this when we really have no option for dinner. It has never been a regular meal. As I started looking more options for babies not based out of rice this came out as an excellent option and I found this. I made few twists to the usual recipe and I myself loved it so much than ever. Do try for yourself and let me know how you liked it. Cracked wheat is said to be rich in fiber,iron,protein and carbs. I have added almonds,spices and loads of veggies to make it a wholesome meal. It can be accompanied by any chutney or raitha or plain curd. Cracked wheat for babies is advised from 6 months and if you have a doubt please have word with your pediatrician .

Ingredients:

• Broken Wheat/Daila-1 cup
• Chopped veggies-2 cups
• Ginger-A small piece
• Sambhar Powder-1/2 tsp
• Salt-To taste
• Ghee-To cook
• Almonds-6 to 8

Procedure:

1.Boil almonds in hot water and cool.

2.Peel the skin and make a fine paste and set it aside.

3.In a pan dry roast the cracked wheat till aroma arises.

4.Transfer it into a plate and add ghee to the same pan.

5.Add the ginger,vegetables and finely saute them.

6.In the mean time boil 3 cups of water in a sauce pan.

7.Add sambhar powder and stir well

8.When the vegetables turn soft add the roasted rava and mix well.

9.Pour the boiling water and give a deep stir.

10.Close and let it cook for 10-15 minutes with occasional stirring.

11.Finally add the badam paste and mix well.

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P.S:

The amount of water required might vary depending on the quantity of vegetables and the type of wheat.

I used onion,tomato,carrot,potato,beans.

You can add green chilly instead of sambhar powder too.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food.

For more recipes of healthy home made baby foods please click here

VEGETABLE BREAD UPMA|VEGETABLES BREAD STIR FRY

Whole wheat bread has always been a quick ingredient in my cooking and I prefer to load it with veggies/cheese/butter to make it healthy.Sandwiches make a quick and healthy snack/breakfast for the family when we really need a change. This bread upma flashed in my mind when mothers wanted healthy lunch box recipes/snacks recipes and finger foods. Whole wheat bread /Brown bread with no added sugar can be given to babies above 10 months very occasionally. For toddlers this can be a healthy snack/breakfast/dinner or tiffin box menu. I have ensured to include twice the amount of veggies than bread to make sure it is more nutritious. The combination of veggies added/size/shape/ratio is purely your choice.

Do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin

Ingredients:

• Bread slices-12
• Carrot-2(medium sized)
• Potato-2(Medium Sized)
• Beans-1 cup(Sliced)
• Green Chilly-1
• Tomato-1
• Onion-1 cup(Sliced)
• Sambhar powder-1/2 tsp
• Chilly powder-1/2 tsp
• Jeera Powder-1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder-1 tsp
• Pepper-1/2 tsp
• Salt-To taste
• Oil/Ghee-To cook
• Crumbled paneer-1 tbsp

To temper:

• Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
• Urad dhal-1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves
• Cumin seeds-1/4 tsp

Procedure:

1.Chop the bread slices into small cubes.

2.Wash the veggies and cut into thin slices.

3.In a pan add 1 tbsp of ghee or oil and finely toast the bread cubes and add paneer crumbs at the end.

4.Set them aside. Just toss them.

5.In the same pan,add ghee or oil and temper with tempering elements and green chilly.

6.Add onion,tomatoes and all veggies one after the other and saute them well.

7.Add all masalas and give a quick stir.

8.Add a cup of water and let it cook.

9.Close the pan and let it cook.

10.When the veggies are cooked 90% add salt and quickly stir well.

11.Add the bread cubes when the veggies becomes non sticky and completely dry/cooked.

12.Toss well and serve hot.

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P.S:

You can even add pre cooked peas,corn ,capsicum.

Adding a drop of lemon juice or tomato sauce enhances the taste.

Always have a word with your doctor before offering anything new.

Do consider family history of allergies.

Adjust the spices level as per your taste.

Avoid salt before 1 year for babies.

Kozhukattai|Sweet & Spicy Plain Rice Momos|Steamed Rice Balls

This is one of the traditional recipes like aapam,idiyappam(recipes which I had posted already) from my family and it can be your breakfast/dinner or snacks. I wanted to post this today on account of Ganesh Chaturthi. An excellent finger food for your babies. Since these are steamed and doesn’t contain much oil,spices these can be ideal for 8 months to 80 years. HAPPY VINAYAGAR CHATHURTHI  everybody 🙂

Ingredients:

• Idly/Dosa Rice-1 cup
• Coconut-1/2 cup(grated)
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook

For spicy version:

• Mustard seeds -1/4 tsp
• Urad dhal-1/4 tsp
• Pepper powder-1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves

For sweet version:

• Powdered palm sugar-As per taste
• Coconut-3 tbsp(grated)
• Ghee-1 tsp

Procedure:

1.Wash and soak rice for 3 hours.

2.Grind rice and coconut into a smooth paste.

3.Add water to reach a flowing consistency(not watery).

4.Add some oil in a thick bottomed pan and add the batter made.

5.Keep stirring until it becomes a thick mass.

6.Grease your palms with oil and roll the cooked batter into small balls when it slightly warm.

7.Steam cook them in a idly pot or pressure cooker(without whistle).

8.For spicy version,temper a pan with oil,urad dhal,mustard seeds and curry leaves.

9.Add half of the kozhukattai and add pepper powder.

10.Quickly toss and transfer to a serving bowl.

11.For sweet version,add ghee,palm sugar and coconut.

12.Give a quick stir and serve it luke warm.

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P.S:

Stir the batter in medium flame.

The size depends on your choice. I prefer them small as little ones will be attracted.

The smaller the size the lesser is the timing of cooking.

Adding coconut and grinding rice makes these extremely soft. They just melt in your mouth.

The batter should be very smooth with no coarse particles.

Skip salt for babies below one year. Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

Use sterlized bowls and spoons for baby foods.

Be careful of choking if you are offering these are finger foods.

Adjust sweetness and pepper as per your taste.

Plantain Stem/Vazhaithandu/Plantain Pith Dosa

How do you include plantain pith/vazhaithandu/plantain stem in your food? Stir fry/Juice/Curry? I love it as pickle or in dosa. A very simple but power packed nutritious which is my all time favourite is the plantain pith dosa. My Perimma introduced this to me and it is an unique variant in dosa. I had sent this as a guest post to Mrs.Gouthami Yuvarajan’ s food blog Clicks n Bites. Occasionally we met in the blogging world and I just love her clicks. Both of us are budding bloggers and young mothers. Her recipes are definitely unique and  will tempt you to try for sure. Looking out for a great blogging journey with her and I wish her all the very best in all her endeavors.  Thanks again Gouthami. Let us have a look at the recipe in detail here.

Yields: 6 to 8 dosas.Preparation time-30 minutes
Cooking time-5 minute/dosaIngredients:

• Plantain pith/Vazhaithandu -1
• Idly/Dosa Rice-1 cup
• Whole urad dhal-Handful
• Salt -to taste
• Oil – to cook

Procedure:1.Wash and soak rice and urad dhal for 3 hours minimum
2.Clean and finely chop vazhaithandu.
3.Grind the rice and dhal by adding less water.
4.Add salt to batter and chopped vazhaithandu/plantain pith.
5.Mix well and add water to the batter to reach thick pouring consistency.
6.Grease the dosa pan with oil and spread the batter.
7.Close with a lid and cook in medium flame.
8.Flip side and cook the other side.
9.Repeat the same for rest of the batter.
10.Serve it hot with spicy tomato chutney.

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P.S:
The batter should be neither thick nor in free flowing stage. So add water carefully.

The plantain stem has to be chopped very finely.
You can add chopped onion,green chilly,curry leaves and coriander leaves ,if you feel the dosa might be too bland in taste.
Add chopped pieces to butter milk+water mixture as it prevents darkening due to oxidation.

Vazhaithandu is a good medicine for urinary infections.

The quantity of plantain stem is upto you. It is diuertic. Hence avoid excess consumption.

This can be given to babies above 8 months(Add no salt and reduce the quantity of pith) as it is extremely soft 🙂

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing new foods to babies.

Health benefits of Plantain Pith: (Source:THE HINDU  ,ehow.com)

Banana stem is a rich source of fibre .

It also helps ease constipation.

Banana stem is rich in potassium and vitamin B6 just like the fruit. Vitamin B6 helps in production of haemoglobin and insulin. Again, it improves the ability of the body to fight infection. Potassium helps in the proper functioning of muscles, including the cardiac muscles.

It also helps prevent high blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance within the body.

Banana stem is said to be a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. It is used prevent and treat kidney stones

Purdue University says that the peel, stem and roots of the Musa plant are used to treat digestion problems such as diarrhea, stomach lesions and dysentery.

The peel, stem and pulp of bananas have antifungal and antibiotic powers

Green Gram/Whole Moong Bean Dosa

Green gram is one of the richest sources of protein and it can be used as raw in sathu maavu/baby porridge mix, sprouts can be included in salads, cooked and included in your gravies/kulambu/rice. I have the habit of making dosa with dried green peas ,half split moong dhal and all lentils. The green gram dosa is also called pesarattu and it originates in Andhra Pradesh. Your baby can have it with any chutney post 10 months.

Ingredients:

Serves-8 dosas

• Green gram-1 cup
• Raw rice-1/8 cup
• Hing-A generous pinch
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook
• Green chilly-1
• Ginger-A piece
• Shallots-1/2 cup(chopped)

Procedure:

1.Wash green gram to a minimum of thrice and soak it along with raw rice for 8 hours.

2.Drain water completely and rinse in flowing water.

3.Add hing,salt,ginger,green chilly ,soaked dhal and rice in a mixer.

4.Make it into a slightly coarse paste.

5.You can add around 3/4 cup of water and make it into flowing consistency

6.Add chopped onion and mix well.

7.Set aside for 2 hours(optional)

8.Heat a dosa pan and grease with oil.

9.Spread it with a ladle into a thin dosa.

10.Cook and steam cook one side by sprinkling oil.

11.Flip side and cook.

12.Serve it hot with jaggery/coconut garlic chutney.

13.Repeat the same for the remaining batter.

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P.S:

You can also add dhal to rice in the ratio of 2:1.

You can skip adding rice too.

You can make the same recipe with sprouted green gram too

I skipped adding curry leaves and coriander leaves.

Adjust chilly according to your taste,since this was made for my baby I added only 1 green chilly.

The images were taken on different days.